re: Opinions on "pedal assisted" bikes

I think they're great, even though I don't own one. On average, people who purchase e-bikes lose more weight than those that purchase traditional bikes because they ride them more often and tend to stick with it instead of giving the bike a permanent parking spot in the garage. Obviously riding a traditional bike is better if you're willing to commit to it.

You may run into the occasional a-hole cyclist that gives you shite, but frick those guys. Most people recognize that more people on bikes (of any kind) is a good thing for infrastructure, community health, etc.

Quality e-bikes from respected bicycle brands are expensive, but there are some value brands that people seem to really like. Some e-bikes have really great range (50+ miles), especially if you're willing to do a decent amount of the work with pedal power. Nearly all of them will be pretty damned heavy though.

Read about e-bike classifications to learn more about where you can ride them. Class 1 (pedal-assist only to 20mph) and class 2 (pedal-assist and/or throttle to 20mph) can usually be ridden on trails, bike-only paths, and of course, in bike lanes. Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28mph) are usually not allowed on recreational bike paths.