This is a terrific e-bike at a terrific price.
I was new to e-bikes, but here is how this one works. The Pedal-Assist has 5 levels: at 1, you are providing most of the power, at 3, it is a pretty even split, and at 5 you are sitting on a "motorcycle" that will go about 20 mph with you doing no pedaling at all. You get to choose. At 3, with you pedaling, the electric power seems to last forever -- I believe it will go at least 40 miles without recharging; at 5 (with you doing nothing), it will easily go 20 + miles.
The power design is thoughtful. If you stop pedaling, the electric-assist stops too; it will only come back on if you (i) resume pedaling, or (ii) turn the handle-bar throttle. The first option means you don't feel out of control -- when you stop pedaling, it does not keep driving you forward on "auto-pilot;" instead, it "takes a pause too," with you. You can restart the assist by pedaling. If you want to go fast and not pedal at all, you can do that too; just turn the handlebar-twist throttle. These two features means you never feel like you are sitting on top of a runaway device. It takes a wee bit of getting used to -- you first time out should be in a park, not on a busy street -- but soon it becomes competely intutitive.
There are 7 gears/sprockets on the rear wheel, much like a normal bike; this will allow you to shift as you need to, and the gear shift lever is conveniently located near your right thumb.
The front basket is convenient for grocery shopping (or other shopping). The display screen tells your speed in mph, how much battery life you have left, and what level of pedal-assist you are on.
Everyone should get one of these; there is no reason to fire up an ICE engine and transport 2000 pounds of steel, just because you want to go to the store and pick up some eggs.
