1) In order to get more people on bikes in most of the world, we either need massive policy changes and infrastructure rework (like much of Netherland has been doing since about 1970 or so) or better bikes. Personally I'm always voting for both, but the first option does not seem possible in most parts. Ebikes might just be enough for many to make the switch easier.
2) Roughly speaking anyone without health issues can ride any bike 15mph. Also, the weight of the bike does not matter that much, as it is anyway way lighter than the rider. 25 pound normal bike vs 55 pound ebike does not make much of a difference given a 180 pound rider.
2) Roughly speaking anyone without health issues can ride any bike 15mph. Also, the weight of the bike does not matter that much, as it is anyway way lighter than the rider. 25 pound normal bike vs 55 pound ebike does not make much of a difference given a 180 pound rider.