I own two electric bikes -- a folding / travel one by a company called eJoe and a mountain=type one made by Pedego -- and they have been life altering, if not changing. Until them, I could ride maybe 1/4 mile and then couldn't make it home. but on the Es, heck, I can go 20 miles if i want. with both of them you can either pedal alone, use pedal along with electric as an assist, or use electric alone. getting out and about like this has been a blessing.
it's how i get my groceries and go to the beach and just tool around town. forget the car.
i fiddled together a cart for my dog and take her almost everywhere with me. she loves it.
on the downside, they ain't cheap. $1,000 gets you a low-end model. but they are coming down in price.
if you want to know more, look at http://electricbikereview.com/ . also, go to the forums there if you have make/model/whatever questions. the folks there were very helpful when i was buying.