I have had my 2016 model Groove for 10 days and so far very impressed..
1. overall quality seems very good
2. the rear hub internal gears give a less cluttered look compared to a deraileur set up
3. the twist grip gear change is easier for me (lady in late 40s, 30 years since riding my last bike, a Raleigh Chopper !)
4. the riding style is quite upright, but no worse than other step thru designs
5. larger wheels make for a more comfortable ride
6. can't say i notice the 'high' weight of the battery - its 3Kg max and considering the riders weight the difference between a high battery and one lower behind the seat post is pretty minimal overall
7. integral lights are good for being visible, but for dark roads you might want to supplement - even so you do have lights which other makes don;t always include
8. the step frame is very low, maybe the lowest i tried
9. the handle bars aren't swept back too much (Smarta and Juicy are more swept back) - this gives a slightly wider hand placement which I felt was more stable and less fidgety to steering inputs
Other options ?
Juicy Classic / Sport
Smarta LX7 or LX8
Giant Prime E+ 2015 I saw one in Giant store Bristol (frame too big for me), but there was a smaller one listed at Julie's Cycles in Coventry ( http://www.juliescycles.co.uk/giant-prime-e-2-w-disc-2015/p5149 ) - impressed by the frame finish and general quality feel
Kalkhoff Groove - there was a 2015 model on ebay for £1000 last week(item 262222653072)
I was also interested in the Oxygen Diva (was on sale at Atmosphere Bikes in Bristol) but i never got there before closing to check it out
http://www.electricbikes.org.uk/bikes-for-sale/oxygen/oxygen-diva/
