As you were writing your post yesterday, I was riding on the Massabesic trails and Tower Hill. I live about a mile from the trails. I used to bike a lot in the past; however, over the past two years I've had two knee replacement and having the ability to power up a hill is not an option now. Going up a fairly steep climb in the wood is an option now without an ebike. I put the bike in level 3 and I'm able to climb. You need some power to do that. I weigh 200 lbs and did not want to be underpowered. I find the throttle particularly useful when I first get on the bike and starting. These bikes weigh between 55 and 65 lbs. If your on a slight incline stopped and you want get moving with one push and start peddling, that does not happen that easily and if your at a stop light and want get moving quickly that does not happen easily either. I usually start on level one push the throttle a little just to get momentum and i'm off. I have not used the throttle other than for staring up and I'm happy I have it.
A level one ebike may help your ride at Hampton Beach, but if you would like to be out in the woods with some inclines, i'd suggest you would need more power. I have in the past rode my bike from Auburn to Northwood Lake up Route 107, a couple of times each summer. And if you know that route, in my opinion, a class one is not going to power anyone up those hills. More power gives you more riding options. I can work my butt off and peddle my ebike at level zero with no assistance and go maybe five miles on the railroad bed trail from Manchester or I can peddle at level one and ride from Manchester to the seacoast. If you'd like to see my bike and take it for a ride, I probably only live 30 minutes from you. We can ride the Massabesic trails. Let me know and we can arrange it.