FWIW, just because you have a high power ebike doesnt mean you dont have to work out. The 'only' reason I stress my human power levels is to emphasize that I am actually getting a workout. I get the same heart rate on acoustic bikes, 250W/36V bikes and my 1500W/52V bikes, the only difference is the speed. I can ride my high power ebikes slower and do all the time. As Pedaluma has mentioned, 350W is a sweet spot and usually the max(roughly) I use for most of my riding, yet the power ifs there if/when I want it. Sometimes its just fun to ride it like you stole it.
I dont feel that the higher power bikes are 'riding me' when at higher levels. I guess if someone had never ridden motorcycles and was not highly skilled on a bike, that would be their perspective. For those, a restricted Vado SL would be a great choice as would living in the highly regulated european market.
All that being said, the 36V/250W bikes from the big manufacturers are all wonderful (well integrated, good components and warranties). They are up there in price but nothing is cheap these days. I love all my 36V euro bikes including my newly aquired 2022 turbo levo. I did a double ride yesterday (32 miles on a 52V bike out in windy open prairie conditions and 16 miles on the Levo (about 70% singletrack...anything but boring))
Since your original post was asking about battling the wind, the Origin 8 strongbow I mentioned should be considered. Being in the aero position makes a huge difference at speed.
bikes.com
)is that the lower power bikes like the specialized SL models are great if you want to just ride with stronger non-ebike riders. I never understood why someone would want an SL bike until PDoz on the eMTB topics expressed that and it made total sense.
