Optibike
I test rode one of these back in December and had my eye on one ever since. (they make them locally, so I went to the factory) Once upon a time, I had one of those strap on motors for a bike and it was lousy, too difficult and too noisy.
But this bike was different, and it cruises up hills like a breeze. I was still pedalling the whole time, and got a workout, but I no longer hated hills. It was like getting on a bike for the first time. I took a ten mile ride around town and discovered I could get to just about everywhere in town, and back, and use only a third of the charge. If it can go up Pikes Peak, then hell, I want one.
They are pricey, but you could get a high end scooter or Vespa for the same price as one of these, and you can't peddle a scooter. They only make 150 a year, which also adds to the cost. If they are successfull, then their production will increase and the cost will go down.
It is too bad there is not a safe route for you to travel from home to work. Cities have been designed for cars; not for bikes or peds. However, you might discover, as Jody did, that there might be more trails than you realize. I'm lucky to live in a town where there are miles and miles of bike trails and bike lanes.
Something between motorcycle and bike?