Cycling has many health benefits, exercising your legs, lungs and mind as you travel. But tricky terrain or a distance that’s just a bit too far can put you off. Which is where an e-bike comes in.

Let’s be clear, the Ampler Stout isn’t a way of cheating: e-bikes still require you to work, which is why they’re called pedal-assist, but they take the edge off the effort you need, meaning you may get in the saddle more often when you know that unavoidable hill is no longer a strain. Some studies have shown that e-bike riders get more exercise than regular bikers.

Loads of e-bikes have telltale piles of batteries above the rear wheel or attached to the frame, for instance. But Ampler prides itself on building bikes that look just like regular cycles – unless they know, nobody will have a clue that the Ampler is helping you out.

Ampler, which hand-builds its ebikes in Talinn, Estonia, disguises its electrical capabilities by cramming the battery into the downtube of the frame, which means that the Ampler Stout looks just like a classic city bike.

The Stout is now on to its second generation and I’ve tried both the older model and the newer one (some first-gen Stout bikes are still available at lower prices). Both offer a comfortable, upright seating position and a smooth drive across nine gears—the Ampler range includes “fixies” with just one fixed gear as well, if that’s what you prefer, but for everyday use, the Stout is a versatile, go-anywhere choice.

It has a comfortable, upright seating position which works well both in the city or for gentle Sunday outings on the downs.

One of the key changes between the first- and second-gen models is the addition of an integrated black-and-white display which sits in the top tube of the frame.

Press the power button, now conveniently placed on the underside of the top tube, and the screen shows the battery level and how much power assist you’re using. You can choose from Level 2, Level 1 and no power assistance (although the power is so appealing, you may never switch it off).

Also in the display is other information, such as statistics for your trips and – crucially – the remaining battery range. The power button also turns the lights on and off.

Another upgrade is GPS. Absent from the first models, the Stout knows where you’ve parked. Using the Ampler app, you can lock and unlock the bike remotely, which is a highly useful security benefit, especially for city riders.

The 250-watt rear hub motor assists you for speeds up to 15.5 miles per hour. Any faster, and you’re on your own. In practice, it’s a seamlessly smooth ride, gently boosting you from standing still with enough oomph to make a difference, but never a harsh acceleration to jolt you.

It’s at its most effective helping you take a steep hill where you glide (gratefully and gracefully) away, past sweating cyclists on regular bikes. If only they knew you had electric assistance.

In tests, I found the range to be around 45 miles, edging to 50 miles or more on flatter terrain. Recharging the bike takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, which is fast enough to be convenient.

Ebikes can be heavy, but the Stout clocks in at 17.8kg, meaning that you can easily heave it up a few steps, but living on the third floor would make it a chore to carry. Even so, as e-bikes go, it’s relatively light.

It comes in two frame sizes, 58cm for riders 5 feet 5 inches up to 6 feet 6 inches, and a 55cm one for those between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet tall. There are two slick but subtle colors, Meteor Ash which is a deep, dark grey and Pearl Black which has a darker, quietly gleaming feel to it. Both have an appealing, demure and understated look.

By the way, the Ampler Stellar is similar to the Stout but has a step-through frame, if you prefer that.

Ampler Stout Gen 2 is available from amplerbikes.com and costs £3,190. The earlier Stout G1 model is available in an Anniversary edition and costs £2,290.

Both are great, but the second-generation model is sublime: a spectacularly enjoyable ride with a subtle but effective electric boost.

And if you are tempted to cycle more, there are several accessories you shouldn’t do without. Living in Britain you need protection from the rain: Transit Trousers from the pleasantly named Showers Pass are impressively waterproof and make a big difference. Currently on offer at £92.

Keeping your tyres well inflated will help guard against punctures. Best is a stand pump like the excellent Topeak Joe Blow Sport EX, currently on special offer from Tredz for £29. And finally everywhere but especially in urban environments, a decent lock is essential. Kryptonite makes reliable and incredibly sturdy locks in its New York range. The Standard Lock is highly effective – £82.99 from Halfords (which may sound expensive until the second after a cheaper lock proves no match for the thieves).