I have been into bikes all my life. I have rode many many miles over the years on a standard road bike.. That's why this diagnoses came as such a surprise ! I quit smoking 45 years ago. Have been into biking, running, and then walking since. Last fall I bought an electric bike. I was hoping my wife would get one too. It didn't work out. However, because of the nature of this bike, it is perfect for COPD. That is because you can adjust just how much effort you want to put into it. If you need to rest, it will go along at a good clip with no effort. If you come to a hill, you can let the bike do the work or give it just a partial effort. You can do whatever effort you want. The best part. They are fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!!