For beginners a relaxed geometry, set back position, and higher placed bars can really help one learn skills... you can brake harder without as much risk of going otb, steering response will be less twitchy, a higher comfort level will mean you ride more and get in better shape, and wider higher volume tyres will suck up the bumps and won't get stuck in small cracks.
Sounds like a Raleigh Sports or a modern comfort hybrid to me... or a 20 inch folder as these will forgive you for many transgressions.
Although my daughter could ride a 26 inch bike now she prefers her lady's Raleigh Saffron (shopper) with it's 20 inch wheels. high bars, and step through frame as it gives her a great deal of confidence to ride such a stable bike.
Bents are wonderful to ride but there is another learning curve here... I's say my friends cat trike is pretty safe and very easy for anyone to ride but riding a trike won't teach two wheeled skills.