Well for $200, yes she could look for a used bike but probably would have no idea if it was right for her and could end up with something ill-fitting. Her struggling during your ride with her could have been due to lack of fitness more than the weight or gearing of her new bike.
I think buying a new bike can be overwhelming. Even for someone like me who cycles a lot and knows the people at the LBS by name -- I have no idea about some of the types of bikes they sell. Really when I look at the advice we sometimes give people, I think "too complicated -- they're going to get discouraged."
The right bike for your friend is the one she enjoys riding. If it's a pink bike from Target, but she's having fun, it's fine. Especially since she has you to encourage her and lend her another bike when she's ready to try something else.
The hardest part is getting off the couch and turning the first pedal stroke. And she's done that, which is great!! If people are telling her she's done it wrong, she could get discouraged and give up. But really what matters most is having fun.
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles