The ability to reverse the wheel direction is important if you’re someone who find it easier to throw the ‘wrong way’.
Assuming you are interested in the throwing method of production, you will need a wheel. If space is limited an electric wheel would be more suitable. For a beginner potter even the smallest electric wheel would be sufficient. It’s only when making really big pots that a high powered wheel is needed for more torque. For me I think variable speed control is important. Some wheels only have a gear system with a number of speed increments. The ability to reverse the wheel direction is important if you’re someone who find it easier to throw the ‘wrong way’.