I am playing as a Redguard mage. Definitely wasn't easy in the beginning, but by level 8 I was doing decently, and at 10/11 on I was all set. Even if you intend to be a pure mage once you get over the hump, I'd strongly suggest using one hand whenever it is needed for the first 10 levels or so... I remember that getting me out of a lot of binds.
Once I hit 10 though, I stopped using melee attacks altogether. I'll probably pick up one hand again around the 30's or 40's for some variety, but it definitely won't be a necessity.