New to eBikes - where to start?

Hey everyone!

I've been lurking for a bit and finally decided to jump in. I'm really keen on getting into eBikes, mostly for commuting a hilly 10-mile round trip and some weekend trail riding on light gravel paths. It feels like there are so many options out there – hub motors, mid-drives, different battery sizes, full suspension vs. hardtail... it's a bit overwhelming!

For someone just starting out, what are the absolute must-knows or key considerations before making a first purchase? Any common pitfalls to avoid? Thanks in advance for any wisdom you can share!