New to eBikes - where to start?

Subject: New to eBikes - totally overwhelmed! Where do I even begin?

Hey everyone! I've been lurking for a bit and am finally ready to take the plunge into the eBike world, but wow, there's so much out there! I'm hoping to use one for my 10-mile round trip commute (mostly paved bike paths, some slight hills) and also for some weekend leisure rides on light gravel trails. My budget is around $1500-$2500, but I'm flexible for the right fit. What kind of eBike should I be looking at – a hybrid, a commuter, or something else entirely? Any advice on motor types or battery sizes for my needs would be amazing!