New to eBikes - where to start?

Hey everyone!

I'm totally new to the eBike world and feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out where to even begin. I'm looking to get an e-MTB for some weekend trail riding, maybe 15-20 miles at a time on moderate terrain, but also something I could cruise around town on occasionally. There are so many brands out there – Specialized, Trek, Giant, Rad Power, Aventon, etc. – and honestly, they all look pretty good on paper! For someone just starting out, what brands do you seasoned riders recommend I focus on, especially considering value for money and reliability? Any specific models or features that really stand out for a beginner?