New to eBikes - where to start?

Hey everyone,

Just joined the forum and I'm super excited about getting into eBikes! I've been doing a ton of research, but honestly, the sheer number of brands out there is a bit overwhelming. I'm looking for something reliable for daily commuting (about 10 miles each way, mostly paved roads with a few hills) and maybe some weekend leisure rides.

For those of you who've been around the block, what brands do you recommend checking out for a beginner, and are there any specific ones I should be wary of? Any insights into value vs. performance across different brands would be awesome!

Cheers!