New to eBikes - where to start?

Hey everyone!

Just joined the forum and super excited to dive into the eBike world. I've been looking at them for a while now, mostly for commuting a hilly 10-mile round trip and maybe some weekend leisure rides on paved paths. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options – hub motors, mid-drives, different battery sizes, classes...

For someone completely new, where would you recommend I even begin my research? Are there any specific types or brands that are great for beginners, or things I should absolutely avoid? Thanks in advance for any pointers!