New to eBikes - where to start?

Hey everyone!

So, I've been lurking for a bit and finally decided to pull the trigger on getting my first eBike. I'm super excited about ditching the car for shorter commutes (around 5-10 miles each way) and exploring some local paved trails on weekends. My big question is, with so many options out there, where do I even begin looking? Are there specific brands or types (like a commuter hybrid vs. a comfort cruiser) that are generally recommended for beginners, especially considering I'm mostly looking at flat to gently rolling terrain? Any advice on what to prioritize when shopping would be amazing!