Hello, I am brand new to the e-bike community and I am looking at buying a commuter style e-bike in the near future. I am located in southern Ontario Canada so my availability to boutique brands might be limited. I am looking at the Aventon Level 2 and reading about it as much as possible. I am also looking at the Ride 1 Up 700 series but I'm not sure about availability in Canada. That is the "style" of bike that I am looking for, a comfortable, sporty hybrid style with slicker tires for pavement and gravel pathways.

I am not looking for a foldable, or athletic hybrid, or drop bar road bike. I guess it's as close to a comfort hybrid or hybrid style commuter in a normal pedal bike.

My budget is about $2000 US I guess, that puts me at $2600 Canadian give or take, I can get a Aventon Level 2 for that price here in Canada.

Please give me some suggestions on any other manufactures or models I should be looking at. How do the big bike companies e-bikes like Cannondale, Specialized, Giant compare to companies that just make e bikes like Aventon?

What are some features that I should be looking for as well as mileage and components? I should also mention I am looking for a step over style as much as possible. I am 40 years old and fairly fit and active. I do not need a foldable or step through frame. Thanks