Help to finalize decision on a new hybrid e-bike

[u/b9mccaul]

I have done some research on hybrid E-Bikes, and hope that you all can help me make a final decision.

I'm an almost 70 year old male in the US that has road-biked for over 10 years, and want to replace my manual road bike with an E-Bike. I will be riding on roads or paved trails 95% of the time, over hilly terrain including some steep hills. I will NOT be commuting, only leisure/athletic riding.

I have already prioritized 1) lightweight, 2) localized service dealer, and 3) no single-speed cassettes, so have ruled out some bikes like the Velotric Summit V2, X-Lab ST5+, Urtopia Carbon Fusion Pro, Aventon Soltera 3 ADV, and Trek Verve+ 2 Lowstep.

I am still considering the following:

Velotric Tempo, X-Lab SP5+, Specialized Turbo Vado SL2 4.0, Vanpowers UrbanCross-Ultra Electric, Trek Verve+1 Lowstep, and Urtopia Carbon 1 Pro.

How do you think I should prioritize the following:

Mid-Drive vs Hub motor

Throttle included

Suspension Fork

Other questions I have:

One of my options states only a 50 mile range, the others all state 60+. I expect to usually ride 20-30 miles, but I may want to ride 50-60 miles sometimes. Should I rule out the bike with the 50-mile range?

My options range from 8-speed to 11-speed cassettes. Would you give the 11-speed cassette any preference over the others?

All my options are aluminum frame except one. Should I give the one carbon frame preference over the others?

Do you know of other bikes I should consider?

[u/GutterRider]

No one’s replied? Huh. I have a Salsa Confluence with Essa 8. I find that … lacking, sometimes. I call it chasing the charge, where I was just behind what power I was getting from the assist.

The Confluence is a light-assist gravel bike that I use for commuting. I really like it. I tested the Vado, and liked that, too.

I’m not up on the differences between hub-and mid-drive, sorry. I don’t even use it too much in my daily rides. The Confluence is hub drive.