Start with the route, not the bike: measure your daily distance, note the hills, and be honest about where the bike will sleep at night. A 15-mile flat commute and a 15-mile hilly commute need different motors and brakes.

Then set a budget band: under $800 buys simple folders, $800-$1,500 is the commuter sweet spot, and above $1,500 you are paying for mid-drives, suspension and component quality.