Since you're looking at class 2 bikes, I assume it's because you want a throttle. Few mid drive models offer a throttle so you are probably looking at direct drive or geared hub bikes. Unless you have a hilly commute or ride steep trails, you likely won't notice much difference in performance between hub and mid drive systems. Keep in mind class 2 bikes are regulated differently than class 1. You might want to check the laws in the areas you plan to ride.
In my case, I looked at ebikes for a year and a half before buying. I have no nearby dealers so I drove all over the northeast visiting all the dealers I could find. There are quite a few in NYC alone. I test rode a dozen or more different models before I made a choice.
My personal decision worked out like this: I ride mostly dirt, gravel and some paved trails with a little on road travel thrown in. Even though the nearest dealer is 3 hours away, I ultimately chose Pedego. Dealer experience, superior warranty, sturdy feel and great performance were the deciding factors. Pedego also has a liberal 2 year warranty parts policy and will ship replacements directly to me without having to make the extended drive to the dealer. Pedego is a large company with significant market share and will likely be around for a while. Their bikes are pricey though and can be tough to fit into the budget.
Age and health, both present & future, also come into play when making a choice. You mention you are not interested in step thru models. I'm 73 and chose a step thru. An ebike is a significant investment that I want to be able to use for the foreseeable future. Although I can still swing my leg over a high bar bike, I don't know how long that will be the case.
Remember, this is just my reasoning and personal preference. I hesitate to make a recommendation without knowing more about where and how you ride. Perhaps if you post more information, others will chime in with their thoughts.
