Over time, I've purchased four e-bikes without having first seen or tried them.
The only regret was the Haibike, which had terrible build quality. It's was an earlier model and build quality has improved since, so that statement can be ignored.
This biggest concern in my mind, is making sure that you have the right frame size. Sizing varies so much between manufacturer's. Haibike for example are generous with their frame sizing, KTM seem undersize, whilst BH seem pretty much spot on, although the sizing is limited on some of the range.
Next concern is what happens in the event of something going wrong with the bike. You need to be very clear about what support will be given to you, and how the shipping costs for repair will be paid for.
It's a tough choice between the two bikes that you have listed. BH support here in the UK is terrible, but I get the impression that things are far better in the US. It does have a Bosch motor, and from my experience Bosch offer superb support. The down side of the BH is those front forks. I'd not even want to use them for a doorstop. BH always seem to have good styling, and frame appearance, but without exception let themselves down on component spec.
I know very little about the Shimano system, and have no idea of what support is like for the motor.
Both bikes look very nice though, and it's a tough choice between the two. I'm not a fan of the small front sprocket on Bosch bikes, but know the system extremely well, and rate it very highly. I prefer the look of the Raleigh though, especially with the larger front sprocket and rigid front fork set up. I suspect that neither bike will disappoint, but the front forks of the BH would have to go straight into the bin. I haven't looked at the rest of the component spec, but I suspect that the Raleigh will be better.
Edit.. After taking a detailed look, if I did have to choose between the two, it would be the BH, but I'd change the front forks as soon as the bike arrived.
