Absolutely endorse everything the OP says. There is a kind of magic about it, that says YES I can cycle because it will not be difficult and I won't feel I need a shower after, either.. I got an Orbea - Spanish, I think? Not very fancy but comfy riding position and good low step-through.
Other pros - Good chain guard etc. Fine in normal clothes. Lights built in. Battery incorporated in frame, so easier to keep everything clean if I go out in the wet. Chunky enough to cope with bike trails, though it isn't a mountain bike.
I bought it mainly for short errands ie so as not to take the car, and this has worked - it's just the job!
Cons - I don't think there is a full day's riding in the battery if the terrain is at all hilly. (though apparently, I could buy a second battery if I did want to load up the panniers and go touring) Also, I weigh 65kg which I don't think is massive, but I'm not very fit, and I do wish it had a bit more "assist" on the very steepest hills near me. I can still get up, but it is pretty hard work (this is a hill I would not longer be able to ride a non electric bike up at all, unsurprisingly - but might have been able to 10 years ago). (this isn't an issue on most hills I hasten to add- this one is about about 1 in 4!!)
Because the battery is built in, you have to get the electricity to the bike to charge it, not just bring the battery indoors to charge. I'm lucky enough to have a large store room with its own outside door where it can live, but otherwise you'd need to park it by a door or window while it charged, or run an extension lead to the shed/bike store.
I did test ride a Gazelle (a Dutch brand) they are very much dearer - but it definitely felt super luxurious. They're pretty heavy though. Mine is lighter I think - I know its an e-bike but not too much effort to get in and out - and even has a little power button to help push up a slope if needs be (only use it if I'm trying to push it over fallen branches uphill!!)