The test ride part can be a bit of an ordeal. I went to five different shops (within a 55mile radius) and each one only dealt with a few brands and since floor space in the shop was limited, they tended to stock the pricier options. I had never had an ebike before and just needed to try one. I did do a few test rides - not of bikes I had any intention of buying due to the price - but at least it provided me with an idea of how they feel and what sorts of features and frames were going to be best for me. It was just a matter of doing some internet research, calling around to shops, emailing companies to see if they had local dealers (mostly not) etc.