Just another perceptive but I've come full circle on the e-bike. The bicycle is my primary mode of transportation. I started out with a normal bike then
built up a kit and rode for over a year and am now back to just riding old school.
I think the key to an e-bike with SLA batteries is the length of your commute. Mine was rather long and the batteries just did not hold up. I was going through them fairly quickly. This could also be tied to the extremely hot temperatures here. I tried going with the Fire Alarm rejects but they were just to unpredictable for me. I was left more than a couple of time dragging 60# of dead weight home. In the end it was not cost effect for me. Tires, parts, and batteries were going to quickly.
One other very small disadvantage with the e-bike kit build up is that it takes away the urban assault capability. Hopping curbs, road debris, or steps is pretty tough on the bike. Not a huge deal but in downtown area can be an issue.
You mentioned that your commute was 20 miles. If that is one way I think you would really be pushing the limits of the SLA batteries. If it's just 10 miles each way then that would be much better.
Anything under 20 miles I saved about a max of 15 minutes using the ebike. This is in rolling terrain. There are times I miss the e-bike and don't ride now when i had it. Mainly in very strong winds.
As always your mileage may very.