Bengee: Sounds like touring is your main concern. Using one bike for all things is possible. Serious Planing is what it takes. For ten years I've been runing 2stroke motors on all my bikes. 4stroke has its advantages, I prefer 2stroke. Legally at your local area 4stroke may be necessary.
The upshot of an Hybrid is " Range, in the 200/300 mile posibility", without refueling. I live in Alaska, there are no short trips, and what you need , is built into What you Carry!!! I'am curently adding a 350w front direct drive hub mptor with regen charging capbility, with a smaller than average battery, and a 15/20 mile range, which over the 200 mile distance I cover, with the gas motor, can recharge several times over.
As for a front suspension, go online for a " triple tree bicycle front forks", theyre ready made for your purpose, at a reasonable price.
Also get setup for a trailer. It will make changing a rear tire far easier. I would think putting the batteries in a touring configuration, over the front wheel, will balance out better. Although, for basic riding I would get a back wheel battery/combo rack.
Disc brakes front & back Definatly!!!
Riding speed in this form W/trailer on highway gets me 15/18mph. Up or down hill. Rolling 10 hours aday ( Hey, its Lite up here 20 hours aday all sumer), I cover alot of ground. Also having a motor I can easily take the side road, less traveled. The opertunites are worth it. Oh yeah, I'am 70 this Sept.
Another piece I use is a dual brake/throtle/kill switch on the right hand grip. My clutch lever & thumb throtle for the front hub is on the left, works great. Anyway good luck. Got a ? Let m know.
Olds C0ol