Putting myself in the shoes of a bike shop operator in Yellowknife NWT, I think I would take measures to ensure I didn't get saddled with an expensive e-bike that may sit on my floor for years if the person who ordered it backed out.
Not sure I would ask for the entire price, but certainly a substantial non refundable deposit.
I've been to Yellowknife, albeit in winter, so I'm not sure how much of a cycling culture there is in the (very short) summer.