In the East Bay the only time I see young people on e bikes is on Jump Plus bikes, but much more often on Lime scooters. But owned bikes are traditional...either roadies, mtb, or fixies. Then again, I see a very small percentage on folders (mostly brommies) on Bart - they are predominantly using full sized bikes there. I suspect not so much a reflection of cost as a reflection of the ever-present bike theft. E-bikes are just more expensive targets. Nothing locked up is theft proof here. That's why I have a folder I can take in with me, the only real solution to bike theft. Now, removable e-bike motors/batteries could be a game changer in big bad urban areas; at least only your bike would disappear then.