I too live in Ontario. I have tried some cheaper bikes and didn't like the feel of the power delivery. I ended up buying two 2019 Giant Lafree city bikes at$2499 ea. (taxes in). I still ride my other bikes but enjoy riding with my wife on the Lafree. She is about to turn 77 and could use the boost to climb and keep up. Just today one of my riding buddies bought a Giant Explore E to replace his Giant Cypress. It was priced at $2799 and seems like a nice bike. Maybe the comparison to motorcycles does not matter. I priced a replacement battery at $700 so the parts add up. I'm not about to sit at home and grumble about the price,


Our Giant Lafree's on charge.
when a new iPhone can cost two grand. Real world range of 100km not trying to save power.