[rdubz]

Used e-bikes are also available, and cheaper.

I'm comparing new cars to new e-bikes and, sure, in both cases you can get something "pretty good" for ≈half the average new {e-bike,car} price. Some people will get something "very good" for 2x the average!

From what I can tell the research supporting the $40k average (or, alternatively, $800/mo) seems reasonable:

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/average-new-car-price-202... https://www.motor1.com/news/370609/average-american-monthly-...

Definitely something I want to hash out and cite more though.