Roughly 25 years ago I paid the equivalent of about $600 but our dollar was trading close to par back then, for an inferior product (lead-acid gel cells, heavier steel frame, etc).
Today, most ebikes are lighter due to the energy storage medium (litium-ion or lithium polymer), lighter frame (less payload == less steel), aluminum wheels, etc. At today’s exchange rate it would set me back about USD$2,000. Trikes probably cost more due to higher shipping costs necessitated by the increased weight (~150-200%) so you probably paid about the same.
After all, it’s ultimately about Value. Like Beauty, it is in the Eye of the Beholder.
Cheers,
JPL
Yes, my current e-MTB cost $2,000, is really fun and exciting to ride and has more more range on a charge than I’ve ever made use of (17.5 Ah li-ion pack gives over 35 miles range). Spoked wheels, aluminum frame and significantly faster than the vehicle in the article.