I don't know that there is room for a new electric bike company, but you could deal in e-bike products locally. I had the same idea you had almost the same time you posted this, and acted on it. I saw on Golden Motor's website an ad about being a dealer/distributor-so I contacted them and signed on. First of all a e-bike for $+2000 is somewhat expensive. I can buy a used car or motorcycle for that much money. Selling kits and building your own bikes might be the way to go.
E-bikes are under the radar for most people. I live in Socal, and the only people that seemed informed are those who live near the beach or the DIYers. Also, I believe the technology will go hand in hand battery development to arrive at super small powerful cells, and lighter alloys used in manufacturing the motors to produce faster smaller more powerful engines. So I feel like I am investing in the future I want to see.
Golden Motors also makes electric motors for motorcycles, boats, and small car-like vehicles, so it allows me to be involved in just more than bikes, again thinking of the future. Consider that made in Japan was the equivalent of made in China back in the 60s and 70s- could Golden Motor rise to become a new Toyota? If not GM then another company for sure. China is the future as far as I am concerned.
Things I have considered that scare the shit out of me though- lawsuits. California has too many lawyers who love to sue over liability.
Also, warranty issues. I think it the product is installed properly and used in the manner it was intended, it should hold up. But in the fact that it doesn't, you are dealing with China to solve the issue. This is a problem because of about a 12 hour time difference, and the time and cost to ship stuff. A two hundred dolar battery costs about $160 to air ship, or six weeks by boat. Also there are weird shipping costs to consider; I paid about $1200 for a $6,000 order. That cuts into your profit quite a bit.
In the long run for me, it's a labor of love. I really like electric bikes, and Golden Motor's Magic Pie. I believe in them and want to share them with others, so that's it. If I lose a little money that's okay, as long as I meet cool people, learn new things, I am cool with it. Maybe you can partner up with someone? I have been considering to cut down on shipping and customs fees.