Not surprised at all. One huge advantage ebikes have over acoustic bikes is not showing up to whareever you are going sweaty and tired, especially if you live in a warm climate or hilly area.

I also won't be surprised if the automobile lobbies start seeing them as a threat in US/Canada

Edit: If you enjoy electronic projects I can highly recommend building your own ebike with grin technologies stuff they are a small Canadian company and are the main reason diy repairable ebikes are still a thing.