I have high hopes for e-bikes displacing a lot of car trips. They solve almost all bike usability issues for all types of riders: Aero isn't a concern so you can have have an upright riding position. 10-15 kilos of groceries is easily accommodated. Hills are no problem. Alloy frames are cheap to make. Wheels can be very sturdy. Tires can have run-flat inserts. Losing momentum at stoplights isn't a problem. Outside of places where winter is long and snowy, e-bikes can be ideal.
Speaking from my UK perspective - an ebike would entirely replace my car for nearly all of my travelling needs, except that it's impossible to leave it safely in any public space - bicycle theft is absolutely rampant and prosecution is nearly zero, an expensive bike will be stolen, it's just a question of when not if.
It's just a very solid obstacle to this becoming a major way of travelling unless something is done about bike theft.
Given that motorcycle theft is also rampant and thieves have no issue moving a 200kg motorbike onto a van or a trailer, I'd assume it's not going to be a problem. But admittedly I don't know if cargo bikes and similar are also commonly stolen.
The issue in India is that bicycles (and to a lesser extent motorcycles) are a death wish. Plenty used, because also cheap. But I’ve personally seen several seriously nasty accidents that would not have hurt anyone even with the minimal protection that an auto rickshaw provides.
Also, women tend to get groped more on bicycles/bikes, and weather is a big problem. The shade on an auto rickshaw in Hyderabad, or when it rains in Bangalore are pretty handy.
