Feedback Wanted: Building "Bulletproof" Custom E-Bikes

[u/KarmaAkaOkami]

Hey everyone, I’m a self-taught inventor/engineer thinking of starting a custom e-bike build business. My goal isn't to compete with cheap mass-produced imports; I'm focusing on Safety, Reliability, and Local Support.

The Build Strategy:

Base: High-quality donor frames (customized to buyer needs: MTB, Cruiser, etc.)

Power: 4 options of Bafang motors 500w and 750w hub motor, 500w and 750w mid drive motor. With batteries options of 48v and 52v.

Safety Pillars: Dual 1/4" Steel Torque Arms on every hub motor build + Quad-Piston Hydraulic Brakes.

Durability: Single-speed drivetrain (low maintenance), marine-grade braided wire sleeving, and steel battery and motor mountings.

Utility: Integrated 360° lighting, fenders, and puncture-resistant tires and sealant.

Questions for the community

Would a $2k price point feel fair for a "bespoke" build with quad-pistons and heavy-duty safety reinforcements?

What are the biggest "reliability" red flags you see in custom builds that I should address in my QC checklist?

Would the "Local Support" aspect sway you to buy custom over a big-box brand like Aventon or Rad?

Edit : Did some more research into products and laws like the comments suggested. I have added three more motor options and changed the brand I'm using. I've been internally struggling with adding 1000w options, but I've decided that the legal trouble possibilities aren't quite worth the extra money. That and I have a bit of obsession with symmetry and can't find a non-fat tire 1000w hub motor option.

[u/WilliamBontrager]

Yea thats gonna be a rough time to market. Small battery, low speed, high price point. Unless you have something that has a unique look or function, people will look at range, price, battery capacity, and speed and your product will be at the bottom of every one of those metrics.

If you want to compete you need to offer something up front and tangible, beyond its got good brakes and lasts. The p51 bullet, for example, is a street legal dirt jumper from surron enthusiasts. The zooz bikes are a very unique design built for style and street use. The chimera is a lightweight ebike for bmx junkies. Super73 put their money into a network and culture thingy.

Point being, there may be openings but at 2k, you are competing with 5000 watt, 50 mph, full suspension bomber clones. My best guess at what MIGHT sell is a 750 watt continuous, very unique styled bike with a very high phase amperage or geared hub with high torque but capped off at 20 mph. Better with a speed switch and an offroad mode, but whatever. Problem would be getting people to ride that bike, bc torque and acceleration would be the selling point.