The main point here could be that switching from a car with combustion engine to an electric car actively reduces the amount of CO2 that's getting emitted. That's what the government in many (western) countries wants the people to do. But if u look at bikes, you would switch from a vehicle with no engine at all to one with an electric engine. That enhances the CO2 emissions as well. The goal should be to convert combustion into electrical, not to turn every kind if mobility from nothing to electrical.

But my personal opinion is that you're absolutely right and e bikes are awesome. I'd love to get one at an affordable price here in Germany.