Recumbent bikes solve this issue, and they're also way more aerodynamic. Downside is that they aren't as good from a safety perspective (on an empty road they'd probably be more safe, but alas).
I did some test riding, and from what I saw they were double the price of a lower-end electric bicycle, and not much more than a higher-end bicycle. But, yeah, the nicer ones - usually 2-front/1-rear configuration - can get pricey. The ones I've been looking at are around $4k. Which is why I don't have one yet.