Rivian’s E-Bike Bet: Also Electrifies Deliveries, Ending Long Delays

Rivian’s ambitious e-bike spin-off, Also, is finally poised to begin shipping its inaugural TM-B e-bike to eagerly awaiting customers, marking a critical milestone after months of frustrating, unspecified supply chain hurdles. This launch, while a relief for many, also casts a spotlight on the precarious balance between innovative product development, the complexities of global manufacturing, and the delicate art of customer communication.

Also Rolls Out TM-B E-bike: A Test of Ambition, Supply Chains, and Customer Loyalty

The highly anticipated TM-B e-bike from Also, a company born from the innovation labs of electric vehicle pioneer Rivian, is on the cusp of reaching its first customers. After a series of postponements, the company confirmed to TechCrunch that the Launch Edition of its premium e-bike, retailing at a substantial $4,500, has commenced its journey from the manufacturer to Also’s U.S. warehouse. Enthusiasts who pre-ordered can expect their high-tech rides to arrive between next week and September, concluding a long wait fraught with uncertainty.

From Rivian’s Skunkworks to an Independent Micro-mobility Vision

Also’s genesis is as compelling as its product. The venture first took shape in 2022 as a secretive “skunkworks project” within Rivian, driven by CEO RJ Scaringe’s foresight into expanding Rivian’s “outdoorsy set” portfolio beyond electric trucks and SUVs. The strategic intent was clear: to offer a complementary, electric-powered solution for adventure and utility, extending Rivian’s brand ethos into the burgeoning micro-mobility space. This foundational period saw significant investment, including the engagement of Jony Ive’s renowned design firm, LoveFrom, in 2025, tasked with shaping the early aesthetic and user experience of the groundbreaking e-bike. The involvement of such a design titan underscored the premium positioning and design-led philosophy that would define Also’s products.

The project gained independent momentum in March 2025 when Rivian officially spun out Also as a distinct entity. This strategic move, backed by a robust $105 million funding round from venture capital firm Eclipse, provided Also with the autonomy and dedicated capital required to pursue its specialized mission. The TM-B was then publicly unveiled in October of last year, generating considerable buzz for its Rivian heritage, Jony Ive connection, and high-performance promise in a rapidly expanding e-bike market.

Navigating the Labyrinth of Global Supply Chains

Despite the initial excitement, Also’s journey to market has been far from smooth. The company initially targeted a “Spring 2026” delivery window, a timeline that proved overly optimistic in the face of persistent global manufacturing challenges. This was subsequently pushed to July, and now, finally, to a staggered delivery beginning next week through September. The core culprit, as articulated by the company in June, has been “current stress on global supply chains.” Also elaborated that “a rapid, industry-wide spike in demand for raw materials and electronic components has impacted key parts required for the TM-B.”

While Also declined to specify the exact components causing the bottleneck, this narrative is all too familiar across various tech and automotive sectors. The post-pandemic surge in demand, coupled with lingering logistical inefficiencies, geopolitical tensions affecting resource availability, and the concentrated nature of component manufacturing (especially for specialized electronics), has created a volatile environment. For a new company launching a complex, high-value product like the TM-B, these external pressures can severely disrupt production schedules, despite “engineering and production teams working around the clock to minimize these constraints without cutting a single corner on safety or quality,” as Also stated.

Beyond Personal E-bikes: Also’s Ambitious “Vehicle Company” Vision

Crucially, Also’s aspirations extend well beyond the individual e-bike market. The startup explicitly refers to itself as a “vehicle company,” signaling a broader strategic intent to innovate across the micro-mobility spectrum. This vision includes developing four-wheel pedal-assist cargo vehicles, with Amazon earmarked as a significant potential partner. Such a move aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable, efficient last-mile delivery solutions in urban environments, an area where traditional vans face increasing congestion and emissions regulations.

Furthermore, Also is reportedly working on an autonomous delivery vehicle for DoorDash. This foray into autonomous micro-delivery represents a bold leap, positioning Also at the intersection of several high-growth, transformative industries: electrification, micro-mobility, and automation. These diversified ventures underscore a long-term strategy to become a key player in the future of urban logistics and personal transportation, leveraging Rivian’s expertise in electric powertrains and vehicle design on a smaller, more agile scale.

The Customer Conundrum: Managing Expectations in the Age of Delays

However, before Also can fully realize these grand ambitions, it must first successfully navigate the immediate challenge of satisfying its initial customer base. The repeated delays have taken a toll on pre-order holders, whose frustrations boiled over on the r/ALSOmicromobility subreddit on the last day of July. Customers vented about “the lack of communication and the actual miscommunication/lies from Also regarding shipment timelines.” The sentiment reflected a deeper disappointment than mere impatience; it pointed to a perceived breakdown in trust and transparency, essential for a premium brand.

One user’s sarcastic remark, “Hey we’ve still got a few business hours left in July. Maybe we’ll get an email later this morning ☺️,” encapsulated the collective exasperation. This level of public discontent, with some users, like the one who “canceled my reservation,” opting out entirely, highlights the severe brand damage that can accrue from extended delays and poor communication. For a company launching a high-priced, design-centric product, early adopter satisfaction is paramount not just for initial sales but for cultivating a loyal community and positive word-of-mouth that drives future growth.

What Lies Ahead for Also

As Also finally transitions from development to delivery, the company enters a crucial phase. The successful deployment of the TM-B e-bikes will be a testament to its manufacturing capabilities and ability to overcome logistical hurdles. Simultaneously, it will face the immediate test of post-sales customer service – addressing inquiries, managing potential issues, and rebuilding trust. For a brand banking on premium design and performance, the initial user experience will be critical in shaping its reputation.

Beyond the immediate e-bike deliveries, Also’s ability to execute on its broader vision for cargo and autonomous vehicles will determine its long-term trajectory. Securing partnerships with industry giants like Amazon and DoorDash, and successfully developing these specialized platforms, will require sustained innovation, significant capital, and robust operational execution. The micro-mobility market is dynamic and competitive, demanding not just compelling products but also resilience in the face of inevitable challenges.

Bottom Line

Also stands at a pivotal juncture, poised to deliver its first consumer product while simultaneously nurturing ambitious plans for the future of urban mobility. The commencement of TM-B e-bike shipments is a hard-won victory against a backdrop of global supply chain turmoil and mounting customer impatience. However, the path ahead is fraught with the dual challenges of perfecting customer satisfaction for its initial product and strategically advancing its diverse portfolio of electric vehicles. Its success will hinge on demonstrating not only engineering prowess and innovative design but also a renewed commitment to transparent communication and flawless execution as it strives to carve out a significant niche in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric transportation.