Rivian's E-Bike Spinoff Finally Starts Shipping — Months After Angry Customers Began Canceling Orders: Report
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Yahoo Finance
Rivian-backed e-bike startup Also is finally shipping its $4,500 TM-B model after months of delays. The company, which spun off from Rivian in 2025, expects to complete initial deliveries by September.
The Long-Awaited Arrival of the Also TM-B
The e-bike landscape is witnessing a significant milestone as Also, a startup spun off from the electric vehicle giant Rivian Automotive Inc., has finally commenced shipping its highly anticipated TM-B e-bike. This development marks the end of a protracted period of uncertainty for early adopters who faced months of delays following the company's missed spring launch window. As the first units move from the manufacturer to U.S. distribution warehouses, the company is finally transitioning from a phase of development and logistical struggle to one of active consumer fulfillment.
Navigating Supply Chain and Delivery Hurdles
The delay of the TM-B, a premium model priced at $4,500, highlights the persistent fragility of the modern supply chain, particularly for niche hardware startups. When Also was unveiled as an independent entity in March 2025 with $105 million in venture capital backing from Eclipse, expectations were high. However, the gap between the initial October reveal and the actual shipping date underscores the operational difficulty of scaling production. Many customers, frustrated by the lack of transparency and shifting timelines, had reportedly begun canceling their pre-orders, placing immense pressure on the company to deliver before further erosion of brand trust occurred.
A Strategic Evolution from Rivian Roots
Also began its life as an internal incubator project under Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. This lineage is significant, as it suggests that the TM-B is designed with the same design-forward philosophy that characterizes Rivian’s consumer trucks and SUVs. By spinning off into an independent entity, Also was able to secure dedicated capital and focus, allowing it to move outside the shadow of Rivian’s massive automotive manufacturing commitments. This separation is a strategic move, allowing the brand to carve out a unique identity in the competitive micro-mobility market while leveraging the technical pedigree inherited from its parent.
Market Positioning and Future Outlook
At a price point of $4,500 for the Launch Edition, the TM-B is clearly targeting the premium segment of the e-bike market. This sector is currently characterized by high consumer expectations regarding build quality, connectivity, and performance. The success of these initial shipments, expected to be completed between next week and September, will serve as a critical proof-of-concept for the company. If the TM-B receives positive reviews, it could validate the $105 million investment and solidify Also as a serious player in the high-end electric transit space.
Broader Implications for the E-Bike Industry
The trajectory of Also reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry where major players are divesting or spinning off micro-mobility projects to focus on core electrification. As urban environments become more congested, the integration of premium e-bikes into the broader transit ecosystem is becoming increasingly important. The ability for Also to overcome its initial delivery obstacles will be a bellwether for similar startups attempting to bridge the gap between concept design and mass-market retail in an increasingly crowded and skeptical investment climate.