Also: Rivian's New Electric Bike Company Targeting City Delivery

Also, a new company spun off from electric vehicle maker Rivian, has launched a line of electric bikes designed for urban delivery and logistics. These bikes are powerful enough to carry cargo but small enough to use bike lanes, filling a gap between personal e-bikes and full delivery trucks.

What Also Is Doing Differently

Also focuses on a market segment that sits between personal mobility (like regular e-bikes) and commercial delivery (like vans). The company unveiled its vehicle lineup with the goal of creating a new way for cities to handle local transportation using pedal-assisted electric bikes that can handle heavy loads while staying within bike lane regulations.

This is a shift from Rivian's main business—building large electric trucks and vans. Instead, Also is targeting the growing market for smaller electric delivery vehicles, especially as cities tighten rules on emissions from urban deliveries.

How the TM-B E-Bike Works

Also's flagship model is the TM-B e-bike, built with commercial delivery in mind. It features a step-through frame (easier to get on and off) with full suspension, which makes it accessible for different riders while keeping the structure strong enough for cargo.

Some smart design choices include:

• Belt drive instead of chain: Think of it like a car's serpentine belt rather than a bike chain. It requires less maintenance, handles weather better, and is more reliable for commercial fleets that operate constantly.
• Removable battery: You can swap out the battery in seconds, so delivery drivers can keep working while another battery charges. This is crucial for fleet operations where downtime costs money.
• Full suspension: The shock absorbers help the bike handle rough city streets, potholes, and curbs—common challenges in dense urban areas.

Staying Legal While Carrying Heavy Loads

Also's bikes are designed as "pedal-assisted" vehicles, which is important for regulatory reasons. In most places, e-bikes fall into Class 1 or Class 2 categories based on how much motor power they use. By keeping the bikes in these categories, Also avoids needing licenses, registration, or special permits—the same rules that apply to regular e-bikes.

This regulatory positioning is strategic. It means Also's bikes can use bike lanes (routes unavailable to larger delivery vans) and avoid the licensing hassles of higher-powered vehicles. For city delivery, this could mean faster routes through congested areas.

The Competition and Market Opportunity

Other companies like Rad Power Bikes, Urban Arrow, and Tern already make cargo e-bikes, and startups like Joco focus on delivery. However, Also is the first major automotive company to spin off a dedicated e-bike delivery business. Major shipping companies like UPS, DHL, and Amazon are already testing e-bike delivery in big cities.

Also has advantages because Rivian is backing it: access to better battery technology, proven electric motors, and potentially better manufacturing capabilities than most startups.

Benefits for Delivery Fleet Operators

The removable battery design hints at Also's real target: large fleet operators. Instead of having to charge each bike individually, a company could maintain a pool of batteries that rotate—much like how car rental fleets work. This means more bikes running with fewer total batteries.

The belt drive system also saves money over time. While it costs more upfront than a traditional chain, it needs less maintenance and replacement parts, which matters when you're managing dozens or hundreds of bikes.

The step-through frame design (low step, easy access) is practical too. Delivery workers vary in height and ability, and some bikes might be shared between multiple drivers, so accessibility matters.

The Big Unknowns

Also hasn't announced manufacturing partners, production timelines, or prices yet. We don't know exactly how it will use Rivian's factories and supply chain, though the fact that it spun off suggests it operates somewhat independently.

E-bike companies have historically struggled with making money on commercial models—durability costs add up. Also will need to prove it can build reliable, affordable bikes that fleet operators actually want to buy.

What Could Go Wrong

Also's success depends heavily on cities building more protected bike lanes. The bikes are designed for safe, dedicated bike infrastructure. In regular traffic with cars, cargo e-bikes are less practical and people are less likely to use them.

There's also regulatory uncertainty. Some cities are considering weight limits or cargo restrictions for e-bikes, which could affect Also's business model. The company's focus on pedal-assist gives it flexibility as rules change, but major regulation shifts could require redesigns.

The timing could work in Also's favor—cities are getting denser, e-commerce deliveries are increasing, and there's pressure to reduce pollution from delivery trucks. But Also enters a competitive market where it needs to offer clear advantages over existing solutions to succeed.