Rivian spinout Also apologizes for delays in shipping futuristic e-bikes
Rivian's micromobility spinoff, Also, has apologized for significant delays in shipping its high-tech TM-B e-bike, initially promised for spring 2026.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
Also, a Rivian spinout, is facing customer frustration over the delayed delivery of its innovative TM-B electric bicycle. The company's product manager, Saul Leiken, issued a public apology on Reddit, explaining that the futuristic e-bike's advanced features have led to unexpected manufacturing complexities and supply chain bottlenecks.
Imagine a super cool, futuristic bike that rides itself with computers instead of chains. A company called Also promised to deliver these bikes, but they're taking much longer than expected. It's like building a super complicated Lego set with tiny, special pieces that are hard to find, and some parts need new rules to be invented because they're so new. So, the company is saying sorry and working hard to make sure the bikes are perfect before they send them out.
Analysis
The announcement from Also, Rivian's micromobility spin-off, regarding the significant delays in shipping its highly anticipated TM-B e-bike, offers a stark illustration of the complexities inherent in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge hardware. What began as a promise for spring 2026 deliveries has now stretched into the approaching fall, leaving reservation holders frustrated and prompting a detailed apology from the company's product manager. This situation underscores the delicate balance between innovation, production realities, and customer communication in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle and micromobility sectors.
TM-B
The TM-B e-bike was designed to be a revolutionary product, distinguishing itself with a suite of advanced, software-controlled features that set it apart from conventional electric bicycles. Its unique design includes a USB-C chargeable battery, a removable seat post, and a sophisticated pedal-by-wire system, all contributing to its futuristic appeal. However, these very innovations have become the primary sources of the current production bottlenecks.
The integration of complex software with novel hardware demands an exceptionally high degree of precision and quality control, which has proven more challenging than initially anticipated. The ambition to create "one of the most high-tech, complex e-bikes ever made" inherently carries significant risks, particularly in a nascent market segment. While the TM-B's features promised unparalleled adaptability and a unique riding experience, they also introduced unforeseen hurdles in sourcing and manufacturing.
Saul Leiken
Saul Leiken, Also’s product manager, took the unusual step of addressing customer frustrations directly on Reddit with a 661-word letter. His apology acknowledged the communication shortcomings and attributed the delays to a combination of factors, emphasizing the company's unwavering commitment to quality. Leiken explained that the "AI boom" has created "significant supply chain challenges," particularly in securing printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit (IC) materials essential for the e-bike's software-powered architecture.
Beyond supply chain issues, Leiken also detailed regulatory hurdles concerning the TM-B's battery packs. The 240W power delivery of the batteries, available in 538Wh or 808Wh options, exceeds current regulatory guidelines, necessitating collaboration with standards groups to establish new safety and testing protocols. This regulatory navigation adds another layer of complexity and time to the development process, demonstrating that innovation often outpaces existing frameworks. Leiken's candidness, while late, aims to rebuild trust by providing transparency into the intricate challenges faced by the engineering and production teams.
DreamRide
Central to the TM-B's innovative design is its DreamRide drivetrain system, a pedal-by-wire mechanism that completely redefines the rider's interaction with the bike. Unlike traditional bicycles, there is no mechanical link between the pedals and the wheels. Instead, pedaling activates a generator motor that recharges the battery, while a separate traction motor at the rear wheel, driven by software via a Gates Carbon belt drive, propels the bike. This sophisticated system promises a seamless and adaptable riding experience, but it comes with substantial manufacturing demands.
Leiken admitted that the DreamRide system requires "high-precision manufacturing," which has inevitably led to a "slower production ramp-up to ensure quality." The intricate interplay of mechanical, electrical, and software components in such a system necessitates rigorous testing and meticulous assembly processes. Any deviation from the original design due to material shortages, as mentioned by Leiken, further complicates this, requiring additional engineering and validation work. The challenges with DreamRide exemplify how pushing the boundaries of design can introduce unforeseen production complexities, even for a company backed by Rivian's engineering prowess.
Key points
- Rivian's micromobility spinoff, Also, has apologized for significant delays in shipping its TM-B e-bike.
- The delays are attributed to supply chain issues for electronic components, regulatory challenges with the battery, and complex manufacturing of the pedal-by-wire drivetrain.
- Also's product manager, Saul Leiken, posted a 661-word apology on Reddit, emphasizing a commitment to quality over speed.
- The TM-B features a unique software-controlled pedal-by-wire system and high-capacity batteries.
- Customer deliveries, initially slated for spring 2026, have not yet begun as fall approaches.
If Also successfully navigates these manufacturing and regulatory hurdles, the TM-B could set a new standard for high-tech e-bikes, validating its innovative design and software-controlled features. Overcoming these challenges could also establish new safety protocols for advanced e-bike batteries, benefiting the broader micromobility industry.
Continued delays could erode customer trust and reservations, potentially leading to cancellations and financial strain for Also. The complexity of the TM-B's design and the ongoing supply chain issues, exacerbated by the "AI boom," might prove too difficult to overcome efficiently, hindering the product's market viability and Rivian's broader micromobility ambitions.
