The electric vehicle startup Also is preparing to begin the delivery of its e-bikes to customers, marking a critical operational milestone after several months of production setbacks. The move signals the company’s first tangible step in establishing a market presence following its emergence as a spinoff from Rivian, as it attempts to transition from a development phase to a commercial entity.
The Current State of Deliveries
After a period of prolonged delays that stalled the initial rollout, Also has confirmed that it is now moving forward with the delivery of its e-bike units. These delays, which spanned several months, had created a gap between the company’s initial promises to early adopters and the actual availability of the hardware.
The commencement of these deliveries is intended to validate the company’s manufacturing pipeline and provide the first real-world data on the performance of its micromobility hardware. For a startup emerging from the shadow of a larger automotive parent, the ability to fulfill consumer orders is a primary indicator of institutional maturity and operational viability.
Why This Milestone Matters
The delivery of the e-bikes is more than a simple product launch; it is a test of Also’s ability to manage a supply chain independent of Rivian’s primary automotive infrastructure. In the highly competitive micromobility sector, timing is critical. The months of delays placed Also at a disadvantage against established e-bike manufacturers and other emerging startups that have already captured significant urban market share.
Furthermore, the successful delivery of these units is essential for maintaining investor and partner confidence. For a spinoff entity, the first product delivery serves as a “proof of concept” for the company’s internal management and engineering capabilities. Failure to execute this phase would have signaled deeper systemic issues within the company’s production logic, potentially jeopardizing future funding rounds or strategic partnerships.
Strategic Expansion and the TM-B
While the e-bike delivery is the immediate priority, Also is already pivoting toward a broader product ecosystem. Central to this strategy is the TM-B, a vehicle that represents the company’s ambition to move beyond simple consumer transport.
Also has indicated that its long-term roadmap involves a significant expansion into the logistics and commercial delivery sectors. The company is currently developing four-wheel pedal-assist cargo vehicles. These vehicles are designed to bridge the gap between a traditional bicycle and a full-sized electric delivery van, offering a sustainable solution for “last-mile” logistics in congested urban environments.
The pursuit of the commercial delivery space is a calculated move to secure high-volume, recurring revenue. Also is specifically targeting contracts within the logistics sector, with a particular focus on potential partnerships with Amazon. Given Rivian’s existing deep-rooted relationship with Amazon—which is both a major shareholder and a primary customer for Rivian’s electric delivery vans (EDVs)—Also is positioned to leverage these existing institutional ties to penetrate the commercial micromobility market.
Analysis:
The shift toward four-wheel cargo vehicles suggests that Also is attempting to diversify its revenue streams to avoid the volatility of the consumer-facing micromobility market. Consumer e-bikes are subject to seasonal demand and intense price competition. In contrast, enterprise-level logistics contracts provide predictable revenue and scalable growth. By positioning itself as a provider of specialized urban delivery tools, Also is not just selling a product, but an infrastructure solution for the “last-mile” problem. This strategy effectively mitigates the reputational risk caused by the e-bike delays by pivoting the company’s primary value proposition toward B2B (business-to-business) scalability.
Background and Context
Also’s trajectory is inextricably linked to the broader evolution of the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. As Rivian focused on scaling its R1T and R1S platforms and fulfilling its massive EDV contract with Amazon, the need for a dedicated entity to handle smaller-scale, agile micromobility solutions became apparent.
The spinoff allowed Also to operate with the agility of a startup while benefiting from the intellectual property and engineering pedigree of Rivian. However, the transition has not been seamless. The production delays encountered with the e-bikes highlight the inherent difficulties in scaling hardware production, where component shortages and quality control issues often collide.
The micromobility market is currently undergoing a correction. After a period of hyper-growth and venture-capital-funded expansion, the industry is now prioritizing sustainability and operational efficiency over raw growth. Also is entering this market at a time when urban planners and city governments are demanding more regulated and efficient delivery systems, making the timing of their four-wheel cargo vehicle development strategically sound.
What to Watch Next
As Also begins its deliveries, several key indicators will determine the company’s future success:
1. Customer Feedback and Iteration: The first wave of e-bike users will provide the necessary data to refine the product. Any systemic hardware failures in this initial batch could lead to further delays or costly recalls.
2. The Amazon Integration: The most critical development to monitor will be any formal announcement regarding a partnership with Amazon for the four-wheel cargo vehicles. A confirmed contract would transform Also from a speculative startup into a key player in the global logistics chain.
3. Production Scaling: Observers should watch for whether Also can maintain a consistent delivery cadence or if the “months of delays” were a symptom of a deeper production bottleneck that persists.
4. Regulatory Approval: As the company moves toward four-wheel pedal-assist vehicles, it will face varying regulatory frameworks across different cities and countries regarding vehicle classification and road access.
Conclusion
The commencement of e-bike deliveries marks the end of a frustrating waiting period for Also’s customers and the beginning of a high-stakes commercial journey for the company. While the e-bike is the first product to hit the streets, the company’s true ambitions lie in the industrialization of urban logistics. If Also can successfully transition from the consumer e-bike market to the commercial cargo sector, it may successfully carve out a niche as the primary provider of sustainable last-mile delivery hardware.
Sources:
TechCrunch
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Story synopsis gathered from: TechCrunch — source
