Rivian spinoff Also to start delivering e-bikes after months of delays
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Rivian spinoff Also will begin delivering its Launch Edition TM-B e-bikes to customers next week, ending months of delays caused by unspecified supply chain issues. The $4,500 electric bikes are currently shipping from the manufacturer to a U.S. warehouse, with all Launch Edition units expected to arrive by September. Originally a Rivian skunkworks project in 2022, Also became an independent company in March 2025 with $105 million in backing from Eclipse. The startup initially targeted a Spring 2026 release but pushed the date to July due to global shortages of raw materials and electronic components. While Also declined to specify which parts caused the bottleneck, it emphasized that safety and quality standards remain uncompromised. The company, which also plans to build cargo vehicles for Amazon and autonomous delivery units for DoorDash, faces mounting customer frustration over repeated timeline shifts and poor communication, with some users canceling reservations amid the uncertainty.
💡 Why It Matters
- · Also’s struggle to fulfill initial orders underscores the severe fragility of global supply chains for emerging hardware startups.
- · Even with significant capital and backing from a major EV manufacturer, navigating component shortages remains a critical operational hurdle that can quickly erode early adopter trust.
