Rivian Spinoff Also Delays Futuristic TM-B E-Bike Over Tech Bottlenecks

Rivian’s micro-mobility spinout, Also, has officially delayed shipments of its highly anticipated TM-B electric bicycle, citing manufacturing complexities stemming from its proprietary pedal-by-wire system and custom hardware. The company issued a formal apology to pre-order holders after missing its initial delivery timeline, illuminating the steep challenges hardware startups face when abandoning conventional mechanical bicycle components in favor of automotive-grade software integration.

The Physics of Over-Engineering: Inside the TM-B Architecture

When Also unveiled the TM-B in 2025, the electric bike captivated urban transit enthusiasts by removing the physical connection between the pedals and the rear wheel. Rather than relying on a traditional chain or carbon belt drive, the TM-B utilizes an advanced pedal-by-wire system. In this architecture, human pedaling action turns a small internal generator, converting kinetic effort into digital signals and electrical power that instruct an integrated rear hub motor.

This drive-by-wire setup enables software-controlled cadence tuning, dynamic regenerative braking, and seamless electronic gear ratios. However, scaling this automotive technology into a slim, weather-sealed bicycle frame has proven significantly harder than anticipated. Engineers at Also encountered unforeseen firmware calibration issues, power conversion inefficiencies, and thermal management obstacles during real-world stress testing. Furthermore, relying on a USB-C removable battery system capable of high-wattage power delivery required custom power management integrated circuits (PMICs) that experienced prolonged component sourcing delays throughout early 2026.

Lessons from VanMoof: The Perils of Proprietary Micro-Mobility

The setbacks at Also reflect a broader historical pattern across the high-end electric mobility sector. When micro-mobility brands prioritize bespoke, proprietary components over standard industry hardware, they frequently collide with scaling bottlenecks. Dutch e-bike pioneer VanMoof famously suffered financial collapse in 2023 primarily due to the astronomical warranty costs and replacement delays associated with its custom electronic shifters and proprietary frame components.

Also attempted to hedge against these historical mistakes by leveraging Rivian’s robust engineering talent and supply chain network. However, consumer hardware operates under vastly different margin profiles and production cadences than full-sized passenger EVs. While a $70,000 electric pickup can absorb complex custom control modules, a premium e-bike selling under $4,000 leaves minimal margin for repeated assembly line redesigns.

Customer frustration has reached a boiling point across digital forums and cycling communities. Early adopters who deposited funds over a year ago expressed disappointment after receiving multiple timeline extensions without granular updates. In response, Also leadership issued an unvarnished memo acknowledging that their ambition outstripped their near-term assembly capacity, promising weekly status reports and offering full refund options for anxious buyers.

Bridging Silicon Valley Ambition with Real-World Hardware Realities

The micro-mobility landscape is transitioning from experimental consumer gadgets to essential daily transportation tools. For commuter platforms like the TM-B, absolute reliability paramounts aesthetic novelty. Commuters cannot afford software glitches that render pedal resistance unresponsive during a morning trip, nor can they wait months for replacement parts if a custom seat-post battery latch fails.

Also claims that the current production delay will directly benefit long-term durability. Quality assurance teams have added rigorous vibration endurance testing, refined the pedal generator algorithm to deliver a more natural road feel, and stabilized the software interface connecting rider smartphones to the vehicle's telemetry module. Deliveries are now slated to roll out in batches once final safety certifications clear international transit boards. Whether consumers retain patience long enough to see the TM-B hit pavement will determine if Also can establish itself as a lasting force in next-generation urban mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Also TM-B electric bike delayed?

The delay stems from technical bottlenecks in scaling its custom pedal-by-wire system, software calibration issues, and component supply delays for its USB-C battery architecture.

How does the TM-B pedal-by-wire technology function?

Instead of using a physical chain or drive belt, the pedals power an internal generator that sends electronic signals and electricity to control the rear hub motor.

What options are available for customers with active pre-orders?

Also is issuing weekly development updates to pre-order holders while offering immediate full refunds for customers who prefer not to wait for adjusted delivery batches.