Rivian Spinoff Also Apologizes for Shipping Delays of TM-B E-Bike
The micromobility brand faces customer frustration as it struggles to deliver its radical pedal-by-wire electric bicycle.
Also, a micromobility spinoff of electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, has issued a formal apology to customers following significant shipping delays for its TM-B electric bike. The delays have sparked frustration among early adopters awaiting the delivery of the high-end, software-driven product.
The TM-B (Transcendent Mobility Bicycle) is a Class 3 e-bike capable of reaching top speeds of 28 mph with pedal assist and 20 mph using the throttle alone. Technical specifications include a mid-drive motor paired with a Gates Carbon belt. Depending on the battery configuration—offered in 538Wh or 808Wh packs—the bike provides a range between 60 and 100 miles. While initially announced at a $4,000 price point, the entry-level cost was later updated to $3,500.
A Departure from Traditional Cycling
Founded by Chris Yu, a veteran who spent a decade at Specialized, Also aims to disrupt the micromobility market by applying automotive-style software control to bicycle design. The centerpiece of this approach is the "DreamRide" pedal-by-wire drivetrain. Unlike traditional bicycles, the TM-B has no mechanical connection between the pedals and the wheel; instead, torque sensors convert the rider's physical effort into electrical input, which then drives the motor.
This shift from mechanical to electronic control represents a fundamental change in how e-bikes operate, moving the industry closer to the "by-wire" systems found in modern luxury vehicles and aircraft. By removing the chain or belt tension from the rider's experience, Also intended to create a more seamless, software-optimized ride.
The Cost of Complexity
These shipping delays highlight the inherent difficulty of scaling complex, software-heavy hardware. This is a challenge familiar to the parent company, Rivian, which has faced similar production and scaling hurdles with its R1T and R1S automotive lines. The transition from a futuristic prototype to a mass-produced consumer product often reveals gaps in supply chain management and software stability.
For the broader industry, the TM-B serves as a litmus test for the commercial viability of radical e-bike architectures. If Also can overcome its current delivery struggles, it may prove that consumers are willing to trade mechanical reliability for software-driven performance. However, continued delays risk eroding the hype generated by the bike's unconventional design.
What to Watch
As Also works to fulfill its outstanding orders, the industry will be watching to see if the final delivered product lives up to the technical promises of the DreamRide system. It remains to be seen whether the company can stabilize its production timeline or if the complexity of the pedal-by-wire system will lead to further setbacks in the rollout.