By Titik Puspa 
After a prolonged period marked by unspecified supply chain disruptions and mounting customer impatience, Also, the ambitious electric bicycle and micromobility venture spun out of electric vehicle giant Rivian, is set to begin delivering its highly anticipated TM-B Launch Edition e-bikes to customers next week. The news, confirmed by the company to TechCrunch on Friday, signals a critical turning point for the startup, which has grappled with production delays that pushed its original spring delivery window well into the summer months.
The $4,500 TM-B Launch Edition, a high-end, modular e-bike, has commenced its journey from the manufacturer to Also’s U.S. warehouse. The company projects that all Launch Edition units will be delivered to their respective owners between next week and the end of September, offering a concrete, albeit delayed, timeline for eager pre-order customers. This marks a significant step forward for Also, a company that emerged from Rivian’s innovative "skunkworks" project, a testament to CEO RJ Scaringe’s vision to expand Rivian’s ecosystem into the burgeoning micromobility sector.
Also’s origins trace back to 2022, when Scaringe began exploring the potential of an e-bike to complement Rivian’s existing lineup of adventure-oriented electric vehicles. This exploration phase involved significant research and development, even enlisting the renowned design firm LoveFrom, founded by Jony Ive, for an early design iteration. This collaboration, first reported by TechCrunch in 2025, underscored the premium aspirations and design-centric approach being infused into the project from its inception.
The formalization of Also as an independent entity occurred in March 2025, with a substantial initial investment of $105 million from Eclipse, a venture capital firm specializing in industrial technology. This financial backing provided Also with the resources to accelerate its product development and prepare for market entry. The TM-B e-bike was officially unveiled in October of the same year, initially targeting a spring 2026 delivery. However, the optimistic timeline was quickly challenged by the harsh realities of global supply chain volatility.
In a communication shared on a support page, Also detailed the primary drivers behind the revised summer delivery timeline. The company cited "current stress on global supply chains" and an "industry-wide spike in demand for raw materials and electronic components" as the culprits impacting the availability of key parts for the TM-B. This surge in demand created bottlenecks in their planned manufacturing ramp-up, directly leading to the postponement of initial delivery dates. Despite the setbacks, Also emphasized its commitment to maintaining uncompromising standards for safety and quality, with engineering and production teams working "around the clock" to mitigate these constraints. However, the company has remained tight-lipped about the specific components that have proven most problematic, a lack of transparency that has likely contributed to customer frustration.
While the TM-B e-bike represents Also’s immediate focus, the company harbors significantly broader ambitions within the "vehicle" sector. Their strategic roadmap includes the development of four-wheel, pedal-assist cargo vehicles for Amazon, a project that leverages their expertise in electric vehicle design and manufacturing. Furthermore, Also is actively collaborating with DoorDash on an autonomous delivery vehicle, signaling a strong push into the logistics and last-mile delivery market. These forward-looking projects highlight Also’s intent to establish itself as a multifaceted mobility solutions provider, extending beyond the consumer e-bike segment.
However, before it can fully realize these grander visions, Also must successfully navigate the immediate challenge of delivering its first batch of e-bikes and, crucially, managing customer expectations and service. The final day of July saw a palpable wave of discontent among pre-order customers on the r/ALSOmicromobility subreddit. Frustration over repeated delays and perceived miscommunication was a dominant theme in online discussions.
One original poster articulated their deep dissatisfaction, stating, "I’m really frustrated by the lack of communication and the actual miscommunication/lies from Also regarding shipment timelines. Why do they keep making these promises about shipping timelines just to blow right past them without any communication or actual updates? It really makes no sense." This sentiment was echoed by other users, with one sarcastically noting, "Hey we’ve still got a few business hours left in July. Maybe we’ll get an email later this morning 🤞," reflecting a dwindling sense of optimism.
The prolonged delays have, predictably, led some customers to abandon their pre-orders altogether. "Couldn’t wait any longer and canceled my reservation," another user reported, indicating a tangible loss of business directly attributable to the delivery issues. This attrition underscores the critical importance of timely communication and reliable fulfillment for a company launching its first product, especially in a competitive market where consumer patience can be thin.
The journey of Also from a Rivian internal project to a standalone company facing its first major product launch has been a complex one. The initial excitement surrounding its innovative design and association with Rivian has been tempered by the realities of manufacturing and supply chain management. The company’s ability to successfully navigate these initial delivery challenges and rebuild customer trust will be a crucial determinant of its future success in the broader micromobility and logistics vehicle markets. As the first TM-B bikes begin to roll out, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the customer experience, with the hope that the quality of the product itself will eventually outweigh the frustration of its delayed arrival.
The broader context of the electric vehicle and micromobility market is one of rapid innovation and intense competition. Companies are vying for market share by offering advanced technology, sustainable solutions, and convenient transportation options. In this environment, a smooth product launch and reliable customer service are not merely desirable but essential for establishing brand loyalty and a strong market position. Also’s foray into this landscape, while backed by significant investment and industry expertise, is being closely watched as a barometer for the viability of new entrants in the increasingly complex world of electric mobility. The success or failure of the TM-B’s delivery phase will offer valuable insights into Also’s operational capabilities and its potential to disrupt established markets with its future product offerings. The company’s ability to learn from these initial hurdles and adapt its strategies will be paramount as it seeks to fulfill its ambitious vision of becoming a leading "vehicle" company.
