Rivian Spinoff Also Begins TM-B E-Bike Deliveries After Months of Supply Chain Delays

After a prolonged period of silence and shifting timelines, Also, the electric vehicle spinoff from Rivian has confirmed that it will finally begin delivering its first product, the TM-B e-bike, to customers next week. The announcement marks a critical milestone for the startup, which has faced months of delays attributed to unspecified supply chain constraints.

In a statement to TechCrunch on Friday, July 31, 2026, Also also revealed that the Launch Edition of the TM-B priced at $4,500 has begun shipping from its manufacturing partner to its U.S. warehouse. The company expects to complete deliveries for all Launch Edition pre-orders between next week and September 2026.

From Skunkworks to Standalone Startup

Also’s journey began in 2022 as a "skunkworks" project within Rivian Automotive. CEO RJ Scaringe initially explored the idea of an e-bike to complement Rivian’s lineup of rugged electric trucks and SUVs, targeting the same outdoorsy, adventure-seeking demographic. The project gained significant attention in 2025 when reports emerged that Rivian had enlisted LoveFrom, the design firm founded by former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive, to help craft the bike’s aesthetic.

In March 2025, Rivian officially spun out Also as an independent entity, securing $105 million in funding from venture capital firm Eclipse. The startup unveiled the TM-B in October 2025, originally targeting a "spring 2026" launch. However, as with many hardware startups in the post-pandemic era, reality intervened.

The Supply Chain Bottleneck

The delay from spring to late summer was driven by what Also described as "current stress on global supply chains." In a June update posted to its support page, the company explained that a rapid, industry-wide spike in demand for raw materials and electronic components had impacted key parts required for the TM-B.

“Our engineering and production teams are working around the clock to minimize these constraints without cutting a single corner on safety or quality,” the company stated at the time. Also declined to specify which components were responsible for the bottleneck, though industry analysts suspect shortages in specialized battery management systems or high-torque motor controllers may have played a role.

Customer Frustration Mounts

While the start of shipments is a positive development, the path to this point has been fraught with communication issues that have strained relationships with early adopters. On Friday, the final day of July, threads on the r/ALSOmicromobility subreddit erupted with frustration from customers who had been waiting for months with little transparency.

“I’m really frustrated by the lack of communication and the actual miscommunication/lies from Also regarding shipment timelines,” one user posted. “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.”

Others expressed resignation or had already voted with their wallets. “Couldn’t wait any longer and canceled my reservation,” another user wrote, highlighting the risk of churn for a new brand trying to establish trust in a competitive market.

Beyond the Bike: A Broader Vision

Despite the rocky start, Also has ambitious plans that extend far beyond two wheels. The startup positions itself as a broader "vehicle" company focused on last-mile logistics and urban mobility.

Key projects in its pipeline include:

• Four-Wheel Cargo Vehicles: It is also developing pedal-assist cargo vehicles designed for commercial use, with Amazon reportedly among its potential partners for last-mile delivery solutions.

• Autonomous Delivery: The company is also working on an autonomous delivery vehicle for DoorDash, aiming to reduce the cost and carbon footprint of food delivery in dense urban areas.

However, before Also can tackle these larger logistical challenges, it must first prove it can successfully manufacture, ship, and support a consumer product. The coming weeks will be a critical test of its operational maturity and customer service capabilities. As the first TM-B bikes reach customers’ doorsteps, all eyes will be on whether the quality and experience match the premium price tag and the hype generated by its Rivian and LoveFrom pedigree.