In a world where electric vehicles are reshaping how we move, one startup is taking Rivian’s revolutionary ethos and applying it to something smaller—but no less transformative: the electric bike. Meet Rivian’s ALSO E-Bike, a sleek, tech-forward, and deeply intelligent e-bike that doesn’t just compete with today’s market—it redefines it.
Forget everything you thought you knew about e-bikes. This isn’t just another pedal-assist commuter with a battery slapped on. The ALSO E-Bike is a ground-up reimagining of two-wheeled transportation, built by a team that cut its teeth at Rivian and now aims to do for e-bikes what Tesla did for cars.
And after spending serious time with it, we can confidently say: this might be the most advanced e-bike ever built.
From Rivian’s Garage to Your Driveway: The Birth of ALSO
ALSO didn’t emerge from thin air. It began as an internal R&D project inside Rivian, the pioneering electric truck and SUV maker known for its R1T and R1S. Recognizing the potential to apply their clean-sheet engineering philosophy to smaller electric vehicles, Rivian spun off the project into an independent company in early 2025.
The mission? Reinvent the e-bike from the ground up—no legacy parts, no compromises, no “bolt-on” tech. Just like Rivian didn’t retrofit a gas truck into an EV, ALSO refused to start with a traditional bicycle frame and add a motor. Instead, they asked: What should an e-bike be in 2025—and beyond?
The result is a machine that feels more like a mini electric vehicle than a bike. And that’s by design.
First Impressions: Sleek, Futuristic, and Undeniably Rivian
At first glance, the ALSO E-Bike commands attention. Its angular lines, minimalist silhouette, and signature Rivian-inspired headlights give it a premium, automotive aesthetic rarely seen in the micromobility space. Even the magnesium housing around the motor—square, structural, and bold—echoes Rivian’s design language.
But this isn’t just about looks. Every curve, seam, and component serves a purpose. And almost everything—from the motor to the display to the brake calipers—was designed and engineered in-house.
That level of vertical integration is unheard of in the e-bike world… until now.
The Heart of the Machine: A Dual-Motor, Wire-By-Wire Revolution
Here’s where things get truly revolutionary.
Most e-bikes use off-the-shelf motors from Bosch, Shimano, or Brose. ALSO? They built their own proprietary dual-motor system—and it’s unlike anything else on the market.
No Mechanical Connection Between Pedals and Wheels
Yes, you read that right.
In a radical departure from tradition, your pedals aren’t physically connected to the rear wheel. Instead:
- One motor senses your pedaling input (like a torque sensor on steroids).
- A second, more powerful motor drives the belt-driven rear wheel.
- Communication between the two happens electronically, not mechanically—similar to “drive-by-wire” systems in cutting-edge EVs.
This “pedal-by-wire” approach allows for infinitely variable assistance, mimicking a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The bike intelligently adjusts resistance and power based on terrain, speed, and rider effort—making hills feel flat and flats feel effortless.
And yet, it feels natural. Riders report zero lag or artificiality—just smooth, intuitive propulsion.
Tesla-Grade Tech Meets Two-Wheeled Freedom
If the drivetrain impresses, the tech suite will blow you away.
A Circular Infotainment Display That Rivals Rivian’s UI
Mounted front and center is a high-resolution circular touchscreen that rotates to unlock the bike (yes, like a luxury car). The interface is clean, responsive, and packed with features:
- Real-time battery percentage (not just vague “bars”)
- Estimated range in miles
- Power usage and regenerative braking metrics
- Drive modes: All-Purpose, Sport, and Manual
- Trip computer with energy consumption stats
- Bluetooth pairing for phone integration
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Media controls for music and podcasts
All software is developed in-house, running on custom ALSO-designed chips. And thanks to a zonal electronic architecture (a miniaturized version of what’s in the Rivian R1T), the bike supports over-the-air (OTA) updates—meaning it gets smarter over time.
This isn’t just an e-bike. It’s a connected mobility platform.
Regenerative Braking: Yes, on an E-Bike
One of the most exciting features? Regenerative braking, just like in your Tesla or Rivian.
Pull the brake lever halfway, and the motor acts as a generator, slowing you down while recapturing energy into the battery. Pull further, and hydraulic disc brakes engage for full stopping power.
With massive front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, stopping from 28 mph is smooth, confident, and safe—critical for a Class 3 e-bike that hits highway-adjacent speeds.
Swappable Modules: One Frame, Endless Possibilities
Perhaps the most innovative feature is ALSO’s modular seat/post system.
That sleek seat post? It’s actually a smart, swappable module with electrical contacts on the base. In seconds, you can transform your commuter into a cargo hauler, a family bike, or a tall-rider optimized machine.
Here’s how it works:
- Tap “Swap Seat” on the display.
- The module unlocks electronically.
- Lift it off and replace it with another (e.g., a cargo rack with integrated brake light and turn signals).
- The bike auto-detects the new module and loads your saved rider profile.
Each module can be paired to a specific user, so your partner’s cargo setup remembers their pedal assist level, display brightness, and navigation preferences. It’s personalization meets practicality—and it’s genius.
Power Where You Need It: A Rivian Battery in Your Backpack
The battery isn’t just powerful—it’s versatile.
Housed in a sleek, removable pack, it uses the same 2170 lithium-ion cells found in the Rivian R1T and R1S. But here’s the kicker: you can use it as a portable power station.
Going camping? Beach day? Power outage? Pop the battery out and charge your phone, drone, cooler, or even small appliances. The side-mounted e-Ink display shows real-time state of charge—no guesswork.
Two battery options will be available:
- Standard pack: ~50 miles range
- Large pack: 25–100 miles, depending on assist level and terrain
Yes, 100 miles. On a bike.
Ride Experience: Fast, Smooth, and Effortless
So, how does it ride?
In a word: exhilarating.
- Top speed: 28 mph (Class 3) with pedal assist; 20 mph via throttle
- Torque: Highest in the e-bike market (exact specs TBA, but testers confirm it outperforms competitors)
- Suspension: Full dual suspension soaks up potholes, gravel, and curbs like a dream
- Weight distribution: Balanced and stable, even at speed
Climbing steep hills at 25+ mph without breaking a sweat? Check.
Gliding over cracked pavement like it’s butter? Check.
Feeling like you’re piloting a silent, futuristic vehicle? Double check.
And for riders who miss traditional gears, Manual Mode simulates shifting via the right-hand lever—complete with haptic feedback and visual cues. No physical gears, but the illusion is so convincing, you’ll swear they’re there.
Pricing: Premium, But Surprisingly Accessible
Let’s address the elephant in the room: cost.
Given the tech, build quality, and Rivian DNA, many expected a $8,000–$12,000 price tag. But ALSO surprised everyone:
- Base model: Under $4,000
- Launch Edition: $4,500 (featuring purple motor covers and early access)
For context:
- High-end competitors like Specialized Turbo Vado or Riese & Müller cost $6,000–$10,000
- Most don’t offer OTA updates, regen braking, modular design, or in-house software
ALSO achieves this price through extreme vertical integration—designing motors, chips, firmware, and frames in-house, cutting out third-party markups.
Beyond the Bike: ALSO’s Bigger Vision
The e-bike is just the beginning.
Behind closed doors, ALSO is developing:
- A 4-wheeled electric delivery trike – Think “mini Rivian EDV” for last-mile logistics. Pedal-assist + cargo capacity = traffic-beating, zero-emission deliveries.
- A consumer 4-wheeler – Designed for neighborhoods, campuses, or families. Imagine a golf cart meets cargo bike, with room for kids, groceries, or gear.
These vehicles share the same modular, software-defined DNA—proving ALSO isn’t just building bikes. They’re building a new category of urban mobility.
Risks and Realities: Can ALSO Succeed Where Others Failed?
The e-bike market has seen high-profile collapses: VanMoof, Cowboy, Aventon’s supply issues, and Rad Power Bikes’ layoffs. Startups often overpromise and underdeliver.
But ALSO has key advantages:
- Rivian’s engineering culture and talent pipeline
- Vertical integration = better margins and control
- Real-world testing and iterative design
- Focus on durability, not just aesthetics
If they execute on production and customer support, they could avoid the pitfalls that sank others.
Final Verdict: Is the Rivian’s ALSO E-Bike Worth the Hype?
Absolutely.
The Rivian’s ALSO E-Bike isn’t just another e-bike. It’s a paradigm shift—merging automotive-grade engineering, software intelligence, and user-centric design into a two-wheeled form factor.
It delivers:
✅ Unmatched ride quality
✅ Cutting-edge tech (OTA, regen, infotainment)
✅ Modular versatility
✅ Rivian-level build quality
✅ Surprisingly fair pricing
For urban commuters, tech enthusiasts, and eco-conscious riders tired of compromises, the ALSO E-Bike isn’t just an option—it might be the future.
Pre-orders open next year. If you’ve been waiting for an e-bike that feels like it was built for 2030… your wait is over.
Ready to ride the revolution?
Keep an eye on ALSO’s official site for 2026 launch details—and prepare to rethink everything you know about getting around town.
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