In the high-stakes theater of electric vehicle manufacturing, where success is measured in delivery numbers and cash preservation, Rivian Automotive Inc. is quietly preparing to open a new front. While the market’s attention has been fixated on the production ramp-up of the R1S SUV and the forthcoming R2 platform, insiders report that CEO RJ Scaringe has been personally overseeing a project that is significantly smaller in physical stature but potentially massive in strategic implication. According to a recent report by The Verge, the Irvine-based automaker is in the advanced stages of developing a premium electric bicycle, tentatively dubbed “Also,” a move that signals a profound shift in how the company views the future of adventure mobility.

The existence of the project was solidified during a recent company-wide meeting, where Scaringe reportedly showcased a prototype to employees. This was not merely a concept rendering but a tangible asset, signaling that Rivian is moving beyond the trademark filings that initially sparked rumors of a two-wheeled expansion years ago. The initiative, sometimes referred to internally under the moniker “TMB”—which speculation suggests could stand for “The Mobile Bike”—represents a calculated bet that the company’s brand equity can translate downward from $80,000 trucks to the booming, albeit volatile, micromobility sector.

Analyzing the strategic necessity of diversifying the product portfolio beyond heavy trucks

For industry observers, the timing of this development is as critical as the hardware itself. Rivian has spent the better part of the last three years battling supply chain bottlenecks and the immense capital costs associated with scaling automotive manufacturing. By introducing an e-bike, Rivian is effectively creating an entry-level tier to its ecosystem, allowing consumers to buy into the brand at a fraction of the cost of an R1T. This strategy mirrors the “halo effect” utilized by legacy luxury marques, yet with a distinct utilitarian twist that aligns with Rivian’s outdoor-centric ethos. As noted in financial analysis by Bloomberg, maintaining brand relevance while navigating the gap between current high-priced models and the future mass-market R2 is essential for the company’s long-term viability.

However, the “Also” project appears to be resisting the industry trend of white-labeling. Unlike automakers that slap their logo on a generic frame manufactured by a third party, Rivian is leveraging its in-house engineering and design talent. The prototype described suggests a clean, minimalist aesthetic that shares the design language of their vehicles—likely featuring the signature stadium lighting elements and robust build quality. This vertical integration is a high-risk, high-reward approach; it demands R&D resources that are already stretched thin, but it promises a product that feels distinctly “Rivian” rather than a licensed accessory.

The critical role of software integration and the digital thread concept

The true differentiator for the “Also” e-bike, however, lies not in its electric motor or battery chemistry, but in its code. Sources indicate that the bike is being designed as a fully connected node in the Rivian network. This aligns with the company’s broader software-defined vehicle architecture. The goal is to create a seamless “digital thread” where the bike communicates with the owner’s Rivian vehicle and the mobile app. This could enable features such as using the bike’s battery to charge mobile devices, integrated navigation planning that accounts for mixed-mode transport (driving to a trail and biking the rest), and over-the-air (OTA) updates—a staple of the modern EV experience.

This software-first approach addresses a pain point in the current high-end e-bike market, where mechanical engineering often outpaces digital user experience. By controlling the entire stack, Rivian can offer features like theft tracking, ride analytics, and service scheduling directly through the same interface used for their trucks. As detailed by TechCrunch, the integration of app-based ecosystems is becoming the primary battleground for micromobility companies seeking to lock in customer loyalty and generate recurring revenue through subscription services.

Navigating the historical graveyard of automotive micromobility attempts

Rivian’s foray into this space is not without significant historical precedent—and warning signs. The automotive sector is littered with failed attempts to capture the cyclist demographic. General Motors famously launched and then promptly shuttered its ARIV e-bike brand, while Ford’s acquisition of Spin scooters ended in a divestiture. These failures often stemmed from a lack of genuine commitment; the projects were treated as side hobbies rather than core business units. Rivian’s challenge will be to prove that “Also” is not just a marketing gimmick but a viable transportation solution that stands on its own merits.

Conversely, some luxury brands have found success by keeping the operations distinct or through deep partnerships. Porsche, for instance, has aggressively acquired e-bike drive system manufacturers like Fazua and the Greyp brand to bolster its portfolio. Rivian seems to be charting a middle path: keeping the development in-house to ensure brand purity but seemingly aiming for a wider adoption than a niche luxury accessory. According to reporting by Electrek, Rivian has been securing trademarks for bicycle components for some time, suggesting a long-term roadmap rather than a reactive product launch.

Engineering challenges and the pursuit of the perfect last-mile solution

From an engineering standpoint, the “Also” must solve the “last mile” problem in a way that complements the R1T and R1S. Current Rivian owners are already avid outdoor enthusiasts, many of whom struggle with aftermarket racks and charging solutions for their third-party e-bikes. A proprietary Rivian bike would likely feature a specialized docking mechanism or a seamless charging interface within the truck bed, eliminating the friction of cables and clamps. The prototype’s design, focusing on utility and ease of transport, reinforces the idea that this bike is meant to live in or on the vehicle as much as it is meant to be ridden.

Furthermore, the physical specifications of the bike will be scrutinized. To justify a premium price point, which analysts expect to exceed $3,000, the “Also” will need to offer class-leading range and torque. It must handle the same rugged terrain as the trucks, necessitating a suspension and frame geometry that balances pavement efficiency with off-road capability. The mention of the name “Also” itself implies a companion status—something you buy in addition to the car—but to reach profitability, Rivian may need to sell these units to non-Rivian owners as well, broadening the total addressable market.

Assessing the financial implications of a new hardware vertical

The financial optics of launching a new hardware vertical during a period of intense cash burn are complex. Critics might argue that diverting engineering focus away from the critical R2 launch is a misallocation of resources. However, the unit economics of e-bikes are vastly different from cars. The development cycle is shorter, the regulatory hurdles are lower, and the margins on premium bicycles can be substantially higher than those on base-model vehicles. If Rivian can utilize its existing battery supply chain and purchasing power, it could theoretically undercut boutique bike manufacturers while maintaining healthy profit margins.

Moreover, the e-bike serves as a potent customer acquisition tool. A consumer who cannot currently afford an $80,000 EV might enter the ecosystem through a $3,500 e-bike, download the app, and become a part of the Rivian data loop. This establishes a relationship that could eventually convert into a vehicle sale when the more affordable R2 and R3 models arrive. Industry analysis from The Wall Street Journal has previously highlighted the importance of Rivian building a “stickier” brand ecosystem to compete with Tesla, and a lifestyle product like an e-bike fits squarely into that objective.

The competitive dynamics of the premium electric bicycle sector

Entering the e-bike arena places Rivian in direct competition with entrenched players like Specialized, Trek, and Giant, as well as tech-forward upstarts like Cowboy. These companies have decades of experience in frame geometry and rider dynamics, areas where automotive engineers often stumble. A car company building a bike often results in a product that is over-engineered and heavy. To succeed, Rivian’s “Also” must ride like a high-performance bicycle, not a scaled-down motorcycle. The input of Scaringe, known for his attention to detail and outdoor hobbies, suggests the company is aware of these ergonomic nuances.

The software advantage mentioned earlier is Rivian’s ace in the hole against these traditional bike manufacturers. While companies like Bosch provide excellent motors and controllers to bike brands, the integration with a smartphone and a broader digital life is often clunky. If Rivian can offer a Tesla-like user experience—where the phone is the key, the dashboard, and the service center—it could disrupt the premium bike market significantly. The “TMB” project is likely testing these exact integrations to ensure they are bug-free at launch.

Future outlook for the Rivian adventure ecosystem

As Rivian moves closer to officially unveiling the “Also,” the industry will be watching to see if the company can execute on manufacturing execution. A prototype is one thing; mass production is another. The company will likely utilize a contract manufacturer for the frame and assembly while supplying the proprietary electronics and battery packs. This hybrid manufacturing model would limit capital expenditure while protecting the intellectual property that defines the bike’s performance and connectivity.

Ultimately, the “Also” represents a microcosm of Rivian’s broader ambition: to be the default brand for sustainable adventure. By filling the gap between hiking boots and electric trucks, Rivian is attempting to capture every mile of the journey. If successful, the e-bike will not only generate needed cash flow but will also cement the brand’s status as a holistic lifestyle company, proving that its software and design philosophy can transcend the automotive chassis.