ALSO, the electric-mobility spinoff from Rivian, has dropped the starting price for its much‑talked‑about TM‑B e‑bike to $3,500 — a full $1,000 less than the $4,500 Performance and Launch editions the company unveiled last month. The move broadens access to ALSO’s distinctive, tech‑forward platform, but the lower entry point comes with notable compromises that leave questions about market fit, weight and long‑term economics.

What’s new: price, preorder and timing

ALSO opened reservations for the TM‑B base model with a $50 refundable deposit and said shipments will begin in late 2026. The company previously positioned the TM‑B Performance and a limited Launch edition at $4,500; the new base variant brings the headline price down while keeping the same core form factor and much of the bike’s unconventional engineering.

The announcement landed late in the week — a timing some observers flagged as odd — but the substance was clear: a cheaper way to own ALSO’s electric, drive‑by‑wire bicycle concept.

Specs and what’s been trimmed

The TM‑B base retains ALSO’s signature drivetrain approach — a pedal crank that spins a generator and a belt drive to the rear wheel rather than a traditional mechanical chain — along with a compact color cockpit display, hydraulic disc brakes and ABS. But buyers choosing the $3,500 model should expect downgraded components and performance relative to the $4,500 models:

  • Range: up to about 60 miles for the base model vs. as much as 100 miles on higher trims
  • Assist: a 5x pedal assist on the base bike versus a 10x assist on Performance/Launch editions
  • Suspension: basic coil‑spring fork instead of the lighter, air‑spring fork on premium versions
  • Ride modes: only a standard mode on the base model (no sport setting)
  • Styling: the base TM‑B is offered only in all‑gray and does not include the transparent “DreamRide” shell that showcases the virtual drivetrain
  • Other retained features: hydraulic disc brakes, ABS, app connectivity and ALSO’s drive‑by‑wire system

    • Those trade‑offs are how ALSO reaches the lower price point, but they also highlight the bike’s position as a premium, heavily engineered product rather than a budget commuter e‑bike.

    Reactions: enthusiasm tempered by skepticism

    Early reactions split between admiration for ALSO’s engineering and concern about the company’s ability to sell enough units to sustain a high‑cost operation. Enthusiasts and industry writers have praised the TM‑B’s unusual drive system and clean design, but some analysts and commenters expressed skepticism.

    Electrek’s Micah Toll, for example, applauded the innovation but questioned whether there is a large enough market for a $3,500 e‑bike — noting that many mainstream buyers gravitate toward models in the $1,000–$3,000 range. He also pointed to the fate of prior tech‑heavy e‑bike startups that struggled under the weight of expensive hardware and a large engineering payroll.

    Other concerns raised by potential buyers include the bike’s reported heft: some commenters estimated the TM‑B could weigh around 80 pounds, a level that shifts it toward moped territory and makes day‑to‑day handling — carrying up stairs, loading into a car — more difficult for many riders.

    Context: price bands and market expectations

    The TM‑B sits in a crowded and rapidly maturing e‑bike market. Lower‑priced, high‑volume bikes have helped expand adoption, while premium brands compete on design, materials and bespoke tech. ALSO’s strategy appears aimed at offering a visually distinct, tech‑heavy product that can still be pitched to a broader audience with a reduced base price. Whether that will attract the volume needed to justify ALSO’s engineering investments remains an open question.

    Investors and industry watchers will be watching closely for early sales figures, delivery execution in late 2026, and how ALSO manages after‑sales service for proprietary systems — a challenge that has tripped up other startups in the space.

    What to consider before you preorder

    If you’re thinking about putting down the $50 refundable deposit, weigh these factors:

  • Intended use: Do you need a long range and higher assist levels, or do you mostly ride short urban trips where the base spec is sufficient?
  • Weight and handling: If you must carry or frequently store the bike in tight spaces, confirm the actual curb weight and whether you’re comfortable with it.
  • Serviceability: Proprietary tech and drive‑by‑wire systems can complicate repairs and parts availability; ask what local service networks ALSO will offer.
  • Alternatives: Mainstream e‑bike makers offer capable bikes at lower prices; premium competitors also sell high‑end models if performance and range are priorities.

Bottom line

ALSO’s $3,500 TM‑B base model is welcome news for buyers drawn to the brand’s bold design and unconventional engineering. It makes the platform meaningfully more attainable, but only by dialing back range, power and premium components. For enthusiasts who prize innovation and style, it could be an appealing option — provided the weight and serviceability meet their needs. For mainstream buyers, more affordable or lighter alternatives may still be a better practical choice.

The next test will be delivery and real‑world reviews once the TM‑B reaches customers in late 2026. Until then, the announcement raises both excitement about fresh e‑bike design and the familiar question: can a tech‑heavy, premium product scale in a price‑sensitive market?

RivianAlsoE‑bikeTM‑BElectric Mobility