In an exciting new development, Rivian, the electric vehicle powerhouse, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking micromobility company called Also. This venture comes with a significant $105 million in Series B funding from the prominent venture capital firm Eclipse. The focus? Pioneering the development and production of lightweight electric mobility solutions, such as bikes and scooters.

Rivian's Founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, expressed enthusiasm in a recent statement, emphasizing the necessity for diverse vehicle options in the transition to electrified transportation: "For the world to fully transition to electrified transportation, a range of vehicle types and form factors will be needed. I am extremely excited about the innovations developed by the Also team that will underpin a range of highly compelling micromobility products."

The inception of this new company is the culmination of Rivian's so-called "stealth program," initiated several years ago to address a "massive need" for smaller, lightweight electric vehicles. Scaringe had hinted at this focus during a presentation at Tech Disrupt 2023, where he voiced his commitment to "multimodal" transportation solutions, including electric bicycles.

Rivian, widely recognized for its robust R1S SUV and R1T truck—which are on the heavier, more expensive side of the market—sees Also as a strategic move to diversify its offerings. The upcoming R2 and R3 models are still in development, projected to start production in 2026, while the introduction of lightweight mobility devices like e-bikes and scooters could provide an appealing option for fans of Rivian's adventurous ethos.

Rivian intends to maintain a "substantial minority ownership stake" in Also, with plans to feature its products in Rivian retail locations in the future. CEO RJ Scaringe will assume the position of chair of Also's board of directors, potentially steering the company toward innovative breakthroughs in urban mobility.

However, it's worth noting that the electric bike industry has seen its fair share of challenges. Despite high-profile attempts by automotive giants like Porsche, Mercedes, Jeep, GM, and Hummer to enter this market, none have experienced substantial success thus far. Additionally, the e-bike sector is currently grappling with instability, highlighted by VanMoof's recent bankruptcy and Rad Power Bikes' executive turbulence.

As the e-bike landscape continues to evolve, Rivian's entry could be a game-changer. With a renewed focus on micromobility, we may be witnessing the dawn of a new chapter in electric transportation. Will Also redefine the way we think about urban mobility? Only time will tell! Stay tuned for updates on Rivian's electrifying journey into micromobility.