This modular, pedal-by-wire e-bike could seriously shake up future transport – and it has Rivian’s backing
- The modular TM-B goes from trail machine to cargo bike in seconds
- Removable batteries can be used as portable power
- Also developed next-generation headset technology to match
Rivian is disrupting the electric vehicle market, creating a sophisticated architecture that keeps almost every part of its vehicles in-house, rather than relying on an endless stream of tier-one suppliers.
This caught the attention of the Volkswagen Group, which recently paid Rivian $5.8 billion for access to its pioneering electrical know-how. But the same technological USP has given rise to another interesting twist in the form of a highly modular electric bike.
Also (also written as ALSO), a vertically integrated electric micro-mobility company based in Palo Alto, California, today announced its first line of small electric vehicles that it hopes will “disrupt” (of course) personal transportation.
Its first product, the TM-B, which stands for Transcendent Mobility Bike, features a unique modular design that houses a number of changeable “top frames”. With the simple press of a button on the integrated digital display, the user can override what is actually the seat post area for a variety of setups.
There’s a standard saddle for recreational riding and a cargo bike-style rear that can accommodate child seats and panniers. On top of that, there’s a much lower third bench seat that essentially turns the bike into a more traditional scooter or small-capacity motorcycle.
Each “top frame” is recognized by the bike, which in turn will be configured to the user’s specifications. Additionally, these accessories are powered and therefore can operate the rear safety lights, while they lock in place with an electrical attachment mechanism similar to those found on a snowboard.
Easy rider
Perhaps the most interesting technology lies where a traditional bottom bracket would be, as this large section houses both the removable battery and the pedal-by-wire system, dubbed DreamRide.
Similar to electric steering technology, this system has no physical connection between the cranks and the final drive, whether a belt or chain.
Instead, it also uses a host of onboard sensors to determine the slope of the landscape, the effort the user is putting in, and the desired speed.
There are 10 levels of assistance on offer, while users can also choose software mapping that simulates real-world gear ratios, allowing manual shifting when riding on trails or in other recreational environments.
It will be recognized as a Class 3 e-bike in the US, meaning it can offer pedal assist up to 28 mph, although this may be adapted to local laws and legislation when it is rolled out globally.
Chris Yu, founder and president of Also, says the pedal-by-wire system is designed to “reduce the hassles” that many potential e-bike customers face when they first kick off a leg — like learning to juggle assist settings, changing gears, and getting familiar with assist power based on the amount of torque transmitted through a crank.
The TM-B and software-defined DreamRide aim to banish the learning curve by making all of those decisions for the rider based on the level of assistance they want at that moment. It also allows for advanced regenerative braking that can feed energy back into the removable battery.
Venturing off-grid
Speaking of which, the vehicle-grade battery, which uses the same cells as Rivian, doubles as a premium portable power bank, enabling USB-C fast charging via two outlets, one of which offers up to 240 watts. That’s enough to power a laptop or even camping accessories when you head out into the wilderness.
Interaction with the bike is via Aussie’s ‘Portal’ digital touchscreen, which can be operated with swipes and pushes, or via a handlebar-mounted hard button setup.
This allows users to take control of media on a connected smartphone, make adjustments on the fly and make the most of the many security options, which see the smartphone used as a key to automatically power on and lock when approaching or departing.
Chris Yu says the bike “disconnects” the drive system, locks the rear wheel and triggers a tamper-proof alarm system when the user leaves with the smart key.
Additionally, every piece of technology can be remotely ‘bricked’ by the app in the event of theft, with the battery, DreamRide control unit and touchscreen all disabled at ‘Apple level’, meaning the bike could only realistically be sold for scrap on the black market.
The future of micromobility?
Alongside the TM-B, Also has developed its Alpha Wave headset, which it says will be the first to incorporate Release Layer System (RLS) technology.
This is said to offer a “step change in rotational impact protection” compared to current generation MIPS. The helmet also contains integrated lights and four wind-canceling speakers that fire directly into the rider’s ears.
Two noise-canceling microphones enable phone calls on the go, as well as voice interaction with a smartphone.
Not content with simply disrupting the e-bike market, it also claims to have used the same basic platform, the majority of which is designed and manufactured at Rivian’s facilities using similar components as its pickups and SUVs, to create a line of quads.
As the name suggests, these TM-Qs feature four wheels for greater stability and can be customized to provide ample rear cargo space for last-mile delivery solutions.
Alternatively, a large bench seat can be specified to transport a group of children to and from school.
While this tech heft typically comes with an exorbitant price tag, it also believes it can truly disrupt its value offering, suggesting TM-B will start at around $4,000 (around £3,000 / AU$6,150) when it launches in North America early next year.
It’s hard to find an ‘apples to apples’ comparison, given the TM-B’s insane levels of modularity, but the 180Nm of torque available, inverted front forks and up to 100 miles of range from the removable battery put it in a league with machines that can cost three times as much.
Chris Yu says the ability to rely on Rivian and follow its vision of manufacturing and designing everything in-house reduces reliance on third-party suppliers, which in turn reduces overall cost.
Expect to see the first TM-B models hit the market in Rivian stores and select retail outlets in spring 2026, alongside the Alpha Wave headset, as well as a range of “top frame” configurations and also accessories, which include items such as saddlebags, racks, luggage and phone holders.
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