Electric vehicle giant Rivian has quietly transformed an internal passion project into a bold new venture: a standalone micromobility startup called Also, Inc. Backed by $105 million in funding led by Eclipse Ventures, this spinoff marks Rivian’s ambitious push into the fast-growing world of compact electric transport—think e-bikes, scooters, and lightweight vehicles designed for urban life.
While Rivian retains a minority stake, it’s keeping a close eye on the new venture. CEO RJ Scaringe will serve as Chairman of the Board at Also, while Chris Yu—formerly Rivian’s VP of Future Programs and a veteran from bike-maker Specialized—steps in as President.
This move comes on the heels of Rivian securing a $6 billion loan commitment from the Biden administration last year, aimed at helping the EV maker navigate sluggish sales and growing inventory.
RJ Scaringe took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his excitement:
“What started as a stealth team within @Rivian is now its own company. For the world to truly transition to sustainable and accessible transportation, we ALSO need a range of small electric form factors. Our first product launches early 2026. Follow our journey at @ridealso!”
How Also, Inc. Emerged from Rivian’s Stealth Micromobility Lab
Long before Rivian’s rugged electric trucks hit the road, Scaringe had already been thinking smaller—way smaller. Around 2019, Rivian quietly launched an internal skunkworks project to explore whether its electric tech could be adapted to power more compact, urban-friendly vehicles.
A small but high-caliber team formed, drawing talent from companies like Apple, Google, Uber, and REI. Their mission: build something agile, affordable, and clean for city living. What began as a scrappy side project evolved into something far more impactful.
“There’s a huge gap in urban mobility,” said Jiten Behl, Rivian’s former Chief Growth Officer, who led the funding round with Eclipse. “Cities aren’t designed for big trucks. We need flexible, smaller electric options that still deliver.”
Scaringe echoed the sentiment in a press release, stating:
“To achieve full electrification of transportation, we need a wide range of vehicle types and formats. I’m incredibly excited by the innovations coming from the Also team. They’re building products that will shape entirely new micromobility categories.”
What to Expect from Also’s First Product in 2026
After years under wraps, Also, Inc. is stepping into the spotlight. The team is developing a new line of electric vehicles, beginning with a two-wheeled, bike-like product slated for release in early 2026.
Scaringe hinted at what’s coming:
“There’s a seat, two wheels, a screen, some computers, and a battery.”
Designed for both the U.S. and European markets initially, the product line may eventually expand to Asia and South America. The goal? Bring Rivian-grade quality to micromobility—without the luxury price tag.
Today’s e-bike market, Scaringe noted, is frustratingly overpriced:
“A high-end e-bike can cost between $6,000 and $10,000. That’s because of a broken supply chain with too many layers. We think we can fix that.”
Does the Market Really Need Another E-Bike Brand?
Despite the excitement, skepticism remains. Industry observers are asking what sets Also apart in a saturated micromobility space.
One social media commenter, Carole Bennett, questioned the necessity:
“There’s already a wide selection of e-bikes and e-trikes in the $2K-$3K range. What makes this different?”
The answer lies in the brand’s ambition to bring automotive-level engineering to everyday rides, while streamlining costs through smarter design and a more efficient supply chain.
What’s Next for Also, and What It Means for Rivian
With a 70-person team and independent operations, Also will still have the option to share some resources with Rivian—including technology, retail presence, and logistics infrastructure—when it makes strategic sense.
Meanwhile, Rivian continues to focus on its core EV lineup. The R2 midsize SUV remains on schedule, with production beginning in Normal, Illinois, and deliveries expected in the first half of 2026.
As for Also, expect more product reveals and launch updates later this year. While design specifics remain under wraps, one thing’s clear: Rivian’s micromobility experiment has grown into a serious business with big potential.
