Imagine hopping on an electric bike that's not only powered by cutting-edge tech from an EV powerhouse like Rivian, but now it's hitting the market at a price that might just make it accessible to more riders—starting at $3,500! But here's where it gets intriguing: Rivian's innovative spinoff company, Also, has just dropped the official starting price for their debut e-bike, the TM-B, and it's shaping up to be a fascinating entry into the world of urban mobility. If you're new to e-bikes, these are bicycles enhanced with electric motors that assist your pedaling, making rides easier and extending your reach without the sweat—perfect for commuting, leisure, or tackling hills. Last month, Also revealed this versatile TM-B, which comes in three flavors: a limited Launch edition, a high-performance version, and a more budget-friendly base model. During the initial unveiling, they teased that the Launch and Performance models would begin at $4,500, while dropping hints that the base variant would clock in under $4,000—and now we've got the confirmation at $3,500.
Now, this base model TM-B does come with some trade-offs to keep costs down, which is the part most people miss when eyeing premium gadgets. For instance, it offers a maximum range of about 60 miles on a single charge—think of that as how far you can go before needing to recharge, depending on your terrain and pedaling effort—paired with a 5x power assist. To clarify for beginners, power assist means the motor kicks in to boost your pedaling power; a 5x rating amplifies your effort five times over, helping you ride faster or climb steeper inclines without exhausting yourself. It also features coil fork suspension, which is a simpler, more traditional setup for absorbing bumps on the road, and sticks to just a standard ride mode. In contrast, the pricier TM-B options boast an impressive 100-mile range, a stronger 10x power assist for even more effortless cruising, air fork suspension that's adjustable and often smoother for varied terrains, and the flexibility to choose between sport and standard ride modes—ideal for those who want to switch up their experience on the fly.
But here's the controversial twist that might spark debate: Also is only rolling out the base model TM-B in a plain all-gray finish, which means you'll miss out on that eye-catching transparent shell that showcases their virtual drivetrain technology, aptly named DreamRide. For those unfamiliar, DreamRide is a software-driven system that simulates different gearing without physical parts, allowing a more seamless and customizable ride feel—kind of like how video games adjust difficulty levels. So, is the lack of that flashy feature a deal-breaker, or does it better suit riders who prioritize function over flair? And while this starting price makes the TM-B more wallet-friendly than initially anticipated, it's still a premium tag for an e-bike. To put it in perspective, you could find solid entry-level electric bikes from other brands for less, sometimes under $2,000, though they might not pack the same innovative tech or brand prestige. Yet, for EV enthusiasts or those drawn to Rivian's forward-thinking vibe, this could be a smart investment in sustainable transport.
The TM-B base model is now up for preorder on Also's site with a refundable $50 deposit, and shipments are slated to begin in late 2026. What do you think—is $3,500 a fair entry point for cutting-edge e-bike innovation, or should e-bikes stay in the sub-$2,000 realm to truly democratize cycling? Do you agree that features like DreamRide justify the cost, or is it just fancy gimmickry? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your take and see if you're team base model or eyeing the upgrades!
