- The modular TM-B switches from trail machine to cargo bike in seconds
- Removable battery packs can be used as portable power.
- It has also developed next-generation helmet technology to match.
Rivian is busy revolutionizing 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 top-tier suppliers.
It caught the attention of the Volkswagen Group, which recently paid Rivian $5.8 billion to gain access to its pioneering electrical know-how. But the same technological USP has generated another interesting plot twist in the form of a highly modular electric bicycle.
Also (also spelled as TOO), a vertically integrated electric micromobility company based in Palo Alto, California, has today announced its initial line of small electric vehicles that it hopes will “disrupt” (of course) personal transportation.
Their first product, the TM-B, which stands for Transcendent Mobility Bike, features a unique modular design that houses a series of interchangeable “top frames.” With the push of a button on the built-in digital display, the user can change what is effectively the seatpost area for a variety of settings.
There’s a standard saddle for recreational riding and a cargo bike-style rear end that can accommodate child seats and panniers. In addition to this, there is a third, much lower seat, which essentially transforms the motorcycle into a more traditional scooter or small capacity motorcycle configuration.
Each ‘top box’ is recognized by the bike, which in turn will be configured to the user’s specifications. What’s more, these accessories are electric, so they can operate the rear safety lights, while locking them into place with an electric locking mechanism similar to those found on a snowboard.
easy rider
Perhaps the most interesting technology resides where a traditional bottom bracket would be, as this large section houses both the removable battery and the cable pedaling system, called DreamRide.
Like drive-by-wire technology, this system lacks a physical connection between the cranks and the final drive, whether a belt or chain.
Instead, it also uses a large number of onboard sensors to determine the slope of the landscape, the effort made by the user and the desired speed.
10 levels of assistance are offered, while users can also choose software mapping that simulates real gear ratios, allowing manual shifting when riding trails or other recreational environments.
It will be recognized as a Class 3 e-bike in the US, meaning it can offer pedal assistance up to 28mph, although this may be adapted to comply with local laws and legislation when it is launched globally.
Chris Yu, founder and president of Also, says the pedal-by-cable system is designed to “reduce the pain points” that many potential e-bike customers face when launching a leg for the first time, such as learning to juggle assist settings, changing gears, and becoming familiar with the assist output based on the amount of torque applied through a crank.
The TM-B and software-defined DreamRide aim to eliminate the learning curve by making all those decisions for the rider based on the level of assistance they want at that moment. It also enables advanced regenerative braking that can return power to the removable battery pack.
Venturing off the grid
On that note, the vehicle battery, which uses the same cells as Rivian, functions 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 wild.
Interaction with the bike is via Also’s ‘Portal’ digital touchscreen, which can be operated by swiping and pushing, or via a handlebar-mounted hard button setup.
This allows users to take control of media on a connected smartphone, make on-the-fly adjustments to settings and take full advantage of the numerous security options, which use the smartphone as a key for automatic ignition and locking when approaching or walking away.
Chris Yu says the bike “disengages” the drive system, locks the rear wheel, and initiates a tamper-proof alarm system when the user walks away with the smart key.
What’s more, each piece of technology can be remotely “locked” by the app in the event of theft, with the battery, DreamRide drive unit and touchscreen disabled “to Apple level”, meaning the bike could only be sold for scrap on the black market.
The future of micromobility?
Along with the TM-B, it has also developed its Alpha Wave helmet, 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 includes integrated lights and four wind-protected speakers that fire directly into the rider’s ears.
Two noise-cancelling microphones allow for phone calls on the go, as well as voice-activated interaction with a smartphone.
Not content with simply revolutionizing the e-bike market, it also says it has used the same basic platform, most of which is designed and manufactured at Rivian’s facilities using similar components to its pick-ups and SUVs, to create a range of quads.
As the name suggests, these TM-Qs include four wheels for greater stability and can be customized to offer a large cargo area in the rear for last mile delivery solutions.
Alternatively, a variety of bench seats can be specified to transport a group of children to and from school.
While this weight of technology would normally come with an eye-watering price tag, it also believes it can really alter its value proposition, 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-for-apples’ comparison, given the TM-B’s incredible levels of modularity, but the 180Nm of torque available, inverted front forks and up to 100 mile 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 lean on Rivian and follow its vision of manufacturing and designing everything in-house reduces dependence 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 outlets in spring 2026, along with the Alpha Wave helmet, plus a line of ‘top frame’ configurations and accessories, including things like saddlebags, pannier racks, luggage, and phone mounts.
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