Rivian launches "ALSO" micromobility EV startup for e-bikes, scooters, other small electric vehicles

[mkg3]

Seams like a lack of focus, all hands should be on hitting R2 targets and advancing R3....

Believe one of the reasons why it was spun out. It wasn't getting enough attention and was a distraction.

By spinning out, there will be a set of people focused just on ALSO. Their website shows they are located in Palo Alto so its a software centric micro mobility business that they are entering.

Just hope that ALSO doesn't become also-ran.

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[jplblue]

I struggled with that placement too and bought this at deep discount a couple years ago. Only scooter at the time that fit well in the gear tunnel.
https://store.segway.com/ninebot-kickscooter-air-t15
$670 on Amazon but think I got mine for around $300. Not perfect but was just what I wanted to upgrade from my 20+ year old razor scooter.

I got a Dynamic Scooter and (for those of us with Gen 1s) it fits nicely in the lower shelf of the frunk. There's even space for the mobile charger, outlet adapters, etc. It's only 250W, so underpowered for larger folks -- but for me, it's surprisingly zippy and a lot better than walking. My oldest kid also enjoys riding it.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Given timing, I wonder if R2 will be launched with a companion e-Bike or scooter like Honda did with their Motocompacto/Prologue.

 

[BigSkies]

I'm glad this got spun out. I remember seeing their talk about an e-bike and thinking about what a distraction it was from their main products and goals.

A spin out makes sense, particularly if there's some underlying Rivian products/IP that are differentiated from other similar companies.

The press release wording was vague enough that I'm not making assumptions about what the final products will look like. Plenty of other people are doing bikes and scooters. Maybe they'll do that. Or maybe they'll do something with three wheels?

 

[PappaBolt]

The UPS vision of micro mobility

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I'm glad this got spun out. I remember seeing their talk about an e-bike and thinking about what a distraction it was from their main products and goals.

A spin out makes sense, particularly if there's some underlying Rivian products/IP that are differentiated from other similar companies.

The press release wording was vague enough that I'm not making assumptions about what the final products will look like. Plenty of other people are doing bikes and scooters. Maybe they'll do that. Or maybe they'll do something with three wheels?

Good timing too. Given tariffs, if they don't make theirs in China, there will probably a temporary void to fill in the micromobility space. And as the Rivian brand gain awareness and positivity, a brand associated with it could do well.

 

[SSteveEV]

I'd love an E-Scooter that has oversized tires and the power to get off the beaten path.

Would you like it to match the Compass Yellow accents?

 

[SSteveEV]

I got a Dynamic Scooter and (for those of us with Gen 1s) it fits nicely in the lower shelf of the frunk. There's even space for the mobile charger, outlet adapters, etc. It's only 250W, so underpowered for larger folks -- but for me, it's surprisingly zippy and a lot better than walking. My oldest kid also enjoys riding it.

Glad you like that scooter and it has a happy home! I saw it advertised when I was buying mine but I don't think it had been released quite yet. Recall a bit of a "of course now!" moment

Amazon keeps sending me recall notices for one that I bought and returned to them when it didn't fit in the tunnel. Tempting to take the buy back option but I try not to commit fraud even when they ask really nicely.

 

[ThirteenElectrics]

Rivian has designed cars which look at best look like geeky Minions and at worst look like hermaphrodites. They have big profitability and scalability challenges, really buggy software, service centers booking four months out, and totally unreliable cars.

Now they want to distract themselves with niche unprofitable markets. The board of directors needs to step in and set RJ straight. What other stupid skunkworks projects are still in flight at Rivian?

 

[Noplacelikeloam]

Please dont make an e-bike. Every car brand that has done this has missed the mark by a country mile and been ridiculed for it.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Please dont make an e-bike. Every car brand that has done this has missed the mark by a country mile and been ridiculed for it.

And you just exposed reason why they should try and not "miss by a country mile". The reason others fail is because they take an existing product from a bike manufacturer, slap their brand on it and arrogantly upcharge by a country mile on price. Honda's Motocompacto bucks that trend. And it pays homage to another micromobility product in the brand's history. While it isn't selling like hotcakes and seen everywhere, it got a very warm public reception and got good reviews. Opportunity is there. "Also" just need to deliver the goods.

 

[Noplacelikeloam]

And you just exposed reason why they should try and not "miss by a country mile".

No, no, no. Right now RIVN has some credibility in the outdoor space. Busting out a half cooked ebike in an already saturated and very mature market will sink that notion fast.

 

[uphill]

...and at worst look like hermaphrodites.

You must know a lot more about truck genitalia than me.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

No, no, no. Right now RIVN has some credibility in the outdoor space. Busting out a half cooked ebike in an already saturated and very mature market will sink that notion fast.

And no no no... this isn't about RIVN or Rivian. This is a spin off with its own funding and fundraising. It's a... wait for it... spin-off. Only thing being siphoned off of Rivian is tech and maybe a handful of people. Risk to Rivian itself is low. There's no reason to freak out.

 

[Noplacelikeloam]

And no no no... this isn't about RIVN or Rivian. This is a spin off with its own funding and fundraising. It's a... wait for it... spin-off.

Right, which has been launched as a RIVN spinoff. Assuming you can separate consumer perception is a dumb move.

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