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Rivian’s (RIVN) Also e-bike spin-off got a recent vote of investor confidence, but the big question is can its innovative tech give it a boost over other rivals, many of whom have flamed.
Also gave reporters a chance to try out the TM-B, aka “transcendent mobility bicycle,” out of Rivian’s retail “space” in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
The electric pedal assist TM-B has some interesting tech going for it. At its core, there are two versions: a Standard version ($3,500) and a Performance version ($4,500). The standard version has a 400 Wh battery, good for 50 miles or so of range, and a max power setting of “5,” meaning it has the power of 5 riders, a Rivian spokesperson said.
The Performance variant has a slightly over 800 Wh battery, giving approximately 100 miles of range and a max power rating of 10.
While two bikes have steep entry points, they have different tech. The TM-B’s batteries are removable for ease of charging, but that’s something a lot of e-bikes currently offer. The TM-B’s true innovation is its pedal-by-wire system, or DreamRide system.
Also calls DreamRide a “seamless integration of a series hybrid drive unit and software.” In essence, there is no direct mechanical connection between pedaling and the bike’s movement; pedaling is converted into electricity by a small generator and stored in the bike’s battery.
Based on the rider’s preference for smooth or fast riding, the TM-B’s software then drives a separate motor to move the wheels via a rubber belt.
With a lower power level, more of the rider’s pedal effort is converted into energy to power the bike forward; at higher power levels, an extra boost is provided by the battery.
Very innovative stuff. Like other e-bikes, the TM-B also has a thumb lever on the right handlebar to give a full boost from the battery, meaning pedaling isn’t required (but power drains faster). The bike also has a regenerative braking system, which recharges the battery at lower stopping power levels.
Driving the Also TM-B around Brooklyn was generally effortless. At lower levels of power (for example, 5), the boost from the battery was decent, but it still required some pedal effort. At max power (10), pedaling required very little effort, if any, the bike zipped along at its max speed of 20mph.
Using the thumb lever on the handlebar delivered a modulating amount of electric power. At full throttle, you could zip around town at 20mph quite easily – perfect for squirting in and out of traffic, or getting a boost over the Williamsburg Bridge.
