Rivian spinoff ‘ALSO’ launches e-bikes; quad to carry big loads, use bike lanes

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A new spinoff of Bay Area-based electric car maker Rivian just launched several new electric bikes. One of them is an electric quad designed to carry big loads.

The micromobility startup called “ALSO” launched a new electric bike.

“This is unlike any other e-bike that exists today. The reason is because of the propulsion system,” said Ben Steele, Chief Commercial Officer for ALSO. “There is no chain, there is no derailer.”

ALSO has a new electric quad, the “TMC-quad” which is also drawing a lot of interest. It’s the four-wheel electric bike that can carry more people and more things.

“You are actually looking at an e-bike. It’s got four wheels. But it’s an e-bike,” said Steele.

MORE: California voucher program offering up to $2,000 toward purchase of e-bike

The quad has pedal assist. It is the same width as a large cargo e-bike. And, it’s designed to be used in a bike lane. While regulations vary by area, experts say using the new electric quad in bike lanes will open up new opportunities for faster and more efficient travel and deliveries.

“There are drop-offs. There are family errands; there are small businesses that are moving goods,” said ALSO President and Co-Founder, Chris Yu.

ALSO leaders say there’s a new collaboration between their electronic quad and Amazon to facilitate future deliveries.

“We’re really excited to be working with Amazon which could be used to carry very very large payload but has the scale and through-port of a smaller vehicle,” said Yu.

Luke Bornheimer is with Safe Streets SF.

MORE: Tesla offers cheaper versions of 2 electric vehicles in bid to win back market share in tough year

He says electric quads are already being used in other cities.

“This has been really popular in NYC and other cities. It helps to get cars off the road, reduces car traffic, makes streets safer 23 and allows us to move more people and more items in less space,” said Bornheimer.

The electric quads have yet to be launched in the Bay Area.

But, Bornheimer says they are promising for reducing congestion and for the future of transportation.

“Commercial delivery is a big part of car traffic and truck traffic in cities in general. But they are very space inefficient things, big trucks, cars carrying big items. So, shifting those trips, shifting those items to bike is a great thing. That will increase demand to productive bike lanes,” said Bornheimer.