Rivian Spinout Also Drops Kenya Electric Motorcycle Pilot to Prioritize Autonomy
Rivian spinout Also ended its Kenya electric motorcycle pilot, shifting resources to TM-B e-bikes, DoorDash autonomy and commercial cargo vehicles next.
Summary
Also, spun out of Rivian in 2025, ended a Shell Foundation funded electric two-wheeler pilot in Kenya earlier in 2026 after completing limited early work with an unnamed partner. The deleted project page proposed modular batteries, distributed charging and a purpose-built motorcycle for African riders, aiming to test driver income gains, operational performance and commercial viability while reducing risks for global manufacturers entering Africa. The platform could have expanded across East Africa. Also said the grant would follow the project, but neither it nor the Shell Foundation provided details, citing a nondisclosure agreement. Spiro already operates more than 130,000 electric motorcycles and 2,500 battery-swapping stations across seven African countries, while Chinese companies and investors are expanding in the market.
Co-founder and president Chris Yu said Also redirected resources toward its consumer roadmap and small autonomous vehicles developed with DoorDash, which he believes could reach scale before autonomous passenger cars. Its first independent year was disrupted by repeated TM-B delivery delays involving certification hurdles, nearly weekly supply problems and competition with AI data centers for printed circuit board materials. The premium e-bike began shipping in early October 2026, after months of limited customer updates that Yu acknowledged were poorly handled. Communication has since improved, earning some goodwill on Reddit, although early buyers report delivery damage and battery drain. Also next plans commercial cargo bikes, including four-wheeled models for companies such as Amazon, plus DoorDash vehicles, which it considers larger revenue opportunities.
Positives
- More than 130,000 Spiro electric motorcycles and 2,500 swapping stations across seven countries demonstrate substantial African demand.
- Early October 2026 marked the start of TM-B customer shipments after repeated production delays.
- Improved customer communication has recovered some goodwill among TM-B reservation holders on Reddit.
- Commercial cargo bikes for companies such as Amazon and autonomous DoorDash vehicles offer larger revenue opportunities.
- Shell Foundation grant funding will remain with the Kenya project to support its continued development.
Risks & concerns
- Also abandoned the Kenya pilot after only early-stage work, leaving its planned motorcycle, charging and modular battery platform unfinished.
- Nondisclosure restrictions and the deleted Shell Foundation webpage leave the project’s funding, partner and future operator unclear.
- TM-B production faced nearly weekly supply disruptions, certification hurdles and competition with AI data centers for circuit board materials.
- Months of limited delivery updates frustrated reservation holders, a communication failure Chris Yu acknowledged.
- Early TM-B customers have reported delivery damage and noticeable battery drain.