--- title: "Rivian Spinoff Abandons Electric Two-Wheeler Pilot Project in Kenya" url: https://noti.group/rivian-spinoff-abandons-electric-two-wheeler-pilot-project-in-kenya/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Technology" published: 2026-11-03T16:49:09.000Z updated: 2026-11-03T17:37:07.141Z id: 7726fe16-3a09-4cbf-9576-82c6c026c4a4 source: "TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/03/rivian-spinout-also-owns-up-to-mistakes-in-delayed-e-bike-launch/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/rivian-spinoff-abandons-electric-two-wheeler-pilot-project-in-kenya/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Rivian Spinoff Abandons Electric Two-Wheeler Pilot Project in Kenya A startup spun out of Rivian has quietly ended a pilot project for electric two-wheelers in Kenya earlier this year. A startup that spun out of Rivian in 2025 is making headlines for its quiet departure from an electric two-wheeler pilot project in Kenya earlier this year. The project, which was funded by a grant from the Shell Foundation, aimed to introduce electric vehicles to Africa's massive market. The Shell Foundation, established by British oil and gas giant Shell plc, had initially highlighted the potential of the project on its website, stating that it would help de-risk the entry of global OEMs into East Africa's EV market. The plan was ambitious: Also was set to develop modular battery designs and distributed EV charging systems, in addition to designing a purpose-built electric motorcycle tailored to African riders' needs. The company was expected to integrate these innovations into its platform, with the potential for scaling across the region. Kenya's massive two-wheeler market has become an attractive opportunity for electric motorcycles, with some companies seeing significant growth in recent years. This trend has caught the attention of Chinese investors and mobility companies, who are now pouring resources into the continent to capitalize on this emerging market. Also's early-stage e-moto project in Kenya was put on hold due to shifting priorities within the company. According to an email sent by Also in September, the project was explored with a partner but ultimately abandoned after some initial work was completed. The grant funding received from the Shell Foundation is still available to support the project's ongoing development, although specifics are scarce. The Shell Foundation initially stated that the Kenya pilot was intended to gather data on driver income and operational performance, aiming to better understand the market opportunity. However, when pressed for more information, the organization declined, citing a nondisclosure agreement with Also. Also's co-founder and president Chris Yu explained during an interview at TechCrunch Disrupt that the Kenya project initially aligned with the company's mission of building cost-optimized vehicles tailored to specific markets. The Africa project, which was initially aligned with Also's mission of building cost-optimized vehicles tailored to specific markets, ultimately fell by the wayside due to a shift in focus. According to Chris Yu, Also's co-founder and president, the company decided to prioritize its efforts on autonomy, as it believed this technology would have a greater impact in smaller, purpose-built vehicles rather than passenger cars. This decision was driven by the urgency and pace of advancements in autonomy, which seemed to be accelerating rapidly. The Africa project's demise coincided with Also's own rocky first year as an independent company. The startup faced significant supply chain issues that forced it to repeatedly delay deliveries of its flagship product, a premium e-bike called the TM-B. This led to frustration among customers who had reserved one, but were left in the dark about when they could expect their bikes. Also's leadership has acknowledged that the company made a mistake by not communicating effectively with its reservation holders during this time. In fact, Chris Yu views the criticism as an opportunity for Also to improve its communication and engagement with customers, allowing it to earn their trust and feedback. Also's focus on launching its first product, the TM-B e-bike, has been a crucial step in the company's growth ambitions. The bike's striking design has generated significant interest among consumers and will serve as a key showcase for the brand. The company's plans to expand beyond e-bikes are well underway, with commercial cargo bikes set to be launched soon. These new products, including four-wheeled models, have the potential to bring in higher revenue streams for Also, particularly through partnerships with companies like Amazon and DoorDash. According to Yu, no single issue was responsible for delaying the TM-B's launch. Instead, the company faced a series of complex challenges related to supply chain management. The bike itself is a highly intricate product, described as a "kind of a computer on wheels," making it vulnerable to disruptions in raw materials and certification processes. Also encountered difficulties in securing the necessary components for production. At one point, the company found itself competing with other manufacturers for printed circuit board materials used in AI data centers. Additionally, navigating varying government regulations proved to be a significant challenge, requiring Also to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. The company's communication strategy has undergone significant changes as it navigates the challenges of launching its first products to customers. Initially, Also struggled to provide timely updates on production and shipping timelines, leading to frustration among early adopters. However, the team has made a concerted effort to improve transparency in recent times, acknowledging that clear communication is crucial during this critical phase. This shift in approach has earned them some goodwill from customers who appreciate the company's willingness to learn from its mistakes and adapt accordingly. Some of these customers have taken to online forums to share their experiences with Also's products, highlighting issues such as delivery damage and noticeable battery drain. While these problems are not uncommon for a first-time product launch, they do underscore the importance of robust quality control measures in ensuring customer satisfaction. As Also continues to work through these kinks, it will likely face increased scrutiny from customers who have already invested in its products. The company's ability to address these issues effectively will play a significant role in determining its long-term success and reputation in the market. The challenges faced by Also are not unique to this startup alone, as many companies in the electric vehicle space have struggled with similar issues during their early stages of development. The electric vehicle space has been fraught with challenges for several companies, including Also, a spinout from Rivian that attempted to develop an e-moto project in Kenya. Also's efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and it appears that the company abandoned its plans in the country. The exact reasons behind this decision are unclear, but it's likely that the startup faced significant obstacles in bringing its vision to life. The setbacks experienced by Also serve as a reminder of the difficulties that many companies in the electric vehicle sector have encountered during their early stages of development, making it a challenging space for innovation and growth. --- Source: [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/03/rivian-spinout-also-owns-up-to-mistakes-in-delayed-e-bike-launch/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/rivian-spinoff-abandons-electric-two-wheeler-pilot-project-in-kenya/