Also, a micromobility startup spun out of Rivian in 2025, had been developing an electric two-wheeler pilot project in Kenya earlier this year, supported by a grant from the Shell Foundation. The initiative aimed to create a locally integrated e-moto platform tailored for the East African market, including modular battery systems and distributed charging infrastructure. However, after early-stage work, Also decided to step away from the project to prioritize its core business focus.

Also's co-founder and president, Chris Yu, explained that while the Kenya project aligned with their mission to build cost-optimized vehicles for specific markets, the company chose to concentrate on advancing autonomous vehicles, particularly in partnership with DoorDash. Additionally, Also struggled in its first year launching its premier e-bike, the TM-B, facing supply chain disruptions and delays that hampered customer deliveries and communication with reservation holders.

The TM-B e-bike represents Also's flagship consumer product, described as a sophisticated "computer on wheels," but production challenges, including competition for critical electronic components and certification issues, delayed shipments until October 2026. Customer response so far has been mixed, with some reporting battery drain and delivery damages, though the company has improved its customer communication since early struggles. Despite setbacks, Also plans to expand its product line to include cargo bikes for commercial clients like Amazon and further autonomous vehicle solutions.

The Shell Foundation indicated the Kenya pilot was intended to gather insights on driver income and the commercial viability of electric motorcycles in Africa, but declined to share detailed results due to nondisclosure agreements. Meanwhile, Also is doubling down on autonomous delivery vehicles and commercial pedal-assist models, signaling a strategic shift away from international electric bike projects toward automated mobility solutions in its near-term roadmap.