The "ALSO" Seeks To Redefine What A Bicycle Is

Image courtesy of ALSO

 Recently a two-wheeled electrified vehicle has been introduced by a company called "ALSO". Backed by electric car company Rivian, it shares several design cues from the brand, most notably in its oval, head tube mounted LED light. 

However; unlike almost every other eBike, ALSO is a decoupled, software driven design which can amplify a rider's pedaling forces up to 10X, or be ridden like a motorcycle. 

Limited to 28mph, making it a Class 3 by law, the ALSO is perhaps the first eBike with no mechanical connection to the pedals. This is a grey area in that the pedals are not mechanically "assisted" by electric motor power. Rather, the rider's input is measured and software determines the amount of "assist" to the rear wheel  In a way, the cranks are really doing the same things a "throttle" on a typical throttle based eBike is doing. Namely, determining final output to the rear wheel. It is not the same, or even similar to, riding a 100% human powered bicycle. In fact, since it cannot be moved in a mechanical sense by pedaling, is it even a bicycle at this point? Maybe it is a high-tech scooter? 

Besides the odd drive train, the vehicle has 120mm of front and rear suspension with 24" wheels. The range can be up to 100 miles, even with heavy reliance on the battery. (Or less rider amplification?) The battery is unique in that it is its own separate module. It can be recharged outside the confines of the bike, and it can even double as a power brick for other devices. 

The ALSO features native "dashboard" computer  with read-outs for typical cycling information, built in navigation, just like a car would have, and it even has satellite radio capabilities with the typical Bluetooth connectivity to play your favorite music playlists or podcasts. The aforementioned lights make it night ride-ready with a powerful headlamp and tail light. It can carry up to 324lbs (including the rider), and the "upper frame" module can be changed to configure the ALSO into a baby hauler, grocery-getter, or trail MTB all with the same chassis. 

There is a LOT going on here, so hit this LINK to learn more, if you are interested in this $4,500.00 two wheeled contraption.  

Comments:  Besides the question over what this is, I find the concept totally intriguing. This further defines why traditional bicycle companies are not connecting with the changing expectations of consumers. The Rivian connection here also exemplifies why some "out-of-the-box" thinking might be advantageous for the Treks and Specializeds of the traditional cycling world. Their offerings in a similar price range cannot come close to matching the feature-laden and versatility laden design of the ALSO. 

But then again, the bicycle based efforts of the traditionalists are, well.....bicycles. You can ride them without the battery being on. However; this also begs the questions: Do these things have to be bicycles at all? Is this what consumers really want? 

Apparent ALSO feels the bicycle part is far less important than we might think.