Rivian, an electric vehicle startup, is reportedly developing an electric bike. According to Report, CEO RJ Scaringe informed Rivian employees about the project during a company-wide meeting on Friday.
Interestingly, CEO Scaringe stated that the startup was working on a bike with a “small group” of engineers.
Bloomberg could not confirm whether Scaringe was referring to an electric motorcycle or bicycle. However, the publication noted that Rivian has cycling components and designs patents.
Rivian plans portfolio expansion
CEO Scaringe has previously stated that Rivian intends to enter the micro-mobility market eventually. His previous interest in electric bikes is reflected in this move, especially since the company recently filed to expand its trademark to include electric bicycles.
The company also hired top-tier e-bike designers from influential brands like Specialized, beefing up its electric bike concept team ahead of what many of us assumed would be an inevitable e-bike project.
During the meeting, CEO Scaringe confirmed that an e-bike is not only in the works but that the first model is already being actively developed in-house.
Rivian laid off 6% of its workforce
Earlier this week, the company reduced its workforce by 6%. It is worth noting that this layoff is the company’s second major restructuring in less than a year.
The possibility that Rivian is working on an e-bike comes in the same week that the company confirmed layoffs affecting 6% of its workforce.
The company stated that the move was made to refocus on scaling production of its R1T and R1S EVs, putting Rivian on the path to long-term profitability.
Scaringe told employees on Friday that Rivian had spread itself too thin by attempting to do too much at once.
E-bike to help Rivian on its new venture
E-bikes also face fewer regulatory hurdles, lowering costs and shortening development time. Rivian can enter the market quicker with lower overhead and a much larger volume of products to support its larger electric vehicles.
Many city dwellers also join a growing movement against larger vehicles, particularly in cities.
Massive electric trucks and SUVs, such as those manufactured by Rivian, have been the goal of growing online and grassroots opposition.
Smaller and more efficient vehicles, such as e-bikes, are being promoted as safer alternatives that do not endanger city residents or take up a lot of public space in many places.
