Rivian spin-off Also exits Kenya e-motorcycle project
Micromobility startup Also has abandoned a pilot project for electric motorcycles in Kenya to refocus resources on its primary e-bike and autonomous vehicle roadmap.
Also, a startup spun out of Rivian in 2025, has confirmed it halted an electric two-wheeler pilot project in Kenya earlier this year. The company stated that the move was necessary to prioritize its core business roadmap, specifically its ongoing development of consumer e-bikes and autonomous vehicle technology.
The initiative, which received backing from the Shell Foundation, was designed to test modular battery systems and charging infrastructure aimed at the African market. Internal documentation had suggested goals of creating purpose-built motorcycles for local riders, but the company ceased efforts after completing only early-stage work.
The African electric two-wheeler market remains a competitive sector, with firms such as Spiro already deploying over 130,000 electric motorcycles across multiple countries. While the sector shows clear growth, Also has decided to relinquish the project, noting that the Shell Foundation’s funding will remain with the effort to support its continued development by other means.