ALSO TM-B Deliveries Begin With Mixed Early Reviews — SkimNews
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- ALSO began delivering $4,500 Launch Edition TM-B e-bikes to first customers after months of missed delivery windows, while simultaneously running a nationwide promotional demo tour.
- The TM-B uses ALSO's proprietary DreamRide pedal-by-wire drive system with no mechanical drivetrain connecting pedals to rear wheel, and its thumb throttle only boosts assist while the rider is pedaling—functioning as a temporary 'boost' rather than an independent motorcycle-style throttle.
- One early owner's worst-case range test—high pedal assist, headwinds, and steep hills—produced just 30 miles (51 km) from a full charge before hitting 4% battery, far below the advertised 100-mile (160 km) range.
- The TM-B progressively reduces maximum assist as battery drains, dropping from 10x at 40% charge to 2x at 6%, after which the bike begins to feel 'more like pedaling a normal bicycle instead of an electric bicycle.'
- ALSO attributed the delivery delays to hardware changes driven by component supply issues and regulatory approval challenges for the bike's battery and high-power USB-C charging system.
- A top commenter questioned the TM-B's value proposition, arguing its swappable seatposts, cargo rack, and battery features are available on conventional e-bikes at lower prices.
Why it matters: ALSO needed to convert patiently waiting reservation holders into believers—and early owners say the ride delivers, even as real-world range under hard use (30 miles) comes in at roughly a third of the advertised 100 miles. For a $4,500 e-bike entering a crowded market, the open question isn't whether the TM-B rides well but whether its software-defined premium is defensible against conventional competitors.
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