GoKawiilRivian spinout Also abandons Kenya electric motorcycle pilot
Also, the micromobility startup spun out of Rivian in 2025, began and then dropped a Shell Foundation-backed pilot to develop an electric motorcycle platform for African riders in Kenya. Also confirmed to TechCrunch it completed only early-stage work with an unnamed partner before deciding to focus on its core consumer e-bike and autonomous vehicle roadmap. The company said grant funding from the Shell Foundation will carry over to support ongoing development, without giving details.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The pullback suggests Also is narrowing its ambitions to prioritize its primary e-bike and AV business over international expansion, even as Africa's electric two-wheeler market draws growing interest from companies like Spiro and various Chinese manufacturers. It also raises questions about how the Shell Foundation's grant funding will be redirected, since neither party disclosed specifics on where that money now goes.
- Also quietly started and then exited a Shell Foundation-funded electric motorcycle pilot in Kenya.
- The company says it will refocus resources on its core e-bike and autonomous vehicle roadmap.
- Africa's electric two-wheeler market remains attractive, with rivals like Spiro and Chinese firms expanding rapidly.
Source: techcrunch.com — Sean O'Kane, 2026-11-03
Published there as: “Rivian spinout Also was working on an e-moto project in Kenya — until it walked away”
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