If Li Yinan’s creation of Xiaoniu electric motorcycle can be seen as an upgrade, then can Rivan’s move from making two electric vehicles to making electric bicycles be considered a “downgrade”?
In fact, earlier this year, Rivian expanded the scope of its trademark usage:
The RIVIAN™ trademark registration covers bicycles; structural parts of bicycles; electric bicycles; structural parts of electric bicycles; electric bike components, including battery packs, motor controllers, motors, throttle controllers, pedal-assistance sensors, display consoles, wiring harnesses, chainwheels, flywheels, chains; bicycle frames; bicycle pedals; bicycle horns; bicycle brakes; bicycle chains; bicycle gears; bicycle wheels; bicycle seats; bicycle tires;
With such a comprehensive trademark scope, Rivian can become a bicycle manufacturer directly.
So, what does Rivian think about making electric bicycles?
One angle is that electric bicycles can become an option for R1T/R1S, just like the previously introduced kitchen package.
Another angle is about the electric bicycle market overseas. In many countries, people choose to drive due to less congested traffic situation. However, the sales of electric bicycles have gradually increased in recent years, and people also prefer to ride electric bicycles, which are “advanced” and convenient means of transportation, to meet daily travel needs.Meanwhile, smaller cars mean lower costs and greater energy efficiency, which also symbolize Rivian’s environmental values.
However, Rivian is not the first automaker to do this, as Peugeot, GM, Skoda, and even BMW and Porsche have done similar things.
Interestingly, an increasing number of cars on the road do put mounting pressure on urban traffic conditions. However, once this pressure exceeds a certain threshold, it can in turn spur the growth of the market for two-wheeled vehicles such as electric bicycles in first-tier cities.
So, following this perspective, it seems that electric bicycles, not electric cars, are the future.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.