Talk about a split lane in the e-bike world.
While one fresh-faced startup just joined the billion-dollar club, a seasoned player is busy cleaning out its garage and selling off extra tool sheds. Let’s roll into the details.
Also: The New Kid on the Block with a Star-Studded Wallet
Meet Also — the new “it” brand in the micro-mobility scene. This Rivian-born startup just scored a jaw-dropping $200 million from Greenoaks Capital, officially hitting that coveted unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. Not too shabby for a company that’s only been flying solo since earlier this year.
But here’s the kicker — this isn’t Also’s first funding rodeo. Earlier in 2025, it banked another $105 million right after spinning out of Rivian. And the backstory? Also began life inside Rivian as “Project Inder,” where it even had the legendary Apple designer Jony Ive’s firm, LoveFrom, lending some aesthetic magic.
So what’s next? Also is quietly crafting its debut e-bikes, with designs expected to drop later this year. Consider our curiosity officially piqued.
Accell Group: Spring Cleaning in a Tough Season
Meanwhile, on the other side of the tracks—er, bike lanes—Accell Group is navigating what you might call a “rebuilding year.”
The European e-bike giant saw revenue drop from €12.94 billion in 2023 to €10.03 billion in 2024. Ouch. Blame it on heavy discounting, slow-moving inventory, and the costly recall of its Babboe cargo bikes.
So, what do you do when the road gets rough? You streamline. Accell slashed its warehouse count from 85 down to 28 last year, with more closures expected in 2025. It’s also shifting production toward a mix of in-house and third-party manufacturing, with Hungary as its new central hub.
Oh, and that factory in Turkey? Sold. The one in the Netherlands? Looking shakier by the day.
But it’s not all brake pads and flat tires. Accell’s parts and accessories business is actually growing. The company also secured a €50 million super senior loan after a recapitalization deal earlier this year. So, while they’re not popping champagne, they’re definitely still in the race.
Two Paths, One Industry
So there you have it: one company fueling up for a glamorous debut, another trimming down for a smarter, leaner future. It’s a telling moment for the e-bike market — where flashy innovation and gritty restructuring are riding side by side.
