In the competitive world of electric vehicles and micromobility, it’s not every day you hear that a design legend known for the iPhone quietly lent a hand in shaping a new e-bike. Yet, according to multiple sources speaking to TechCrunch, LoveFrom—the creative studio founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive—spent roughly 18 months collaborating with Rivian’s internal team on what would become the automaker’s first electric bike project. This involvement took place within a stealth “skunkworks” initiative led by Chris Yu, formerly Specialized’s chief product and technology officer, and concluded in fall 2024 as the project prepared to spin out under a new venture named Also.

Rivian, best known for its electric trucks and SUVs aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, began exploring micromobility possibilities in early 2022. The directive: could Rivian’s core EV technology be distilled into a smaller, more affordable, bike-like product? Sources suggest that an initial small team of designers and engineers worked on modular concepts that would carry Rivian’s elevated aesthetic into new form factors. By the time LoveFrom joined in early 2023, prototype work was already underway, and the collaboration focused on refining design language, user experience, and packaging solutions that could scale across different vehicle types. Rivian’s skunkworks eventually grew to about 70 people, drawing talent from Apple, Google, Specialized, Tesla, and REI Co-Op before spinning out as Also with $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures earlier this year.

Despite the secrecy, Rivian’s founder and CEO RJ Scaringe has dropped hints: “There’s a seat, and there’s two wheels, there’s a screen, and there’s a few computers and a battery,” he told TechCrunch in March, emphasizing a “bike-like” ethos without revealing specifics. Chris Yu, now president of Also, has similarly been cagey, though insiders confirm the project’s roots in Rivian’s EV stack tailored to micromobility. The new company is slated to reveal its first vehicle designs at an event later this year, but whether the bike that emerges bears visible LoveFrom signatures remains to be seen.

LoveFrom, co-founded by Jony Ive after his departure from Apple, has already dipped its toes into transportation: in 2021, Ferrari’s parent company announced that LoveFrom would help with next-generation vehicle design, and Ive was reportedly influential in Apple’s secret car project before its cancellation. In automotive and product design alike, LoveFrom is prized for clean, minimalist aesthetics and a rigorous user-centered approach. Translating those sensibilities to an e-bike involves unique hurdles: balancing lightweight construction, modularity, battery integration, and user interface in a compact package.

According to sources familiar with the collaboration, LoveFrom’s industrial designers brought “thoughtful and clever packaging” and an interdisciplinary, international perspective to Rivian’s Irvine-based team. They engaged deeply with everything from frame geometry and component integration to the UX/UI of any onboard screens or connectivity features. One key design challenge was ensuring modularity—allowing for various attachments or configurations—while preserving the kind of refined aesthetic that Rivian has become known for in its larger vehicles. The outcome of these discussions likely informed early prototypes, even if the final production version will evolve further under Also’s independent development.

Skunkworks programs thrive on autonomy, agility, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Rivian’s internal micromobility team reportedly started small, exploring concepts for lightweight electric vehicles that could complement or extend its main offerings. Bringing LoveFrom into the fold added a layer of high-end design expertise, signaling Rivian’s ambition to stand out not just on tech but also on form and user experience. This approach mirrors trends in the broader EV industry, where automakers increasingly seek partnerships to accelerate innovation in adjacent segments like e-bikes and scooters.

The project’s progression—from a stealth initiative in early 2022 to a near spin-out by early 2025—illustrates how established companies can incubate disruptive ideas internally before launching them as separate ventures. Also’s $105 million backing from Eclipse Ventures reflects investor confidence in micromobility’s growth potential, even amid challenges seen by other players like Bird or Lime regarding unit economics and regulation. Rivian’s brand cachet and technical backbone give Also a head start, and LoveFrom’s design input may help differentiate its products in a crowded market.

While LoveFrom’s involvement in the Rivian e-bike project may seem surprising, it aligns with Jony Ive’s broader interest in transportation design. At Apple, he was reportedly a key advocate for centering the car project around autonomy. After leaving Apple, Ive’s firm has consulted on high-profile automotive ventures, with Ferrari being a notable example. The move into micromobility thus represents a logical extension: applying renowned design craftsmanship to smaller-scale, everyday transportation devices that could reshape urban mobility.

Ive’s contributions often emphasize user experience, simplicity, and seamless integration of hardware and software. For an e-bike, this might translate into intuitive controls, minimalistic interfaces, clever battery placement, and a cohesive ecosystem—elements that could set Also’s first product apart. However, production realities, cost constraints, and scalability will also play decisive roles, especially if Also aims to serve both consumer and commercial segments in the US, Europe, and beyond.

As Also gears up to unveil its initial vehicle designs, observers will be keen to see how much of the LoveFrom collaboration endures in the final product. Will the e-bike feature signature minimalist touches, bespoke materials, or a distinct user interface that echo Apple-era craftsmanship? Or will practical considerations—regulatory compliance, manufacturing cost targets, and modular compatibility—dilute the design flourishes? The answer will shed light on the balance between high-concept design and real-world viability in micromobility.

Moreover, Also’s broader vision hints at multiple form factors beyond a single e-bike. Scaringe and Yu have spoken of the potential to tackle “almost any imaginable micromobility form factor,” suggesting future scooters, cargo bikes, or last-mile delivery vehicles. How these products integrate with Rivian’s ecosystem—perhaps through shared charging infrastructure, retail channels, or software services—could influence user adoption and brand loyalty.

The LoveFrom–Rivian collaboration underscores a growing trend: top-tier design firms are increasingly partnering with mobility startups and established automakers to infuse products with elevated aesthetics and user-centric features. In an era where differentiation matters, especially as more players enter the e-bike and scooter markets, compelling design can be a critical advantage. However, history shows that striking the right balance between premium design and affordability remains challenging. For Also, leveraging Rivian’s technology stack and LoveFrom’s design ethos may provide a competitive edge, but execution at scale will be the ultimate test.

Investors like Eclipse Ventures evidently see potential in such synergies, backing Also’s bid to convert automotive-grade know-how into nimble micromobility offerings. As cities worldwide seek sustainable, space-efficient transportation options, the appetite for well-designed e-bikes and small electric vehicles is strong. If Also’s debut product combines Rivian’s rugged ethos with LoveFrom’s refined design language, it could resonate with consumers looking for premium micromobility solutions.

When Also finally reveals its first vehicle at the scheduled event later this year, the world will be watching for clues of Jony Ive’s influence. While insiders confirm LoveFrom’s involvement in early prototyping and UX/UI discussions, the final design may reflect additional iterations, supply-chain realities, and market feedback. Regardless, the story highlights how design luminaries continue to shape transportation innovations beyond smartphones and laptops, extending their craft to how we move around our cities and outdoors. Whether the e-bike that emerges will bear unmistakable LoveFrom hallmarks or subtle echoes of Ive’s ethos, the collaboration between Rivian and one of tech’s most celebrated designers underscores the evolving intersection of aesthetics, technology, and sustainable mobility.