Rivian patent filing could indicate the future of Electric Bikes

Key Highlights

• Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, has registered a new trademark for bicycles and electric bikes, as well as the structural components that comprise them.
• The move could indicate that Rivian is considering jumping on the e-bike bandwagon and diversifying its portfolio with a product that is more cost-effective to manufacture at scale than electric pickup trucks and is more in line with its targeted "adventure" seeking demographic.
• Rivian declined to comment on the matter, telling TechCrunch that it had no information to share.
• Perhaps the company, which is known for its R1T truck accessories, wishes to design the entire package for its target audience – the eco-conscious, rugged American explorer.

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Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, has registered a new trademark for bicycles and electric bikes, as well as the structural components that comprise them. The move could indicate that Rivian is considering jumping on the e-bike bandwagon and diversifying its portfolio with a product that is more cost-effective to manufacture at scale than electric pickup trucks and is more in line with its targeted "adventure" seeking demographic.

Rivian declined to comment on the matter, telling TechCrunch that it had no information to share.

Companies frequently register trademarks for products that they never use, but other automakers are starting to recognise the value of the e-bike industry, which saw a 240 percent increase in sales in the year ending in July.Last year, Porsche introduced two new e-bikes that were inspired by the Taycan Cross Turismo. BMW recently announced plans to manufacture several e-bikes and other micromobility vehicles, including the all-electric CE 04 scooter.

Rivian announced last month that it would use some of the $13.7 billion raised during its initial public offering to build a second factory in Georgia (the first is in Illinois) to double its production capacity and produce battery cells – cells that could theoretically be used in batteries for other types of vehicles as well.

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According to the filing, which was initially disclosed by Rivian Forums, Rivian wishes to broaden the scope of its trademark use to include the following:

Bicycles; bicycle structural parts; electric bicycles; electric bicycle structural parts; electric bicycle components specially adapted for electric bicycles, namely, battery packs, motor controllers, electric motors, throttle controls, pedal assist sensors, display consoles, wiring harnesses, sprockets, cassettes, chains; bicycle frames; bicycle pedals; bicycle horns; bicycle brakes; bicycle chains; bicycle gears; bicycle wheels; bicycle seats; bicycle tires; bicycle cranks; bicycle tags; bicycle mudguards; bicycle motors; bicycle saddles; bicycle pumps; bicycle bells; bicycle handlebars; bicycle trailers; bicycle kickstands; bicycle seat posts; fitted bicycle covers; bicycle wheel spokes; bicycle wheel rims; bicycle stands; bicycle pedal straps; bicycle parts, namely, derailleurs; bicycle water bottle cages; bicycle carriers for vehicles; pumps for bicycle tires; inner tubes for bicycle tires; bicycle parts, namely disk wheels; bicycle parts, namely brake shoes

Rivian also recently filed a patent for an integrated tailgate cargo system for automotive vehicles, which is essentially a tailgate bike rack that allows drivers to transport a bicycle without sacrificing bed space. Perhaps the company, which is known for its R1T truck accessories, wishes to design the entire package for its target audience – the eco-conscious, rugged American explorer.

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