Following the Anthem launched in September 2023, California-based electric light mobility startup Ryvid has introduced the second model to its lineup. The new scrambler-style Outset is for customers wanting an electric motorcycle for commuting and multi-road adventures. The launch marks a milestone for the company, with Anthem setting a new benchmark as one of the world’s most affordable electric motorcycles based on specs, according to Dong Tran, Ryvid Founder and CEO.

“From Ryvid’s inception, my primary goal has been to provide the most accessible light electric vehicle to a broad audience,” Tran wrote to the company’s audience and customers. “To disrupt the light electric mobility sector, it was essential not only to innovate our product but also our value proposition. Creating a new generation of electric two-wheel adopters meant competing effectively on the specification-versus-price ratio against both existing EVs and traditional ICE vehicles.”

Shipping now is the Anthem, at just $6495, down from an original price of $8995, and orders are being taken for the new Outset at $5995, which begins shipping in Summer 2024. The Outset launch comes with a special offer of a free power controller upgrade by ASI while supplies last. Early supporters, Launch Edition owners, and customers who have already bought the Anthem at previous pricing are expected to get a special offer to compensate for the price drop.

 

Low cost aided by California funding

Achieving the more competitive pricing was challenging until the company could execute several key post-launch initiatives, according to Tran. Those were increased production volume to negotiate lower costs for parts; expansion of the range of products on the same platform, simplifying both build process and product configurations; and an optimized supply chain for better costs and logistics. The Ryvid team has been focused on reaching these objectives over the past two years.

“Their relentless efforts have significantly advanced us toward our goal of increasing electric vehicle adoption,” according to Tran. “We advocate for this shift not just for environmental and generational benefits, but because it enriches the soul and now, positively impacts your financial bottom line.”

Founded in 2021, Ryvid created a prototype of its first product, the Anthem, in June 2022. It announced at CES 2024 that it is now in higher-rate production at its new factory facility in San Bernardino, CA.

The company attributed its meteoric rise, in part, to a grant provided by the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development to stimulate innovation, technology, and job creation. Funding through the California Competes Program allowed Ryvid to hire key employees, accelerate product development, and get American-produced machines into the hands of riding enthusiasts in record time.

As part of the master plan devised by founder and automotive designer Tran, completion of the San Bernardino factory facility not only allowed continued production of the Anthem model to meet the increased demand but also provided capacity for new models to join the roster. The company believes that the advantage of an American-based production team and manufacturing is an extremely flexible, responsive, and adaptable process with a simplified supply chain.

“Opening our own factory facility has allowed us to streamline the manufacturing process further, speeding up what is already a rapid production process, allowing Ryvid to quickly pivot to new models and focus on new market segments,” explained Tran.

 

Sharing modular design with Anthem

Weighing just 315 lb (143 kg) with its battery, the Outset shares the Anthem’s lightweight architecture and low center of gravity. Among key differentiators is the e-bike’s 12-lb (5.4-kg) stainless steel folded sheet metal frame, chosen for strength and constructed without any welding, simplifying the assembly process and reducing labor costs. Modular construction allowed the designers to reduce weight and complexity.

Another key Ryvid innovation is the patent-pending electrically adjustable seat height. Long recognized as a major obstacle for new riders, Anthem ensures a wider range of riders can comfortably sit on the Anthem and place their feet securely on the ground. Using a hydraulic ram, the rider can rapidly adjust the seat height from 30-34 in (760-860 mm) without affecting the rear suspension geometry.

Key benefits of electric power include major components positioned at axle level for easy direction changing at high speed and maneuvering at slow speed, according to the company. At the push of a button when stopped, a reverse gear enables riders to move the motorcycle backward at walking speed to extricate it from a tight parking position or awkward slope.

The Outset shares the Anthem’s backbone frame, 4.9-in TFT instrument display, removable 4.3-kW·h battery with integrated 3.3-kW charger, 72-V air-cooled brushless DC motor, controller, and sealed belt drive. Key Outset stats are a range of up to 70 mi (113 km) in Eco mode and a top speed over 75 mph (120 km/h), so like with Anthem, riders need a motorcycle license and Outset offers motorcycle brake positions and a twist throttle.

However, the Outset offers greater suspension travel for more “challenging surfaces;” a longer, narrower motocross-style seat; and multi-role Dunlop Mutant tires for urban exploration and beyond. It also has its own headlight design, mirrors, wider handlebar, seat unit, and suspension. The more upright riding position also necessitated repositioning the footpegs forward and adding a longer kickstand.

The 52-in (1320-mm) wheelbase Outset has Sport and Eco modes with regenerative braking with a carrying capacity of 330 lb (150 kg). Its motor is rated at 7.5 kW, with peak power of 14 kW, and 53 lb·ft (72 N·m). It has a clutchless direct-drive transmission with a 4.7:1 ratio Continental Synchroforce Carbon drive belt and a reverse gear limited to 5 mph (8 km/h). Charging times at 110 V are 0-80% in 2.3 h and 0-100% in 3.25 h and at 220 V with a Level 2 adapter are 0-80% in 1.3 h and 0-100% in 1.85 h.

The bike is suspended by an inverted front fork with 6.5-in (165-mm) travel and a rear mono-shock with 1.8-in (45-mm) travel—both with preload and adjustable damping. Conventional brakes are by a hydraulic four-piston front caliper with a 320-mm (12.6-in) rotor and a twin-piston rear with a 240-mm (8.5-in) rotor.

 

Ultimate swapability

Because the Outset shares several key components with the Anthem, owners have a unique opportunity to convert one into the other. By removing the Anthem’s adjustable seat mechanism and employing fewer body panels among other changes, Ryvid has been able to offer Outset at $500 less than its flagship Anthem.

The “industry first” modular design for conversion from Anthem involves purchase at a fraction of the price of the complete machine. The conversion parts will be available from ryvid.com, which currently lists every part of the Anthem for service or repair—and soon Outset-specific parts. A list of parts and an instruction video will be provided to guide Anthem owners when converting their Outset—and vice versa.

The Outset carries a two-year limited warranty on motorcycle parts and batteries and is supported by the Ryvid Service Team.