The ALSO TM-B has emerged as one of the most technologically distinct e-bikes in recent years by eliminating the mechanical connection between pedals and the rear wheel. Instead of a traditional chain or belt, the bike relies on copper wires to transmit power, creating a pedal-by-wire drivetrain where pedaling generates electricity that drives the rear hub motor. This design enables features like electronically simulated gearing and a Level 10 boost mode capable of multiplying rider input by ten times, but it raises critical questions about functionality when the battery is depleted.
Aaron Draczynski, an early Launch Edition owner, deliberately drained his TM-B to test these limits, documenting the experience on YouTube. Unlike conventional e-bikes that simply become heavy bicycles when power fails, the TM-B progressively restricts its assistance as the charge drops. Starting at 31%, the bike reduced its maximum boost from Level 8 down to Level 1 as the battery fell below 5%. At 4% charge, standard electric assistance vanished entirely, yet the system did not shut down completely.
As the battery reached this critical threshold, the bike entered a state Draczynski dubbed "Infinite Turtle Mode," indicated by an infinity symbol on the display. In this mode, the system attempts to pass the rider's pedaling energy directly through the electronic drivetrain to turn the rear wheel, similar to how a crank-powered flashlight operates without a charged battery. On flat ground, the owner reported the experience felt comparable to riding a standard bicycle in fourth gear, offering reasonable resistance and forward momentum.
However, the limitations of this mode became apparent on inclines. Even slight hills transformed the ride into what Draczynski described as a "truly grueling ordeal," with the bike feeling permanently stuck in a high gear equivalent to seventh or eighth. Because the TM-B lacks physical gears and relies entirely on software simulation, manual shifting was disabled in this state, preventing the rider from selecting an easier virtual gear for climbing. Consequently, while the mode keeps the bike moving on level terrain, it does not function like a conventional bicycle.
The low-power state also disabled connectivity features; the owner could no longer lock or unlock the bike via the smartphone app, likely to conserve power for essential systems, though the touchscreen controls remained functional. Beyond the riding experience, Draczynski encountered a separate issue regarding battery retention while the bike was stationary. Leaving the TM-B unplugged in his garage at 70% charge resulted in a drop to 40% by evening and 18% the following day.
Upon returning the next morning, the bike displayed a "Bike issue detected" message followed by an instruction to install the battery, despite it already being in place. The system failed to recognize the battery, preventing both charging and ejection via the standard process. Draczynski resolved the issue by using a physical reset button located under the frame, which restored system recognition and allowed normal charging. He speculated on Reddit that the rapid drain might be caused by the bike continuously searching for a cellular signal in an area with poor reception. This incident highlights potential software vulnerabilities in the ALSO TM-B's power management and connectivity systems.
Sources: Electrek.