In under two years, Seattle e-bike startup Clean Republic has gone from prototype to delivery of more than 1,000 units. Clean Republic is a garage-based company that markets an e-bike conversion kit for the do-it-yourselfer as well as its Hill Topper electric bike kit -- basically a ready-to-install bike wheel with built-in electric assist motor.
The beauty of the Clean Republic Hill Topper is that it installs in just about 3 minutes and it’s relatively inexpensive. It's available with an 11-pound sealed lead acid (SLA) battery pack that delivers a 10-mile range or a more expensive lithium battery that weighs about 6 pounds and gives a 20-mile range. The Clean Republic Hill Topper is intended to assist, not replace the rider; as anyone who has been to Seattle knows, a little help on the hills can be very handy.
Image Credit: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://e-bike-kit.blogspot.com/">1-4</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://seattlebikeblog.com/2011/03/15/notes-from-the-2011-seattle-bike-expo/">5</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://capitolhillseattle.com/2011/03/11/20th-ave-e-electric-bike-wheel-start-up-takes-the-hill-out-of-capitol-hill">6-7</a> | 4
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- E-bike Conversion Kits
- Clean Republic's success highlights the growing trend of consumers converting traditional bikes to electric with easy-to-install kits.
- DIY Eco Transportation
- Clean Republic's garage-based business model and do-it-yourself e-bike conversion kits represent a disruptive innovation opportunity for the eco-friendly transportation industry.
- Lightweight Lithium Batteries
- The availability of inexpensive, lightweight lithium batteries for electric bikes creates new opportunities for manufacturers and retailers in the e-bike industry.
Where This Applies
- Bicycle Industry
- The e-bike conversion kit market is disrupting the traditional bicycle industry, forcing companies to adapt and potentially offer their own conversion options.
- Green Energy Industry
- Clean Republic's e-bike conversion kits and focus on eco transportation highlight growing opportunities in the green energy industry.
- Retail Industry
- As the e-bike industry continues to grow, there is potential for retailers to enter the market with e-bike conversion kits and ready-to-ride electric bike options.
