# Speedy E-Bike Conversions Seattle-Based Clean Republic Makes Eco Transportation Easy By Katie Cordrey | Published 2011-06-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clean-republic References: [techcrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/21/clean-republic-bikes/) & [electric-bike-kit](http://www.electric-bike-kit.com) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pikaboost-2) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kamingo-ebike-motor). The beauty of the [Clean Republic Hill Topper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleanoil) 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: [1-4](http://e-bike-kit.blogspot.com/) | [5](http://seattlebikeblog.com/2011/03/15/notes-from-the-2011-seattle-bike-expo/) | [6-7](http://capitolhillseattle.com/2011/03/11/20th-ave-e-electric-bike-wheel-start-up-takes-the-hill-out-of-capitol-hill) | 4 ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [E-Bike Conversion Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skarper-system.md) - [E-Bike Conversion Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zipforce-slim.md) - [Crowdfunded E-Bike Converters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pikaboost.md) - [Widely-Compatible Bike Conversion Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swytch-go.md) - [Powerful Aftermarket eBike Motors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheel-conversion-kit.md) - [Customizable E-Bike Conversion Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/byqee-e-bike-conversion.md) - [Ultra-Compact Bike Conversion Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clip-electric-motor.md) - [Instant E-Bike Conversions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pikaboost-2-lite.md) - [Lightweight Ebike Conversion Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightest-ebike-kit.md)