What CLIP does

CLIP (legally CLIP.BIKE INC), founded in 2018/2019 by MIT Media Lab alumnus Som Ray, designs and sells a portable friction-drive e-bike conversion kit that attaches to a standard bicycle's front fork in approximately five seconds without tools. The hardware product line consists of two core SKUs — the Commuter ($499, ~12+ mile range, 30-minute charging) and the Explorer ($599, extended range, with UL certification in progress) — supported by a Bluetooth-enabled handlebar remote with regenerative braking, a dedicated battery management system, and a sub-10-pound form factor compatible with 26"-28" front tires. Accessories include a UL-certified charger ($59), replacement remote ($49), and the CLIP Care extended warranty program ($99/year), generating incremental revenue per installed base.

The company's revenue model is centered on direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales via clip.bike, complemented by an 18+ authorized US dealer network, Best Buy retail placement enabled by the zero-installation-friction design, and emerging international channels including a strategic partnership with India's Motovolt Mobility and an EU expansion led by a dedicated Sales and Partnership Director. Reported unit economics are $145-233 net margin per unit at a roughly $570 ASP, with warranty and logistics costs claimed to be 90%+ lower than premium e-bikes due to the product's simplicity. The primary customer segments are urban commuters (addressing the 80% of urban trips under six miles) and existing bicycle owners seeking to electrify a beloved current bike; secondary segments include multimodal commuters and emerging-market consumers via the India pilot. CLIP is venture-backed (~$4.7M raised across disclosed rounds plus a $10M Series A target) and headquartered in Newlab, Brooklyn, with a small team spanning product, supply chain, partnerships, customer support, and creative roles.

Name

CLIP

Legal name

CLIP.BIKE INC

Website

https://clip.bike

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CLIP designs a friction-drive e-bike conversion kit that attaches to any standard bicycle in five seconds without tools. It sells the $499 Commuter and $599 Explorer kits to urban commuters and existing bicycle owners seeking affordable e-mobility, distributed via DTC, Best Buy, and authorized dealers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Bike Conversion Kits (Micromobility Hardware)

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991), Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (44133)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

E-bikes & E-cargo Bikes Manufacturing (IMACAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

E-Bikes & Electric Bicycles (CRACASAA), Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories) (CRAMABAH)

Keywords

• Electric bike conversion kit
• Friction drive e-bike
• Portable micromobility hardware
• Bicycle electrification device
• Urban e-bike upgrade

Headquarters

HQ city

Brooklyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. E-Bike Conversion Kit Sales: Primary revenue from selling CLIP friction drive conversion kits. Two models: Commuter ($499) and Explorer ($599). One-time hardware purchase with optional accessories. Unit economics: ~$145-233 net margin per unit at $570 ASP. Warranty burden approximately 91% lower than premium e-bikes due to simple design.
2. Accessories and Add-ons: CLIP Care extended warranty ($99), CLIP Charger ($59), CLIP Remote replacement ($49). Accessory sales provide recurring revenue opportunities and enhance customer lifetime value.
3. CLIP Care Extended Warranty: One-year extension on standard 12-month warranty. Covers full cost for manufacturing issues and limited warranty for accident/wear & tear related issues for second year. Additional 12 months of shipping cost coverage included.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels16 records

Core offering

CLIP designs, manufactures, and sells a portable friction-drive e-bike conversion kit that attaches to the front fork of any standard bicycle in 5 seconds without tools, instantly turning it into an electric bike. The product line consists of two hardware models — the CLIP Commuter ($499, ~12+ mile range, 30-min charge) and the CLIP Explorer ($599, extended range) — supported by accessories (Charger, Remote) and the CLIP Care extended warranty program.

Product overview

CLIP offers a unified product line centered on their flagship e-bike conversion kit - a portable friction drive unit that transforms any standard bicycle into an electric bike in just 5 seconds without tools. The portfolio consists of two core models: the Commuter ($499) for standard urban use and the Explorer ($599) with extended range capabilities. Supporting the core product are add-on services like CLIP Care (extended warranty) and accessories including the CLIP Charger and CLIP Remote. The system uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery with regenerative braking, a dedicated battery management system, and a Bluetooth-enabled remote for boost activation. Compatible with city, road, and hybrid bikes with 26" to 28" front tires and any fork stem thickness (excluding suspension forks).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CLIP Commuter: Entry-level e-bike conversion kit model, priced from $499, with up to 12 miles range and 40 minutes charge time.
• CLIP Explorer
• CLIPcare

Products and services

• CLIP Commuter Entry-level e-bike conversion kit that attaches to the front fork of any standard bicycle in 5 seconds without tools, providing electric assist up to 12+ miles range and 15 mph top speed with ~30 minute charging. Designed for individual urban commuters.
• CLIP Explorer Premium e-bike conversion kit with extended range capabilities compared to the Commuter model, using the same friction-drive technology with enhanced battery performance for longer rides. Note: 192 Wh lithium-ion battery exceeds airline limits and is not permitted on airplanes.
• CLIP Care Extended Warranty One-year extended warranty for CLIP conversion kits. Covers full cost for manufacturing issues and limited warranty for accident/wear & tear related issues during the second year, plus complimentary shipping for the first 12 months of extended coverage.
• CLIP Charger UL-certified replacement charger for CLIP conversion kits. Compatible with 100-240 VAC outlets and designed to prevent overcharging.
• CLIP Remote Bluetooth-enabled replacement remote that attaches to the handlebar, allowing riders to engage Boost mode and regenerative braking. Features LED indicators showing battery status and charging state.

Quantifiable outcome

• 82% cheaper than premium e-bikes at $570 ASP vs $3,000+
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Motovolt MobilitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 November 2023Partnership with India's Motovolt Mobility to accelerate scale and develop affordable e-bike solutions for emerging markets. The partnership will include pilots in India planned for mid-2024, targeting India's large two-wheeler market and the country's 30% EV market share goal by 2030.
• NewlabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeadquarters located at Newlab Brooklyn, a climate tech community and innovation hub. Newlab provides resources, community, and partnership opportunities for climate-focused startups.
• NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLIP hosts NYSERDA Climate Justice Fellows. NYSERDA supports clean energy and climate initiatives in New York State, providing fellowship opportunities and climate research support.
• RIT NYSP2I (New York State Pollution Prevention Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNYSP2I conducted environmental impact analysis of CLIP's technology vs cars, public transit, and walking. Analysis found CLIP could reduce NYC commuter GHG emissions by approximately 12,900 MT CO2e annually.
• Climate WordsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerClimate-focused organization listed as partner on CLIP's website, indicating marketing and climate education collaboration.
• Black Girls Do BikeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCycling advocacy organization promoting cycling among Black women and girls. Partnership supports equitable access to clean micro-mobility.
• Transportation AlternativesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNYC-based cycling and pedestrian advocacy organization. Partnership with team member Dulcie who spent 7 years in bike advocacy with TransAlt.
• League of American BicyclistsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational bicycling advocacy organization. Partnership supports bicycling education and advocacy initiatives.
• For Climate TechminorGTM or Marketing PartnerClimate tech organization listed as partner, indicating ecosystem collaboration.
• Ride BrooklynminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNYC bike shop as authorized CLIP dealer. Provides in-person sales and demonstration support.
• Brooklyn Navy YardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial and technology campus in Brooklyn. Listed as partner, potentially providing manufacturing or business development resources.
• Bike Not BombsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in Jamaica Plain, MA. Bike advocacy organization turning donated bikes into community resources.
• Last Mile SFminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in San Francisco, CA. Focuses on urban mobility and sustainable transportation.
• FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSelected as 1 of 6 finalists from 108 applicants worldwide for FIA Smart Cities Global Start-Up Contest. Presented to former Mexico President Felipe Calderón.
• Mobility For AllminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganization supporting accessible mobility solutions. Provided tickets to Formula-E race and Smart Cities event.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Skarper: Clip-on e-bike conversion system that attaches to a special disc-brake rotor. Targets the same retrofit-any-bike use case with a different mechanical attachment approach.
• Swytch Technology: UK-based maker of e-bike conversion kits that swap the front wheel for a motorized one with a clip-on battery. Most directly comparable to CLIP as a DTC retrofit kit sold to existing bike owners.
• Rubbee: Lithuanian maker of a friction-drive e-bike conversion unit that attaches to the seat post and drives the rear tire. Closest functional analog to CLIP's friction-drive approach.

Emerging players

• Copenhagen Wheel: Wheel-replacement e-bike retrofit (originally a MIT Media Lab spinoff) with integrated motor, battery, and sensors. Competes in the same 'upgrade your existing bike' value proposition.
• Cowboy: Belgian connected e-bike startup targeting urban commuters with premium design and app integration. Comparable on design-led positioning and urban-micromobility focus.

Broad incumbents

• Bafang: Largest Chinese e-bike motor and mid-drive kit manufacturer supplying OEMs and the aftermarket globally. Represents the dominant incumbent in e-bike conversion components.
• Rad Power Bikes: Largest US e-bike brand by volume selling direct and via retail. Represents the integrated-e-bike alternative consumers compare against retrofit kits.
• Aventon: Fast-growing US e-bike brand with broad retail distribution (including Best Buy). Direct competitor for CLIP's Best Buy shelf space and DTC urban-commuter demand.
• VanMoof: Premium integrated e-bike brand known for design-led positioning. Competes for the same urban-commuter mindshare that CLIP targets, at a higher price point.
• Specialized: Global premium bike and e-bike manufacturer with full proprietary motor systems. Represents the established integrated alternative for riders who could otherwise retrofit with CLIP.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CLIP_bike
• Facebookfacebook.com/clipdotbike
• Instagraminstagram.com/clip.bike
• TikToktiktok.com/@clip.bike
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clipbike

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds6 records

Investors7 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CLIP