Seattle-Based Clean Republic Makes Eco Transportation Easy
Katie Cordrey — June 20, 2011 — Eco
References: electric-bike-kit & techcrunch
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: 1-4 | 5 | 6-7 | 4
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: 1-4 | 5 | 6-7 | 4
Trend Themes
1. E-bike Conversion Kits - Clean Republic's success highlights the growing trend of consumers converting traditional bikes to electric with easy-to-install kits.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Industry Implications
1. 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.
2. Green Energy Industry - Clean Republic's e-bike conversion kits and focus on eco transportation highlight growing opportunities in the green energy industry.
3. 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.
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