Transforming an old bike into an electric Solex with one click?

This is the promise of CLIP, which has developed an ingenious system that allows you to add electric assistance to any bike.

The CLIP bike system consists of just two elements: a large clamp weighing 3.8 kg that attaches directly to the front fork of the bike and a remote control that is positioned on the handlebar. No additional tools or mechanical parts are needed since the system, once installed, drives the front wheel through friction. A bit like a good old Solex, it seems. Starting assistance or help for climbs is activated with a simple press of the remote control button. The system recharges during descents.

CLIP has been designed as a simple solution for daily commuting to the office, combining optimal autonomy and sufficient power at an affordable price. However, the price is indeed a concern, as the starting price is 450 euros for the Commuter model, which offers only 10 km of assistance. You will need to spend 550 euros for the Explorer model with its 20 km of assistance. This is barely cheaper, for example, than a BTwin E FOLD from Decathlon, which still provides 35 km of autonomy for 699 euros.

This system is not going to revolutionize soft mobility, but it is clever and should easily find its audience if it really is as easy to use as CLIP claims. One can easily imagine using it during the week to transform the weekend leisure bike into a commuter bike capable of facing the urban jungle. However, it should be avoided for long rides, as you might soon find yourself forced to push an unnecessary passenger solely with the strength of your calves…

ALSO READ: Mercedes F1 Team and N+ launch their range of electric bikes