In no time, this kit transforms a normal bike into an electric bike

I give you my opinion on the Clip Bike. We told you a few weeks ago about the arrival in France of this electric motor kit system to install (and uninstall) on any bike. I just spent two weeks with him. Enough to give you a rather complete return. Against €450 (€400 at the moment for pre-orders), is this system a good investment?

Clip Bike, la solution Solex™ version 2024 ?

The complete presentation of the Clip Bike module can be found here. Some gloomy minds will say that this is not a real innovation. However, for us, it is one. Before the Clip Bike, there was no solution that allowed you to electrify your bike universally and without tools. No need for an adapter or tools; the Clip Bike installs and removes in seconds, as easily as a simple accessory.

Yes, the technology resembles what was offered by the original Vélosolex™, created in 1946. A roller that sits on the front wheel; which drives the wheel to relieve strain on the thighs. Beyond that, on the flat, to drive effortlessly at 40 km/h (approximately).

Clip Bike: same solution, same flaws

Let's immediately discuss the imperfections of this Clip Bike solution (my opinion). Because there are a few all the same. First, reduced efficiency if the front tire is deflated. Since training is done by friction between the tire and the roller (reinforced silicone). If you forget to properly inflate your front tire, the Clip Bike training will be less effective. The roller will not sit perfectly on your tire, the transmission of watts will not be optimal.

The other flaw is inherent in the friction solution. When the road is wet, so is your tire. The transmission of power between the Clip Bike and your tire will not be perfect. Even if the roller is notched, even if your tires are of good quality, this system does not much like large draxes (note, I have not noticed any electrical problem with the system, even in the rain. A sign that the whole is waterproof). Finally, when the road is wet (or full of gravel) the “front wheel” motor requires a little finesse in steering. I will come back to this below.

Same solution, notable progress

Since I can't help but compare this Clip Bike system to the solution proposed by Solex™ since 1946, let's agree on the progress proposed by the 2024 proposal! First of all, the silence offered by the Clip Bike system. The system does emit a small noise, the sound of a small electric motor running, this minimal noise is quickly forgotten.

Also the near universality of the Clip Bike. As long as your tires are between 650 and 700 in diameter and have a section of less than 2.2 cm, the Clip Bike will find its place on your steed. The shape of the fork does not matter (not suspended though). Or even the presence or absence of mudguards or a basket. Clip Bike clips almost anywhere.

Autonomy promised, autonomy delivered

The autonomy of the model tested, 10 km (recorded weight 3.8 kg), is there. Without necessarily playing on energy recovery. Also note that this autonomy is observed on rather flat commuter routes.

With the four charge cycles, I rode about 50 km. So I managed to recover a little energy in the downhill or flat sections, by riding without assistance. To get a better opinion, I did the exercise of going to rue Lepic with the Clip Bike. The power delivered gently assists the crew, not enough to not seek some resources in my quadriceps.

Placed not moved

If I had a dog, I would give him this command, “lying down, not moving“. Then I'll enjoy seeing how Sultan obeys me (or not). When I got the Clip Bike, I really liked the look.”laid down, not moved” of the system. In fact, the paving stones did not get the better of its installation. Neither did the major imperfections of the Parisian roadway.

I didn't have fun rushing over all the potholes found on my path, I even rather avoided them. Not being an absolute fan of the risk of pinch punctures. Note that installation is easy; even if, the first time, it's a little… chaotic. I didn't really know how to hold the bike and the system, having only two hands. The second time, I decided to hold my bike between my legs. So my legs served as my hands. And presto I transformed into Shiva!

Be careful though, before speeding off like Buzz Lightyear, make sure that your Clip Bike is well positioned, that it is not moving, that it is properly “prisoned” on your fork. Push your bike while walking and listening, it happened to me once, the little red paws were rubbing on my spokes. I just needed to slightly change the angle of the system to move them up a little further on the fork. And presto!

Non-modular electrical assistance

The promise made by Clip Bike is kept. The motor does not drive the front wheel from a stop. That's a really good point. You have to put the bike in motion for the motor to start (if you press the button on the remote control). I regret that the assistance is ON/OFF. It is not modular. You press the button, all the power is delivered. You stop pressing, instantly, the assistance cuts off.

An important clarification to give you your opinion: Clip Bike does not transform your bike into an VAE (Electricly Assisted Bike) but into an EV (Electric Bike). No need to pedal to have the motor driving the front wheel. Not very surprising, since no torque sensor exists. It's a shame, despite everything, that the motor is activated by an On/Off button. It would have been, in my opinion, more interesting if the Clip Bike had offered a trigger, to be able to modulate the watts delivered.

As mentioned above, I have not had any problems with the system locking up or moving on road imperfections. I tested the system on two bikes (and verified its compatibility on four). Clip Bike is compatible with my good old Shaper Lapierre 500; also with my Cannondale Synapse. He lands without blinking an eye on a Vélib. Of course, it is not compatible on my Tern BYB and its 20-inch wheels (even if it is specified by the mark “compatible with wheels from 650 to 700”, I wanted to check for myself).

Riding with the Lapierre Shaper and the Clip bike

It works but… it's not very relevant! As you can see, this bike is set to sport mode. The saddle is much higher than the handlebars. As a result, my weight distribution is (roughly) 60% on the saddle and pedals, 40% on the handlebars. By adding the Clip Bike to the front of the bike, I add weight to the front (QED). This significantly transforms the overall balance of the bike. Result, it rolls, the Clip delivers its power, but I cannot find a comfortable and reassuring balance on my bike. I haven't ridden the Synapse, we can imagine the same cause, the same effects.

Riding with a Vélib and the Clip bike

On the Vélib, which offers a more upright, more relaxed position, the CLIP bike offers in my opinion a much more interesting experience. First, because the Vélib weighs 20 kg. Thus, the added weight only represents 20% (barely) of the weight of the machine (when on my Shaper which weighs around 11 kg, the added weight represents around 35% of the weight of the machine). Also the position of the Vélib' more tranquillou bilou, with an upright position, means that the Clip does not influence that much on the distribution of masses and the general balance of the equipment.

Find the correct position of the remote control

Do like me, feel your way. I started by sliding it onto the hanger on the right. It's meh, the button is a little far away, since there are my shifters. I find myself holding the hanger, more or less, with my right hand to get my thumb on the button. On the left, I have the doorbell.

I like the idea of ​​being able to use it without thinking too much. And then, I had the bright idea (yes) to slide the remote control onto the left handle. And this is the right place on the Shaper. Same on the Vélib'. Just orient the button so it falls naturally on your thumb.

In pedestrian mode, with the Clip Bike under my arm, I regret that the magnet securing the remote control is not more powerful. The remote control has a slight tendency to fall apart. My opinion: in pedestrian mode, slip the Clip Bike remote control into a pocket.

Some ideas for Clément from Clip Bike, if he reads us

This can be seen in the company photos. The system can hide the front headlight. Why not offer the least a hanging system to slide lighting in the front? The ideal would be to integrate white LEDs on the front, at least to be seen. As for sliding LEDs, put orange ones on the sides (to support the reflectors).

Given the surface on both sides, why not offer tailor-made stickers to personalize your Bike clip? Or better yet, a logo of the client company, in the case of a company fleet sale.

It would also be relevant to have a small alarm if the remote control moves too far from the Clip-Bike. Sign that you left it on the hanger. Not a big deal if it’s your personal bike. More problematic if you use it on a public bike. Finally, even if carrying it once you become a pedestrian again is easy (thanks to its handle), a small bag would be welcome to protect it from blows (and slip the charger in too).

Finally, this Clip Bike is aimed at who and which bikes?

This system is not suitable for sporty use of the bike (or if the bike is sport oriented). However, it is for all other uses. When the bike is used for utility trips or to go eat a pancake.

Are the defects noted and mentioned (the rain, the On-Off) really there?

Ouiif we consider our bike as an exclusive or almost exclusive mode of transport. If the rain doesn't stop you, if the distance doesn't scare you.

Nonif we consider this system as an additional module to bring out that old bicloune that is lying around in your cellar or garage. If this system becomes your nudge (or kick where I think) to consider cycling as an alternative to your other means of transport; from the car to the metro via the RER or the scooter.

Finally, this Clip Bike system, in my opinion, is really relevant on public bikes like the Vélib. To free yourself from this sometimes endless quest for an electric Vélib — or equivalent. To distract you from its self-service bikes (Lime type) which cost one socket per minute (€1 unlocking fee then €0.23 per minute). Moreover, your Clip Bike will pay for itself quite quickly in this case.

To know my verdict and my final opinion on this Clip Bike, go here. We also give you a link to the official website, if you ever want to order yours (Note that we may earn a commission on your order; This potential commission does not influence our test and verdict. If in doubt about our sincerity, reread our test feedback carefully: we find this product interesting, in certain cases).