# CLIP

> CLIP is a Brooklyn-based clean mobility company that makes a portable, tool-free device that clips onto a regular bicycle's front fork and turns it into an e-bike in seconds. Founded in 2018 by Som Ray and Clement de Alcala, the friction-drive motor weighs under 10 pounds, fits in a backpack, and provides pedal assistance up to 15 mph - positioning itself as a far cheaper, lighter alternative to buying a full e-bike. The company sells to consumers starting at $499 and is pushing a lower-cost model, BOLT, aimed at bike-share fleets and emerging markets.

- **Founded:** 2018
- **Headquarters:** Brooklyn, New York, United States
- **Founders:** Somnath "Som" Ray (Co-founder & CEO), Clement de Alcala (Co-founder & COO)
- **Team size:** ~32 employees (Apollo); company describes a small core '5 Boro' team plus contractors
- **Products:** CLIP (Commuter / Explorer), CLIP BOLT
- **Notable:** Named to TIME's 100 Best Inventions (2020), Recognized by MIT Technology Review innovator lists (founder Som Ray), Won awards including Core77 Design Award, Keeling Curve Prize, Micromobility Best Startup, NY Product Design Award and Secrid Impact Fund

## Products & services

- **CLIP (Commuter / Explorer)** — A portable, tool-free friction-drive device that clips onto a bike's front fork and delivers pedal assistance up to 15 mph. Under 10 lbs, lithium-ion battery, ~12+ mile range, ~40-minute charge. Consumer price from $499. Compatible with most city, road and hybrid bikes with 27-28 inch front tires.
- **CLIP BOLT** — A lower-cost conversion system announced March 2025, priced at $250 in the US/Europe (with two 144Wh battery packs) and about $100 in emerging markets with a $5/month battery-swap subscription. Distributed mainly B2B to bike-share and commercial fleet operators.

## Achievements

- Named to TIME's 100 Best Inventions (2020)
- Recognized by MIT Technology Review innovator lists (founder Som Ray)
- Won awards including Core77 Design Award, Keeling Curve Prize, Micromobility Best Startup, NY Product Design Award and Secrid Impact Fund
- Closed a $2.8M seed round in Nov 2023 with a manufacturing partner attached
- Independent analysis (NYSP2I) estimated ~1.52g CO2 per passenger km, ~165x less than a gasoline car

## Latest updates

- **2025-03** — Unveiled BOLT, a $250 (US/EU) / ~$100 (emerging markets) e-bike conversion system aimed at bike-share fleets and expanding cycling access.
- **2025-01** — Featured by Dezeen for the friction-drive converter that turns a mechanical bike into an e-bike in seconds.
- **2024-08** — Reported to be raising a $10M Series A round.
- **2023-11** — Closed a $2.8M seed round led by Motovolt Mobility and announced a strategic manufacturing partnership in India.

## Links

- Website: https://clip.bike
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/clipbike
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CLIP_bike
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clipbike
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clip.bike
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/cliptobike
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clip.bike

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/clip
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-07-06