Short answer: choose CLIP if you want a light boost a few days a week and like moving it between bikes. Choose neon if you ride most days, go further, or climb real hills. Both turn the bike you already own into an e-bike. Still not sure? Take the Power-Up quiz: 5 questions, about 60 seconds, and it tells you which one fits your ride.
CLIP and neon side by side
| CLIP Commuter / Explorer | neon | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Clips onto your front wheel and drives the tire | Replaces your front wheel; motor in the wheel, battery and electronics in the removable 3.5 lb neon |
| Install | About 5 seconds, no tools, every ride | About 10 minutes, once. Two nuts, wrench included |
| Hills | A gentle tailwind on bridges and moderate climbs | Steady power on serious hills (350W hub motor) |
| Range | Commuter 6 to 8 miles. Explorer 12 to 18 miles | 8, 16 or 24 miles per charge, depending on your battery plan. Swap a battery for more |
| Top assisted speed | 15 mph | 20 mph in the US (25 km/h in the EU) |
| Fits | City, road and hybrid bikes with 27 to 28 inch (700c) tires. Not suspension forks or cargo bikes | Wheels from 16 to 29 inches, folding bikes included. Rim or disc brakes, standard or thru-axle forks |
| Moving between bikes | Yes, in seconds | The wheel stays on one bike; the 3.5 lb neon comes with you |
| When you park | Take the whole unit inside | Take neon inside; the bike keeps an ordinary-looking wheel and rides like a normal bike |
| Charging | 40 minutes | About 35 minutes per battery. Batteries swap, each with a USB-C port to charge your phone |
| Price | Commuter $499. Explorer $599 | $299, plus a battery plan from $11/month |
| Availability | Ships across the US from Brooklyn, usually within a week | Reserve for $50 today. Ships to the US and EU from March 2027 |
Launch offer: the first 500 neon reservations pay $249 instead of $299.
Choose CLIP if
- You ride a few days a week and want help on bridges, headwinds and the last mile.
- You have more than one bike, or share bikes at home, and want one device for all of them.
- You want to ride today: CLIP ships within a week.
- Your bike has 700c wheels and a rigid fork.
See CLIP Commuter and Explorer
Choose neon if
- You ride most days and want steady power every ride, with the option to ride analog when you take neon off.
- Your route has real hills, or you want range you can stretch by carrying a spare battery.
- You ride a folding bike or anything with 16 to 26 inch wheels.
- You'd rather never buy a battery again: fading or dead batteries are replaced free on every plan.
What each one costs over two years
CLIP is a one-time purchase. neon is a lower upfront price plus a battery plan that includes free battery replacement, upgrades and recycling.
| Option | Range | Upfront | Over 24 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLIP Commuter | 6 to 8 miles | $499 | $499 |
| CLIP Explorer | 12 to 18 miles | $599 | $599 |
| neon, 8-mile plan ($11/month) | Up to 8 miles per charge | $299 | $563 |
| neon, 16-mile plan ($16/month) | Up to 16 miles per charge | $299 | $683 |
| neon, 24-mile plan ($21/month) | Up to 24 miles per charge | $299 | $803 |
neon totals use the regular $299 price; launch reservations pay $249. You can pause a battery plan anytime.
Still deciding?
Your route, your bike and how often you ride matter more than any spec. The Power-Up quiz asks about all three: 5 questions, about 60 seconds, and you get the one that fits, batteries counted.
Quick answers
Which is better on hills?
neon. Its 350W hub motor gives steady power on long climbs. CLIP helps on bridges and moderate hills.
Which goes further?
CLIP Explorer covers 12 to 18 miles. neon covers 8, 16 or 24 miles per charge depending on your plan, and you can carry a spare battery for more.
Do I need tools?
Not for CLIP. neon installs once in about 10 minutes with the wrench in the box.
Will it fit my bike?
CLIP fits 27 to 28 inch (700c) front tires on rigid forks. neon fits wheels from 16 to 29 inches with rim or disc brakes. Not sure about yours? Check CLIP compatibility or take the quiz.
Can I keep my own bike?
Yes, with both. We don't sell bikes: CLIP and neon turn the bike you already own into an e-bike.
All current specs and prices are on our facts page.
