I bought a Folder Horizon MBT just after Christmas. At the time the entire bike with battery, motor, and controls (the big kit) was only a couple hundred dollars more than the motor and controls alone. I'm sure the componets aren't top of the line, but they're more than adequate for me. I've been using the bike for errands and my bike/train commute to work. With the hills and my age, San Francisco had been pretty daunting for bike riding. The Hill Topper offers plenty of boost to keep my back from aching after my commute, and I'm more likely to hop on it for a trip to the independent (not Safeway) stores a neighborhood away. The guys at Hill Topper answer eMails and are clearly dedicated to their work. The HT system is simple; it's on or off. You'll have some wires wrapped around your frame fastened with plastic ties so the HT may not be right for you. You can also find variable assistance bikes at a much higher price than the Hill Topper bikes and kits, but for me, the HT system is absolutely adequate and a good entry into and sustainable solution for electric biking. read more

Hilltopper Electric Bike - My Hill Topper - Ready for a CalTrain Commute - Bikes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Tried calling Sales at 10:30 am PDT on a Tuesday and was on hold for 15 minutes before the automated call system ended the call. Is this anyway to treat a new potential customer ? read more

I purchased a supposed complete solar system including lithium battery, solar panels, charge controller, and inverter. $2800 for a 200 Amp Hour system for my motorhome. Received the system and found very little enclosed for installation manual or schematics. So - I called and discovered you can't talk to a person with technical questions. They only accept emails for that. So I pose 3 or 4 very important questions because I don't want to install the system wrong or in improper sequence because lithium batteries are known for catastrophic fires. Well I waited 4 days initially and got no response so I wrote another email questioning why I hadn't heard from them...etc. Of course I wasn't happy at that point and my email reflected it - but without cursing or tirades. I waited 6 more days & I still don't have any answers. I don't know about you but how often do you have a technical question that, when answered, doesn't lead to another question or need for clarification? So at this rate - if I ever hear from them - maybe all of my questions can get answered in say....maybe...3 years or so? I have no idea if their e-bikes are any good. At this point I have no idea if their solar system is any good because I don't want to start installation until I'm pretty sure I'm doing it right. Another thing - the solar panel mounting system they provided looks really iffy at best for going down the highway. Ultimately - I wouldn't buy any product from this company ever again. Their customer support is the worst I've ever experienced. Even if their components are all great and everything works like I hope - I wouldn't go near this company - ever again with my money. It honestly blows my mind that any company can have such horrible customer service. read more

So frustrating - multiple calls and emails unanswered. Two months' shipping time. Missing parts upon arrival, major safety issue! The only part of this experience that was easy was giving them my money. The kits on eBay and Amazon are way cheaper, but I thought I was getting the added benefit of a reputable company with customer service and product reassurance. Gosh was I wrong! It seems unlikely that the drive-side pedal assist disc would fit most bikes. Most easy-install kits have this on the non-drive side. Hilltopper seems to get around this by noting on the install instructions that this piece is 'optional'. So I certainly would not rely on getting a pedal assist feature to work with this product. Mine arrived without the torque arm. This would have not only broken the kit, but also broken by bike frame (and my face!) if I tried using this as-is. When they finally returned my inquiries on the shipping delay, I got a "There's a shipping crisis, don't you watch the news?". Condescending in the least! They DO update their website monthly to encourage people to get their orders in before the 15th of the month for shipping, but they DONT update their website on the "news" or any delays. The customer info sticker on the battery says "replace every two years", but Hilltopper won't answer any of my questions about anyone would go about actually doing this - so you can plan on it being obsolete in two years, I guess! ...Find a different eBike conversion kit elsewhere! read more

Wonderful sales, customer service and installation. We couldn't be happier with the new universal battery. Thank you for your prompt attention to all of our questions and concerns!! read more

I ordered a "Discover" gravel bike around the first of August, with a promised "ship by" date of August 15th. I got the automated "We have received your order" email, and nothing more. When the "ship by" date was near, I started asking if they had an estimated arrival date for me, because the website was still promising Aug 15 shipping. Nebulous replies. "We are preparing to ship your bike." Aug 15th comes and goes. The website is now promising to ship the NEXT batch (the batch AFTER mine) on Aug 20th. I keep asking. Finally, I get someone to tell me that they just got the PARTS to build the bicycles and will be shipping "in a few weeks". Guess what? The website is STILL promising Aug 20th "next batch" shipping. There is NO WAY they can meet that promise, but they're still making it. What else are they lying about? I'm disappointed in the customer service. Hoping the bike, whenever it arrives, is worth the wait. read more

Update: Braden got back to me and helped me both find the cable I needed on AZ and pics for how the torque arm should be installed. While the kit looks amazin'..... support staff seems to be very short staffed and may not be quick to reply. I will update again after the kit is fully installed on my recumbent and I have tried it out. (Need to wait for cables from overseas) read more

I bought a Hill Topper 10-mile lithium system to convert my bike into an electric bike in Nov 2013. I started having problems with the range in Sept 2014. I called up Clean Republic and they are going to send me a new battery under warranty. Apparently they had some issues with a few batteries that they sold in 2013. This was great customer service and I highly recommend this company. As for product, the Hill Topper is a really amazing system that allows me to ride my bike to work instead of having to drive. It's small, light, very easy to install. You hardly realize it's on your bike until you hit the button that makes the hills seem like flat ground. I wish I would have bought one of these years ago. read more

I purchased a new battery kit on December 20th 2019 I was sent a receipt and that's all, I'm still waiting for the battery. I've called at least 15 times in the last 3 weeks and no one answers and you cant leave a message because it's full. I've sent emails and no one answers them as well, I've contacted the company that merged with them Dakota Lithium same problem. I have a customer that is waiting and do not know what to tell him any more. They were very fast to take my money but know do not care and they were not like this in the past please give me my money back. This is Family Bicycles in Florida if you read this Alan please return my money or send me my kit. This is uncalled for for a company that was well respected. My number is 561-533-6040 Please read more

I bought a Clean Republic Ranger kit. They forgot to mention on the website that it does not fit any bikes with drop bars. Their customer support was zero help and said I should go to a bike shop and "find a piece to make it fit" but couldn't name what that part may be called or what it might look like. Instead I was put on hold for 5 minutes until I believe they forgot about my call. At this point I'm just chalking it up for a $900 loss. I'll look elsewhere next time for a company that knows what they are talking about and stands behind their product. read more

I absolutely love my hill topper. I can now ride with my husband - hills are no problem. I am getting my friends to get one too. Game changer! Get one! read more

Look elsewhere to buy an ebike conversion kit. purchased a conversion kit, from these guys only to have the controller die less than a year. They did send out another controller after, a lot of phone calls and emails. Their customer leaves a lot to be desired. An extremely frustrating experience. I use my bike a lot and with arthritis in my knees the added electrical power was a big help. However, their kits are under-powered for these Vermont hills. read more

I bought the top of the line system and I love it. I bought it to haul my puppy in my burley and need the extra assist on the hills. All the staff were helpful and the owner was really nice. What a cool dream to live out. read more

Hill Topper customer service is horrendous. They don't answer phones during business hours, don't return calls and we have had many problems with getting information to make an informed purchase. We bought 2 wheels from them and. they told us the wheels would fit our bikes and then when we got them the we found that the forks need to be filed down to fit the wheels. We went to and spoke to 2 bike shops and one independent bike specialist and they all said that it would be a liability issue. Hill Topper folks refused to believe this and when we returned them they said we would not get out shipping refunded so we are out over $200 and they don't seem to care..so much for a cool company..not so cool.. read more

I'm grateful Alan answered my support/status question call. I had sent 3 emails and left a few messages too; and began to worry. But, in fact, they informed me my wheel is being processed for shipment and provided an ETA. Thanks Alan; keep up prompt responses. read more

This kit has a lot of torque! I spent almost 100 hours researching electric bikes and kits before choosing the Hill Topper. The motor that is used in this kit is sweet! The motor is very water resistant, as are the electronics. The idea to use 24v, 250W and 15A is very smart! This one hub is definitely enough power for all but the most hilly environments. It is easy to charge, too; it charges just like a laptop or cell phone. Couldn't be easier. There is sales and support staff (in the USA!) to talk to if you ever have any questions. I suggest buying the assembled wheel rather than having your local bike shop build your wheel. You definitely need a double walled rim and heavy spokes. You will save money of you buy the wheel from Clean Republic already assembled. Their spokes are really beefy. I am 100% happy with Clean Republic. They should make a rear kit, too! Maybe some of us want all wheel drive for really steep slopes. read more

The Hill Topper is an awesome innovation: you can convert your regular bike to an electric bike easily. Mike and crew helped get my mother-in-law set up with an HT and the experience couldn't have been better. read more

Ok. I did my research and test drove several full electric bikes. The $2500 to $4500 price range made me look into converting my own bike w a Hilltopper kit. My first choice mtn bike was not compatible due to front shocks being too wide to accommodate motor. Took back the 26" wheel and had no hassle in exchanging for 700 to fit my Trek road bike. Ben and the team were great. Ben took a great deal of time and attention to file the front forks, change a tire, was gracious when I flatted the tube while inflating it - and assisted me in putting in a new tube. Once the fork was filed it really did take just 5 minutes for me to hook up the battery. I've already taken it to Green Lake and back about 10 miles round trip. Note Unlike some high priced full electrics - You still have to power the bike -but the hill assist was fantastic - and besides I ride because I want the exercise. Thanks for getting me back on my bike - and designing. a motor assist to conquer the Seattle hills. I so appreciate the extra customer service. read more

Hill Topper is awesome for a quick e-bike conversion. My mom got set up with a wheel and we've all had fun cruising around the neighborhood!

We purchased two electric bike kits a couple of years ago and have absolutely loved them. They work well and are relatively easy to put together. The people who work at Clean Republic are excellent; very knowledgable and service oriented. On our original purchase, we needed the kits delivered to a hotel on a very specific day/time as we arrived late at night and were leaving town at 6 a.m.. The kits were waiting for us that night and recently we wanted to purchase an additional battery. Record of our previous purchase was at their fingertips and ordering was so easy. We ordered a 10-mile battery and when a strike caused delay of the product, Beau got in touch with us right away to let us know and offered a viable alternative. Once again they made sure the battery was delivered to our hotel on very short notice and with only a 10 hour window. We totally recommend purchasing the hill topper (it will ruin you for any other ride) and definitely recommend Clean Republic. My husband did extensive research before settling on Clean Republic and we are both so glad he made this choice. read more