In partnership with Douze Cycles, Toyota will market its very first electric cargo bike. This model will be sold in the 300 dealerships of its network, starting in September.
Article updated on 06/06/2023:
Five months after the presentation of the “DOUZE Cycles x Toyota mobility”, the brand has delivered initial information on the final price of the electric cargo bike. Please note: the press release sent to the editorial staff indicates a non-definitive price. It nevertheless allows us to give us a first overall idea of its price.
The latter is displayed at around 6000 euros, it is indicated. This biporteur is placed above the Gazelle Makki Load (5000 euros) and Babboe City Mountain (4599 euros), but below the Riese & Müller Load 60 (6759 euros).
Original article from 01/19/2023:
Electric cargo bikes have definitely been on the rise since 2020. Sales figures jumped from 3,000 units in 2019 to 11,000 units in 2020, to climb to 17,000 models in 2021, we learned from Union Sport & Cycle. Many brands have also positioned themselves in this niche, or have even strengthened their presence.
This time, it’s Toyota France’s turn to embark on the adventure, alongside a valuable partner by the name of Douze Cycles. The latter has made electric cargo bikes its specialty over the past few years, and today has a range of cargo bikes and longtails, aimed at individuals and professionals.
A rebadged model… and very slightly modified
The cargo VAE resulting from this partnership is called “DOUZE Cycles x Toyota mobility”. But just take a look at the catalog of Douze Cycles to notice one thing: this cycle is only a rebadged version of the Heta model, with one difference. Instead of the Shimano EP8 Cargo motor, a Yamaha motor invites itself to the party.
For the rest, the technical sheet does not differ. Incidentally, the automaker’s press release does not specify which Yamaha engine was selected for the occasion. The brand simply calls it “efficient»: should we therefore expect a torquey system of at least 75 Nm? This would be the least we could do for a freighter.
Source: Toyota
Source: Toyota
Source: Toyota
The “DOUZE Cycles x Toyota mobility” belongs to the category of two-wheelers: its structure is extended at the front, in order to accommodate a 300-litre box capable of transporting goods (professional use), but also a total of three children or one adult (general public use). At the front, the load capacity is 100 kg.
The Japanese firm mentions harness belts, backrest and seat in breathable fabric and step, without specifying whether these accessories are supplied as standard or available as an option.
Reassuring brakes
The Dijon manufacturer’s cycle was designed from a monocoque aluminum frame: its molding therefore frees it from any welding folds. It’s a little more in terms of finishes. The frame is also produced in France and associated withrecycled materials and low environmental impact» concerning the polymeric parts.
With a length of 2.75 meters – slightly longer than the average for two-wheelers – the “DOUZE Cycles x Toyota mobility” is equipped with a removable 500 Wh battery, rechargeable in 4 hours. The group promises a range of 100 km, without specifying with which mode of assistance this value was obtained. The final range should be less.
Source: Toyota
Source: Toyota
Source: Toyota
Our protagonist of the day is reassuring when it comes to braking, thanks to its Tektro M750 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes. For visibility, Busch & Müller IQ-XS Friendly LED lights were preferred. You also have to rely on a 10-speed Shimano Deore transmission and Schwalbe Pick-Up tires (20 inches at the front, 26 inches at the rear).
Aimed at cyclists measuring between 155 and 195 centimeters, the Toyota and Douze Cycles biporter has an adjustable stem to find their ideal riding position. Finally, a large central stand stabilizes the bike when stationary: always practical if you are transporting people or equipment.
Toyota and its vision of electric
No price has yet been indicated: we barely know its release date, in September 2023, in the 300 dealerships of the Toyota network. It is worth remembering, however, the discussed position of Toyota towards electric vehicles in general. For a group manager – in the summer of 2022 – electric cars were not the one and only solution. They even generated too much hype according to him.
It should be remembered that at the time, Toyota was not the best positioned on the market in terms of electric cars, which concentrates a lot of forces on the hybrid – which the European Union wants to ban in the long term. From there to say that his project of electric biporteur makes a bit opportunistic, there is only one step. Even if the benefit of the doubt is always allowed.
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