Toyota has taken its first step into the micromobility segment with the launch of a new electric cargo bike that was developed in partnership with the French brand Douze Cycles.
With a loading space in front of the driver, the e-bike has the capacity to transport up to 100 kg of goods courtesy of a Yamaha 250Watt motor for pedal-assist, plus a 100-km battery.
Goods can be put either directly on the floor of the platform or in an adapted large box with up to 300 liters in capacity. In addition, the frame is designed to accommodate a tow hitch, which further increases its hauling capacity.
Additionally, the model can transport up to three children or one adult with adjustable seats and safety belts.
“Hybrid, of which Toyota has become the world leader, is now at the heart of the brand’s multi-technology strategy that meets the specific mobility needs of each consumer,” says Frank Marotte, President and CEO of Toyota France.
“Soft and local mobility is one of these needs. It is therefore quite naturally, on the basis of a common vision, that we have entered into this partnership with Douze Cycles, a key French player in the cargo bike market. Because of Toyota’s history in France, it seemed extremely important to us that our partner had a production site on the national territory,” he adds.
“We aim to become a mobility company,” said Piccon. “We have targeted this niche market as it is very complementary to our own when it comes to moving around in low-emission zones and traffic restrictions in the city centre, which affects our urban customers,” explains Toyota France Brand Manager Matthieu Piccon.
The initiative aims to seize the growing interest in electric bikes following French government incentives to decarbonise transport. France will pay up to €4,000 to its citizens that swap old polluting cars with electric bicycles.
“For Douze Cycles, it is a great opportunity and the beginning of a great adventure to partner with a car manufacturer for the first time. With Toyota France, we share the same vision and want to build tomorrow’s mobility together,” says Thomas Coulbeaut, Founder and President of Douze Cycle.
Key features of the new cargo bike include a 10-speed Shimano gear set-up that uses a traditional rear derailleur and cassette combination rather than hub gears, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Schwalbe’s e-bike specific Pick-Up tires (fitted to a 26-inch rear wheel and a 20-inch front wheel). The model is also equipped with Busch & Müller IQ-XS Friendly LED lighting technology, which provides cyclists with vision and visibility comparable to that of motorists.
However, perhaps the most interesting component of the Toyota electric cargo bike is the build itself. It’s made up of 17 interchangeable parts, designed to make it both easier to repair and to replace components when they are worn out. It also allows the bike to be fitted with different size motors as well as making it easy to store, with the modular frame easily separated into two pieces. Many of the said parts are made from recycled polymer, a material that Douze typically uses to help reduce its carbon footprint.
Toyota and Douze have yet to announce pricing on its new electric cargo bike, which is expected to enter the market in September 2023.
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