October 3, 2023 - Earlier this year Toyota France announced a unique partnership with Douze Cycles based in Burgundy that manufactures e-cargo bikes. The companies recently presented the new Hêta e-cargo bike model, “Douze Cycles x La mobilité Toyota”, which will be sold initially in 170 dealerships beginning in fall 2023, and in up to 300 dealerships overall, reports Logistra, Forbes, and other news outlets.
“The cargo bike seems to be a real growth vector for Toyota France, which has naturally chosen as its partner the company Douce Cycles, a player with ten years of experience and French industrial know-how,” according to Toyota in the Logistra report.
Powered by a Yamaha 250-watt mid-motor, the Hêta features a 500 Wh battery with a range of up to 100 kilometers on a single charge, and a Shimano 10-speed Deore drivetrain. The Toyota/Douze e-cargo bike can carry loads up to 100kg, either on the floor of the front platform or in a 300-liter front box.
Toyota will be marketing the new e-cargo bikes to van-driving customers including trades people, and also hopes to attract bicycle customers who might not otherwise enter an automotive showroom. The Japanese car manufacturer, which has made a late entry into electric cars, is trying to bolster its image as a mobility company.
Douce Cycles, launched in 2012, has a decade of experience under its belt. The new Hêta will retail for $6,500 and companies in France can access e-cargo bike subsidies of $1,000 per e-cargo bike reports Forbes.
