BIKE/BOARD

Toyota Enters the E-Bike Fray

January 29, 2023

The Japanese auto giant has revolutionized every market they’ve entered — is the red-hot and growing e-bike market next?

Toyota France and Douze Cylces have joined forces to create an e-bike that will provide a sustainable way for businesses and individuals to transport themselves and products across a city. This collaboration was initially announced mid-2022 and we now know the first product they have developed: the Douze Cycles x La mobilité Toyota cargo e-bike.

This two-wheeler features a loading platform that can hold up to 100kg (220.5lbs) and is equipped with plenty of power to haul this cargo with its pedal-assist operated by a 250-W Yamaha motor and a 10km battery. It’s designed to hold packages secured to tie-points on the frame or up to three small children via padded seating. It also includes a hitch for extra towing capabilities.

While the cargo capacity is this e-bike’s calling card, its incredible mobility may be its top feature. Described as having the lowest center of gravity in its class, it includes steering pulleys and sheathed cables, which give it a 75-degree turn angle.

Storage and ease of charging were also a top priority with a frame that can be split into two parts and a 500-wh battery that can be removed from the handlebar column. When fully charged, it can provide 100km (62 miles) of pedal-assist for every four hours it spends charging on a standard outlet.

There is even more to like about the Toyota e-bike, like its Busch & Müller LED lighting system, which allows for riding at night, wheels wrapped in Schwalbe Pick-Up cargo bike tires, four-piston Tektro M750 hydraulic brakes, and an adjustable seat, which accommodates riders 1.55 – 1.95 m (5 ft – 6.4 ft).

Pricing for the The Douze Cycles x La mobilité Toyota e-bike is not yet known, but the bike is expected to be available for purchase through the Toyota France dealership networking this September and will immediately provide customers with a clean alternative for trips which may have required a car in the past.