Hêta E-Cargo Bike from Douze Cycles: One for a Lifetime

For many years, the French manufacturer Douze Cycles has been a major player in the field of electrically assisted cargo bikes. Back in 2014, it presented what it claims was the first e-cargo bike with cable steering. With the new model called Hêta, Douze is now writing the next chapter in its own history. And the ecological aspect plays a central role in it.

Douze describes the Hêta as a further development of the G4. Consequently, you will find some ideas in the newcomer that you already know from the G4. One example is the solution of dividing the frame into a rear and a front part. This splitting of the “Long John” is useful if you want to transport the bike. The actual length of 2.75 metres then becomes a dimension that is easier to handle. This way, the Hêta fits into many a car boot or even on one or two bicycle racks. Disassembled, you can also store it more comfortably if it is not going to be used for a longer period of time, for example over the winter. The V2 from Douze already has this option. And other cargo bikes like the Cluuv E-Cargo also do this trick.

Sustainable concept

In the case of the Hêta, however, Douze does not stop at the division into two parts. In total, it can be detached into 17 independent parts. However, this is no longer about transporting or stowing the bike. You can replace these parts independently of each other. This results in a lifespan that, in theory, should hardly know an end. As long as the manufacturer takes backward compatibility into account when making innovations, you can probably replace defective parts or update the bike with improved components quite comfortably even in the long term.

The manufacturer has also thought about the environment in the production of the frame. According to Douze, the majority of its aluminium comes from the French recycling system. Unfortunately, it does not say exactly how high the percentage is. But every percent makes a difference, especially in such a resource- and energy-intensive process as aluminium production.

Which motor should it be?

Among the components that are interchangeable on the Hêta is the drive system. As on the V2, Douze is again working with a motor mount that is designed so that power units from different manufacturers can be mounted on it. This is why the technical specifications include both an M500 from Bafang and an EP8 Cargo from Shimano. And theoretically, there is once again the chance to change to a different drive over the years. Presumably, however, there are certain limits to what can be desired here. Not every motor will fit. Douze itself will also not be able to source every drive. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity here that you will hardly find on any other e-cargo bike.

Great combination of form and function

Despite the aforementioned parallels to the other models in the Douze range, the manufacturer has certainly broken new ground. The frame in particular is emblematic of this. Douze has said goodbye to the classic frame tube. Instead, the Hêta is dominated by large-volume structures with organically flowing lines and numerous rounded edges. The rear part consists of a massive, slightly curved shape that allows a very low step-in. The motor hangs down from its lower edge.

Visually, nothing remains of the weld seams. Due to the shape, some might even have guessed a carbon frame. The rather large dimensions are not chosen without reason. All cables and wires run almost completely inside the frame. This includes the four cables of the cable steering. The steering pulleys are also protected and integrated into the frame. Under the fairing, they are well protected from any weather, dirt or even the salt from the road service. This decision had no influence on the actual steering performance. With a steering angle of 75 degrees on both sides, you can still manoeuvre through your daily routine loosey-goosey.

Enormous space for cargo

Compared to the G4, the geometry of the frame has changed. Douze doesn’t say exactly how on its website. At least, we couldn’t find any geometry data to follow up on these statements. What is certain, however, is that there will be only one frame size. This is supposed to be suitable for people with a body length of 1.55 metres to 1.95 metres.

The cargo bed is somewhat longer than on the G4. It has grown by five centimetres to 85 centimetres. Among other things, a transport box made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) can be attached to it. Incidentally, Ca Go uses the same material on its FS200 model series. In the box you have room for 300 litres of volume. That can keep up with the boot of many a city car. In terms of payload, the upper limit is 100 kilograms.

A child, another child and more

Given these figures, it is clear that there is enough room in the front for two, possibly even three, children to be transported in the Hêta. The matching child seats have always been height-adjustable at Douze. This applies to both the seats and the harnesses. Douze uses breathable fabrics for the backrest covers and the seat surfaces. The belts can be fastened magnetically. And if you still have things that don’t fit in the box when the children are with you, you can also use a bicycle trailer. The frame has the necessary mounting for this.

Anonymous partnership

However, it is still unclear when and at what price Douze will actually offer its new model for sale. At the moment, the model is shown on the website but cannot be ordered. As far as availability is concerned, everything points to September 2023. That’s when Toyota France wants to offer the Hêta through its dealer network. Why suddenly Toyota? Well, the car manufacturer has announced its own version of the Hêta under the title “Douze Cycles x La mobilité Toyota”. But this will have neither a drive from Bafang, nor one from Shimano. Yamaha will supply the motor, a 500 watt-hour battery and display. However, France Toyota has apparently announced this on its own. Douze does not yet provide any information about this cooperation or a possible configuration with a Yamaha drive. Neither on his website nor on his social media profiles.

Douze Cycles Hêta at a glance

• Frame: moulded aluminium
• Suspension fork: 80 mm travel
• Motor: Shimano EP8 Cargo / Bafang M500 / Yamaha
• Battery: Shimano 504 Wh / DLG D1 672 Wh / Yamaha Crossover 500 Wh
• Display or control unit: Shimano E5000 / Sigma EOX 500 / Sigma EOX View 1300 / Yamaha Type A
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore Linkglide
• Brakes: Tektro HD-E740
• Load capacity front: 100 kg
• Load capacity transport box: 300 l
• Weight: n.a.
• Maximum permitted total weight: n.a.
• Price: n.a.

 

Pictures: Douze Factory SAS; Toyota France