(note: the Microlino is not available in the US) Do you miss the Isetta and Messerschmidt bubble cars? Do you think one could be an answer to today’s traffic, width restrictors and parking regulations? Well, help is at hand. The Micro Microlino (and that is the real name) takes that spirit and updates it for these times.
Visually, it might look like a direct descendant of those 1950s cars, but under the skin it’s all new. Thankfully, the structure is greatly stronger with what looks (on the website) to be a well engineered steel structure with aluminium panels, all available in a range of bright colours with two tone finishes and a roll back sunroof option.
And, yes, you get in through a side opening full width door across the front, and snuggle into a slightly cramped two person bench seat.
Power comes from a 6kWh battery which gives up to a 55 mile range, with the option of 10.5kWh (110 miles) or 14 kWh (142 miles) batteries. You can get to 30mph in 5 seconds and I suspect it would keep with urban traffic well enough.
Micro Mobility Systems also introduced the Microlino Lite in 2024, an L6e-class electric Microcar. This version features a 6 kW motor, a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), and a weight of less than 425 kilograms, making it operable with a moped license in several countries
The car is built in Italy by Tazzari, who build a range of small electric vehicles in small urban delivery forms, quadricycles and beach buggy forms, often legally usable in many European countries by 14 or 16 year olds without a formal driving car licence. Design and sales are controlled by Microlino from Switzerland.
Visual inspiration is clearly taken from the BMW Isetta, as is the small foot print, front entry and twin seating, though the Microlino is always four wheeled, not three, as the Isetta was in the UK for lower registration taxes. Charging takes some four hours from a domestic socket, depending on battery size. There are many options for customisation, including colours, interior trims and a convertible roll back roof as well. Size wise, it is very close to a Smart Fortwo at 99 inches long and 58 inches wide, though the weight is considerably less at 1100lb against 1600lb. It is a little larger than a classic Messerschmitt, which is around 25% lighter.
Visually, then, a great bit of retro nostalgia and, technically, pretty much bang up to date. All yours for around £18 – 20,000 ($23,700 to $26,300), depending on the battery and other specification choices.
Tempted?
Cute it may be; however, the very thought of driving it in traffic triggers me for claustrophobia.
Triggers for claustrophobia especially in tunnels as ‘Aging Wheels’ demonstrated in his YT episode:
IMO a real Assault with a battery. Sorry, but the only use I MIGHT have for it would be a spare in the trunk of a GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT! I can’t bear to think how it could possibly survive a collision! BUT, fortunately we can STILL have our own opinions. That’s mine. What’s yours? 🤔
Interesting, they successfully channeled the Isetta in the looks department. Quite a contrast to the 1957 Mercury in the post below it.
Could be just the thing around town, 56mph in that may well feel like 100.
They might sell some like Honda did with the N600. There will always be some American drivers who are way outside the box. However most want their large vehicles. I say vehicles today whereas I would have said cars in 1970. After large many Americans want to flex their individualism. Maybe alloy wheels and painted Plum Crazy might help sales. Then again it just might look like a grape rolling down the road. There was also the color Lemon Twist…:)
Ask your wife or new girlfriend if they approve. Ha ha
The woman who lived next door to me about 12 years ago wanted a Smart, so it’s possible…
I tried to get her to upgrade to a Fiat 500…
When I saw one up close last year the assembly left a lot to be desired. I’ve only ever seen them driving round campsites like a golf buggy, never on the road.
I was actually expecting a variation on the Stellantis platform used by the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino so this is different. In Europe it has a several clear niches as a city car, a personal car in villages that restrict ICE cars and as a Voiture Sans Permis.
In the US the biggest market would probably be places that allow golf carts on the streets, since it would be a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle rather than street legal.
As an aside I wonder if Iso was inspired by refrigerator doors, since that was their product before making microcars, which they licensed to BMW. Then again maybe not since Crosley and Nash-Kelvinator never used refrigerator themed styling
I wonder if this might be just the thing for those who like living in our larger and very crowded inner cities ? .
It certainly looks like a death trap, I drive death traps daily but this one gives me pause .
I think I’d try one if offered the chance, might be just the thing for my jaunts around Southern California .
Ventilation or AC would be a key to succeed .
-Nate
Really horrible. The folk behind this deserve to lose their shirts.
A bubble car starring in one of the biggest music videos of the 1980’s.
Driving the Micro Microlino here in the US would be great for an inner-city car sharing service or advertising. However I wouldn’t drive such an anomaly on a freeway as I would be afraid of getting rear-ended by an awestruck driver not paying attention. If they made them in the shape of various fruits like the Outspan Orange below then I could see them gain cult like status. How would anyone not get a chuckle when they see an orange, a lime, a cherry or what have you driving along. Maybe even throw in a scented exhaust for the full effect.
Click the link below to see what driving an Outspan Orange is like.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DBxaf6eJYc28&ved=2ahUKEwixzeWF5KGNAxUZkIkEHef9INQQr4kDegQIHhAD&usg=AOvVaw0Tb_s2vqdo-hKS3XvRVwwl
Victoria, Canada now has street legal golf carts, an expansion from Vancouver, so there could be a market here https://cheknews.ca/new-street-legal-golf-carts-hit-the-road-in-victoria-1254755/
Wow, that’s unexpected… Very cool inside and out though, I don’t want one but I do like it! It wouldn’t be much use here in my rural NZ neighbourhood, but the size would be perfect for a lot of European cities. Although it’s not for me, I’m glad that things like this exist to add colour and variety to the automotive landscape!
Has anyone subjected this balloon to an NCAP – and if so, with what results?