The Microlino Lite – a “toy” version of the Microlino urban electric car – has just been officially released in Europe with a special change. Microlino Mobility Systems has modified the car to expand the user age range to include children aged 14 and above who are qualified to drive.
First, let’s take a look at the original Microlino. This car is based on the legendary BMW Isetta prototype from the last century and officially entered production in 2022. The car uses a single electric motor, with a power of 17 horsepower and a battery capacity of 6-14 kWh, providing a maximum operating range of 90-230 km.
Both the Microlino and the Lite version are slightly larger than regular motorcycles and are very suitable for maneuvering through narrow urban roads. Photo: Micro
With dimensions of 2,435 x 1,500 x 1,459 mm (length x width x height), the Microlino is smaller than “mini” electric cars from China, such as the Wuling Mini EV (2,917 x 1,493 x 1,521 mm). As a result, it is lighter (495 kg compared to 665 kg). The performance of the Microlino is also similar to the lowest version of the Chinese car (20 horsepower, 120 km per charge) but much lower than the highest version (40 horsepower, 280 km per charge).
Due to the small size of the car, users will enter directly from the large door at the front of the car. Photo: Micro
With the newly launched Microlino Lite version, the car has reduced the motor power to 12 horsepower. The maximum speed is reduced from 90 km/h to 40 km/h. This is the main factor that allows Microlino Lite drivers to not need a driver’s license. The maximum operating range of the Microlino Lite ranges from 100 to 180 km, depending on the type of battery chosen by the user.
The design of the Microlino Lite is no different from the standard version above. Photo: Micro
According to the L6e standard in Europe, the minimum age for driving a Microlino Lite is 14 years old in France/Italy, 15 years old in Austria/Germany/Spain, and 16 years old in other countries. In addition, anyone with a moped driver’s license can also drive the Microlino Lite.
The interior of the Microlino/Microlino Lite is extremely simple and has enough space for two people. Photo: Micro
In terms of design, both the Microlino Lite and the original Microlino adhere closely to the previous BMW Isetta legend. However, the material used to build the car is considerably more modern, with an aluminum-steel body.
The design inspiration for the Microlino comes from the BMW Isetta – a legendary car that was launched in 1953 and marked the beginning of the European “bubble car” trend. Photo: BMW
Currently, Micro Mobility Systems only rents out the Microlino Lite for $169/month (4.2 million VND). In the future, the car may be sold to customers, but it will certainly not be cheap. For reference, the Microlino has a price of $14,850 (366 million VND).
