Microlino Lite: The Quirky Electric Bubble Car Teens Can Drive
Remember the iconic Isetta bubble cars of the 1950s? Those egg-shaped microcars that zipped through narrow European streets? Well, they’re back—only this time, they’re electric and smarter than ever. Meet the Microlino Lite, a modern reincarnation of the bubble car from Swiss manufacturer Micro.
Unlike typical city cars, the Microlino Lite embraces a retro-inspired, round design that’s both nostalgic and attention-grabbing. Its cute, compact look might make you smile, but beneath the fun exterior lies clever engineering focused on practicality and efficiency.
A City EV Designed for Teens and Urban Life
Let’s be clear—this isn’t built for speed. The Microlino Lite has a top speed of just 28 mph (45 km/h) and a modest 12 horsepower, making it perfectly compliant with Europe’s L6e light quadricycle regulations.
But that’s intentional. The car is designed to be driven by 14-year-olds with a simple moped license in many parts of Europe. For young teens or adults looking for a safe, electric alternative to scooters and bicycles, the Microlino Lite offers a stylish, enclosed solution.
Compact Size, Surprising Practicality
The Microlino Lite is truly tiny—three of them can fit into a single standard parking space. Weighing under 600 kg, it’s light, efficient, and ideal for navigating busy city centers or squeezing into tight parking spots.
Despite its size, it offers a 230-liter trunk, enough for groceries or a small weekend bag. A sunroof adds to the fun factor, and you can choose between two sleek colors: Venice Blue or Berlin Anthracite.
Battery Options and Range
Underneath its steel shell, the Microlino Lite comes with two battery options:
- 5.5 kWh battery – up to 62 miles (100 km) of range
- 11 kWh battery – nearly 124 miles (200 km) of range
That’s plenty for short city commutes, errands, or casual weekend drives. And with its compact size, charging is quick and energy consumption is minimal.
Microlino Lite Price and Competition
Here’s the catch—this cute city EV isn’t cheap. The Microlino Lite costs around €156 per month on lease or approximately $21,100 if purchased outright.
That’s pricier than the Citroën Ami, its closest rival in the micro-EV category. Still, the Microlino Lite isn’t trying to compete on price. It’s aimed at style-conscious city dwellers who value design, comfort, and sustainability over raw performance.
For comparison, its bigger sibling—the Microlino (16 hp version)—can cost up to $28,100.
A Growing Market for No-License EVs
While it might sound odd, the “no license” market in Europe is booming. Vehicles in the L6e category (light quadricycles) are gaining traction, with over 500,000 drivers in Europe alone. By 2029, this market could exceed $2 billion globally.
The Microlino Lite fits perfectly into this niche—offering safety, weather protection, and EV efficiency in a form that even teenagers can drive.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Urban Mobility
The Microlino Lite is not meant to replace your family car. Instead, it redefines what urban mobility can look like—quirky, efficient, and compact. It’s an eco-friendly alternative for city commuters tired of traffic jams and parking headaches.
Sure, it’s not cheap, but that’s not the point. The Microlino Lite is for those who want to stand out while driving a piece of modern automotive art. With over 30,000 reservations and production running at 100 units per week, Micro is clearly onto something special.
✅ Pros:
- Unique retro design inspired by the Isetta
- Can be driven by 14-year-olds (in Europe)
- Compact, easy to park, and eco-friendly
- Solid steel body and decent interior space
- Two battery options for flexible range
❌ Cons:
- Expensive compared to Citroën Ami
- Low top speed (28 mph)
- Limited color choices
The Microlino Lite proves that electric mobility doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you see it as a practical commuter or a nostalgic novelty, this bubble-shaped EV is a charming reminder that sometimes less really is more.
