Microlino Spider world’s debute in Brussels: ready to conquer US

One of the most miniature cars at the Brussels Motor Show, somewhat lost in the vast exposition hall occupied by Belgium’s most significant car importer, D’Ieteren, is a world premiere: the Swiss Microlino Spider.

Still a concept, this roofless version, with open side panels and no doors, is meant to recall the simplicity and functionality of a golf cart but with unparalleled style. It is aimed directly at the American public, as golf carts are pretty popular in daily traffic. The company actively seeks partners—from dealer groups to leasing companies—to facilitate the launch.

Adapted to US regulations

The Microlino Spider is built on the same technical platform as the current Microlino but is adapted to meet US regulations. It is permitted on most roads with a speed limit of 35 mph (56 km/h), covering over half of the country’s road network.

The model’s technical specifications will be similar to those of the current Microlino, albeit adapted to US regulations. The car will be offered in a range of punchy colors. A fabric roof for sun protection or rainy days is an option.

Iconiq BMW Isetta

The basic Microlino from which the Spider is derived is a fully electric lightweight quadricycle that looks like the direct reincarnation of the ultimate bubble car of the fifties, the BMW-built Isetta. Like this one, the basic Microlino on sale in Europe has the typical front-opening door. That’s something you won’t need in the open Spider.

The original Microlino is quite fast, as we could experience test-driving it last year. With its 12.5 kW (16 hp) electromotor, it accelerates from 0-50 km/hour in five seconds. It even has a ‘Sport’ setting. That surprises most fellow road users, who often think they’re dealing with a common microcar limited to 45 km/hour. So they’ll do anything to overtake you and be flabbergasted. This ‘thing’ can do 90 km/hour and accelerates faster than their car.

The fastest golf cart on the green

That would probably be the fastest golf cart on the green in the US, but there are less potent versions in Europe. At the Geneva Motor Show, Swiss-Italian electric micro-carmaker Microlino unveiled the ‘Lite’ or L6e version of the Microlina, a fully electric lightweight quadricycle with a maximum speed of 45 km/hour.

The Microlino was invented by the Swiss company Micro Mobility and the family behind the Micro Kickscooter, Wim, Oliver, and Merlin Ouboter. It all started with a simple question: the Ouboters say: “How much of a car do you really need for your daily commute?”

Best for daily commute

Coming from a completely different sector, they could not understand why most cars today are too big and heavy for their purpose. On average, a vehicle is occupied by just one or two people, traveling a daily distance of only 30 km. But what would the ideal car for urban mobility look like?

Design and technical specifications were worked out with help from the Swiss university ZHAW; a prototype was developed in China in mid-2015 to present at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. However, it took some time to finally start building it in mass.

Micro Mobility Systems started producing its Microlino in June 2023 at its Italian factory in Turin. The factory was set up as Microlino Italia, a company established as a partnership between Micro and CECOMP, an Italian industrial group specializing in building prototypes.