At the 2024 Geneva International Motor Show today, Micro, the maker of light EVs (electric vehicles), unveiled its Microlino Lite. The new model, an L6e version of the standard Microlino, is designed to make sustainable mobility solutions accessible to a wider audience of users who do not have car driver’s licenses. It opens new mobility routes for people as young as 14 with an AM (moped) driving license per local regulations.

The L6e or light quadricycle class is defined by Framework Directive 2002/24/EC as motor vehicles with four wheels whose unladen mass is not more than 425 kg (937 lb), not including the mass of the batteries in the case of EVs, and whose maximum design speed is not more than 45 km/h (28 mph).

The Lite version offers the same range as its “big brother,” but the top speed is limited to 45 km/h. In early summer 2024, Micro will start selling the Microlino Lite at an attractive entry-level price of 149 CHF/month.

“The Microlino Lite is our contribution to making sustainable mobility solutions accessible to an even wider community,” said Merlin Ouboter, Microlino Co-Founder and CMO. “We recognize the growing need for such mobility, especially among those who want to be safe and protected from the weather without a driver’s license.”

The Microlino Lite differs from the standard model with unique design features like a fresh color scheme—Venice Blue and Berlin Anthracite—and vibrant orange accents.

Like the standard Microlino, the Lite version is said to set new standards in driving dynamics and safety in its vehicle class. It has a sunroof “for that convertible feeling in summer” and a practical trunk of up to 230 L (8.1 ft³).

Its basic range of about 100 km (62 mi) can be optionally extended up to 180 km (112 mi).

Since its founding in 1999 by Wim Ouboter, Micro has established itself as a pioneer in the field of urban mobility. With the invention of the first kick scooter specifically designed for urban transportation, Micro lays claim to coining the term “micromobility.”

In 2013, Micro expanded its range to include electric mobility and launched its first e-scooter. The development of the Microlino by the Kuesnacht, Switzerland-based startup, led by Wim Ouboter’s sons Merlin and COO Oliver, began in 2015. Originally intended as a PR stunt for the Geneva Motor Show, public interest exceeded expectations, so Micro decided to start series development.

Fast forward to 2022, and the standard 496-kg (1093-lb) Microlino was launched as an L7e light EV designed as an alternative to cars in a new product category between motorbikes and cars.

“We realized that, with 1.2 people sitting in a car on average and a distance driven of just around 35 km, modern cars are far too big for what they are actually used for,” said Merlin Ouboter, at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.

The design approach of using fewer components and saving weight makes the Microlino much more eco-friendly than cars.

“Simply said, we need a lot less battery cells per km of range than conventional electric cars because the vehicle needs a lot less energy to be moved around,” said Merlin Ouboter. “Therefore, the energy footprint for the production and usage of a Microlino is only about a third of that of a conventional electric car.”

Although the Microlino is a new product category, it is designed to automotive standards. It not only uses automotive-grade components but is also said to be the first vehicle in its category to have a steel and aluminum unibody construction. The unibody is said to be safer and more durable than the tubular frames normally used in the category. The body panels are also made of aluminum and steel, whereas most light electric vehicles use plastic.

With nominal and peak power of 12.5 and 19 kW, respectively, and peak torque of 89 N·m (66 lb·ft), the standard Microlino has 0-50 km/h (0-31 mph) acceleration in 5 s and a maximum speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). Its NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) and NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum) lithium-ion battery packs come in three capacities of 6, 10.5, or 14 kW·h giving ranges of 91, 177, or 230 km (56, 110, or 143 mi). Battery charging time for 0-80% ranges from 3 to 4 h depending on battery capacity.

The Microlino needs only 1/3 of a parking space, and its front door enables passengers to easily enter and exit onto the sidewalk when cross-parked. Despite its small size, it is said to have ample space for two passengers side-by-side. Its 230-L trunk volume is said to be big enough for three beer crates.

The Microlino comes in 10 different colors, a variety of interior options for customization, and other neat details like a sport mode.

“We wanted to make the Microlino not only practical but also fun to drive so that you can’t help but smile when you use it,” said Oliver Ouboter, at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.

Although the car was conceived in 2015, after countless challenges along the way Micro started Microlino production in 2022 in a joint factory with Italian company CECOMP in Turin, Italy. Deliveries in Europe began in 2023 with a starting price of around €15,000.

Like its big brother, the Lite is built in the Microlino factory in Turin, Italy.

No word on plans for availability in North America. According to a company website FAQ, due to a different legal situation in the U.S., a few adjustments will be necessary.

For more information on the Microlino Lite, visit https://microlino-car.com/en/microlino-lite.