Test: Microlino – Electric two-seater where form takes precedence over function

Is a moped license sufficient for the Microlino?

No definitely not. The electric two-seaters such as the Biro and the Opel Rocks-e fall into vehicle category L6e, which means, among other things, that you are not allowed to drive them faster than 45 km/h (but you are allowed to drive on the provincial 80 km/h road). The Microlino is in a higher category, L7e, which means you need a passenger car license. You can even take it on the highway. Whether you want that is another matter, the car cannot go faster than 90 km/h. Just like the Renault Twizy at the time, the Microlino is formally classified as quads. That’s why it only has a license plate on the back. Crash tests are not mandatory in this class, nor are the presence of airbags, ABS and ESP. Anyway, that keeps the cart light and in theory also cheap. Well, in theory, because with a starting price of €17,990 it is almost twice as expensive as the Opel Rocks-e, which is available from €8,699. With the largest battery pack, the Microlino is in the price list for €23,490. To put that into perspective: the electric Dacia Spring is available with the same range from €21,750.

You need a driving license to drive the Microlino.

Do I know that design from somewhere?

Maybe. The retro design of the Microlino is clearly inspired by that of the BMW Isetta from the 1950s. Just like that little one from yesteryear, the Microlino also has a wide-opening front door, a nice gimmick that works well in practice.

The design of the Microlino is inspired by the BMW Isetta of yesteryear.

Is the Microlino very Spartan on the inside?

That’s not so bad. Through the generously opening front door you end up on a cozy two-seater sofa, shoulder to shoulder with the co-driver. The bench can easily be moved forward or backward, and that’s about it, there are no other adjustment options. No problem, the seat is not uncomfortable and the cart is spacious enough, even if you are a little taller. After you have closed the door (the last centimeter the door pulls itself into the lock, soft close) you will immediately notice the neat finish. This is a serious step better than with the Rocks-e where you have a direct view of the tent poles of the tubular frame. The decor is minimalist but not Spartan. On top of the steering column there is a clear instrument cluster that can be arranged according to your own wishes and just below the windscreen there is a tiny touchscreen with which you control the heating, open the tailgate and adjust some basic settings. In practice, nothing more appears to be necessary. You navigate with your phone and music comes to you via a USB speaker. Unlike many other micro carts, the Microlino has a reasonable luggage space for its type: 230 liters that is also easily accessible.

There is little space, but the finish is of an adult level.

How does the Microlino perform?

The Swiss mini-EV is available with a choice of three battery variants: a 6 kWh, 10.5 kWh and 14 kWh, which should allow you to travel 91 km, 177 km and 230 km respectively. Regardless of the battery pack, the electric motor peaks at 17 hp and 89 Nm. This means that the rear-wheel drive moves quite quickly from its position. After pressing the sport button, the engine responds even more enthusiastically. As long as you stay within the built-up area, the Microlino moves smoothly with the traffic. On rural roads there is more slipstreaming between the trucks. And the highway? You should preferably only get there if there is no alternative provincial road available. The Microline is extremely manoeuvrable and yet beautifully stable at pace. Springs and shock absorbers prefer smooth asphalt, imperfections in the road surface are passed on almost unfiltered and you are immediately punished for taking a speed bump too quickly. Our first meeting does not happen completely in silence. Against all expectations, the electric motor makes it clear that it is working. According to the importer, this will soon be a lot less for the copies that go to customers. And that also applies to the scraping sound when we reverse, as if we have forgotten the handbrake. Start-up problems.

Within built-up areas, the Microlino moves smoothly with traffic.

Is it an alternative to what we already know?

While you can still defend the choice of the Opel and the Dacia with a certain rationale, you should view the Microline much more as a lifestyle accessory. If that is the approach, the cart is a success: upon our first introduction, the Mircolino turns out to be an absolute neck turner, given the enthusiastic reactions of the other road users, the cart has a high cuddly factor.

No air conditioning, but plenty of fresh air through the open roof or through the sliding windows.