Test Microlino – nice and small and manoeuvrable but doesn’t feel really safe

Is the Microlino suitable for driving on normal roads?

Fear is neither a good counselor nor a good passenger. But when you drive a mini car at 60 km/h between the trucks, buses and SUVs (and shakes back and forth like an ice cube in a plastic cup), the fear is right next to you on that uncomfortable couch, and then there is nothing on board to reassure you. No airbags, no crumple zones, no proper brakes. Then two young women in a Golf or Fiesta pull up next to you at the traffic light and look at you. But it’s not the look you were hoping for. It’s more of a look of pity.

Who is behind the Microlino?

We take our first ride in the production version of the Microlino. Wim Ouboter, a Swiss of Dutch origin, earned his money with the scooter company Micro, and in 2015 already had the idea to revolutionize mobility, following the example of the BMW Isetta or similar iconic micro carts. Eight years later, they sell the first Italian-made Microlino in Switzerland (it is produced in Turin). From this fall, the Dutch will also be able to buy a Microlino Pioneer.

What does the Microlino cost?

What do you pay for this minimum amount of car, which falls into the so-called L7E category, which includes quads, for example? It costs at least €17,990, the Pioneer version that we drove even has a price tag of €22,990. That’s a lot of money for an electric cart that feels like it’s been driving around for a few years. The Isetta-esque entrance on the front might be quite funny, but when it rains you have to hurry to close the flap with the loop. Otherwise the whole interior is soaking wet. Although made of robust hard plastic, the Microlino looks very cheap, which wouldn’t be a bad thing if the cart cost half as much.

How does the Microlino drive?

Anyway, let’s go for a drive. We turn the knob to the left of the steering wheel to position D and we’re off. The small electric motor in the back makes a lot of noise, it whistles merrily. On the other hand, the trolley moves smoothly from its place. But soon you slow down. The Microlino transmits every pebble and every pothole in the road emotionally one-on-one to the occupants. In fast corners (and we’re talking speeds around 30 km/h) drivers tend to instinctively lean to the inside of the corner out of self-preservation. It is a kind of MSP, or Human Stability Program. An L7e vehicle does not have to undergo moose testing for certification, which is probably convenient for the manufacturer of this little car. You can if you want to push through to a speed of 90 km / h, but for that you have to be almost tired of life. After all, if you want to brake more firmly at a speed of 60 km/h, that requires an enormous effort from the right leg.

How do you load the Microlino?

Oubot’s sons Oliver and Merlin claim that the self-supporting body is unique in this class, where models such as the Italian Tazzari Zero and the better-known Renault Twizy were already fighting for customers more than a decade ago. You charge via the socket at home. Charging via a Type 2 plug is also possible, but the charging capacity remains below 3 kW.

How far does the Microlino go?

We were unable to test the energy consumption during the short introduction, and we were also unable to check the claimed range of 91 to 230 kilometers.

Will there be more versions, such as a 45 km / h variant?

Micro wants to sell 4,000 copies in Germany this year, and will also come to our country in the third quarter of this year. In the medium term, the Microlino should become just as much of an export hit as Swiss cheese. At least, that’s the wish of its developers. A ‘light’ version with a maximum speed of 45 km/h and a convertible will follow at a later stage. The introduction version Pioneer, with an edition of 999 pieces, is delivered with an extra means of transport. A kick scooter, with which the Ouboter family once earned their living, is included in the price.

We were looking forward to the Microlino ride, but honestly we were glad it was over. Yes, the Microlino takes up little space on the road and you can put it in between. But it does not give a safe feeling while driving, and in our opinion the purchase price is really too high.