Microlino review - The Isetta-inspired electric microcar that's flawed but fun

I don't think I've ever driven a vehicle that turns quite as many heads as the modern (and fully electric) reinterpretation of the classic Isetta bubble car. The Microlino is a microcar created by a scooter company and while it's clearly the product of a company that has never made a car before and it has a few flaws, there's also a lot to like about it. In fact, even with its obvious flaws, the Microlino is a recommendable vehicle, a great way to beat the traffic and spark up conversations anywhere you park.
Written, presented, shot, and edited by Andrei Nedelea.
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[@edwardfletcher7790]

This really could be the PERFECT little electric runabout for European cities. If it could be manufactured at a realistic price 👍

[@OneTireFire]

100% agree

[@POVDrivingTour]

It's coming to the UK by the end of 2024, finally!

[@emmanouilachladiotis5272]

What do you need to ride this in the UK ? 50 cv moped licence?​@@POVDrivingTour

[@samolofsson2401]

​@@emmanouilachladiotis5272proberly a car/MC license becuse of the effect and top speed.

[@Yanquetino]

I wish they'd bring it to this side of the pond. I'd love one for running local errands.

[@BonannoCM]

As a first car for young inexperienced driver, this vehicle would be a blast and a valuable learning experience before getting behind the wheel of a far more capable car. Basically, what my 1971 Volkswagen super beetle was for me.

[@OneTireFire]

Yeah, it would be perfect for a new driver. It's safe enough and it lacks the kind of power that could get you into trouble.

[@Chris-tf7gi]

MERICA here! Damn! Got rear-ended by a Jeep! Slammed the breaks but got pushed right into the F-150! (assuming legs are still intact...) I've got a Jeep up my rear and my door is wedged under the Ford truck's bumper! This thing has one door! How do I get out? (soft top sunroof! ahh! make sure the vehicle comes with that!) Its really cute. Looks like lots of fun. Just maybe have your affairs in order if any of these make it to that MERICA! I caught that its designed for Euro roads.

[@OneTireFire]

Valid point you make there, Chris. Being a quadricycle, this vehicle is closer to a four-wheeled bicycle than a car, so it doesn't have to follow the same safety guidelines as cars. Micro says it's engineered to be stiffer and safer than the rules dictate, but it still doesn't compare to a car. Your scenario would mean you can't get out of the single front door, but you can pull yourself out through the (standard) sunroof or one of the side windows (although the latter might be a bit of a squeeze). The only way this would ever be brought to America would be for it to be completely re-engineered with airbags and more thought put into safety or just as a neighborhood electric vehicle with a top speed of 25 mph.

[@SunriseLAW]

My parents (still with us) owned an Isetta in the early 1960's. It had a 1 cylinder engine and could go about 45 mph . Nice little car, but it did not match up with their risk profile once us kids came along. :)

[@OneTireFire]

It must have been a really fun time for them in the ‘60s :D

[@SunriseLAW]

@@OneTireFire Yeah, until us kids came along.

[@BlairAir]

3 BIGGEST ISSUES: 1. Price. I get it. It's a small company. A TINY Company. But the one Aging Wheels drove in Switzerland was mid 20 thousand dollars? No. No sir. No WAY. Sir! They would HAVE to be able to produce these at scale for under $15k, and Ideally between $10-12k The biggest expense is the battery, and if that can be drastically cut, there already is HUGE demand for the vehicle, The Isetta tribute styling is pure genius, since those are hugely collectible, but mainly as a quirky conversation piece. By electrifying the Isetta, then modernizing the experience, demand is high. Which brings us to #2: The car MUST BE CERTIFIED for sale IN THE US! Yes these will do well in Europe, but needs US Sales to hit the big production numbers.3. Quality Control is critical. If they miss the mark, all of this success will go up in static electricity.

[@OneTireFire]

Valid points.

[@DimitarBerberu]

The Chinese versions will be >3x cheaper ;)

[@ChummiaChan]

This is an LSV done right, I'm a huge gearhead with eternal love for V8 engines but this, this is what a "fun and practical EV" should be like.

[@OneTireFire]

Yeah, I'm also a fan of fast combustion cars but I absolutely loved the Microlino. I think you could see I was genuinely excited to drive it in the video even after pointing out its obvious shortcomings

[@latmask00]

If you live in a city, why not? 🙂

[@OneTireFire]

Absolutely!

[@cooper7031]

In Europe's narrow dinky streets perhaps

[@marcustankus4424]

Price

[@samolofsson2401]

Price, for that kind of money you can almost buy a VW golf and if you look at the used market you get a realy nice car and a MC for the money.

[@lancomedic]

I couldn’t deal with that sound. Sounds like a fire truck is always behind you.

[@OneTireFire]

Yeah, it's pretty loud

[@mr.makeit4037]

It would be cool if it came in kit form to be sent worldwide and assembled by diyers. And also if it utilized the basic design but with several additional practical options like a mini cargo truck or van.

[@OneTireFire]

I would LOVE to see a mini truck version of this, like a more stylish version of the Piaggio Ape.

[@rogersmith9579]

This is more like the Heinkel. The Isetta had the steering column attached to the door, so that it moved out of your way when it opened.

[@OneTireFire]

Yeah, and that made climbing into the driver's seat in the Isetta much easier than in this or the Heinkel. However, aside from the fact that the Microlino has a fixed steering column, its design owes everything to the Isetta.

[@MyFluffyClouds]

Perfect little run around. I think they will sell a lot of these in the UK. I'd say they would be popular with older folks but despite having a big front door it looks awkward to get in and out of for people who are not as supple anymore?

[@OneTireFire]

Yeah, it should be reasonably popular even if based on its design and nostalgia alone. Access into the driver’s seat is not the easiest given that the steering wheel doesn’t lift out of the way with the front door, so you first have to get into the passenger’s seat then shuffle to the side, but other than this it should be fine for older folks. Climbing aboard is a cinch.

[@woongah]

It was the ISO Isetta - BMW bought the design when the Italian moved on to bigger cars (such as the ISO Grifo).

[@OneTireFire]

@@woongah Yeah, I know. Thanks for sharing.

[@charlesjack6571]

I'm going to buy one of these. But I have no way to A/C charge (live in a condo in the States) and I don't think that I could stand that whining noise. Hey, it's not all bad . . . I just saved eighteen grand 😅.

[@OneTireFire]

I don't think it's legal in the US and I don't think it will ever make it across the pond. And yes, the noise does get on your nerves after a while... especially if you go for a long drive in it.

[@Salsa470]

Bad research: The BMW Isetta was not an original creation by BMW, but a licensed reproduction of the model originally designed and produced by the Italian company Iso. The original Isetta model with its characteristic front-opening design was created in 1953 by Iso, a company that manufactured motorcycles and small cars based in Milan, Italy

[@OneTireFire]

Did you even watch the video? I clearly state that it’s actually an Italian design.

[@DavidClark-gy7py]

I live in a small town in Texas and I want one of these so badly

[@OneTireFire]

It's the perfect small-town vehicle. You may still be able to buy one in the US at some point but don't hold your breath. I wonder if anyone has thought about importing these as NEVs (neighborhood electric vehicles) and limiting their top speed to 25 mph

[@POVDrivingTour]

I live near Central London (downtown) in the UK and the local roads have a 20mph speed limit which is perfect for the Microlino. Recently, I sold my 2 of my ev's, Peugeot e-208 and a Mini Cooper SE. I found them to be unnecessary for my needs as I travel to and from Central London, 10 miles in total. I currently drive a Citroen Ami and have ordered the top spec Microlino with the bigger battery for longer travels on highways. 2 years ago I was a pure petrol head with a love of german cars but now I'm in love with quadricycles.

[@o00scorpion00o]

To be honest , there's a massive increase of SUV on European roads and manufacturers abandon small cars but the problem is that the larger the car the less space on the roads and car parking spaces are not and won't get any larger and so many cars on the road have only the driver. This Microlino is a perfect for those scared of motorbikes and scooters, a real fine example of what 1 person transport should be not these big heavy SUV or worse again, electric SUV are extremely heavy and have no place on most of Europe's roads ! Here in Ireland a car is seen as a sign of wealth and so many people get big loans as they are ashamed to let the neighbour see them in an old car and Mothers don't want to drop their kids to school in small cars, especially older cars. You see a great trick the Irish Government pulled in the 1990's was to introduce a registration plate with the year which meant people could now know how old your car was, but a couple of years ago they went even further, now there are 2 registrations in the year, one in January and one in July so they introduced this to boost sales in the middle of the year when it's quiet because everyone previously were waiting until January to have the very latest registration plate lol.

[@OneTireFire]

That’s a very in-depth look, thanks for sharing! You are absolutely right that this is a vehicle for those who are scared of motorbikes and scooters. That’s what I was trying to say when I said “you shouldn’t judge it by car standards.”

[@o00scorpion00o]

@@OneTireFire Exactly, I recently got an old Yamaha Tmax and absolutely love it, such a n amazing experience and so much more suited for town and city driving but I live in the country and take it out on fine days, 2 wheels are definitely a lot more fun !

[@lisadefries6718]

What’s is NCAP rating? How much would it cost to insure? I drive a Smart car have for 17 odd years. This is a tweak small for real driving on urban and country roads but fun looking none the less.

[@christinelang8798]

Ooooh! I want one. Too preciously gorgeous ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@OneTireFire]

It's the cutest!

[@cooper7031]

This won't sell in America cuz of the front shape being kinda rounded and easily destroyed in a crash

[@OneTireFire]

I think it's safer than you give it credit for, but it's nowhere near as safe as a real car. Being a quadricycle, this vehicle is closer to a four-wheeled bicycle than a car, so it doesn't have to follow the same safety guidelines as cars. Micro says it's engineered to be stiffer and safer than the rules dictate.

[@organickevinlondon]

I've just seen one for the first time, on the road here in South East London (May 2024) and it didn't look out of place either, (I just clocked "Microlino" across its front and Googled it as soon as I got home), I live in London and own a Mini Cooper Electric, so fully appreciate the advantages of small so called "city ??? EVs", obviously, this vehicle is aimed at a "niche potential customer base", that would be, affluent, city home owners, with ONE child who have a garage or driveway, that gave up their MAHOOSIVE ICE 4 x4, for an electric one, just to be "Eco trendy????, that find it embarrassing to have, a small ICE car as a second vehicle, as ALL of their "Eco trendy??" neighboughs have got Teslas and NO second car, so they won't mind paying £15,000 for a Microlino, to use as a second car, as sticking THAT and a £85,000 4 x4 EV on their driveway, is basically an "UP YOURS GESTURE", to their neighboughs, who only have ONE vehicle on their driveway, that is a "cheap and nasty ????, Tesla", so "the Microlino will probably sell like hot cakes, in trendy affluent parts of London and other European cities too" LOL.

[@OneTireFire]

Yeah, it’s not priced to become a huge hit, but there are enough wealthy people who will fall in love with it and buy it as a third car to pop to the shops in. This is especially true of London, but also other major cities too. It’s apparently a hit in Swiss cities.

[@samolofsson2401]

They would need to cut the price with 70% for it to be worth it for 18-22k€ you almost get a full size car with high comfort and build quality.

[@OneTireFire]

@@samolofsson2401 Yes, it is quite steep

[@gaston.]

love it... its like a Jetson mobile

i cant waaait for it to come to Norway

[@OneTireFire]

I’m curious how the puny heater will cope with Norwegian winters :D

[@Derpy1969]

The little Tykes car has grown up.

[@OneTireFire]

🤣

[@ronaldusher39]

The carver is it's closest rival!

[@OneTireFire]

This would have been even cooler if it tilted into the corners like the Carver :D

[@mokisan]

Great video! Subscribed

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks for watching and subbing!

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

I think I saw this on The Fully Charged Show last year or year before. Nice to see that it is in production.

[@OneTireFire]

Yes, already over 1,000 of these on the road.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@OneTireFire It's a very niche product and I'm all for it! I doubt they will ever make more than a few thousand per year, but that's perfectly fine.

[@stillbuyvhs]

Someone made a new Urklemobile!

[@stephenriggs8177]

You can get a fully loaded Nissan Versa, for that price.

[@OneTireFire]

Yeah, and quite a few other cars here in Europe.

[@zentierra7803]

I wish the US wasn't soooo addicted to super-sized trucks and SUVs. I would love to be able to drive a Microlino here but, alas, that combination of HUGE vehicles plus way too many bad and inattentive drivers make for a needlessly lethal proposition...at least for the time being. Americans won't change their wasteful, gas-guzzling ways until they have no other choice. And in the meantime, people like me will continue to be outliers who use and advocate for comprehensive public transit, ride bicycles and - gasp! - _walk._ (the joke being that Americans are notorious for not walking anywhere...ironic, since the majority of Americans definitely _need_ to walk because, exercise and wellbeing...but that's a whole other rant).

[@OneTireFire]

I couldn’t have said it better! I’m with you on this 110%

[@lisadefries6718]

I like it 😊 good in southern Europe but probably not so useful in Northern Europe doubt it very good it wintery /windy conditions. I drive a smart which is good all year round on urban and country roads

[@OneTireFire]

The Smart is a real car and feels much more grown up to drive and be aboard. You are right that the Microlino is more of a southern European vehicle, something you would see around Italy mostly. If I owned a chain of pizzerias and I needed to renew my fleet of delivery vehicles, I'd choose Microlinos and give them an awesome livery :D

[@lisadefries6718]

@@OneTireFire yes 😀

[@mjookie]

WANT! 😍

[@JJ-es9np]

This looks like it would be a popular choice for an evil geniuses secret volcano lair.

[@OneTireFire]

It’d need some rocket boosters on the sides and some sort of weapon pods, but yes, it would definitely work in that role :D

[@ajarnolaf9034]

Steve Urkel approves!

[@onlyme972]

The originals tended to fall over on roundabouts 😮

[@OneTireFire]

I'd still love to try the original. The Microlino felt really good... almost sporty through the corners.

[@DimitarBerberu]

Waiting for the Chinese version, 3x cheaper ;)

[@OneTireFire]

Haha 🤣

[@ajarnolaf9034]

Mercedes is bringing the Isetta back as an electric car, by the way!

[@OneTireFire]

Are you sure about that 😅?

[@ajarnolaf9034]

according to the manufacturer@@OneTireFire

[@ajarnolaf9034]

or is it bmw?

[@juki6377]

i'd love this but its overpriced and already seems outdated from when it was first announced quite a few years ago. Furthermore when i tried contacting the company about buying one they didnt bother to reply

[@OneTireFire]

I think they're still setting up shop in some countries, maybe that's why they didn't get back to you. And yes, it is overpriced.

[@ThorstenKreutzenberger]

Yes i would like everyone to drive this. Except me.

[@OneTireFire]

🤣

[@lisadefries6718]

So what will you drive ? 😂

[@ThorstenKreutzenberger]

@@lisadefries6718 I drive my 33year old VW Corrado. 😍

[@capitalisteconomist]

Wish that car can come to the usa. We never get the fun, fuel efficient cars here. Another reason im anti govt.

[@OneTireFire]

@@capitalisteconomist Micro says it may make a version that complies with US regulations, but it’s not a sure thing

[@JohnCross-rz5uq]

Too expensive !!!

[@OneTireFire]

Yeah, it is. Let's hope enough people don't think that so that we'll be able to pick one up for cheap used in a few years 😁

[@JohnCross-rz5uq]

@@OneTireFire Some years ago Microlino forecast a price of 10.000 Euros which would be a fair price.

[@rottweiler9535]

PUT A PETROL ENGINE IN IT, THEN YOU MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING, EV SHIT

[@OneTireFire]

Nah, I disagree-I think this works better as an EV.

[@kevinallen4604]

Wow someone that hasn’t a clue. What on earth would you gain having a ice? Absolutely nothing.

[@PimpTrigger]

Dude 18k to 22k is a deal breaker. Now if it were 5k, then we would talk. Over priced garbage.

[@OneTireFire]

It's not garbage at all, but it is too expensive for what it offers.

[@daddymulk]

They should of waited for WW3 to be over before trying to flog this junk 😂😂😂

[@OneTireFire]

This comment would have been funny before February 2022 😔