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The first impression is clearly emotional. The little bubble car elicits spontaneous sympathy, a smile, that brief moment when technology does not seem sober, but creates a sense of closeness. The Microlino plays precisely on this effect, and it is no coincidence that it attracts attention at the toy fair.
It is not presented as a classic vehicle, but as an object that combines mobility, design and lifestyle. The term ‘bubble car’ is more than just a nostalgic reference. It aptly describes the effect of this compact vehicle, which evokes memories of a different era while at the same time transforming them into a modern, electric concept.
It is no coincidence that the Microlino evokes so many emotions. The historical reference goes back to the 1950s, when a vehicle concept emerged in Italy that impressed less with its performance than with its character. This idea is being revisited today, but now consistently electric. The decisive factor here is the conscious distinction from the classic car. The Microlino is not intended to be a full-fledged car, but rather a light electric vehicle in the L7e class. This classification is central to the concept, as it positions the vehicle between a motorbike and a car, and thus exactly where urban mobility needs new answers.
The legal and technical category largely determines the intended use. Despite its compact design, a car driving licence is required, but the space required on the road is significantly less. This is evident when parking as well as in dense city traffic.
The maximum speed is around ninety kilometres per hour, which is perfectly adequate for inner-city and suburban routes. Depending on the battery variant, ranges of around one hundred and twenty to two hundred kilometres are possible. These figures are not spectacular in the traditional sense, but they are realistic and tailored to everyday urban life. This is precisely where the strength of the concept lies.
When you take a seat in the Microlino, you don't experience a minimalist economy car, but a well-designed vehicle with its own character. The driving experience is described as surprisingly pleasant, almost playful. This lightness is part of the vision of a better urban lifestyle that the company wants to convey with its products. Mobility should be fun, not a burden. The high number of reservations, a large proportion of which come from women, suggests that this concept appeals to a target group that often feels neglected by traditional car manufacturers.
At first glance, it seems unusual that the Microlino is being presented at a toy fair. But on closer inspection, this setting is a surprisingly good fit. This is not just about a means of transport, but about enthusiasm, playful approaches to technology and products that trigger emotions. The term ‘toys for big boys’ may be tongue-in-cheek, but it refers to a serious core: mobility should be fun, surprising and break away from the familiar.
In addition to the vehicle itself, the company is showcasing other products that consistently reflect this attitude. Particularly striking is the so-called Lazy Luggage, a suitcase with an additional function that children can sit on and ride along with. This addresses an everyday problem when travelling and provides a pragmatic solution. Parents no longer have to juggle between luggage and children, but can combine both. Adults can also sit on it briefly without the construction reaching its limits.
What all the products on display have in common is a deliberately playful attitude. Humour, small details such as eyes on the suitcase or the lovingly designed bubble car are not minor details, but part of the brand identity. Life should not be taken too seriously, especially in everyday life. This attitude is reflected in the design as well as in the use. Anyone travelling through the airport with such a wheeled suitcase or gliding through the city in a Microlino should feel cheerful.
Between technology and emotion, an approach emerges that rethinks mobility. The Microlino exemplifies this combination of urban lifestyle, playful lightness and functional technology. It is not a car in the classic sense, nor does it want to be. This is precisely what creates space for new perspectives on urban mobility and shows that innovation does not always have to be bigger, faster or stronger, but sometimes simply more appealing.
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