A new generation of microcars could transform the way people travel in cities and provide mobility alternatives at a time when congestion is increasing.
Leading the way is the Microlino from Micro Mobility Systems, a Swiss company that made its name by introducing scooters into the urban landscape. The electric 'car' is described as "the ideal mix of automobile and motorcycle."
It is less than 2.5 metres long, about the size of a cargo bike, can hold two adults and has a surprisingly large amount of storage space, 230 litres of trunk space, making it suitable for supermarket trips. Based on the classic Isetta design, the Microlino has a single door that opens at the front of the vehicle and takes up one-third of a normal parking space.
Changing cities
The Microline joins Citroën's Ami, the Spanish Silence S04 and the Renault Twizy at the forefront of the coming micro options for urban driving, which some experts are saying will become the new link in the mobility chain.
“The city is changing,” Xavier Tackoen, Managing Director of Espaces Mobilités, told Le Soir. “There have never been so many trips by bike or scooter. Public transport is also seeing its ridership numbers increase. The car-sharing sector has refocused on viable new players such as Cambio, Poppy or Miles. The city of the future will be more zen, where more room will be given to the citizen. And micro-electric cars have a role to play for all those who cannot travel with other means of transport."
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In Belgium, where automobile distribution company D'Ieteren is responsible for importing the Microlino, modifications have been asked for – such as remote door opening systems with a smartphone application – which will allow the Microlino to join the country’s car-sharing fleet.
While these micro-electric vehicles will never replace the family car, this is not the goal. What they may do is offer the urban citizen of the future another more sustainable option for short journeys within the city.
