BDN first saw the new Microlino bubble car at the start of this year, when UK importer Krazy Horse showed it off at the MCN London bike show. Built in Turin, Italy, for the Micro scooter firm in Switzerland, the Microlino is a super-compact two-seat bubble car with an electric powertrain that gives solid suburban performance, and a tough aluminium safety cell chassis. The styling combines cutesy appeal with modern high-tech design, and evokes a dash of nostalgia from oldsters who remember the original motorcycle-engined BMW Isetta and Heinkel/Trojan bubble cars. And they’re ready to fill the ‘light urban mobility’ role, which is becoming more important, backed by government and local authority policies. It’s a real option for customers who want the most practical transport capability of a 125 scooter with zero emissions, plus great weather and crash protection.
Krazy Horse imports the Microlino machines, alongside the more high-octane parts of its business: Indian, Norton, MV Agusta, Royal Enfield and Paton bikes, as well as Dodge/Ram pickup trucks and Morgan cars. And owner Paul Beamish has identified the Microlino as an extra revenue stream for bike dealers, which sits perfectly in a typical store’s logistical footprint. Put simply, the cars are small enough to work in most bike premises, in terms of service, showroom space and even delivery. They’re comparable with a Honda Gold Wing or Harley-Davidson tourer or trike in size and mass (495kg).
Since the start of the year, Krazy Horse has been signing up dealers across the country, with nine locations currently, including its own outlets, and there are more on the way. UK business development manager Lee Frankish has been working hard at events across the country to get the name out there, and he told us how the business is developing, “In the 1960s, the roads were not just occupied by the Mini, but also the bubble car. Having now done many events with the Microlino, it is clear that there is still a love for this type of vehicle. The focus is to grow the dealer network, and we are ready to support business partners with the vision and passion to bring this funky little urban vehicle back to our cities and towns.”
Paul Beamish, owner of Krazy Horse, summed up the appeal – and logic – of the Microlino. “On average, the city car is occupied by only 1.2 people, driven less than 20 miles per day and, with new city speed restrictions, at speeds less than 20 miles per hour. This presents a logical debate that many city cars are too big for 95% of their usage. Sounds crazy, right? The Microlino is designed with navigating today’s modern urban space in mind, and the return of the bubble car, this time as an EV, seems a sensible idea.”
Dealers love it!
BDN spoke to two new Microlino dealers to get their take on the brand.
Hayden Williams at Livery Dole, Microlino’s new dealer in Exeter, was enthusiastic about the new brand.
“We were initially drawn to Microlino at concept stage by its unique design and clear sense of identity – fun, functional, and forward-thinking. It’s a head-turner, no question, but it’s also a smart solution to modern urban mobility. As a dealership, we’re always looking to innovate and bring something genuinely different and exciting to our customers, and Microlino does exactly that.”
Williams added, “Since bringing the brand into our showroom, we’ve seen a real buzz – new customers coming through the doors, curious conversations, and lots of smiles. The Microlino attracts attention across all generations, from EV enthusiasts to people just looking for a car that breaks the mould. It’s had a positive impact on our sales team, who have embraced the brand with real excitement. For us, Microlino isn’t just a car – it’s an experience. And one that we’re proud to offer.”
Meanwhile, Jonny Jarratt, MD at Oakmere Motor Group in the North West of England, was also positive. “Microlino may seem like something of a departure from our usual high-octane machines, but we think that there are many synergies between the specialist brands we represent. The Microlino is packed with up-to-date technology and innovation, and most importantly, it is light, encompassing all the equipment you need and none that you don’t! The reaction when driving the car is just brilliant, and you really get the feeling that by just driving it, you brighten up everyone’s day. We have been delighted with the initial response to the Microlino, and are excited to see the brand develop further.”