Introducing Microlino Lite: The Teen-Friendly EV Debuting at Geneva

The Microlino, that super-cute little EV that never fails to make us smile, now has a new version that lets even teens get behind the wheel. Meet the Microlino Lite – just as charming as the original, but designed so those without a full driver's license can have some fun too.

Now, the standard Microlino already zips around with a 17 hp motor and a top speed of 56 mph (90 km/h). But this Lite version, set for a splashy debut at the Geneva Motor Show, keeps the speed down to a safer (and legal!) 28 mph (40 km/h). That meets the rules for L6e quadricycles, just like those tiny Fiat and Citroen cars from way back.

So, can your teen drive it? Depends where you live! Age limits vary – they can drive at 15 in some countries, 14 in others, and most places require 16+. And guess what? Even adults without a full car license can drive these in Europe, as long as they have at least a moped permit.

Looks-wise, the Lite's pretty much the same as its bigger sibling, though it does ditch the two-tone paint for a single color – your choice of Berlin Anthracite or Venice Blue, with some cool orange accents. But that classic BMW Isetta-inspired design, with its side-opening door and room for two? It's all there.

You get a choice of batteries too: a smaller 5.5 kWh for those short city trips, or a bigger 11 kWh that gives you more range for adventures. Of course, the bigger battery means longer charging times. Microlino offers a 15 kWh option for the regular version, but that's not available in the Lite.

The Lite hits European markets this spring, and you can bet it'll be a bit cheaper than the $18,750 you'd pay for the zippier standard Microlino.