The Microlino 'anti-pickup' is designed for the American market.

Micro, the company known for its bubble electric vehicles present in various European cities, has developed a new version of the Microlino aimed at the U.S. market. This model, called the Microlino Spider, is presented as the “anti-pickup truck” and is designed to serve as a substitute for golf carts. Although it is not intended for use on golf courses, its purpose is to carve out a niche in extensive resorts and in communities where affluent residents choose to live in walkable villages with low-speed roads.

Wim Ouboter, founder and president of Micro, comments that “Americans don’t just drive large vehicles. In fact, the United States is the largest global market for golf carts, which are often used for personal transportation within neighborhoods.” Ouboter adds that this need is precisely what sparked the creation of the Microlino Spider, describing it as the antithesis of large electric trucks, as it is not designed for the 5% of trips that require carrying large amounts, but rather for the 95% of trips where the person travels alone.

The Microlino Spider stands out for its open door and roof design, which makes it easy to get in and out of the vehicle. This approach is a notable shift compared to the Microlino Dolce, which is road-legal and reviewed last year, and the Lite version, which only requires a moped license; in these vehicles, entry is made from the front, which sparks public curiosity.

For now, Micro considers the Microlino Spider a "concept," but it intends to introduce this microcar in the U.S. “as a more stylish and safer alternative to golf carts, ideal for errands or as a means of transportation.” Currently, the company is assessing the interest of potential partners, including dealership groups, leasing companies, and other entrepreneurs who wish to introduce this new category of vehicles into the country.

However, the company faces the challenge that Americans seem to increasingly lean towards larger and more dangerous vehicles. Nowadays, almost all trucks and SUVs sold are larger than they were 20 years ago, and these massive vehicles represent around 80% of car sales in the United States. Experts have warned that the larger the vehicle, the greater the risk for pedestrians and cyclists to suffer injuries or fatalities. Although Micro's proposal may not directly address this issue, the availability of more small car options is undoubtedly a positive step in a society overwhelmed by oversized vehicles.