The Microlino Spider: A Bubble Car That's Popped Its Top and Gone Electric!
Image Credit: Microlino AG.
I'm back with another electrifying tale from the world of automotive innovation. This time, we're looking at a vehicle that's so quirky, so unconventional, it makes a clown car look like a limousine. This cuteness overload and complete madness on wheels is the Microlino Spider, a roofless electric bubble car that's about to take the US by storm!
Indulge me just for a moment and imagine it is a sunny afternoon. The wind is in your hair, and you're cruising down the street in a vehicle that resembles a giant golf ball that's been sliced in half. That's the Microlino Spider, my friend, and it's the latest creation from Micro Mobility Systems AG, a Swiss company with a knack for challenging the status quo.
Just in case you were wondering what in the name of horsepower is a bubble car, it's a tiny, lightweight vehicle that's designed to zip around urban environments with minimal fuss. It's the automotive equivalent of a chihuahua – small, energetic, and guaranteed to make you smile.
The Microlino Spider is the latest iteration of the Microlino, a front-loading electric bubble car that's been on sale in Europe since 2016. But this new model is a bit different. It's lost its roof, its doors, and its inhibitions, transforming into a fun-loving, sun-worshipping, open-air chariot.
Image Credit: Auto Express.
So, why is this little car making so much fuss? Many of you might not like what I'm about to say, but the Spider is a perfect antidote to the oversized pickup trucks that dominate American roads. As Wim Outober, the company's chairman, so eloquently put it, "Americans don't just drive large cars. In fact, the US is the world's biggest market for golf carts, where they're often used for personal transport within neighborhoods. That's exactly why we created the Microlino Spider." That right there is an Eureka moment.
Mr Outober has got a valid point. Do we really need a hulking behemoth of a vehicle to pick up a gallon of milk or pop over to the neighbors for a cup of sugar? The Microlino Spider is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, less is more.
Image Credit: Auto Express.
Surprisingly, this minute car is much quicker than you'd imagine. It's powered by a 12.4-kW motor coupled with a 15 kWh battery. That's enough for a top speed of 56 mph and a range that's perfect for those short jaunts around town.
But a roofless car? Not everyone lives in Florida, right? Thankfully, the Microlino Spider comes with an optional canvas shade. It's not exactly a convertible top, but it'll keep you dry in a drizzle. And if it really rains, you're definitely better off staying home with a good book and a cup of cocoa. Just saying.
Practicality aside, the Microlino Spider is all about style, baby! The interior is a delightful blend of cool blue and white, with wood accents on the steering wheel and sill guards. On the outside, this beauty is a chameleon on wheels. The color-shifting paint transitions between shades of blue, green, and purple depending on the light. It's a disco party on four tiny wheels!
Image Credit: Auto Express.
The Microlino Spider isn't for everyone. It is not going to revolutionize American transport. But, if you're looking for a fun, quirky, and eco-friendly way to get around town, this little tike might just be the answer. It's the perfect vehicle for those who want to make a statement without shouting from the rooftops. Me? I believe this is the only spidey I could get along with. This Spider has earned a warm spot in my garage. I just need to convince my husband now.
