TRANSPORT

MICRO MOBILE

Vintage design meets contemporary innovation in the Microlino car, which aims to change the landscape of urban mobility.

By Rachel Gallaher

The newly released, two-person electric Microlino—modeled after the 1950s bubble car—brings the concept of the microcar into the 21st century. Commissioned by Swiss company Micro Mobility and designed by Italian firm Icona Design, the Microlino is built with urban living in mind.

“Icona has always been interested in the future of mobility,” says Davide Cannata, design manager for Icona Design Group. “When we talk about intelligent mobility, we are talking about a project that responds to many requests—first of all, to those of the person, who is part of a large ecosystem with various interconnected products. Microlino is a concept that anticipates future trends in urban mobility.”

With a maximum range of 143 miles, the Microlino is the first quadricycle with a frame like that of a standard-size car. The exterior, designed by Antonino Barone, is an aluminum shell reminiscent of the popular midcentury bubble cars, and the interior (designed by Cannata) includes a bench seat that comfortably accommodates two adults, as well as a spacious cargo hold. Seventy-five percent of the vehicle’s internal materials are made of vegetable fiber. “The main concept is to reduce the number of pieces to avoid complications, and to respect the trend of ecology to save the pollution during production,” Cannata notes.

Measuring just under 100 inches in length, the Microlino requires one-third of the space of an average car, making it easy to cross-park. Its door is positioned at the front of the vehicle, providing passengers with the safest exit possible. As Cannata explains: “You can park at an angle and step out directly onto the sidewalk.” h

Davide Cannata, design manager for Icona Design Group, with the new Microlino microcar. Commissioned by Swiss company Micro Mobility and designed by Icona Design, the Microlino is the first quadricycle with a frame like that of a standard-size car.