Absolutely better than a cybertruck, but 17990 eur (19,500 usd) is still a pretty serious chunk of change. You could land a leaf or a prius with that. Does look fun though.
"And in national news, there was a rather severe traffic jam on the E42 as a visiting American filmmaker mistakenly drove a Microlino onto the highway. No one was injured, though the driver was taken to get a brandy for his nerves after he successfully navigated the vehicle off the highway."
I was genuinely shocked to hear that they are not native to the USA, I've seen one snuffling in the garden (UK) and it's the cutest thing ever.. right up there with puppies and kittens.
My first thought as a Swiss: Oh shit, he doesn't have a "Vignette", this will cost a lot of money now! Context: Swiss highways are all toll roads. The toll is payed by purchasing a "Vignette" (a sticker that you stick on your windshield) for a year for 40 CHF. But if you enter the highway and you don't have one, that's gonna be 200 CHF + the 40 CHF for a "Vignette".
@@Quintinohthree I assume you're talking kilometers per hour. How do your trucks get anywhere in a reasonable time if they can only go 80KPH? That's not just slow, it's dangerous because of the speed differential.
@@bwofficial1776 well for one, driving from one end of texas to the other, is the equivalent of driving through a DOZEN different countries in europe so is a non issue, and they have competent trains, so most truck shipping is just in city anyways, and again a non issue.
The rollercoaster I had when I heard the price. "it cost the owner 23,000" *eyes open in shock "swiss francs" *relief* "which is 25,000 dollars" *eyes open in shock*
It's made in Switzerland, what did you expect. I thought it'd be more in the 30~35k ballpark😐 I'd just buy a Citoen Ami (or even several) for that kind of price, especially the Lite version which does have the same speed limit.
Honestly that's very reasonable IMHO. Remember that's including sales tax as well. And a less specced one is noticeably cheaper. Edit: Also it seems to be 21 370 swiss francs now and not 23k.
I absolutely love this little thing. Imagine every family adopting one of these as their 2nd car for the city and work commutes. Most traffic consists of car with just one occupant anyway. Could double the amount of on street parking as well. I really want one.
A place like Switzerland it's perfect. Switzerland has an amazing train network (unlike some places in the world lol), so you only need something like this for short trips, and you have the train for everything else.
@@catfish552 I wish we could have Europe's weird little cool economy cars with the USA's car modifications and gun culture. Wait... Two of those three things are just Switzerland. Shame they can't do a whole lot of car modification over there.
@@lsswappedcessna Swiss/European gun culture is different than american. We don't hold competitions at elections, shopping centres and schools. Only courtrooms and angry parents are accepted. Add.: /s
@lsswappedcessna I am pretty sure that you can do car modifications it might just be more expensive because you have to get safety reports for the modifications to be legal. That is how it Works in Germany and I am pretty sure a lot of other European countries as well. And the Swiss gun culture is not like the American gun culture at all.
@@astorjupit6932 Makes sense. Also yeah I know swiss gun culture is overall different but it is still interesting. Europe overall has some damned good marksmen.
I saw one at a BMW dealership here in the US a few years ago. It was fully restored, all shined up and had a place of honor right in the middle of the showroom floor.
Reminds me of when I worked at a center for pre delivery inspections. We handled everything from cheap inline 3s to expensive v12 luxury cars, but then one of the employees show up in an old Audi 80 CC, which is as basic as you can get. Everyone stopped what they were doing and went to take a look. No one looked at the RS6 standing right next to it.
Glad you like the Microlino, already shared the video with one of the two founders and got great feedback you might like as well: They are planing to launch it in the USA as well. 😇
Fingers crossed for Ontario too. We have a similar category to France though it's 40 km/h instead of 45 km/h (which is kind of awkward on 50 km/h roads)
I was assuming that it would have to meet the safety standards in the US... and I don't see how it would pass the crash tests. If it was classed as a motorcycle, then it wouldn't have to meet the standards, but I had the impression that a "motorcycle" couldn't have more than 3 wheels. OTOH, how did the Smart Car pass the tests? What's the secret to getting these tiny cars to be street legal in the US?
Good to hear it may be coming to the states. At an age where my clutch knee complains on chilly mornings, I’ve been idly looking at electric city cars, and this strikes me as the perfect vehicle to get me to doctor appointments with a smile but no fuss
That's like a pet that you can drive. Part of the family. I can imagine a tiny personalised dog bowl type thing in the garage where it parks with its name on it.
Watched this morning. 9hrs later on my way home I passed a pale green one! Sat on display looking for a new home :) Hopefully they will catch on. It would be great to se them buzzing around. (UK South of Manchester)
Great little thing! We have one as well! One thing that didn't get mentioned in the Video is the 12V battery. Apparently, you have to drive this car at least once every few weeks. We only drive ours occasionally and when I wanted to hop in the other day the 12V system was completely dead. You can charge the battery in the trunk of the car... which helpfully does not open without power. There is also a battery disconnect switch that Microlino recommends turning off when you don't use the vehicle for more than two weeks... that's also conveniently in the most hard to reach place behind the seat. Not to hate on the car. None of this is a dealbreaker, but questionable design decisions nonetheless 😅
James May had the same issue with his Tesla 3, after Covid lockdown ... despite i being plugged in the whole time ! The propulsion battery was full, so the charge stopped, but the 12v lead acid battery drained itself and was completely flat. And a nightmare to get access to. So even big manufacturers have the same questionnable design decisions (and the M3 is not even their first model, they had years to fix it).
Worth seeing if you can use a smart trickle charger with it. You can get adapters with a couple of ring-crimps that attach permanently to the battery terminals that lead to a little plug/socket that you position somewhere easy to access so that you can just plug the charger into it without opening the bonnet or boot. CTek seem to be the most well known manufacturer. I think James May has a video about installing the adaptors on his car collection. They're good for keeping batteries warm in the winter too.
This thing gives you a vibe to hug it and take it with you before anyone else does... Maybe sleep with it at night having it making that beautiful motor noise and blinking its mirrors/lights.. Extremely cute! Cheers from Greece!
It should qualify as an NEV (with speed limiting), so there shouldn't really be any restrictions about bringing it in to the US. NEVs were never a big seller, but gave us cars like the Wheego and Zenn and Twizy.
They also sell things like the Polaris Ranger in the US, but people keep importing kei trucks. Some people don't want to exposed to the elements, some people want better build quality, and in the case of the Microlino I really doubt there's much of an overlap between people that'd drive either it or the Slingshot. They're different beasts.
I live in a city the allows golf carts and all manner of other quirky vehicles on the road, so long as they go less than 35 mph. It's common in many cities. There's definitely a market for this type of car here.
That is the coolest little electric car I've ever seen I have two electric e-bikes that do 50 mph and have dual batteries and I can't tell you how much fun they actually are. That car looks like a ton of fun
When I saw the microlino I wanted you to review it but figured it would take years and a weird story to get one to you, so I’m so happy you got to drive it
This is top quality production. Clear editing, perfect sound from host, ambient and background, non-intrusive. The script keeps the audience stimulated with info or entertaining bits. Camera work is clean, working like a proper take without any shacking or weird movements. The host shows his face enough for us to know him, but he puts the product under the spotlight, not him. And you watch seven hundred sixty nine seconds and you think it was way shorter than it was. Please never change, keep up the excellent work. Congratulations to your Aging Wheels team.
wow i didn't expect you to basically hang around in my backyard but me seeing the microlinos in zurich made me think of your channel a lot! really nice that you did that :)
You get the Money back rather quickly. Not only because of Fuel Savings but its also classified as a "Motorcycle" here in Switzerland which means you can park it on Motorcycle Parking Spaces which are free.
Pretty funny, I drove by a dealer (Ebert Weinheim, Germany) yesterday that had a whole bunch sitting in the lot. I immediately thought of sending you a mail to get hold of one and making a video about it. You beat me to it. According to their website the cost would be €17000
If I keep seeing you in the comments sections of all my favorite UA-cam channels, I’ll be forced to call you a man of impeccable taste. Also, if you haven’t seen it, there’s a video that’s gained lots of traction from the IFJ (Institute for Justice). It’s drawing attention to a new “tactic” increasingly being used by the DEA. But get this. They’re going after ppl & searching their carry on bags after TSA has already cleared them. It involves luggage, cops, civil rights violations (but I repeat myself), and air travel: the literal intersection of DeviantOllam, DeviantOllam, & DeviantOllam! So, basically the DEA is now monitoring ticket purchases. If you buy a last minute ticket, & that ticket is inbound to any “high drug activity destination” read: any major city, odds are pretty good DEA is gonna be at your gate to meet you. To do what, you ask? Search your shit without probable cause, of course! And if you don’t consent to this flagrant violation of your 4th amendment rights? They’ll just steal your bag and tell you, you’re free to go. Don’t want to leave without your bag? Just let them search it! Otherwise, you’re going to miss your flight as you wait for them to apply for a warrant they definitely shouldn’t get, but ,depending on the judge’s politics, they definitely might get. Once that happens, anything valuable such as jewelry, cash, etc DEA finds in your carry-on is theirs now. Because, obviously your grandmother’s engagement ring is being used to facilitate trade of illegal drugs. If you weren’t a drug kingpin or at least working for one, why did you buy a last minute plane ticket? And it’s not like any serious criminal organization would’ve heard about this new tactic almost as soon as DEA began using it! Even if they had, what do you expect them to do? Just NOT buy tickets last minute? Preposterous! Criminals aren’t that organized! Criminals can’t be organized! Are you high on your own supply there, Scarface? Anyway, seemed like a topic right down your alley. Keep fighting the good fight.
I remember, when I was a kid, reading the specs on the Isetta in an old Motor's Manual. I was struck by the firing order of 1-1-1-1-1 and the bigger (?) version had a firing order of 1-2-1-2-1-2-
Hey! Welcome to Switzerland! I'm glad you like it here. I do own a Tazzari Zero, which from what I understand is was built by the same factory as the microlino, and I still can recognize several features they share albeit the Tazzari was built in 2009.
Robert, if you are still here in Switzerland: Come visit my place and review my Renault Twizy. Fun fact, Microlino made me buy the Twizy 3 years ago. I saw the Microlino 1.0 on display in a mall and immediately fell in love. Unfortunately soon after I learned about the manufacturer screwing the Microlino crew over, basically stealing the design and the lawsuit following. So the 1.0 never made it into production and the only viable alternative was a 10 year old Renault Twizy for me.
I almost bought a fully restored Isetta once, that was for sale near me. I've regretted not buying it ever since, but now, I can sort of get my dream fulfilled. I think I might look into getting one of these. I have not seen these yet, but I live in Europe and expect to see many of them pretty soon XD
I still have DEEP pangs of regret about not buying a Honda 400 Four, that was for sale at a great price from a guy who lived in the same town as myself, it's one of those thoughts that haunts my shower times and when I lay in bed waiting for sleep to claim me.
If you want to hear loud contactors on a car that's actually available in the US, you should check out the 1st gen Fiat 500e. Its how I know when the car is actually turned on, because not only does the power-on chime not always play (more like never actually play) when you turn the key, but sometimes the car doesn't actually turn on entirely when you turn the key. Also, every 500e has the brake lights wired up backwards, so when it says the left brake lamp is out, it's actually the right one (and vice-versa)
I love the afterburner cutting in for added power, wish that it was available in the USA. IN 1958 a junior high school teacher got a BMW Isetta , 4 of us kids lifted the car and put it in between two trees length wise. Good times! 😎
Love driving my microcar (Renault Twizy EV) had it 11 years used to drive it on the highway every day it's fun, only problem on the twizy was no heating or vents fixed with a heated seat from a smart four two, it's the city driving and parking that makes microcars such a good idea
I saw one of these little fellas in town the other day and read a little bit about it. Delighted to hear it's good, and fun. And damn it, yes, I want one!
It has a top speed of 90 km/h which is just under 56 mph. It would work as a city/commuter car, but wouldn't want to see one on any 65 mph highway as that's too slow.
You had me laughing with your comments. Getting on the highway was hilarious. I've driven in Switzerland and, I kid you not, their OCD speed limits have stressed me out. You did well!
Oh I am so glad you got to video one of these - they caught my eye a while back, but living in the US as well, I wrote it off in my mind. Excited to live vicariously in this one!
My dad owned a BMW Isetta. I played in it when I was four or five years old. I am 67. It was the car he drove to and from work. I think I may have ridden in it a couple of times. I also think he didn't have it very long, and replaced it with a Simca or Fiat.
I have watched your videos for years, this is my favorite one you've ever done. The Microlino is an adorable little car! Also Robert I hope you enjoyed your time in Switzerland, it's an amazing country and I really hope you liked it!
I live about four kilometres from there! I had to check my photo of the Microlino down the road to make sure you weren't driving that one. And I did laugh when you accidentally got sucked into one of the many tunnels in the area. It happens a lot. Also, that's not a rocket ship on the Turbo button. It's a Bullet Bill.
I am very fond of this little car-like object. But I like oddballs. But: full disclosure: I did about 40 years in the car business, so, considering the truly whacky stuff we worked on....Peugeot, anyone? Citroen? Bricklin? Simca? 2 stroke Saabs? Renault? Been there, got the t shirts..... But this little sucker is really cool, in an astonishingly uncool fashion....
I bought a used spark EV 5.5 years ago. it is my only car. I put a tow hitch on it for my trailer. I am so thankful it is 8.5 years old without any issues. with luck, I can keep driving it until I retire.
That motor noise makes it sound like it has a cute little jet engine
Sound like his electrameccanica Solo's
Jetson's vibes.
A little bit spaceshippy too. You could easily plop the motor noise into sci-fi without anyone batting an eye.
how did you make a comment two days ago when the video was uploaded an hour ago
@@User_Name26 Patreon subscribers get video early
"cute, want one, and can afford it"
it's like a reverse cybertruck lol
And I’d gladly drive this any day over a Cyber Truck.
And you can park i anywhere! also reverse of cybertruck
It's probably also more practical and won't break down after week of ownership
@@kacperolszowski1331 A full week? How generous!
Absolutely better than a cybertruck, but 17990 eur (19,500 usd) is still a pretty serious chunk of change. You could land a leaf or a prius with that. Does look fun though.
That only makes it more attractive
It's also small, practical and economical
I don't need another car, I don't need another car, I don't need another car, I don't need another car...
BUY THE NUGGET WADE BUY IT
Admit it, you want the car because the Bluetooth speaker it comes with is clearly a rebrand of the sexy speaker.
Get the nugget! Do it! And a Citroën Ami! (the '61 version too if you can find one)
well it claims to not be a car, you can choose to believe it.
"this is not a car" ;)
"And in national news, there was a rather severe traffic jam on the E42 as a visiting American filmmaker mistakenly drove a Microlino onto the highway. No one was injured, though the driver was taken to get a brandy for his nerves after he successfully navigated the vehicle off the highway."
"Here's a hedgehog" might be the best way to end a video I've ever seen
LOOKATIT!!
I was genuinely shocked to hear that they are not native to the USA, I've seen one snuffling in the garden (UK) and it's the cutest thing ever.. right up there with puppies and kittens.
I have few of those in the garden , they eat everything, sometimes I feed em with leftovers
@@Anon-mk4ms they're not native to the Americas or Oceania/Australia, only Europe, Asia and Africa
Something of a novelty for Americans, I guess! They are everywhere here in the UK and sadly get squashed by cars a lot on country roads.
Thank you for clarifying that it was a model, I thought it was a real sized one at first.
It is a subtler distinction than usual, isn't it.
It is a 1:1 scale
Pretty close! 😂
some scale models of 80s cars can run more than having a 1:1.
There was a prime opportunity that was missed for him to cut to Terry Gilliam saying "It's only a model" from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Rob freaking out while seeing another Microlino is so relatable. His joy is infectious!!
The fire coming out of the butt in sport mode sold me on it.
"Oh no I'm on the highway" implying he didn't intend to go on the highway is honestly both incredibly relatable and amusing
My first thought as a Swiss: Oh shit, he doesn't have a "Vignette", this will cost a lot of money now!
Context: Swiss highways are all toll roads. The toll is payed by purchasing a "Vignette" (a sticker that you stick on your windshield) for a year for 40 CHF. But if you enter the highway and you don't have one, that's gonna be 200 CHF + the 40 CHF for a "Vignette".
@@rGunti That might be the bigger issue than "being on the highway with a 90kph car", since the swiss highway is locked to 120 anyway.
@@Happymali10and trucks are electronically limited to just over 80, so a microcar going 90 will be fine.
@@Quintinohthree I assume you're talking kilometers per hour. How do your trucks get anywhere in a reasonable time if they can only go 80KPH? That's not just slow, it's dangerous because of the speed differential.
@@bwofficial1776 well for one, driving from one end of texas to the other, is the equivalent of driving through a DOZEN different countries in europe so is a non issue, and they have competent trains, so most truck shipping is just in city anyways, and again a non issue.
The rollercoaster I had when I heard the price. "it cost the owner 23,000" *eyes open in shock "swiss francs" *relief* "which is 25,000 dollars" *eyes open in shock*
Exactly. $12k is more like it
It's made in Switzerland, what did you expect.
I thought it'd be more in the 30~35k ballpark😐
I'd just buy a Citoen Ami (or even several) for that kind of price, especially the Lite version which does have the same speed limit.
@@pbe6965I'd except at least air bags💀
@@pbe6965 If it was made in the US, that $30-35K price would be real.
Honestly that's very reasonable IMHO. Remember that's including sales tax as well. And a less specced one is noticeably cheaper.
Edit: Also it seems to be 21 370 swiss francs now and not 23k.
Aging Wheels test driving a quirky tiny car and actually meeting another of the same quirky tiny car is a joy I didn't realize I needed
I absolutely love this little thing. Imagine every family adopting one of these as their 2nd car for the city and work commutes. Most traffic consists of car with just one occupant anyway. Could double the amount of on street parking as well.
I really want one.
Now imagine if they had a subway available to them!
People park these perpendicular to the parking spot in Europe. So you can actually get three of them in a normal parking spot
Out of many many EVs, this is the one that deserves a mod to make the Jetsons ship noise.
OMG, that sound just played in my head and YESYESYESYESYESYES!!! If nothing else, it could be the reverse tone.
They do need some noise for slow moving EVs as they can sneak up on people.
Where is button saying "Dr Spock, beam me up" 😂
@@CheepchipsableThat is already a law, pedestrian warning sounds have been required on all EVs sold for multiple years now (At least in the USA)
Hope nintendo doesn't notice that "little rocket ship" is a bullet bill
That’s what I thought. I said is that a bullet bill?
I smell a lawsuit
It's just a rocket with teeth drawn on it, very common graphic, not exclusive to nintendo.
We'll call it Projectile William, that should do it.
@@JTCF Only it's not teeth its an arm and fist. So it is just literally a bullet bill
A place like Switzerland it's perfect. Switzerland has an amazing train network (unlike some places in the world lol), so you only need something like this for short trips, and you have the train for everything else.
This was probably the happiest car video I've ever seen, and that's A-OK. :-)
aging wheels moving to europe and discovering it would be my favorite youtube channel of all time
Imagine all the weird little cars he could find!
@@catfish552 I wish we could have Europe's weird little cool economy cars with the USA's car modifications and gun culture.
Wait... Two of those three things are just Switzerland. Shame they can't do a whole lot of car modification over there.
@@lsswappedcessna Swiss/European gun culture is different than american. We don't hold competitions at elections, shopping centres and schools. Only courtrooms and angry parents are accepted. Add.: /s
@lsswappedcessna I am pretty sure that you can do car modifications it might just be more expensive because you have to get safety reports for the modifications to be legal. That is how it Works in Germany and I am pretty sure a lot of other European countries as well. And the Swiss gun culture is not like the American gun culture at all.
@@astorjupit6932 Makes sense. Also yeah I know swiss gun culture is overall different but it is still interesting. Europe overall has some damned good marksmen.
An isetta at a car show is the funniest thing ever.
People line up to look at the little Isetta with million dollar custom builds 10 feet away
I saw one at a BMW dealership here in the US a few years ago. It was fully restored, all shined up and had a place of honor right in the middle of the showroom floor.
The Isetta is genuinely more interesting than some rich prick showing off how he has more money than everyone else.
Reminds me of when I worked at a center for pre delivery inspections. We handled everything from cheap inline 3s to expensive v12 luxury cars, but then one of the employees show up in an old Audi 80 CC, which is as basic as you can get. Everyone stopped what they were doing and went to take a look. No one looked at the RS6 standing right next to it.
the whole time I thought, "why do I know that brand" and then you explained that they make my daughters (admittedly awesome) kids scooter. Wow.
I was never so happy to be living in Switzerland
That wasn't a Dodge Journey, you saw a Fiat Freemont. Which is a Dodge Journey with a fancy name tag
FCA at its finest 🤣
Ew, even worse
Since when did a Fiat badge become fancy?
@@Twinspinner Wait until you find out they made a Lancia version of the Chrysler 300
And 2 less cylinders. They were sold in Brazil as well.
I want a Microlino! And a Swiss vacation!
i want mushrooms!
@@winterwatson6437 You can find those all over the place
I want that hedgehog
me too!! someday. I hope.
I want Swiss passport! and no Microlino!
the sheer glee expressed at meeting another microlino on the road was priceless!
That's the cutest little thing I've ever seen! The car was cute too 😂
Glad you like the Microlino, already shared the video with one of the two founders and got great feedback you might like as well: They are planing to launch it in the USA as well. 😇
Ok, when?
That's not set in stone yet, so they don't want to promise too much.
Fingers crossed for Ontario too. We have a similar category to France though it's 40 km/h instead of 45 km/h (which is kind of awkward on 50 km/h roads)
I was assuming that it would have to meet the safety standards in the US... and I don't see how it would pass the crash tests. If it was classed as a motorcycle, then it wouldn't have to meet the standards, but I had the impression that a "motorcycle" couldn't have more than 3 wheels. OTOH, how did the Smart Car pass the tests? What's the secret to getting these tiny cars to be street legal in the US?
Good to hear it may be coming to the states. At an age where my clutch knee complains on chilly mornings, I’ve been idly looking at electric city cars, and this strikes me as the perfect vehicle to get me to doctor appointments with a smile but no fuss
The under-floor storage is adorable. Space for both a pocket book AND a CD..
nice... a CD to listen to on your bluetooth speaker :)
@@JimnyVR5 when there's space for a CD, then there's space for some flat usb-stick or µSD-card! :-D
They likely place the charging cable there.
Undoubtedly my favorite Aging Wheels episode!
I LEGIT lost my shit when you opened the sunroof. And the VW key from 2002 was the icing on the cake.
Oh my god its ADORABLE.
The car or the Hedgehog? YES!
I've never seen a man with such consistently bad taste in cars. 😂
He knows it and the absurdity makes it fun.
@@chrishayes5755 that's why it's more fun than another UA-camr buying another supercar...
@@chrishayes5755Taste is subjective
"We saw you from across the Atlantic and liked your vibe"
For my last 22 years on this earth I have called the “dead pedal” the “fart assist” because that is all it is truly used for.
I'm boring and just call it a foot rest.
I seriously love the sound these things make, I would *love* to hear that sound replace normal street noise, it sounds legitimately futuristic!
Actual words out of my mouth when you showed the rocket flame. "That's F***ing adorable."
How did you vocalize the "***" then?
the maker has a sense of humor
@@wtfiswiththosehandles Only woke people censor swear words.
11:07 Hey, just before you get a ticket, turning rigth on red is not a thing in Switzerland.
Maybe there was a green arrow that we couldn't see.
@@no1DdCNope, that rightmost christmas tree is for turning right... And it's red.
@@no1DdC You can see that the turning lane has its own dedicated light which is red so it would be illegal no matter what.
Not to mention the fine the owners might be about to get for going on the motorway without an vignette!
Sounds exactly like the electric forklifts I used to operate. I love it.
8:52 "oh no, I'm on the highway. I have made a big mistake!" - the sign of a true microcar ❤
Your joy and enthusiasm for this car made me smile for the entire duration of the video.
That's like a pet that you can drive. Part of the family. I can imagine a tiny personalised dog bowl type thing in the garage where it parks with its name on it.
It gets it's own wall charger with some personalized stickers or even paint if I take up your dogbowl idea :p
On a real Isetta, that's called the "drip pan."
like a massive wireless charging pad thing
edit: i could also sync its name to the front of the charging pad or smthn
Watched this morning. 9hrs later on my way home I passed a pale green one! Sat on display looking for a new home :) Hopefully they will catch on. It would be great to se them buzzing around. (UK South of Manchester)
I aspire to be as excited about something as this man is about this bubble car one day
I like how the window sticker says “THIS IS NOT A CAR” while featuring the url microlino-car lol.
In sweden it classifies as a motorcycle needing a car drivers license for...
@@gabrielarrhenius6252 I get that. Just funny that the website literally says car
Great little thing! We have one as well!
One thing that didn't get mentioned in the Video is the 12V battery. Apparently, you have to drive this car at least once every few weeks. We only drive ours occasionally and when I wanted to hop in the other day the 12V system was completely dead.
You can charge the battery in the trunk of the car... which helpfully does not open without power. There is also a battery disconnect switch that Microlino recommends turning off when you don't use the vehicle for more than two weeks... that's also conveniently in the most hard to reach place behind the seat.
Not to hate on the car. None of this is a dealbreaker, but questionable design decisions nonetheless 😅
Prowse reviews a 12v 100ah LFPo with high surge capacity, for $200. It also has an internal heater.
James May had the same issue with his Tesla 3, after Covid lockdown ... despite i being plugged in the whole time !
The propulsion battery was full, so the charge stopped, but the 12v lead acid battery drained itself and was completely flat. And a nightmare to get access to.
So even big manufacturers have the same questionnable design decisions (and the M3 is not even their first model, they had years to fix it).
@@pbe6965 May put a connector for an au
Worth seeing if you can use a smart trickle charger with it. You can get adapters with a couple of ring-crimps that attach permanently to the battery terminals that lead to a little plug/socket that you position somewhere easy to access so that you can just plug the charger into it without opening the bonnet or boot.
CTek seem to be the most well known manufacturer. I think James May has a video about installing the adaptors on his car collection.
They're good for keeping batteries warm in the winter too.
They should probably make the hatches mechanical.
This thing gives you a vibe to hug it and take it with you before anyone else does... Maybe sleep with it at night having it making that beautiful motor noise and blinking its mirrors/lights..
Extremely cute! Cheers from Greece!
What an adorable little egg! It sounds like a straight cut gearbox off throttle and I LOVE IT
It should qualify as an NEV (with speed limiting), so there shouldn't really be any restrictions about bringing it in to the US. NEVs were never a big seller, but gave us cars like the Wheego and Zenn and Twizy.
They also sell things like the Polaris Ranger in the US, but people keep importing kei trucks. Some people don't want to exposed to the elements, some people want better build quality, and in the case of the Microlino I really doubt there's much of an overlap between people that'd drive either it or the Slingshot. They're different beasts.
It’d have to be the lite version. Which is just about the right speed, actually, just a hair too fast.
I live in a city the allows golf carts and all manner of other quirky vehicles on the road, so long as they go less than 35 mph. It's common in many cities. There's definitely a market for this type of car here.
Okay the sport mode is adorable
That is the coolest little electric car I've ever seen I have two electric e-bikes that do 50 mph and have dual batteries and I can't tell you how much fun they actually are. That car looks like a ton of fun
When I saw the microlino I wanted you to review it but figured it would take years and a weird story to get one to you, so I’m so happy you got to drive it
Putting Bullet Bill on top of the Microlino graphic for the sport mode toggle is such a delightful touch.
Especially since Bullet Bills aren't exactly known for going fast!
It's also just the kind of power up you get in Mario Kart when you're stuck mid-position!
And then the company will have to file for bankruptcy once Nintendo finds out.
I'm Swiss and i absolutely love this thing. Whenever I see one on the street I can't help but smile, they're just so gosh darn cute.
This is top quality production. Clear editing, perfect sound from host, ambient and background, non-intrusive. The script keeps the audience stimulated with info or entertaining bits. Camera work is clean, working like a proper take without any shacking or weird movements. The host shows his face enough for us to know him, but he puts the product under the spotlight, not him. And you watch seven hundred sixty nine seconds and you think it was way shorter than it was. Please never change, keep up the excellent work. Congratulations to your Aging Wheels team.
This comment was brought to you by the new Chat-GPT video analyzer
wow i didn't expect you to basically hang around in my backyard but me seeing the microlinos in zurich made me think of your channel a lot! really nice that you did that :)
The Isetta wasn't a BMW design, but licensed by ISO a italian carmaker which also produce the beautiful ISO Grifo, a italian muscle car (390 HP).
ISO was a Scooter company at the time the Isetta came out.
You get the Money back rather quickly. Not only because of Fuel Savings but its also classified as a "Motorcycle" here in Switzerland which means you can park it on Motorcycle Parking Spaces which are free.
Pretty funny, I drove by a dealer (Ebert Weinheim, Germany) yesterday that had a whole bunch sitting in the lot. I immediately thought of sending you a mail to get hold of one and making a video about it. You beat me to it. According to their website the cost would be €17000
I liked this video right at the start when he accelerated and giggled. Keep up the great work.
Absolutely deeee-lightful
Oh shit, hi Dev!!! I enjoy the hell out of the fact that you're floating about in some of my favorite channels too.
@@ncc74656m 👋😁 Hiya! Indeed, I never miss a Robert video. 👍
If I keep seeing you in the comments sections of all my favorite UA-cam channels, I’ll be forced to call you a man of impeccable taste.
Also, if you haven’t seen it, there’s a video that’s gained lots of traction from the IFJ (Institute for Justice). It’s drawing attention to a new “tactic” increasingly being used by the DEA. But get this. They’re going after ppl & searching their carry on bags after TSA has already cleared them. It involves luggage, cops, civil rights violations (but I repeat myself), and air travel: the literal intersection of DeviantOllam, DeviantOllam, & DeviantOllam!
So, basically the DEA is now monitoring ticket purchases. If you buy a last minute ticket, & that ticket is inbound to any “high drug activity destination” read: any major city, odds are pretty good DEA is gonna be at your gate to meet you. To do what, you ask? Search your shit without probable cause, of course! And if you don’t consent to this flagrant violation of your 4th amendment rights? They’ll just steal your bag and tell you, you’re free to go. Don’t want to leave without your bag? Just let them search it! Otherwise, you’re going to miss your flight as you wait for them to apply for a warrant they definitely shouldn’t get, but ,depending on the judge’s politics, they definitely might get. Once that happens, anything valuable such as jewelry, cash, etc DEA finds in your carry-on is theirs now. Because, obviously your grandmother’s engagement ring is being used to facilitate trade of illegal drugs. If you weren’t a drug kingpin or at least working for one, why did you buy a last minute plane ticket? And it’s not like any serious criminal organization would’ve heard about this new tactic almost as soon as DEA began using it! Even if they had, what do you expect them to do? Just NOT buy tickets last minute? Preposterous! Criminals aren’t that organized! Criminals can’t be organized! Are you high on your own supply there, Scarface?
Anyway, seemed like a topic right down your alley. Keep fighting the good fight.
This has to be my favorite video since Alex's Figaro
that just put a smile on my face!!! Ta! Those motors remind me of old sci-fi film sounds of cars of the future... are we there yet?
I remember, when I was a kid, reading the specs on the Isetta in an old Motor's Manual. I was struck by the firing order of 1-1-1-1-1 and the bigger (?) version had a firing order of 1-2-1-2-1-2-
Hey! Welcome to Switzerland! I'm glad you like it here. I do own a Tazzari Zero, which from what I understand is was built by the same factory as the microlino, and I still can recognize several features they share albeit the Tazzari was built in 2009.
7:55 - _Very_ disappointed you didn't beep that twice to match the intro.
Robert, if you are still here in Switzerland: Come visit my place and review my Renault Twizy. Fun fact, Microlino made me buy the Twizy 3 years ago. I saw the Microlino 1.0 on display in a mall and immediately fell in love. Unfortunately soon after I learned about the manufacturer screwing the Microlino crew over, basically stealing the design and the lawsuit following. So the 1.0 never made it into production and the only viable alternative was a 10 year old Renault Twizy for me.
Now I want to go to Switzerland just to be able to drive one of these. And to also go there because it's a beautiful country
I almost bought a fully restored Isetta once, that was for sale near me. I've regretted not buying it ever since, but now, I can sort of get my dream fulfilled. I think I might look into getting one of these. I have not seen these yet, but I live in Europe and expect to see many of them pretty soon XD
I still have DEEP pangs of regret about not buying a Honda 400 Four, that was for sale at a great price from a guy who lived in the same town as myself, it's one of those thoughts that haunts my shower times and when I lay in bed waiting for sleep to claim me.
If you want to hear loud contactors on a car that's actually available in the US, you should check out the 1st gen Fiat 500e. Its how I know when the car is actually turned on, because not only does the power-on chime not always play (more like never actually play) when you turn the key, but sometimes the car doesn't actually turn on entirely when you turn the key. Also, every 500e has the brake lights wired up backwards, so when it says the left brake lamp is out, it's actually the right one (and vice-versa)
Ahhh, that's the euro engineering I appreciate. Complicated, unreliable, and expensive? Sign me up.
@@KR-hg8be Italian build quality on top of Euro-engineering!
I just saw new EV version Fiat 500 on Saturday in my conservative town of all places, Pierre South Dakota.
I love the afterburner cutting in for added power, wish that it was available in the USA.
IN 1958 a junior high school teacher got a BMW Isetta , 4 of us kids lifted the car and put it in between two trees length wise. Good times! 😎
Love driving my microcar (Renault Twizy EV) had it 11 years used to drive it on the highway every day it's fun, only problem on the twizy was no heating or vents fixed with a heated seat from a smart four two, it's the city driving and parking that makes microcars such a good idea
I saw one of these little fellas in town the other day and read a little bit about it. Delighted to hear it's good, and fun. And damn it, yes, I want one!
6:11
That's not a rocket, that's literally a Bullet Bill from Mario. Which in the MarioKart games makes you go very fast.
Nintendo lawsuit incoming
I just found this man's channel. I'm in love with him.
It is so obvious that the people who made this car love it. And that just makes me more sad that I can't have it.
Your enthusiasm is awesome, and is why I enjoy your videos so much! Joy and enthusiasm is something we need more of these days.
55mph is enough for most us roads we need this here!
60 Kilometers Per Hour is 37 MPH
It has a top speed of 90 km/h which is just under 56 mph. It would work as a city/commuter car, but wouldn't want to see one on any 65 mph highway as that's too slow.
I would absolutely want one painted red on the bottom and yellow on the top. Just childhood joy made adult-sized.
A truly excellent review of a car I didn't know about, don't want, and can't buy! More like this please!
Microlina needs to take your voice clip from @7:04 "Hey!" and add it to the startup sequence. Must be done.
I've never seen Robert so happy in a video 😂
You are the Bob Ross of EV/Car review channels. They are just brimming with unending fun and giggles, even when talking about bad cars. Keep it up!
You had me laughing with your comments. Getting on the highway was hilarious. I've driven in Switzerland and, I kid you not, their OCD speed limits have stressed me out. You did well!
The sound of it taking off at 12:34 gives me Jetsons car vibes
Oh I am so glad you got to video one of these - they caught my eye a while back, but living in the US as well, I wrote it off in my mind. Excited to live vicariously in this one!
I love the sound when it's driving by. Like a little private jet.
My dad owned a BMW Isetta. I played in it when I was four or five years old. I am 67. It was the car he drove to and from work. I think I may have ridden in it a couple of times. I also think he didn't have it very long, and replaced it with a Simca or Fiat.
*manly noises* Honestly Robert, you're one of my favorite hosts on UA-cam, hahaha.
OMG! that little beauty should have the Jetsons theme tune.
Switzerland is a beautiful country and the food is really good; of curse I'm prejudiced after living in Europe for 8 years.
I’ve never been to Switzerland so I cannot speak personally on the good points, except, its flag is a big plus…
I saw you uploaded a video about this adorable little bubble and I squealed with joy! The noise I made was similar to the noise it makes :D
Ah, what a truly joyful video! Thank You and thanks to the folks who invited you.
I have watched your videos for years, this is my favorite one you've ever done. The Microlino is an adorable little car! Also Robert I hope you enjoyed your time in Switzerland, it's an amazing country and I really hope you liked it!
I live about four kilometres from there! I had to check my photo of the Microlino down the road to make sure you weren't driving that one. And I did laugh when you accidentally got sucked into one of the many tunnels in the area. It happens a lot. Also, that's not a rocket ship on the Turbo button. It's a Bullet Bill.
I love it. Teeny little friend. but it would never survive the Canadian winter without antilock brakes 😢
I am very fond of this little car-like object. But I like oddballs.
But: full disclosure: I did about 40 years in the car business, so,
considering the truly whacky stuff we worked on....Peugeot, anyone? Citroen? Bricklin? Simca? 2 stroke Saabs? Renault?
Been there, got the t shirts.....
But this little sucker is really cool, in an astonishingly uncool fashion....
Bubble cars were actually a thing when I was young! I've always wanted a modern version.
Oh wow! Aging Wheels goes international 😮
Yes, he left the US bubble!
This reminds me of all the reasons we love our Spark EV. Including the fun “bween” noises from the gears meshing.
I bought a used spark EV 5.5 years ago. it is my only car. I put a tow hitch on it for my trailer. I am so thankful it is 8.5 years old without any issues. with luck, I can keep driving it until I retire.
The motor sounds so much like the LMDH cars from WEC when they're on electric mode. Including the jitter going from throttle to regen. I love it
we had that in Brazil… made in conjunction with Romi Metalurgy
a Romi Iseta, there are hundreds of them very well kept by local colector
im a huge fan of the modernized retro styling. that's a great looking little box!