According to Micro Mobility Systems AG, the Swiss micro-mobility pioneer behind the viral Microlino electric bubble car, production plans are shifting toward a major expansion in China by 2030, aided by former Tesla Europe chief Jochen Rudat and incoming advisory board member Martin Eberhard. Despite initial viral demand and thousands of reservations following its 2016 Geneva Motor Show debut, regulatory hurdles in Europe and protracted legal disputes have hampered scale, prompting founder Wim Ouboter to seek Asian manufacturing partnerships for high-volume growth.
Origins and the Global Scooter Boom of Micro Mobility Systems
The journey began out of personal convenience. According to founder Wim Ouboter, the Zürcher entrepreneur wanted an easier way to travel from his office to his favorite sausage stand at Zürich’s Bellevue. Using aluminum from a scrap yard, he built a compact kick scooter that launched a global phenomenon. In February 1999, the three-wheeled Kickboard hit the market, followed three months later by the two-wheeled micro-scooter.
Sales exploded. According to company data, the redesigned trottinett sold roughly 10 million units worldwide in its first year alone. Today, Küsnacht-based Micro Mobility Systems AG sells more than 3 million units annually, spanning colorful children’s models and trendy electric scooters designed for the final mile.
The Microlino Debut and Production Roadblocks
Riding this momentum, Wim Ouboter and his sons, Oliver and Merlin, unveiled the Microlino concept at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Inspired by the 1950s BMW Isetta, the electric cabin scooter offered weather protection for two passengers and luggage while occupying half a standard parking space thanks to a length of just under 2.50 meters.
Consumer response was immediate, according to company records, with reservations climbing to up to 36,000 units. But execution stalled. The Ouboters initially partnered with Italian manufacturer Tazzari for development and production in Imola. However, just before series production in 2018, Tazzari sold the production rights to German sports car maker Artega without Swiss consent. Artega built a competing variant named the Karo, triggering a protracted legal battle.
Did you know? While the legal dispute was settled out of court in November 2019, allowing Artega to build its own vehicle, the rights to the Microlino remained firmly in Küsnacht with Micro Mobility Systems.
The “Swiss Tesla” Relaunch and Regulatory Hurdles
Following the settlement, the Ouboters overhauled the vehicle into the Microlino 2.0. They brought in former Tesla Europe boss Jochen Rudat as a consultant, earning the vehicle the moniker of the “Swiss Tesla,” and partnered with Italian firm Cecomp for production in Turin. Series production finally kicked off in summer 2022—four years behind schedule—leading to widespread cancellations of early reservations.
To date, roughly 5,000 units have rolled out of the northern Italian factory, with approximately 1,500 registered in Switzerland. According to Wim Ouboter, slow consumer adoption of electric vehicles and strict EU regulations have kept prices elevated. The base Lite model (limited to 45 km/h) starts in Switzerland currently at 15,990 Franken, for the cheapest 90-km/h-version werden mindestens 17,990 Franken fällig, and the open-top Spiaggina cabriolet begins at 24,990 Franken.
Wim Ouboter stated in the podcast “Elektrogeflüster” that the L7e vehicle category places the Microlino outside standard subsidy and CO₂ credit frameworks while still subjecting it to incoming EU import tariffs. Frustrated by a lack of domestic support, the company retained prominent Zürich lawyer Cordelia Bähr—known for her work representing the climate seniors against Switzerland at the European Court of Human Rights—to file a formal complaint against the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE) for alleged market distortion.
China Expansion and Tesla Founder Backing
Looking ahead, the Ouboters plan to scale production significantly. According to Wim Ouboter, Chinese state authorities approached the company about utilizing an existing automotive factory to manufacture up to 100,000 Microlino pro Jahr in China, targeting European and US markets. Meanwhile, production of top-tier models would remain in Turin. “Quasi our 911er in portfolio,” Oliver Ouboter noted.
Reinforcing this strategic pivot, Wim Ouboter announced on “Elektrogeflüster” that Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard is joining the company’s advisory board. For Eberhard, compact urban vehicles represent the next major wave in transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Microlino cost?
Prices in Switzerland start at 15,990 Swiss francs for the 45 km/h Lite version, 17,990 francs for the standard 90 km/h model, and 24,990 francs for the Spiaggina cabriolet version.
Who designed the Microlino?
The electric cabin scooter was conceived by Swiss entrepreneur Wim Ouboter and his sons, Oliver and Merlin, drawing visual inspiration from the 1950s BMW Isetta.
Where are Microlinos manufactured?
Current production takes place via partner Cecomp in Turin, Italy. However, leadership has announced plans to explore high-volume manufacturing in China by 2030.
What are your thoughts on the future of compact urban electric vehicles? Join the discussion below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest mobility updates.