The Microlino is not officially sold in the United States, so you cannot buy one new at a local dealership. Your primary option is to import a used model from Europe, which is a complex and costly process involving compliance with U.S. safety and emissions standards. The most significant hurdle is ensuring the vehicle meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, which the Microlino was not designed to satisfy.
The import process generally involves finding a vehicle in Europe, hiring an import broker, and modifying the car to meet U.S. standards, if possible. This can include changes to lighting, glass, and bumper systems. Due to its classification as a light four-wheeled vehicle (L6e in Europe), it may face even greater regulatory challenges than a standard passenger car. Costs for purchase, shipping, modifications, and customs fees can easily double or triple the vehicle's original price.
For context, here is a comparison of the Microlino's European specs with typical U.S. micro-EV expectations:
| Specification | Microlino (European Model) | Typical U.S. Micro-EV Expectation |
|---|
| Top Speed | 56 mph (90 km/h) | 65+ mph (for highway legality) |
| Range (WLTP) | 109 miles (175 km) | 70-100 miles (city use) |
| Classification | L6e (Light Quadricycle) | NEV/LSV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) |
| U.S. Legality | Not DOT/EPA Compliant | Must meet FMVSS standards |
| Charging Time | 4 hours (standard outlet) | 6-8 hours (standard 120V outlet) |
Your best alternative is to explore similar Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) or Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) that are legally available in the U.S., such as the ElectraMeccanica Solo or used Renault Twizys that were part of pilot programs. These are designed for U.S. regulations and can be registered for use on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower.
