The streets of European cities are about to get a lot more bubbly and efficient thanks to the arrival of the new Microlino Lite electric microcar. Unveiled this week at the Geneva Motor Show by Swiss mobility company Micro, the pint-sized and affordable Microlino Lite aims to provide city dwellers with an all-electric alternative to hulking SUVs and gas-guzzling cars.

With a top speed of just 45km/h (28mph), the Microlino Lite goes half as fast as the standard Microlino model. But its low speed enables it to be driven by anyone aged 14 or over with just a moped license in many European countries. This opens up urban mobility to teenagers and those who don’t want the hassle of getting a full driver’s license.

Starting at CHF149 (approximately €156 / $169) per month on a 48-month lease, the Lite comes in at about half the price of the full Microlino while matching its charming retro-futuristic design. The lease also includes roadside assistance, maintenance, registration, and insurance – everything you need to start buzzing around the city.

Measuring just 2.5m long and 1.5m high, the steel-bodied Microlino Lite can fit up to three abreast in a single parking space. And its sub-600kg curb weight allows the 6kW electric motor to deliver outstanding efficiency – important for keeping costs and emissions low.

The little EV seats two in comfort, with surprising amounts of legroom for its tiny footprint. Buyers can customize their bubble with blue or anthracite grey paint choices, and premium or base spec interiors. Expect features like a vegan leather bench seat, bluetooth speaker, and smartphone holder in the upgraded model.

With a 5.5kWh battery, the Lite can travel around 100km on a charge. Opting for the larger 11kWh battery pack boosts range to 177km – not bad considering most trips in the city are less than 10km. Recharging the smaller battery from empty takes around 2 hours, while the bigger pack needs 4 hours.

So while the Microlino Lite won’t be blazing any records for speed or range, that’s not what it’s about. This urban runabout aims to provide cheap, eco-friendly transport for quick local trips. It’s designed for the daily commute, picking up groceries, or dropping the kids off at school. And with room for pets too, you’ll see these cheerful bubbles buzzing all over cities in the coming years.

Pre-orders start now for deliveries beginning this summer across Europe. While Micro hasn’t confirmed which countries will get the Lite first, strong demand could see it rolling out continent-wide later this year as a clever and sustainable mobility solution.

With congestion rampant and emissions rising in urban areas, the Microlino Lite offers a welcome new choice to rethink how we get around cities. And it manages to make SUVs look even dumber in the process. The streets of Europe are about to get a lot more bubbly.