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Micro Mobility Systems
Micro Mobility Systems
Micro Mobility Systems
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Micro Mobility Systems Ltd, known as Micro, is a Swiss company that produces urban vehicles such as kickscooters and the Microlino, a small electric car which was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. In the United States, Micro's products are sold under the brand "Micro Kickboard" for trademark reasons. The company holds several patents for its products.[5][6]

Key Information

History

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Early history

[edit]

Wim Ouboter, born in 1960, built a kick scooter out of laziness.[when?] He stated that the distance from his apartment to his favorite restaurant was too far to travel by foot and yet too close to use a bicycle. He then invented a two-wheeled scooter for distances that could easily be folded and placed in a backpack. He pitched his idea to Smart, and they were willing to put one Scooter in every single car. Ouboter then tried to find a manufacturer for his innovation but soon realized that Europe was too expensive. In Taiwan, he convinced the factory owner to produce the Scooter; as Smart considered his idea to be good, this helped convince the factory owner. Just before the production could start, Smart failed the moose test, so the project was put on hold until Smart could resolve the problem.[7]

Formation of Micro Mobility Systems

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While waiting for Smart to resolve the problem, Ouboter had another idea for a three-wheeled scooter, called the Kickboard. He teamed up with K2 and presented his idea at the International Sports Fair (ISPO) in Munich in 1998 very successfully.[2] With the earned money, he founded Micro Mobility Systems in 1999 and started producing the two-wheeled Scooter, which was an even bigger success. Because of the excessive demand, he allowed his partner in Taiwan to distribute the Scooter in the United States with the name Razor for a commission. After selling about one million Scooters in 2000, the sales decreased rapidly in 2001.[8][2]

Later history

[edit]

In the subsequent years,[when?] the company continued inventing new urban mobility products, such as the Mini Micro for children, the Scooter Luggage and the electric eMicro One. In addition, Micro has partnered with other brands; these include Peugeot, Suitsupply and Vibram.[citation needed]

The company has also developed the Micro Xtreme for freestyle sports,[when?] and works closely with professional athletes like Benjamin Friant. [citation needed] After the huge success in 2000 and the rapid downfall in 2001, Micro has grown organically with gross revenue in 2014 of 60 Million Swiss Francs.[9] With the development of the company, manufacturing capacities shifted to RazorUSA in California. In 2015, Wim Ouboter was nominated as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young.[4]

In July 2019, BMW unveiled two new scooters made in collaboration with Micro Mobility Systems.[10]

Products

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Microlino

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Main article: Microlino
Microlino at Geneva Motor Show 2018

The Microlino, legally designated as a four-wheeled quadricycle with a battery-powered electric motor, was first presented in 2016 at the Geneva Car Show; it is based on the design of the Isetta, a 1950s bubble car which was sold over 160,000 times.[11] The two-seat small car is designed for urban mobility with a top speed of 90 kilometres per hour (56 mph) and a maximum range of 120 kilometres (75 mi). It can be charged from a domestic power outlet. The car was expected to be on the market in 2019 with an estimated price of 12,000 Euro, with initial sales limited to Germany and Switzerland.[12][needs update] In July 2018, the firm announced that the Microlino had just passed the final tests for EU homologation.[13]

Microletta

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Microletta at Munich Motor Show 2021

The Microletta is an electric three-wheeler also designed for urban mobility purposes. The vehicle is still in its planning stages, and production has not begun. The three-wheel design is intended to increase the security of the vehicle by enhancing the grip on the front axle, which reduces the braking distance and allows for better stability when cornering.[14] The semi-locking system of the tilting mechanism prevents the vehicle from tilting over when standing and makes a foldable stand unnecessary.[15] Due to the three-wheel design and electric system, the Microletta is legally categorized as L5e, which allows driving up to 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph) with a regular driving license. The Microletta will be equipped with two exchangeable batteries to enable charging at home.[16]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Micro Mobility Systems

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Micro Mobility Systems AG, commonly known as Micro, is a Swiss company specializing in lightweight urban mobility products. Founded in 1996 by inventor Wim Ouboter in , the company is credited with popularizing the modern , initially launched as a three-wheeled kickboard in 1997. Micro's product lineup includes kick scooters and accessories for children and adults, electric scooters such as the emicro ONE introduced in 2013, and the , a compact electric city car developed since with production starting in 2022. As of 2024, approximately 3,700 vehicles had been produced, though the company considered shifting production to in 2025 due to European regulatory challenges. The company's mission focuses on practical, time-saving urban transportation, with products available through over 5,000 dealers worldwide.

History

Origins and invention

Wim Ouboter, a Swiss inventor and former banker based in , became motivated in the by the practical challenges of urban mobility, particularly for short distances that were too far to walk but too close to warrant using a or . In the early , Ouboter developed the first prototype of an aluminum in his garage, creating a lightweight, foldable design with a polished aluminum frame, small polyurethane wheels, and handlebars specifically for these micro-urban trips as an eco-friendly alternative to short car journeys. In 1998, Ouboter pitched the prototype to the Smart car division of , proposing its inclusion as a bundled accessory in every vehicle to facilitate last-mile commuting for urban drivers. Although the automotive partnership did not proceed to production—partly due to delays in the Smart car's launch following its failure in high-profile safety tests like the —the discussions revealed the scooter's strong recreational potential for broader consumer appeal beyond vehicular integration. In 1999, Ouboter launched the Kickboard brand at the ISPO trade show in in collaboration with Skates, achieving immediate commercial traction and establishing the scooter's viability as a standalone product for leisure and light transport.

Company formation and early expansion

Micro Mobility Systems AG was officially founded in 1996 in , , by inventor Wim Ouboter. In 2000, the company entered a licensing partnership with for North American distribution of its two-wheeled scooter, which propelled sales to over 5 million units that year and ignited a worldwide scooter among children and adults. Building on this momentum, Micro Mobility expanded its product offerings in the early 2000s with child-oriented models, including the launch of the Mini Micro in 2001—a three-wheeled scooter designed to foster balance and motor skills, complete with adjustable handlebars for growing users and reinforced safety elements like non-slip decks. The company's steady growth culminated in gross revenue exceeding CHF 60 million by 2014, reflecting its consolidation as a leader in non-motorized urban mobility products.

Shift to electric mobility and recent milestones

Micro Mobility Systems marked a strategic pivot toward electric urban mobility with the debut of the Microlino concept at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show. This electric quadricycle drew inspiration from the 1950s BMW Isetta bubble car, aiming to revive compact, efficient personal transport for city environments. The concept's unveiling signaled the company's transition from traditional kick scooters to battery-powered vehicles, leveraging prior successes in recreational mobility to fund electric vehicle development. The Microlino's path to production faced significant setbacks, with the original 2019 launch delayed by European regulatory approvals and the global . Production was initially slated to begin in , , in partnership with manufacturer CECOMP starting in 2021, but supply chain disruptions and further issues pushed timelines repeatedly, including a postponement to March 2022 due to component shortages. Production eventually commenced in in 2022, with initial deliveries starting in that summer, though volumes remained low due to continued supply issues. In 2019, Micro Mobility Systems expanded its electric offerings through a collaboration with , launching the co-branded BMW E-Scooter as a premium urban electric . This partnership built on earlier joint efforts and positioned the company in the high-end micro-mobility segment, with the lightweight e-scooter entering the market that autumn. By 2025, ongoing challenges prompted key developments for the project, including limited production scaling. In November, the company announced considerations to relocate production to , citing insufficient European regulatory support and financial incentives for light electric vehicles in the L7e category. Earlier that year, in January, Micro Mobility Systems premiered the roofless Spider variant at the Motor Show, introducing an open-air concept to enhance urban appeal.

Products

Kick scooters and accessories

Micro Mobility Systems' kick scooter lineup originated with the K2 Kickboard in 1998, which featured a lightweight aluminum frame and innovative foldable design tailored for short urban distances. This model set the foundation for the company's emphasis on portable, durable mobility solutions, quickly gaining popularity after its showcase at the 1999 ISPO München trade fair. The Kickboard's success stemmed from its simplicity and robustness, appealing to adults seeking efficient alternatives to walking in congested environments. Building on this, the company expanded into child-focused models with the Mini Micro in 2001, a three-wheeled scooter engineered for enhanced stability and to support early balance development in toddlers aged 2-5. Developed in with child experts, the Mini Micro incorporated a lean-to-steer mechanism and adjustable handlebar, allowing it to grow with users up to age 5. For more adventurous users, the Micro Xtreme series emerged as an off-road variant, designed for stunt riding with reinforced, non-foldable frames, heat-treated components, and CNC-machined parts to withstand jumps and tricks in skateparks. These evolutions reflect the company's progression from basic commuting tools to specialized recreational options across age groups. Complementing the core scooters, Micro Mobility Systems offers a range of accessories that enhance functionality and safety. The Scooter Luggage, introduced in 2010, combines a hard-shell case with an integrated foldable kickboard, providing 33 liters of storage while complying with hand-luggage standards for seamless . The eMicro One, launched in 2013 as an early electric assist model, adds light motorized support via for extended urban rides without full reliance on pedaling. Safety accessories include helmets with adjustable fits for all ages and protective gear like knee and elbow pads, emphasizing during active use. Central to the design philosophy are lightweight materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, which keep models under 5 kg—typically around 4.7 kg—for effortless carrying and storage. Foldability remains a hallmark, enabling compact profiles ideal for and urban lifestyles, while features like rear fenders and adjustable handlebars (72-103 cm) ensure versatility. Collaborations, such as with for specialized grip tape on scooter decks, provide superior traction on varied surfaces, enhancing control during dynamic maneuvers. These principles prioritize durability, user comfort, and adaptability without compromising portability. Global distribution has grown extensively, with over 5,000 dealers worldwide by 2025, facilitating adaptations like region-specific color options and compliance with local safety standards in markets such as —bolstered by a office since 2010—and . This network supports widespread accessibility, from urban commuters in dense Asian cities to recreational users across European suburbs, underscoring the scooters' role in everyday micro-mobility.

Microlino electric vehicle

The Microlino is a compact electric quadricycle designed for urban mobility, featuring a two-seater configuration and classification under the European L7e category, which allows operation without a full car license for drivers aged 18 or older who hold a motorbike license or equivalent. It measures 2.519 meters in length, 1.473 meters in width, and 1.501 meters in height, with a curb weight ranging from 496 kg for the base battery to 530 kg for the largest pack. The vehicle employs a rear-wheel-drive electric motor delivering 12.4 kW (17 hp) and 89 Nm of torque, achieving a top speed of 90 km/h. Powered by lithium-ion batteries in capacities of 5.5 kWh, 10.5 kWh, or 15 kWh, it offers ranges of 93 km, 177 km, or up to 228 km per charge, respectively, with energy efficiency around 7 kWh/100 km. Key features emphasize practicality for city driving, including gull-wing doors for easy sidewalk access, a 230-liter trunk, air , and connectivity options like integration. The design prioritizes low running costs, with consumption under 10 kWh/100 km and charging times of 2 to 5.5 hours for 0-80% capacity using standard outlets. Initial pricing estimates from 2016 projected a starting cost of €12,000, but by 2025, base models are priced around $21,000 (or €18,000–CHF 17,990 equivalent), reflecting updates for enhanced safety and production. Variants include the standard enclosed model for all-weather use and the 2025 Microlino , a roofless iteration unveiled at the Motor Show with luxurious wooden interior accents and an open-sided design targeted at markets like the . The maintains core specs but emphasizes style and ventilation for short urban trips. Potential expansion includes keen interest for a Japanese market entry. Commercialization has seen strong demand, with over 10,000 pre-orders accumulated by 2020, though production faced delays from issues, shifting from initial 2019 targets to handcrafted assembly in , , by 2025. To address European manufacturing gaps and scale output, the company is considering relocating production to in 2025. Pre-orders remain open via the official configurator, with deliveries ongoing for approved units.

Microletta and other electric prototypes

The Microletta is an electric tricycle scooter developed by Micro Mobility Systems as a lightweight urban mobility solution, featuring a 3,000-watt rear-hub motor that delivers a top speed of 80 km/h. To comply with regulations in certain markets, its speed can be electronically limited to 45 km/h. Classified under the EU's L5e category for powered , the Microletta requires only a standard car (category B) to operate, without needing a endorsement, due to its three-wheeled configuration. It incorporates dual exchangeable lithium-ion batteries, each with 2.1 kWh capacity for a combined 4.2 kWh pack, enabling a range of up to 100 km on a full charge and supporting quick swaps for extended use. The design emphasizes a lightweight aluminum frame weighing under 100 kg (excluding batteries), enhancing maneuverability in environments while offering optional racks for light deliveries or needs. Conceptually priced between €6,000 and €8,000, the Microletta remains in the prototype phase with no confirmed production timeline as of November 2025, reflecting ongoing refinements for regulatory approval and market readiness. Unveiled in 2020 alongside the updated 2.0, the Microletta aims to bridge the gap between traditional scooters and compact s, prioritizing affordability and accessibility for solo urban riders. Its development has faced delays similar to the , stemming from challenges in scaling production and achieving . Among other electric prototypes from Micro Mobility Systems, the early eMicro series represents foundational efforts in electrifying kick scooters during the , with models like the eMicro One featuring a 500-watt motor, app-based controls for speed and diagnostics, and a foldable for ranges up to 10-15 km. These concepts introduced assisted to non-motorized scooters, laying groundwork for hybrid mobility solutions. Looking ahead, the company is exploring modular battery systems—building on the exchangeable packs in current prototypes—for integration into models, allowing scalable range and compatibility across vehicle types without fixed infrastructure dependencies.

Operations and impact

Manufacturing and global presence

Micro Mobility Systems is headquartered in Küsnacht, , at Bahnhofstrasse 10, where administrative and design operations are primarily based. Initial assembly of its kick scooters occurs in , particularly through facilities in operated by Micro Mobility Systems D GmbH in Geislingen, with components often outsourced to specialized suppliers across the continent. The company's production processes have evolved from in-house manufacturing of early scooter models in the early 2010s to more specialized partnerships for advanced vehicles. For the electric vehicle, production was established in 2021 through a collaboration with CECOMP in , , where Microlino Italia Srl oversees assembly in a 3,000 square meter solar-powered facility focused on European-sourced components. As of early 2025, the assembly line in is operational, with pre-series vehicles being built. However, as of 2025, the company is considering shifting production to due to high European costs—estimated at double those in —coupled with a lack of subsidies, incentives, or CO₂ credits for light electric vehicles in the , alongside import duties; a final decision depends on potential regulatory improvements by the end of the year. Globally, Micro Mobility Systems maintains a dealer network exceeding 5,000 outlets, spanning , , and , enabling widespread distribution of its scooters and accessories. This network supports market entries in key regions, including a preview of the in in September 2025 as the first entry into the Asian market, with a planned launch in 2026. The supply chain emphasizes sustainable practices, including the use of recyclable aluminum for scooter frames and other components to minimize environmental impact, with ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and ESG compliance across sourcing. Despite these initiatives, challenges persist, such as delays in procurement and processes in , where the Microlino's unique design required extended certification time, contributing to production setbacks.

Partnerships, financials, and market influence

Micro Mobility Systems has formed several key partnerships to expand its product reach and innovate in urban mobility. In 2000, the company collaborated with for the distribution of its in the United States, contributing to the product's rapid . During the 2010s, partnered with to develop co-branded electric scooters, such as the Peugeot Micro e-Kick, which integrated seamlessly into Peugeot vehicle designs for enhanced urban commuting. In 2016, teamed up with to create the Race Case, a limited-edition hybrid scooter-luggage accessory featuring premium Italian calfskin. Similarly, a collaboration with focused on shared goals of durability and innovation, resulting in specialized mobility accessories. More recently, in 2019, worked with to launch the BMW E-Scooter Kids, emphasizing lightweight design and integration with BMW's lifestyle offerings. Financially, Micro Mobility Systems achieved significant growth in the early through organic expansion, though specific recent figures remain undisclosed as of 2025. The electric vehicle generated substantial pre-order interest, with approximately 8,000 reservations worldwide by 2018 valued at €100 million, reflecting strong demand for compact electric solutions. However, the company has faced funding challenges, including limited access to European subsidies, incentives, and CO₂ credits for its , prompting discussions in 2025 to potentially shift production to for cost efficiencies and investment opportunities. In the broader market, Micro Mobility Systems played a pioneering role in reviving the as a viable urban option starting in , influencing the global micro-mobility boom. The company now offers over 50 distinct mobility products, spanning scooters and accessories, which have helped normalize foldable, space-efficient to reduce urban car dependency. Amid 2025's push for sustainable urban solutions, Micro advocates for compact electric vehicles like the to address congestion and emissions in cities. Founder Wim Ouboter received the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2015, recognizing his contributions to innovative mobility.

References

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