Source: Microlino

For the first time, the LEVA-EU member took part in this sporting race, driving thousands of kilometres from Morocco, through the Atlas Mountains and rocky desert terrain, to the edge of the Sahara. The expedition successfully demonstrated the powers of its Microlino in providing high-performance, versatile and sustainable travel.

The RIVE Maroc international electric vehicle rally supports local schools, encourages charging infrastructure expansion and brings locals and visitors together in embracing electric mobility.

Two Microlino light electric vehicles took part in RIVE Maroc 2025, as Microlino Pioneers; they were visually customised to represent their race participation. They were driven by Wolfgang Jenne and Martin Muehlberg in the race that involved a range of electric vehicles, including electric motorcycles and cars. The RIVE route included mountain passes of up to 2,260 metres, narrow valleys and dusty tracks before it ended in the dunes of the Sahara desert.

“The real appeal was not the rally itself, but the question of whether we could truly do all of this with a Microlino. That is what turned it into a real adventure for me,” said Martin.

The Microlino experience at RIVE Maroc 2025

There was ample preparation for both light electric vehicles, including additional fans for improved charging performance, spare parts, a diagnostic laptop, a DC converter, a replacement display and a spare wheel.

On day one, the Microlinos crossed the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and drew crowds of children from local schools, who enthusiastically compared the microcars with the other larger models.

For charging, both drivers had to improvise by topping up the Microlinos, wherever they could find electricity along the route, whether it was a garden shed, at a fuel station, or in an office, workshop, hotel room or tent.

When the drivers entered the Sahara, they did find travelling through the fine sand challenging, but stated that it made the trip so rewarding alongside the area’s tranquillity and vast landscape.

Although RIVE Maroc 2025 had high demands, both Microlinos had hardly any problems, with no serious damage or error messages. Their ground clearance appeared to be better than expected, with impressive robustness, and energy consumption was very low in some cases.

From the trip, both Martin and Wolfgang noticed that locals were very intrigued by the Microlino city microcars and demonstrated openness towards electric mobility:

“I was surprised by how open people in Morocco are towards electric mobility. There were practically only positive reactions. Progress is welcomed there, while at home you often still have to explain why e-mobility makes sense,” said Wolfgang.

Long distances covered by the Microlinos

Wolfang covered approximately 6,100 kilometres in his Microlino, as he drove it from Switzerland, all through Western Europe to get to Morocco. Martin drove 2,100 kilometres in the Microlino during the race, having travelled 4,500 kilometres through Europe to get to RIVE Maroc with a transporter that carried the compact vehicle with other essential equipment.

Looking ahead

Both drivers have said they may consider taking part in the RIVE Maroc again. Wolfgang has even thought about participating next in the RIVE eDakar, a race of 2,400 kilometres, with its route starting from Agadir in Morocco to Dakar in Senegal.

And as for the light electric vehicle brand, it has described its participation in the RIVE Maroc as a special milestone that symbolises what the company stands for in representing “courage, determination, a spirit of adventure and the conviction that micromobility can achieve far more than many people might think.”