Mobilize Duo 80 Evo review: how does the electric minicar, suitable for 16-year-olds, fare?

In an increasingly traffic-congested urban environment, the Mobilize Duo 80 Evo presents itself as a quiet but determined revolution. With its ultra-compact dimensions, electric motor, and a design that puts functionality at the heart of the project, this microcar doesn't try to imitate traditional cars: it surpasses them, where it really matters. It's designed to slip through alleys, park in impossible spaces, consume little fuel, and offer the driver an intuitive, agile, and safe driving experience. All with a genuine sustainable vision, embracing recycled materials, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact. The Duo 80 Evo doesn't shout about the future: it interprets it with coherence, concreteness, and a surprising dose of urban intelligence.
Anyone who thinks the Mobilize Duo 80 Evo is simply a microcar will be disappointed at first glance. Its compact yet meticulously designed dimensions (1.29 meters wide by 2.43 meters long ) convey a concept of mobility conceived exclusively for the urban context. The design does not yield to stylistic frills for their own sake, but reflects a specific need: that of moving, parking, and experiencing the city with ease . The element that immediately captures attention are the elliptical-opening doors, inspired by the world of supercars , but with the opposite function: not to dazzle, but to simplify access in any situation. In narrow alleys, in the limited spaces of condominium parking lots, on the edges of a cycle path: in all these cases, the elliptical opening avoids taking up lateral space and minimizes the risk of impact with other vehicles, obstacles, or passers-by. The doors move smoothly, benefiting both safety and comfort. This is a detail that is especially noticeable in everyday use, when getting in and out quickly—perhaps in the rain or in traffic—becomes a real necessity. Another noteworthy solution is the refinement of the front and rear bumpers. Rather than pursuing a shiny, fragile finish, the Mobilize Duo takes a clever approach: thin grooves are etched into the plastic material to visually hide small scratches and dents . This choice demonstrates how this vehicle is designed to "experience" the city, with all its inevitable imperfections. This textured surface works a bit like an anti-wear texture : it masks the signs of daily use, maintains a clean appearance longer, and reduces the need for aesthetic interventions. It's not a secondary detail, but a real strength in an urban context where rubbing and light contact are the order of the day. Overall, the exterior of the Mobilize Duo 80 Evo embodies a philosophy that places functionality at the heart of the design , without sacrificing visual character. The design doesn't demand attention: it conquers it with logic, with intelligent and concrete solutions. It's a form that interprets the car not as a status symbol, but as an urban tool , capable of adapting to its surroundings and standing the test of time. Duo doesn't seek to appear "beautiful" in the conventional sense. Rather, it demonstrates that true beauty, in the city, lies in durability, practicality, and the ability to do its job well without compromise.
When you get into the Mobilize Duo 80 Evo, your expectations are dictated by the car's compact dimensions, but once you're seated, you discover an environment designed with coherence and attention to the essentials. The passenger compartment, though constructed with simple plastic materials, reflects the vehicle's functional soul . The quality of the assembly could be further refined, but it's clear that luxury isn't a priority here: what matters is practicality , and on this front the Duo moves intelligently. The layout is reduced to the essentials but well-organized: the main controls are grouped in front of the steering wheel, where the on/off button, the hazard warning light, the automatic transmission selector, and the heating control are located. Everything is within easy reach , in line with the "less is more" philosophy that characterizes the entire project. What's surprising is the presence, as standard, of a heated windshield, a feature usually found on higher-category vehicles. The declared efficiency is up to fifteen times greater than traditional heating, ensuring optimal visibility from the first minutes of driving, even on the coldest days. The system is supported by dedicated internal ventilation , designed to prevent condensation, improve air circulation, and make the experience more pleasant. For those seeking an extra touch of comfort, it is possible to add a heated driver's seat, or opt for air conditioning, available as an option to better face the warmer seasons. The wing-shaped doors , in addition to facilitating ingress and egress, integrate opening windows that complete the natural ventilation system of the passenger compartment.
Despite its compact size, the Duo accommodates two passengers, seated in tandem , one behind the other. This solution, inspired by the world of two-wheeled vehicles, optimizes the width while ensuring comfortable living for both passengers. The seats can be configured in the "premium" variant, featuring gray Tep upholstery with orange stitching, depending on the package chosen. This choice, while remaining understated, adds a touch of character to the interior. The visual sense of spaciousness is amplified by the generous glass surface: the rear window and the large side openings create a surprising sense of openness and brightness for a vehicle of this size. You never feel confined in a cramped space, and even on longer journeys the feeling is one of an airy and relaxed ride . The Mobilize Duo demonstrates that even an ultra-compact vehicle can offer intelligent solutions for everyday life. Two small carry-on bags can be stowed on either side of the driver, while the availability of luggage nets allows you to make the most of every available space. There's no conventional luggage compartment, but a logic of optimization runs throughout the entire cabin: every inch is designed to be used , without ever becoming intrusive.
The Mobilize Duo 80 Evo was born with a specific mission: to finally make electric mobility practical, accessible, and hassle-free. It is powered by a 100% electric motor, powered by a 10.3 kWh battery , a solution that combines compactness, efficiency, and performance suited to urban mobility. The declared range—at least 160 km in the urban WLTP cycle —is more than sufficient to cover a typical week's commute in the city with plenty of room, without the recharging anxiety that still plagues many electric vehicles. The presence of regenerative braking adds another level of efficiency: every deceleration becomes an opportunity to recover energy, increasing the actual range and improving the smoothness of the ride. One of the most appreciable aspects of the Duo is the ease of charging . The vehicle comes standard with an integrated Mode 1 cable, designed to connect directly to a standard household socket (Schuko), just like a common household appliance. A choice that eliminates the need for dedicated installations or technical interventions: a standard 2 kW socket is all you need , and in less than 5 hours and 30 minutes the battery is back to 100%. A perfect option for those with a private garage or a socket in the yard. For those who want faster charging or have access to dedicated infrastructure, a Type 2 Mode 3 cable is available as an option, also integrated into the vehicle. Compatible with wallboxes and public charging stations (excluding rapid-charging DC ones), it allows you to reach a full charge in approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes , using similar power but with more efficient current management (2 kW at 10 A). The spiral-shaped cable measures 2.5 meters and offers greater convenience in public contexts. Completing the experience is MyDuo , the dedicated application that allows you to monitor battery status, charging times and remaining range in real time. A tool designed for those who want to precisely plan their trips and optimize consumption based on daily itineraries. Everything is designed to simplify the interaction between vehicle and user, always maintaining control without technical complexity.
It's in urban traffic, between traffic lights, impossible parking spaces, and narrow lanes, that the Mobilize Duo 80 Evo truly shows what it was born for. This is not a vehicle of compromise: it is a solution designed for city centers, conceived with clarity and restraint . Its ultra-compact dimensions—just 1.29 meters wide and 2.43 meters long—allow it to move with a freedom that traditional cars can only dream of. Duo fits anywhere, turns on itself with a turning radius of 6.3 meters , and fits into spaces that other vehicles simply ignore. The sensation behind the wheel is almost that of an e-bike enclosed in a shell: you feel light, fast, and agile, but with the security of being protected. Every maneuver, even in the tightest parking spaces, is natural and intuitive. Its agility is surprising, not only because of its size, but also because of how the entire vehicle responds to the driver's input: alert steering, slim body, immediate responsiveness. The electric motor is at its best in urban environments: silent, smooth, and linear. The 10.3 kWh battery, combined with regenerative braking, guarantees a real-world range of approximately 158 km . Energy recovery during deceleration helps extend the range and improves the feeling of control while driving. Fuel consumption is extremely low, and the entire system works to offer a consistent experience, without jolts or surprises. One of the most intelligent features of the Duo is only discovered in real traffic: the vertically opening doors, designed to minimize lateral obstruction when getting in and out. Very little space is needed to open them completely. This means you can stop and get out even in tight parking spaces or close to other vehicles, without risking accidental collisions or inconvenience to pedestrians . It's a solution as spectacular as it is useful, especially in an urban setting where room for maneuver is often minimal. Beyond the practical aspect, these doors give the Duo a strong aesthetic identity, making it recognizable and distinctive even in traffic. Traveling with the Mobilize Duo 80 Evo means changing your relationship with the city. Every physical barrier—limited parking, narrow intersections, congested traffic—becomes less daunting. The driving experience is relaxing, intuitive, and stress-free. And with the certainty of being able to cover dozens of kilometers without worrying about range or parking, the Duo almost becomes an extension of your daily routine.
In a sector often dominated by superficial environmental slogans, the Mobilize Duo 80 Evo takes a different approach: it doesn't promise sustainability , it puts it into practice in a concrete and verifiable way. The project is based on a circular philosophy that encompasses materials, processes, and the vehicle's end-of-life in a coherent and responsible overall vision. The Duo's structure is a virtuous example: over 40% of its total mass, including the battery, is made from recycled materials . This significant figure reflects a clear desire to reduce environmental impact right from the production stage. The front and rear bumpers and fenders, among the components most exposed and subject to wear, are made from 60% recycled polymers . But what makes this approach truly interesting is the traceability of the raw materials: half of these materials come from plastic recovered from end-of-life vehicles, in a valorization operation made possible by The Future is Neutral and its subsidiary Gaia, both companies linked to the Renault group. The superstructure also makes a significant contribution: it is made from 70% recycled steel , confirming a project that pays attention not only to aesthetics and functionality, but also to the provenance and future of the materials used. The commitment to sustainability doesn't end with production: Mobilize Duo is up to 95% recyclable at the end of its life cycle , according to standards consistent with Renault Group's environmental strategy. An integrated system of dealerships specialized in component recycling facilitates the reuse of parts and helps close the loop, promoting a circular and virtuous supply chain.
The Mobilize Duo is an electric urban microcar made in three versions, all with a 10.3kWh battery, for a maximum declared range (in the combined WLTP cycle) of 161 km . The entry level is represented by the 45 Neo with 8 HP (6 kW) which has a list price of 9,990 euros turnkey. This vehicle is approved in the ( L6e ) light motorized quadricycle category and can be driven by anyone aged 14 and over with an Am license . The range is completed by the L7e category proposals which can be driven by anyone aged 16 and over with a B1 license, equipped with a 16 HP (12 kW) engine, with the 80 Pro starting from 11,600 euros turnkey, while the 80 Evo goes up to 12,500 euros .
Dimensions | Length: 2,430 mm; width: 1,290 mm; wheelbase: 1,686 mm |
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Turning radius | 6.3 meters |
Motor | Electric |
Drums | From 10.3 kWh |
Declared autonomy | 161 km (wltp) |
Autonomy detected | 158 km |
Recharge | |
Mode 1 serial cable | 5 hours and 30 minutes |
Mode 3 type 2 cable | 4 hours and 50 minutes |
Price | from 12,500 euros |
La Gazzetta dello Sport