Fiat's $15K Topolino Gets a Free Kit to Make It Street Legal

Fiat's tiny Topolino EV is now at US dealers for about $15,000, nearly half the price of the next cheapest new car in America. The catch? As delivered, it's not street legal in most of the US. That's changing with a new kit that removes the speed limiter, raising the top speed from 19 mph to 25 mph, which qualifies it under federal low-speed vehicle laws.

The kit also includes a pedestrian warning speaker, a digital mirror for the rearview camera, warning labels, and a VIN for registration. The car already has turn signals, headlights, a safe windshield, and a horn. Best of all, the kit is free, and Fiat is paying dealers for installation, according to Road & Track.

The Topolino has a 46-mile range, and Fiat expects it to be used on large properties like resorts or in car-free retirement communities in places like Florida and Arizona. The company isn't importing thousands, but businesses may want them for fleets. Fiat's CEO says buyers are even asking for custom colors to match their Ferraris.

The low-speed vehicle rules don't apply in every state, so availability varies by location.