Schematic of one of the reciprocal actuation protocols (in this example, the quick inflation–quick deflation protocol) developed in this work for a vesicle–colloid hybrid microswimmer. The Janus colloids (four in this example), with one adhesive side (grey) and one non-adhesive side (red) preferentially locate in a ring along the line of lowest mean curvature of the (axisymmetric) prolate vesicle, which is further away from the equator for more deflated vesicles. Quick inflation and deflation are followed by spontaneous relaxation of the colloid ring location towards its equilibrium position, resulting in a cyclic non-reciprocal swimming stroke.