The future of accessing a vehicle for travel is changing. An industry once dominated by a handful of large, car rental companies has opened up to new players and mobility technology—apps allowing renters to connect with vehicles—is growing. A recent tech study suggests 400 million people will actively use car-sharing apps by 2030. Different from ridesharing, such as Uber and Lyft, car-sharing allows drivers to connect with individual car owners or dedicated auto fleets and rent a car for as long as a few hours or up to several weeks.
Photo: Courtesy of Turo
We tested car-sharing services and sought out peer opinions to find the best car-sharing companies on the market today. These companies rank highly on customer satisfaction when it comes to ease of use, are established in major markets, and provide a varied selection of vehicles for customers. Here are five car-sharing companies we recommend for everyone, from the solo traveler in a new location to the family planning a road trip.
WORLDWIDE: ZIPCAR
A spinoff of the car rental giant Avis Budget Group, Zipcar is recognized worldwide and known for its ease of use. The first Zipcars hit the road in Boston, Massachusetts, and the service can be found in travel destinations like Iceland, Costa Rica, and Taiwan. Getting into a Zipcar is fast and easy. Start by applying online for app access and choosing a monthly or annual membership. Using the app, locate an available Zipcar, which are available 24 hours a day. The app allows the driver to access the vehicle and the driving begins. Hourly and daily rates for vehicle use vary by style and location. Zipcar’s range from the economic Ford Focus to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz C300.
NORTH AMERICA: TURO
With access to vehicles in Canada and the United States, Turo is the top search return for car-sharing in North America. The San Francisco-based company boasts over 14 million members who can access 450,000+ vehicles in more than 56 countries. Turo offers travelers everything from trucks to convertibles, Jeeps to Lamborghinis. Turo does not own or maintain vehicles, they simply offer a platform connecting car owners and renters via website or app. Using the app is easy. After creating an account by verifying a driver’s license and passing a brief screening process, renters can browse an area by vehicle type or by car location on a scrollable map. Turo offers 24/7 customer support, roadside assistance in case of emergency, and additional insurance coverage for renters.
EUROPE: SHARE NOW
With locations in 16 major cities in 8 European countries, Share Now is the easiest way to grab a ride in cities like Paris, Vienna, and Berlin. The Share Now experience is all-inclusive, and fees are as flexible as pay-per-minute. There are no monthly fees and no commitments for the service. Share Now is fast and convenient especially with 24/7 availability as cars are located within the designated city. Simply find an available car using the app; a sliding radar feature shows only vehicles within your distance. Helping Share Now avoid fees is the fact most of their vehicles are electric; make sure to check the charge when selecting an available vehicle from the fast and responsive app.
AUSTRALIA: GOGET
The first of its kind in Australia, GoGet is an all-inclusive car-sharing service with availability in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. GoGet users have racked up more than 5 million trips using the Australian car sharing service. Users pay a monthly service, a joining fee, and to use a car an hourly/daily rate for the vehicle. An array of membership rates, including options for students, businesses, and seniors, cater to every budget. Vehicle use cost covers fuel, insurance, maintenance, and cleaning. To find an available car, members book a car online or via the app, use their smart card to scan in at the vehicle, and away they go. The GoGet fleet includes everything from commercial vans to convertible BMWs.
ASIA: MOBOKEY
Mobility technology first went into use in Asia in Singapore in 1997. Japan soon followed. As companies like Hipcar (Indonesia), Toyota Thailand, PPZuche (China), and even individual car owners join the growing market, ease of accessibility has become key. This is where MoboKey comes in. MoboKey conveniently converts the physical car key into a digital key accessed through an app. The MoboKey car sharing platform is free for car owners who initially pay for an installation kit making their vehicle accessible with MoboKey. The app lets drivers control many aspects of the vehicle, but to find a car users will need to book through a second party service.