Car Sharing in Los Angeles: Your Ultimate Guide [+6 Options]

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Are you looking for an easy and convenient way to travel around Los Angeles? Car sharing apps have become increasingly popular recently – saving people both time and money as they get from A to B. If that sounds like something that could benefit your own commuting needs, this post is for you! We’ve done the legwork and collated a comparison of nine car sharing services in LA - covering everything from airport transfers, electric vehicles and luxury rentals. Read on to discover which one best fits your budget, preferences, and transport needs.

What Is Car Sharing And How Does It Work In Los Angeles

Car sharing is a service that allows people to rent vehicles for short periods of time, typically for a few hours to a day. This service has gained popularity in Los Angeles due to the increasing traffic congestion and the high cost of owning a car in the city. Car sharing companies like Zipcar, Blink Mobility, and Turo have revolutionized the transportation industry in Los Angeles, making it easier and more affordable for residents and tourists to get around the city.

Car sharing is a simple process that involves signing up for a membership with the car sharing company of your choice, reserving a car online or through a mobile app, locating the vehicle, and accessing it with a keycard or via a mobile app. The cars are typically parked in designated spots around the city, making them easily accessible for members. Peer-to-peer car sharing is a newer form of car sharing that allows you to rent directly from the car owner, often with the option to eventually purchase the vehicle. This model can be especially beneficial, as it can eliminate the need for a membership fee or eliminate the need for a separate rental process.

Car sharing companies offer a variety of vehicles to choose from, including compact cars, luxury cars, and even electric vehicles. The cost of renting a car varies depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the reservation, but typically ranges from $8 to $18 per hour or $50 to $100 per day. The price includes gas, insurance coverage, and maintenance, and in some cases roadside assistance, making it an affordable alternative to owning a car.

Different Types Of Car Sharing Options In Los Angeles

Here are some of the most popular types of car sharing options available in Los Angeles.

1. Station-Based Car Sharing

This model of car sharing requires users to pick up and drop off the vehicle at specified locations. These locations are usually found in areas with high demand for rental cars, such as airports, train stations, and downtown areas. The user can reserve the car online or through a mobile app, and can unlock the car with a personal code or key card.

2. Free-Floating Car Sharing

This model does not require designated parking spots. Instead, the cars can be left on any public street parking within a specific service area. Users can locate and reserve a car through a mobile app, and simply walk to the designated location to pick up the car. Once the trip is completed, the car can be left in any legal parking spot within the service area.

3. Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing

With this model, car owners can rent out their personal vehicles to other users through a car sharing platform. This option provides users with a wider selection of vehicles, ranging from standard sedans to luxury cars. Peer-to-peer car sharing services are usually offered at a lower cost than traditional car rental companies and typically require drivers to meet specific age and have a credit card.

4. Corporate Car Sharing

Businesses can benefit from car sharing services as well, by providing employees with access to a fleet of cars located within their work site. This option can reduce costs associated with traditional company car programs and provides employees with the flexibility to reserve the car for their own business use.

Pros and Cons of Car Sharing in Los Angeles

While the concept of car sharing offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of car sharing in Los Angeles.

Pros:

• 1. Cost-saving: Car sharing services offer a cost-effective solution for individuals who do not own a car or drive infrequently. Instead of purchasing a car and paying for its maintenance, insurance, and gas, car sharing allows you to only pay for the time you use the vehicle. This is an excellent option for individuals on a tight budget.
• 2. Convenience: Car sharing services operate on a 24-hour basis, which means that the users have access to a car whenever they need it. This is convenient for people who do not want to deal with the hassle of owning a car, including parking and maintenance.
• 3. Environmental benefits: Car sharing reduces the number of cars on the road, which results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly beneficial for Los Angeles, where air pollution is a significant problem.
• 4. Reduced traffic congestion: Car sharing services can help reduce the number of cars on the road, which can ease traffic congestion. This is an important issue for Los Angeles, where the average commuter spends approximately 102 hours stuck in traffic each year.

Cons:

• 1. Availability: Car sharing services are not always available when you need them. This can be problematic for individuals who need access to a car on short notice or at odd hours.
• 2. Limited selection: Car sharing services offer a limited selection of cars, which may not suit your specific needs. This is particularly true in Los Angeles, where individuals may require a larger car to haul equipment, surfboards, or other sports gear.
• 3. Additional fees: Car sharing services often charge additional fees for cleaning, gasoline, and other expenses. These fees can add up quickly and make the cost of car sharing comparable to owning a car.
• 4. Distance limitations: Car sharing services often have mileage limitations, which can be problematic for individuals who need to travel long distances. This can also be expensive, as additional miles beyond the allowed limit are often charged at a higher rate.

7 Popular Car Sharing Options in Los Angeles

Our BestReferralDriver member of LA, reviewed the most popular car sharing options. For each service, we will provide a detailed description along with a checklist of the pros and cons.

Zipcar

Zipcar is one of the most popular car sharing services in Los Angeles. With a simple sign-up process and affordable rates, it is a great option for people who need a car for short periods.

Zipcar offers its services at numerous convenient locations across the city. In addition, it is also worth noting that Zipcar is one of the premium car share options available at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This unique offering allows travelers easy access to reliable transportation as soon as they land, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.

Here are some of the cars you can find on the Zipcar platform in LA:

• Kia K5
• Kia Soul
• Kia Forte
• Toyota Corolla
• Nissan Altima
• Nissan Sentra
• Honda HR-V
• Jeep Wrangler

BlueLA powered by Blink Mobility

BlueLA is a 100% electric car sharing service that is powered by Blink Mobility. It is an eco-friendly and affordable option that allows you to rent electric cars for short periods. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of using BlueLA:

Turo

Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that allows you to rent a car directly from a local car owner. It is a great option for people who want to rent a specific type of car or who need a car for more extended periods. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of using Turo:

Getaround

Getaround is one of the apps like Turo that allows you to rent a car directly from a local car owner. With a simple sign-up process and affordable rates, it is a great option for people who need a car for short periods. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of using Getaround:

Avail Car Sharing

Avail car sharing is an innovative platform that allows car owners to rent out their personal vehicles to travelers who need a car rental at LAX. With Avail, car owners can list their car for rent and earn money when someone else uses it. After a brief screening process to ensure that drivers are approved, Avail connects them with car owners whose vehicles match their needs. This enables travelers to avoid the hassle and expense of traditional car rental companies and gives car owners an opportunity to earn money while their car would otherwise be unused.

Kinto Share

Kinto Share is a car rental service that offers both personal and gig car rental options. Drivers can choose to rent vehicles hourly, daily or weekly, depending on their needs. The Kinto fleet offers drivers a range of driving solutions, including Compact, Comfort, and Hybrid options. This way, Kinto's vehicles are capable of meeting anyone's driving needs. There are different colors available depending on the location where you rent your car.

Final Take

All in all, car sharing is an excellent choice for Los Angeles residents - and visitors - looking to save some cash on their travels. From security to affordability, it offers a great deal of benefits and should be highly considered by those longing for an effortless transport solution. But no matter what city you live in, it's always important to check out the services available first before committing. With the right research and making sure it suits your needs, car sharing services can work wonders for anyone hoping to make the most out of their travel experiences. So go ahead and explore the options at hand – in L.A., they’re more than plentiful! And with this guide under your belt, you just may find that car sharing is a great alternative to renting a vehicle.

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