Best car share in melbourne

Are you looking for a car-sharing service in Melbourne but need help deciding which one to choose? With so many choices, deciding on the best one can be overwhelming. But don't worry; we've got you covered! In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about car sharing in the city of Melbourne and provide a comprehensive list of the top car-sharing companies.

What Is Car-Sharing?

Car sharing allows people to rent a car for short periods, usually by the hour or day, rather than owning one themselves. It's a great way to save money on car ownership and running costs, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable living.

Benefits of Car Sharing in Melbourne

Cost-effective

Car sharing is a more affordable option than owning a car, especially if you don't use it frequently. You only pay for the period you use the vehicle, and the cost includes fuel, insurance, and maintenance. You don't have to worry about the additional expenses of owning a car, such as registration fees, parking fees, and repairs.

Convenient

Melbourne car-sharing services have cars located all over the city, so you can easily find one near you. You can book a car online or through an app, pick it up, and drop it off at designated locations. In doing so, you avoid the hassle of finding parking or taking public transportation.

Sustainable

Car sharing reduces the number of cars on the road, which reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions. It also promotes sustainable living by encouraging people to use public transportation, walk, or bike instead of driving. By reducing the number of cars on the road, car sharing helps to reduce the amount of space needed for parking and the amount of fuel consumed.

Flexibility

Car-sharing services offer a range of car models to choose from, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. If you need a larger car for a weekend trip or a smaller car for a quick errand, you can easily find one that fits your requirements. This flexibility makes car sharing convenient for people with varying transportation needs.

Time-saving

Car sharing eliminates the need for car maintenance, saving you the hassle and time of worrying about scheduling maintenance appointments or waiting for your vehicle to be serviced. You also don't have to spend time looking for parking, as most car-sharing services have designated areas or car parks.

Accessible

Car sharing is accessible to people who cannot afford a vehicle, such as students and low-income households. It also provides an alternative to people who cannot drive, such as those with disabilities, or people who choose not to drive, such as those who prefer public transport.

Overall, car sharing in Melbourne offers many benefits, from cost-effectiveness to sustainability, flexibility, and accessibility. With a range of car-sharing services, you can find an option suiting your budget and needs.

How Car Sharing Works in Melbourne

Car sharing in Melbourne works similarly to other cities. You sign up for a car-sharing service online or through a car-share app and provide your driver's licence and credit card information. Once you're approved, you can search for available cars near you and book one when needed.

Most car-sharing services in Melbourne have designated parking spots where you can pick up and drop off the car. You can use the app to unlock the car and start the engine. You'll be charged for the time you use the vehicle, usually calculated by the hour or day. Some car-sharing services also charge a membership fee or a one-time registration fee.

Tips for Using Car Sharing in Melbourne

Plan ahead

Book a car ahead of time, especially if you need it for a specific time or location. Popular vehicles and places tend to get booked quickly, so reserving a car in advance is best. Also, consider the estimated travel time to pick up the car from the designated parking spot to factor it into your travel plans.

Check the car's condition

Inspect the vehicle for any damages or issues before you start driving. Take photos of the car and report any damage or issues to the car-sharing service. This will help protect you from being charged for damages you didn't cause.

Return the car on time

Most car-sharing services charge late fees if you return the car after the designated time. Make sure to return the vehicle on time to avoid additional charges. Also, make sure to refuel the car if the fuel level is low, as some car-sharing services charge a fee for returning the vehicle with less fuel than when you picked it up.

Drive safely

Make sure to drive safely and obey traffic rules. Most car-sharing services have a limit on the total number of kilometres you can drive per day, so plan your route accordingly. Also, read parking signs carefully and park the car in the designated parking spot and lock it when you're finished using it.

Be considerate

Remember that you're sharing the car with others, so consider their needs. Make sure to leave the vehicle clean and tidy, and don't leave any personal belongings behind. Also, report any issues or damages to the car-sharing service so the following user doesn't experience the same problems.

Melbourne Car-Sharing Service Selection Factors

Price

Price is among the most important factors when choosing a car-sharing service. Look for a service that offers affordable rates and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Some services may also offer discounts for frequent users or longer bookings, so check for any promotions or discounts before booking.

Availability

Make sure to choose a car-sharing service with a wide selection of cars available at various locations around Melbourne. This will ensure you can find a car when needed without travelling too far to pick it up. Also, check the hours of operation to ensure the service is available when needed.

Vehicle types

Different car-sharing services may offer different types of vehicles, so make sure to choose a service that provides the type of vehicle that meets your needs. Some services offer larger vehicles for families or groups, while others offer electric or hybrid cars for environmentally-conscious users.

Customer service

Look for a car-sharing service offering excellent customer service, including a responsive team and 24/7 support. This will ensure you can get help if you encounter any service or vehicle issues.

Insurance and safety

Choose a car-sharing service that provides insurance coverage for the vehicle and any damages that may occur while using the car. Also, check the safety record of the service and the vehicles to ensure that you're choosing a safe and reliable service.

User reviews

Check the reviews and ratings of the car shares of a company before booking to get an idea of the experiences of other users. Look for a service with positive reviews and a high rating, indicating that other users have had a good experience.

Top Car-Sharing Companies in Melbourne

GoGet

GoGet is one of the most extensive car-sharing services in Melbourne, with a wide range of cars to choose from, including vans and luxury cars. They have designated parking spots all over the city, and their rates are competitive.

GoGet offers different plans depending on your usage, with hourly, daily, and overnight rates. They also have a referral program that rewards you with free driving credits when you refer a friend.

Flexicar

Flexicar is another popular car-sharing service in Melbourne, with a fleet of modern cars and competitive rates. They have designated parking spots located in convenient locations like near train stations and shopping centres.

Flexicar offers different plans, with hourly, daily, and overnight rates depending on your usage. The company's loyalty program also rewards you with free driving credits when you use their service frequently.

Car Next Door

Car Next Door, now Uber Car Share, is a car-sharing service that is peer-to-peer, allowing people to rent out their cars when not using them. This makes it a cheaper option than traditional car-sharing services and enables car owners to earn extra money.‍‍

Car Next Door has many cars to choose from, including eco-friendly and luxury vehicles. They have designated parking spots all over the city, and their rates are competitive.

Hertz 24/7

Hertz 24/7 is a car-sharing service offered by Hertz, one of the largest car rental companies in the world. They have a range of cars to choose from, including economy and premium models.

They have designated parking spots in convenient locations, such as near airports and train stations. Hertz 24/7 offers different plans depending on your usage, with hourly, daily, and weekly rates. They also have a loyalty program.

Try Car Sharing in Melbourne Today

Car sharing may be the perfect solution if you're looking for a convenient, more affordable way to get around Melbourne. With a range of services available, you can choose the one that meets your needs and start enjoying the benefits of car ownership without the hassle and expense. On the other hand, if you're a car owner using your car for car share and want to sell, consider your local car dealer.