As the sharing economy continues to grow, more and more people are turning to alternative forms of transportation such as ride-sharing and car-sharing services. Gig car and Zipcar are two of the most popular car-sharing companies, but which is the better option for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both companies and compare their services, pricing, and overall value to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
Introduction to Gig car and Zipcar
Gig car and Zipcar are both car-sharing companies that allow members to rent vehicles on an hourly or daily basis. Both companies have a fleet of cars stationed at various locations around the city, and members can reserve a car online or through a mobile app. Once a reservation is made, the member can unlock the car using their smartphone and start the rental.
Gig car was founded in 2011 and is currently available in over 20 cities across the United States. The company offers a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and even electric vehicles. Gig car’s mission is to provide “reliable and convenient transportation for everyone,” and the company aims to make car-sharing more accessible and affordable for everyone.
On the other hand, Zipcar was founded in 2000 and is currently available in over 500 cities in nine countries. The company has a larger fleet of vehicles and offers a wider range of vehicle types, including vans, trucks, and luxury cars. Zipcar’s mission is to “enable simple and responsible urban living,” and the company aims to reduce the number of cars on the road and reduce carbon emissions.
Pricing and Fees
One of the main factors to consider when choosing between Gig car and Zipcar is pricing. Both companies charge an hourly or daily rate for car rentals, but the prices can vary depending on the location, vehicle type, and rental length.
Gig car charges a base rate for each rental, including fuel and insurance costs. The base rate varies depending on the type of vehicle and the location, but it generally ranges from $8 to $12 per hour. In addition to the base rate, Gig car charges a mileage fee of $0.45 per mile for most vehicles.
On the other hand, Zipcar charges a membership fee in addition to the hourly or daily rate for car rentals. The membership fee is $7 per month for individual members and $70 per year for business members. In addition to the membership fee, Zipcar charges an hourly rate for car rentals that range from $7 to $15 per hour, depending on the location and type of vehicle. Zipcar also charges a mileage fee of $0.45 per mile for most vehicles.
It’s worth noting that Gig car and Zipcar offer discounts for long-term rentals and members who book a car in advance. Gig car also offers a “pay as you go” plan, which allows members to pay a flat monthly fee of $99 and then pay a discounted hourly rate for car rentals.
Availability and Convenience
Another factor to consider when choosing between Gig car and Zipcar is availability and convenience. Both companies have a large fleet of cars stationed at various locations around the city, but the availability of cars can vary depending on the location and time of day.
Gig car has a network of designated parking spots where its cars are stationed, and the company uses a “round trip” model, meaning that cars must be returned to the location where they were picked up. This can be convenient for members who are planning a one-way trip,
but it can also be less convenient for members who need a car for longer or who need to make multiple stops.
On the other hand, Zipcar uses a “free-floating” model, which means that cars can be picked up and dropped off at any location within the service area. This can be more convenient for members who need a car for a longer period or who need to make multiple stops, but it can also be less convenient for members who are planning a one-way trip.
Gig car and Zipcar have mobile apps that allow members to locate and reserve a car quickly, but Gig car’s app has received mixed reviews from users. Some users have reported issues with the app, such as difficulty finding available cars or unlocking the car once it has been reserved. On the other hand, Zipcar’s app has generally received positive reviews from users and has been rated highly for its ease of use.
Overall Value
When it comes to overall value, both Gig car and Zipcar have their pros and cons. Gig car is generally considered more affordable than Zipcar, especially for short-term rentals or members who use the “pay as you go” plan. However, Gig car’s round trip model may not be as convenient for members who need a car for a longer period of time or who need to make multiple stops.
On the other hand, Zipcar is generally considered more convenient than Gig, especially for members who need a car for a longer period of time or who need to make multiple stops. However, the company’s membership fee and higher hourly rates may make it less affordable for some members.
Conclusion
When choosing between Gig car and Zipcar, you must consider your specific needs and budget. A Gig car may be the better choice if you’re looking for an affordable car-sharing option for short-term rentals. However, if you need a car for a more extended period or multiple stops, Zipcar’s free-floating model may be more convenient. Ultimately, your best choice will depend on your circumstances and preferences.