Zipcar has been a popular car-sharing service in Chicago for years, offering an affordable and convenient way for residents to access a vehicle when needed without the burden of car ownership. However, Zipcar is not the only car-sharing option available in the city. Here are some other alternatives for those looking for a different car-sharing experience in Chicago.
Car2Go
Car2Go is a car-sharing service that operates in many cities worldwide, including Chicago. Like Zipcar, Car2Go allows members to rent vehicles hourly or daily, with the option to extend rentals if needed. However, one major difference between the two services is that Car2Go operates on a one-way model, meaning that users can pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another. This can be convenient for those who need a car for one-way trips or those who don’t have access to a Zipcar location near their destination.
Car2Go also offers a wider range of vehicle options, including small sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. Pricing for Car2Go varies depending on the vehicle type and rental length, but the company offers discounts for frequent users and those who rent for longer periods.
Enterprise CarShare
Enterprise CarShare is another popular car-sharing option in Chicago, offering hourly and daily rentals at various locations throughout the city. Like Zipcar, Enterprise CarShare requires users to make a reservation in advance but offers the added convenience of being able to pick up and drop off vehicles at various locations rather than being limited to a specific location.
Enterprise CarShare also offers a variety of vehicle options, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks, and pricing is based on the type of vehicle and length of rental. In addition, Enterprise CarShare offers discounts for frequent users and those who rent for longer periods.
Zipcar Flex
Zipcar also offers a car-sharing service called Zipcar Flex, which operates on a one-way model similar to Car2Go. With Zipcar Flex, users can pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another, making it a convenient option for one-way trips or for those who don’t have access to a traditional Zipcar location.
Zipcar Flex is available in select areas of Chicago, and pricing is based on the rental length and the vehicle type. The service also offers discounts for frequent users and those who rent for longer.
Zipcar for Business
Zipcar also offers a car-sharing service specifically for businesses called Zipcar for Business. This service is designed to help companies save money on transportation costs by providing employees with access to a fleet of vehicles on an as-needed basis.
With Zipcar for Business, companies can choose from various vehicle options, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks, and can set up accounts for individual employees or departments. Pricing is based on the rental length and the vehicle type, and the service offers discounts for frequent users and those who rent for longer periods.
Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing
In addition to traditional car-sharing services like Zipcar and Car2Go, Chicago residents also have the option to participate in peer-to-peer car sharing. This type of car sharing allows individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others when they are not using them, offering a convenient and affordable way to access a vehicle without the burden of ownership.
There are several peer-to-peer car-sharing options available in Chicago, including Turo,
Getaround, and Caroo. These services allow users to search for and book available vehicles in their area and offer a range of options, including sedans, SUVs, and even luxury vehicles.
Peer-to-peer car sharing can be a cost-effective option for those who only need a car occasionally. It allows individuals to access vehicles at a lower cost than traditional car rental companies. It can also be a good option for those who prefer to support local businesses and communities rather than large corporations. However, it’s important to note that peer-to-peer car sharing has some risks. Users are essentially renting someone else’s personal vehicle and are not covered by the same insurance protections as traditional car rentals.
HyreCar
HyreCar is a car-sharing service specifically designed for rideshare drivers. The company allows users to rent vehicles daily or weekly, with the option to extend rentals if needed. The service is designed to help rideshare drivers who don’t have a vehicle of their own or who need a temporary replacement vehicle while their own is being repaired.
HyreCar offers a range of vehicle options, including sedans, SUVs, and even electric vehicles, and pricing is based on the length of rental and the type of vehicle. The service also offers discounts for frequent users and those who rent for longer.
There are various car-sharing options available in Chicago, each with its unique set of features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for a traditional hourly or daily rental service, a one-way option, or a peer-to-peer option, a car-sharing service can meet your needs. Consider all these alternatives before deciding which car-sharing service is suitable for you.