For many individuals eager to join the ranks of rideshare drivers, securing a dependable vehicle suitable for the job can pose a significant hurdle. Perhaps you’re simply looking to reduce the wear and tear on your personal car. Whatever your reason, numerous rental options are available, and today we delve into the Lyft Express Drive program. This review, based on firsthand experience, will provide insights into whether this program is the right choice for you, particularly when considering car options for rideshare driving.
Understanding Lyft Express Drive
Lyft Express Drive is essentially Lyft’s car rental service, partnering with rental companies like Hertz and Flexdrive. Lyft does not own these vehicles; instead, they are managed and maintained by these affiliate companies. These cars are specifically designated for rideshare purposes and are accessible and payable exclusively through the Lyft driver app.
The core appeal of Express Drive lies in its incentive structure: the more rides you complete, the greater the discount on your rental fee, potentially even leading to a waived weekly payment. This structure can be attractive for drivers looking for flexible car solutions without long-term commitments often associated with car financing programs.
How Lyft Express Drive Operates
To get started with Lyft Express Drive, you must first be a registered and approved Lyft driver.
1. Vehicle Selection Through the App
Once you’re authorized to drive for Lyft, accessing Express Drive is straightforward via the Lyft driver app. Navigate to the sidebar menu, select “vehicle,” and then tap on the “Rent a car” option. This section allows you to explore available vehicles and initiate the rental process.
2. Vehicle Pickup
After choosing a pickup location, date, and time that fits your schedule, and completing the necessary paperwork along with a refundable deposit, you can collect your rental car. The process is designed to be user-friendly, getting you on the road quickly.
3. Driving and Rental Terms
The rental period is flexible, allowing you to keep the car for as long as needed. However, it’s important to note that you will be charged for a full 7-day period even if you return the car early. Additionally, maintaining an active rental requires completing a minimum of 20 rides per week.
The program offers a tiered discount system based on the number of rides completed weekly. For instance, based on location-specific rates, you might pay a reduced weekly fee for hitting ride milestones, and even have the fee waived entirely for high-volume driving. This reward system is central to the value proposition of Express Drive, directly linking your earnings to your vehicle cost.
Vehicle Maintenance with Lyft Express Drive
A significant advantage of the Express Drive program is the simplified vehicle maintenance. As part of the rental agreement, routine maintenance is covered. When your rental car requires servicing, you simply return it to the designated pickup location. The partner rental companies handle the maintenance costs, and in some instances, they may reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses related to maintenance.
Furthermore, the program offers flexibility in terms of vehicle upgrades or changes. If your rental car is not meeting your needs or preferences, you typically have the option to exchange it for a different vehicle, providing an added perk of renting compared to vehicle ownership.
Personal Experience with Lyft Express Drive
My experience with Lyft Express Drive was generally efficient and straightforward.
1. App Sign-Up and Appointment
The sign-up process via the Lyft app was seamless. After scheduling an appointment, I used a Lyft rental bike to reach the Lyft Driver Hub. The convenience of using Lyft’s own transportation to get to the rental location was a nice touch.
2. On-Site Wait and Car Assignment
Upon arrival, a short informational video about the rental program and driving for Lyft was presented while the rental car was being prepared. The video, featuring positive imagery and information, served as a brief orientation.
The vehicle selection at the lot included models like Volkswagen Jettas and Passats, and some Hondas. However, the assigned vehicle turned out to be a Nissan Sentra. While acknowledging no personal offense to Sentra owners, the experience with this particular model was less than ideal. Issues included limited space, noise, sluggish performance, and subpar infotainment. Fuel economy was also disappointing, registering around 22 mpg, especially noticeable in city driving conditions with frequent hills.
Ironically, the Nissan Sentra is similar in size to some vehicles previously listed by Lyft as being too small for service. This highlights a potential inconsistency in vehicle selection within the program.
4. Vehicle Return and Deposit Refund
Returning the rental car was even simpler than the pickup process. Despite a minor oversight in not cleaning the car thoroughly before return, it was accepted without issue, though a reminder about the $50 cleaning fee for uncleaned vehicles was noted.
The security deposit was refunded approximately two weeks later, processed through the regular Lyft payment system, which is a standard procedure for deposit returns.
Overall Impression of Lyft Express Drive
Reflecting on the week using Express Drive, the financial outcome was somewhat underwhelming. While the rental cost itself was reasonable, restricted to only the Lyft platform and coinciding with a slow period in the Bay Area market, the net hourly earnings were only $12.55 after accounting for fuel costs.
However, it’s acknowledged that with more strategic and dedicated driving, achieving the ride targets for rental fee waivers is possible. Based on an estimated average of 3.2 rides per hour and approximately $7 net per Lyft ride, meeting the ride volume for a waived rental fee could potentially increase earnings to around $22 per hour. This is a better rate, although still less than typical earnings outside of the rental program, but it comes with the flexibility and included maintenance benefits of the rental.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
- No Long-Term Commitment: The short-term rental flexibility, even down to a single day, is ideal for part-time drivers or those testing out rideshare driving.
- Inclusive Costs: Rental costs cover insurance and maintenance, simplifying budgeting and reducing unexpected vehicle expenses.
- Modern Vehicle Fleet: Express Drive vehicles are generally newer models (2019 or newer), offering enhanced safety features and reliability.
Cons:
- Rental Expense: Renting can be costly, particularly for drivers needing a long-term vehicle solution, potentially exceeding costs associated with car ownership over time.
- No Vehicle Ownership: Renters do not gain equity or ownership of the vehicle, limiting long-term asset accumulation and personal use beyond Lyft driving.
- Limited Availability: Express Drive’s availability is not nationwide, restricting access based on location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rental cost through Lyft Express Drive?
Rental costs fluctuate based on location and specific rental terms. Drivers should anticipate weekly expenses ranging from approximately $30 to $250.
Can Express Drive vehicles be used for personal purposes?
No, these vehicles are exclusively for Lyft driving and cannot be used for personal activities or driving for other rideshare services like Uber.
Is Express Drive accessible to new Lyft drivers?
Yes, new Lyft drivers who meet the program criteria are eligible to participate in Express Drive.
Express Drive Program Updates
Since its inception, Lyft Express Drive has evolved. Initially, drivers incurred extra costs for personal use insurance and were ineligible for standard Lyft bonuses and Express Pay. Early on, a per-mile charge applied when the Lyft Driver app was inactive, adding to expenses.
Currently, personal use charges have been eliminated, and insurance is included in the rental fee (though a $1,000 deductible applies per coverage period). Drivers now have access to Express Pay for immediate earnings access but remain ineligible for Ride Challenges, except for a potential double-dip opportunity in the first week if a challenge overlaps with the rental start.
Is Express Drive a Worthwhile Option?
Express Drive is structured to facilitate driving for Lyft, and specifically Lyft only.
Suitable If: Lyft-Exclusive Driving is Your Goal
If your aim is to drive solely for Lyft and avoid the responsibilities of car ownership, Express Drive presents a viable option. However, using the rental for other commercial purposes or rideshare platforms is not permitted and could have insurance implications.
Not Ideal If: Full-Time Multi-App Driving is Preferred
For drivers aiming for full-time hours and utilizing multiple apps (like Uber and DoorDash), the ride volume requirements to make Express Drive cost-effective (100-125 rides weekly) are significant. Compare this to personal vehicle ownership, where monthly expenses like maintenance, insurance, and depreciation might total $500-$900. Exploring EV rentals through Flexdrive, where charging might be free, could alter this calculation.
Suitable If: Avoiding Car Purchase is a Priority
The flexibility to discontinue the rental after the initial week offers a significant advantage, especially for new drivers who are unsure about rideshare driving long-term. This walk-away option is a key benefit for those hesitant about committing to vehicle ownership for rideshare work.
