For those embracing the vibrant city life of Los Angeles, owning a car is increasingly becoming a choice, not a necessity. Car share programs in Los Angeles offer a flexible and convenient alternative, providing access to vehicles on demand throughout the city. From bustling Downtown LA to sunny Santa Monica, and near key hubs like LAX and major universities, you’ll find car sharing options readily available.
Living in a strategically located apartment, such as those offered by Blueground, further enhances this convenience. Many Blueground locations are within easy reach of car share pick-up and drop-off points. These furnished apartments also come with a Guest App, offering local insights and services like cleaning and maintenance, making city living even smoother.
Let’s delve into some of the leading car share programs in Los Angeles, each designed to make getting around the city easier than ever.
Zipcar
Established in 2000, Zipcar is a veteran in the car sharing landscape, providing Los Angeles residents with a wide network of pick-up and drop-off locations.
These locations span across key areas such as Downtown Los Angeles, close to Union Station, the University of Southern California (USC) campus, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood, Santa Monica, and numerous other prominent neighborhoods.
To become a Zipcar member, you need to be at least 21 years old (or 18 if you are a student) and possess a valid driver’s license. New users can take advantage of a 30-day free trial membership to experience the service.
Following the trial, membership is priced at $70 annually, with hourly rental rates starting from just $10.
Once you register for the trial, Zipcar typically needs one business day or more to verify your driver’s license. Upon successful verification, your Zipcard will be mailed to you within three to seven business days.
After activating your Zipcard, you can reserve vehicles online or using the Zipcar smartphone app.
To access your reserved car, simply tap your Zipcard on the windshield reader to unlock the doors. The car keys will be inside, ready for your trip.
Zipcar Usage Guidelines
- Before driving, carefully inspect the Zipcar for any existing damage, excessive dirt, or low fuel levels. Report any issues immediately.
- When returning the car, ensure it’s tidy by removing personal items and disposing of any trash.
- Remember to refuel the car if the fuel gauge is below a quarter tank.
- Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited in Zipcars. Violations will result in a fee.
- Pets are allowed but must be transported in a pet carrier at all times.
- Ensure the car is returned on time to avoid a $50 late fee.
Zipcar Benefits
- Daily mileage is capped at 180 miles, with a charge of $0.45 per mile thereafter.
- Each Zipcar includes a complimentary gas card for refueling convenience.
- Insurance coverage is included in the rental cost.
BlueLA Powered by Blink Mobility
Expanding the landscape of car shares in Los Angeles, BlueLA offers an eco-friendly option with its fleet of 100% electric vehicles (EVs). This program is part of the city’s initiative to promote sustainable mobility.
BlueLA is accessible to anyone over 18 years old with a valid driver’s license.
Membership grants 24/7 access to shared electric vehicles, seven days a week.
BlueLA EV stations feature a user-friendly self-service kiosk and five dedicated parking spots on the street, each equipped with an electric charger.
Utilizing a point-to-point system, BlueLA allows you to return the EV at a different station from where you picked it up, offering greater flexibility.
Service areas include neighborhoods like Westlake, Silverlake, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Downtown, Echo Park, Little Tokyo, and Chinatown.
BlueLA Membership Options
- Trial Membership: Priced at $0.40 per minute with a minimum charge of $6, equivalent to 15 minutes.
- Standard Membership: Billed at $5 per month, totaling $60 annually. Rental rates for EVs are $0.20 per minute with a minimum charge of $3, or 15 minutes.
Getaround
Getaround presents a unique approach to car shares in Los Angeles, functioning as a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace. Individuals list their personal vehicles for rent, creating a diverse selection for users.
Notably, Getaround does not impose monthly or annual membership fees.
Users can browse through thousands of cars using the Getaround mobile app, scheduling rentals by the hour or day.
Upon your first rental, Getaround conducts an instant verification of your driver’s license and credit card, ensuring a quick and seamless process. Every rental through Getaround includes comprehensive insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance for peace of mind.
Getaround Features
- Rent a vehicle on short notice and extend your rental directly from your smartphone if needed.
- Unlock your rented car using the Getaround Connect™ key via your phone. Keys are conveniently located inside the vehicle.
- Utilize the app’s filters to efficiently find a car that matches your specific requirements.
- Access all necessary information for car pick-up, including owner contact details, through the Getaround app.
- For users with newer iPhone models, Apple Pay is accepted for rental payments.
Maven (Service Discontinued)
Note: Maven, mentioned in the original article, is no longer operational. It was discontinued in 2020.
For informational purposes, the description of Maven from the original article is retained below, but it is important to understand that this service is not currently available.
Introduced by General Motors in 2016, Maven aimed to provide a hassle-free car sharing experience in Los Angeles.
Maven offered a range of well-equipped vehicles, including electric cars, SUVs, and trucks, all accessible through their app.
There were no application or annual membership fees associated with Maven.
Offering commitment-free rentals, Maven allowed users to rent cars by the hour or day, starting from approximately $8 per hour, plus tax.
Vehicles could be unlocked and started using the Maven app. Upon completion of the rental, cars were to be returned to their original pick-up location. Ending the rental was as simple as pressing the “End Trip” button in the app.
Maven Features (Service Discontinued)
- Fuel and car insurance were included in the rental cost (subject to a $1,000 deductible).
- Gas cards were available in each vehicle for refueling during trips.
- Integrated smart technology provided hands-free navigation, calling, and texting, along with in-car music streaming.
- Vehicles were available for rent 24/7, 365 days a year.
Conclusion
Car share programs in Los Angeles offer a practical and increasingly popular way to navigate the city without the commitments of car ownership. Whether you prioritize electric vehicles with BlueLA, the extensive network of Zipcar, or the peer-to-peer variety of Getaround, there’s a car sharing option to suit diverse needs and preferences. As urban living evolves, these programs provide valuable mobility solutions for residents and visitors alike, making city exploration more accessible and convenient. Choosing the right car share program depends on your individual driving habits, location, and vehicle preferences, but each offers a step towards easier urban transportation.
