Car sharing is becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Brussels, as more and more people seek sustainable and affordable alternatives to traditional car ownership. Car sharing services allow users to rent a car for short periods of time, typically by the hour or day, and often include fuel, insurance, and maintenance in the rental price. In this article, we’ll explore the car sharing landscape in Brussels, including the benefits, challenges, and popular services available.
Benefits of Car Sharing
Car sharing offers several benefits for individuals and communities, including:
Cost Savings
Car sharing allows users to avoid the high costs associated with car ownership, such as maintenance, insurance, and parking fees. Instead, users only pay for the time they use the vehicle, which can be significantly less expensive than owning a car.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Car sharing can help reduce the number of cars on the road, which can lead to lower emissions and improved air quality. Additionally, many car sharing services offer electric or hybrid vehicles, which produce even fewer emissions than traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Increased Mobility
Car sharing can provide increased mobility for individuals who don’t own a car or need a second vehicle for occasional use. This can be especially beneficial for those who live in areas with limited public transportation options.
Challenges of Car Sharing
While car sharing offers many benefits, there are also several challenges that must be addressed, including:
Availability
Car sharing services may not be available in all areas of Brussels, which can limit accessibility for some users. Additionally, popular services may have limited availability during peak usage times, such as weekends or holidays.
Parking
Finding parking can be a challenge in Brussels, and car sharing users may struggle to find available parking spaces, especially in densely populated areas. Additionally, some car sharing services may have specific parking requirements or restrictions, which can make finding a parking spot even more difficult.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Car sharing services are responsible for maintaining and cleaning their vehicles, but users are still expected to leave the car in good condition. However, not all users may treat the car with respect, which can lead to maintenance and cleaning issues.
Popular Car Sharing Services in Brussels
Despite the challenges, there are several popular car sharing services available in Brussels, including:
Cambio
Cambio is a Belgian car sharing service that has been operating in Brussels since 2002. The service offers a fleet of over 1,200 vehicles, including electric and hybrid options, and has over 30,000 registered users in Brussels. Cambio offers a variety of pricing plans, including hourly, daily, and monthly rates, and has a user-friendly app for booking and managing reservations.
Cambio’s prices start at €0.28 per minute, with hourly rates ranging from €3.50 to €8.50, depending on the type of vehicle and time of day. Daily rates range from €35 to €65, and monthly rates are available starting at €215.
Poppy
Poppy is a newer car sharing service that launched in Brussels in 2018. The service offers a fleet of electric vehicles, including cars, scooters, and bikes, and has quickly gained popularity among young urbanites. Poppy charges a per-minute rate for their vehicles, which can be reserved and unlocked using their app.
Poppy’s prices start at €0.33 per minute for cars and €0.25 per minute for scooters, with no additional fees for fuel or insurance. The service also offers discounted rates for longer rentals, with daily rates starting at €60.
DriveNow
DriveNow is a joint venture between BMW and Sixt and offers a fleet of BMW and MINI vehicles in Brussels. The service allows users to reserve and unlock vehicles using their app and charges a per-minute rate, with discounts available for longer rentals. DriveNow also offers a variety of pricing plans, including hourly, daily, and weekend rates.
DriveNow’s prices start at €0.33 per minute, with hourly rates ranging from €12 to €30 and daily rates ranging from €65 to €130. The service also offers a weekend rate of €190 for 48 hours.
Zipcar
Zipcar is a popular car sharing service that operates in several cities around the world, including Brussels. The service offers a variety of vehicles, including electric and hybrid options, and charges a per-hour or per-day rate, with discounts available for longer rentals. Zipcar also offers a user-friendly app for booking and managing reservations.
Zipcar’s prices start at €6.50 per hour or €60 per day, with fuel, insurance, and maintenance included in the rental price. The service also offers discounted rates for longer rentals, with weekend rates starting at €145.
Conclusion
Car sharing is a growing trend in Brussels, as more and more people seek sustainable and affordable alternatives to traditional car ownership. While there are challenges to car sharing, such as availability and parking,there are also many benefits, including cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and increased mobility. Popular car sharing services in Brussels include Cambio, Poppy, DriveNow, and Zipcar, all of which offer a variety of vehicles and pricing plans to suit different needs and preferences. It’s important to compare prices and services before choosing a car sharing service, as prices can vary depending on the type of vehicle and length of rental. Overall, car sharing can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around Brussels without the expense and hassle of car ownership.
