Car Sharing in Milan

Car sharing has become an increasingly popular way to get around cities all around the world, and Milan is no exception. With its busy streets and limited parking, car sharing provides a cost-effective and convenient alternative to owning a car. In this article, we will explore car sharing in Milan in more detail, including the different types of services available, their benefits, the pricing models, and how to use them.

Types of Car Sharing Services in Milan

Milan offers a range of car sharing services to choose from, each with its own unique features. The three main types of car sharing services available in Milan are:

1. Free-floating: This type of car sharing allows users to pick up and drop off vehicles anywhere within a designated service area. Users can reserve a car through a mobile app, and the vehicle can be unlocked and started with the app as well. Examples of free-floating car sharing services in Milan include Enjoy, Share’ngo, and Car2Go.
2. Station-based: With this type of car sharing, users must pick up and return the vehicle to a designated station. The vehicles are usually located in parking lots or on the street near the station. Users can reserve a car through a mobile app or at the station itself. Examples of station-based car sharing services in Milan include DriveNow and Ubeeqo.
3. Peer-to-peer: This type of car sharing allows individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others. Users can find and reserve vehicles through a mobile app, and the owner of the vehicle sets the rental price and terms. Examples of peer-to-peer car sharing services in Milan include Drivy and Turo.

In addition to these types of car sharing services, there are also car rental companies that offer short-term rentals, such as Hertz and Europcar.

Benefits of Car Sharing in Milan

Car sharing in Milan offers a variety of benefits, including:

1. Cost savings: Car sharing can be a cost-effective alternative to owning a car, particularly for those who only need a vehicle occasionally. Users pay only for the time they use the vehicle, rather than the full cost of ownership, including insurance, maintenance, and parking.
2. Reduced traffic congestion: Car sharing can help reduce traffic congestion by encouraging people to use alternative modes of transportation, such as public transit or walking, for shorter trips. This can help reduce overall traffic volume and improve air quality.
3. Increased mobility: Car sharing can provide increased mobility for those who do not own a car or prefer not to drive. It can also provide access to vehicles for those who live in areas with limited public transit options.
4. Environmental benefits: Car sharing can help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality by encouraging the use of more fuel-efficient vehicles and reducing the number of cars on the road.
5. Convenience: Car sharing can be a convenient option for those who need a vehicle for a short period of time, such as running errands or taking a day trip. Users can reserve a car at any time and pick it up and drop it off at their convenience.
6. Reduced parking costs: With car sharing, users do not have to worry about finding and paying for parking, which can be a significant expense in a city like Milan.
7. Reduced maintenance costs: Car sharing companies take care of maintenance and repairs for their vehicles, so users do not have to worry about these costs.

Car Sharing Companies in Milan

Milan has a variety of car sharing companies to choose from, each with its own pricing and service options. Some of the most popular car sharing companies in Milan include:

1. Enjoy: This free-floating car sharing service allows users to pick up and drop off vehicles anywhere within the designated service area. Prices start at €0.25 per minute, with a €5 registration fee.
2. Share’ngo: Another free-floating car sharing service, Share’ngo offers electric vehicles for rent. Prices start at €0.29 per minute, with a €9 registration fee.
3. Car2Go: This free-floating car sharing service offers both gasoline and electric vehicles for rent. Prices start at €0.19 per minute, with a €9 registration fee.
4. DriveNow: This station-based car sharing service offers BMW and Mini vehicles for rent. Prices start at €0.32 per minute, with a €9 registration fee.
5. Ubeeqo: Another station-based car sharing service, Ubeeqo offers a variety of vehicles for rent, including electric and hybrid models. Prices start at €0.29 per minute, with a €19 registration fee.
6. Drivy: This peer-to-peer car sharing service allows individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others. Prices vary depending on the vehicle and owner’s terms.
7. Turo: Another peer-to-peer car sharing service, Turo allows individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others. Prices vary depending on the vehicle and owner’s terms.
8. Bluemove: Bluemove is a station-based car sharing service that offers a fleet of electric vehicles. Prices start at €0.29 per minute, with a €9 registration fee.
9. Hertz 24/7: This station-based car sharing service offers a variety of vehicles for rent, including trucks and vans. Prices vary depending on the vehicle and rental period.

Pricing Models for Car Sharing in Milan

Car sharing companies in Milan use a variety of pricing models, including:

1. Per-minute: Users pay a per-minute rate for the time they use the vehicle, with a minimum rental period. This pricing model is used by most free-floating and station-based car sharing services in Milan.
2. Per-hour: Some car sharing companies offer an hourly rate for longer rentals, such as DriveNow, which offers a four-hour package at a discounted rate.
3. Daily: Car rental companies like Hertz and Europcar offer daily rental rates for short-term rentals.
4. Weekly: Car rental companies may also offer weekly rental rates for longer-term rentals.
5. Distance-based: Some car sharing companies may charge based on the distance traveled, rather than the time used.

How to Use Car Sharing Services in Milan

Using car sharing services in Milan is easy and convenient. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Sign up for a car sharing service: Choose a car sharing service that best fits your needs and sign up for an account. You will need to provide a valid driver’s license and payment information.
2. Reserve a car: Use the mobile app or website to find and reserve a vehicle. You can choose the type of vehicle you want and the time and location for pick up.
3. Pick up the car: When it’s time to pick up the car, use the mobile app to unlock the vehicle and start the engine. Make sure to inspect the car for any damage before you drive away.
4. Drive the car: Enjoy the freedom of driving the car wherever you want within the designated service area. Make sure to follow all traffic laws and return the car on time.
5. Return the car: When you’re finished using the car, return it to the designated location. Make sure to fill up the gas tank if necessary and leave the car clean and tidy.

Conclusion

Car sharing in Milan provides a convenient and cost-effective transportation option for those who do not own a car or prefer not to drive. With a variety of car sharing companies to choose from, users can find the type of service that best fits their needs and budget. By following these simple steps, anyone can start using car sharing services in Milan today. With the benefits of reduced traffic congestion, increased mobility, and environmental sustainability, car sharing is a great way to get around the bustling city of Milan.