Portland, Oregon is a city known for its sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options. With a robust public transportation system, bike-friendly streets, and a thriving car sharing industry, Portland offers a variety of ways to get around without owning a car. Car sharing is a popular option in Portland, allowing individuals to rent a car on a short-term basis, typically by the hour or day, without the hassle and expense of owning a car. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the car sharing options available in Portland, Oregon, and provide an overview of prices, features, and other factors to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Zipcar
Zipcar is a well-known car sharing company with a presence in Portland, Oregon. Zipcar offers a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks, available to rent by the hour or day. Zipcar also offers a membership program that allows members to reserve and access vehicles with a smartphone app.
Prices
Zipcar’s prices in Portland range from $9 to $12 per hour or $74 to $89 per day, depending on the type ofvehicle and location. Zipcar also offers discounted rates for longer rentals, with rates as low as $7.50 per hour for rentals of 7 hours or more.
Features
Zipcar’s vehicles come equipped with a variety of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, backup cameras, and keyless entry. Zipcar also offers 24/7 roadside assistance and fuel, insurance, and maintenance included in the rental price. Zipcar also offers a “Flex” program in Portland, allowing members to park the car in any legal spot within the designated “Home Area” at the end of the rental.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Zipcar offers a large fleet of vehicles, including larger vehicles for hauling cargo or passengers. The membership program is easy to use and allows for quick and convenient reservations. Flex program allows for more flexible drop-off options.
Cons: Zipcar’s hourly and daily rates can be more expensive than other car sharing options in Portland. Zipcar’s fleet is not entirely electric or hybrid, which may not appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
ReachNow
ReachNow is another car sharing option available in Portland, Oregon. ReachNow offers a variety of vehicles, including BMWs and MINIs, available to rent by the minute, hour, or day. ReachNow also offers a membership program that allows members to reserve and access vehicles with a smartphone app.
Prices
ReachNow’s prices in Portland range from $0.41 to $0.49 per minute, $15to $20 per hour, or $50 to $110 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and location. ReachNow also offers discounted rates for longer rentals, with rates as low as $0.31 per minute for rentals of 3 hours or more.
Features
ReachNow’s vehicles come equipped with a variety of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, navigation systems, and park distance control. ReachNow also offers 24/7 roadside assistance and fuel, insurance, and maintenance included in the rental price. ReachNow’s fleet is entirely electric or hybrid, making it a great option for environmentally-conscious consumers.
Pros and Cons
Pros: ReachNow’s fleet is entirely electric or hybrid, making it a great option for environmentally-conscious consumers. The smartphone app is easy to use and allows for quick and convenient reservations. ReachNow offers competitive prices for shorter rentals.
Cons: ReachNow’s vehicle selection is limited compared to other car sharing options in Portland. ReachNow’s hourly and daily rates can be more expensive than other car sharing options for longer rentals.
Car2Go
Car2Go is a popular car sharing company that offers a fleet of Smart cars available to rent by the minute or day in Portland, Oregon. Car2Go also offers a membership program that allows members to reserve and access vehicles with a smartphone app.
Prices
Car2Go’s prices in Portland range from $0.35 to $0.45 per minute or $59 to $89 per day,depending on the type of vehicle and location. The Car2Go also offers discounted rates for longer rentals, with rates as low as $29 per day for rentals of 2 days or more.
Features
Car2Go’s vehicles come equipped with a variety of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, and rearview cameras. Car2Go also offers 24/7 roadside assistance and fuel, insurance, and maintenance included in the rental price. Car2Go’s fleet is entirely comprised of Smart cars, making it a great option for navigating the city’s narrow streets and tight parking spaces.
Pros and Cons
Pros: The Car2Go’s fleet of Smart cars is perfect for navigating Portland’s tight streets and parking spaces. The Car2Go offers competitive prices for shorter rentals. Car2Go’s smartphone app is easy to use and allows for quick and convenient reservations.
Cons: Car2Go’s limited vehicle selection may not appeal to consumers needing a larger vehicle for hauling cargo or passengers. Car2Go’s hourly and daily rates can be more expensive than other car sharing options for longer rentals.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to prices and features, there are other factors to consider when choosing a car sharing company in Portland, such as:
Availability
Check the availability of vehicles in your area before signing up for a car sharing service. Some companies may have limited availability in certain neighborhoods or during certain times of the day.
Parking
Be aware of the parking rules and regulations in Portland, as parking can be challenging in some areas. Some car sharing companies may have designated parking spots or garages, while others may allow members to park in any legal spot within a designated “Home Area.”
Membership Programs
Most car sharing companies offer membership programs that provide additional benefits, such as lower rates, free registration, and exclusive promotions. Consider the cost and benefits of these programs when choosing a car sharing company.
Insurance Coverage
All car sharing companies provide insurance coverage for their vehicles, but coverage may vary depending on the company and rental agreement. Be sure to read the rental agreement carefully and understand the insurance coverage provided.
Promotions and Discounts
Car sharing companies often offer promotions and discounts for new customers or during certain times of the year. Check for promotions before signing up to save money on your rental.
Customer Reviews
Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of service and vehicles provided by the car sharing company. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid any potential issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, car sharing is a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option in Portland, Oregon. With a variety of companies and vehicles to choose from, consumers can find a car sharing option that fits their needs and budget. Zipcar, ReachNow, and Car2Go are popular car sharing companies in Portland, each offering unique features, prices, and membership programs. By considering your needs, checking availability, reading reviews, comparing prices, and checking for promotions, youcan choose the best car sharing company for your needs and enjoy the convenience of short-term car rentals in Portland. It is also important to consider other factors such as parking, insurance coverage, and membership programs when choosing a car sharing company. With these additional factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the car sharing company that best suits your needs and preferences.
In addition to the car sharing companies discussed in this article, there are other options available in Portland, such as Evo, Gig Car Share, and Uhaul Car Share. It may be worth exploring these options to find the best fit for your specific needs.
Overall, car sharing is a great option for those looking to avoid the hassle and expense of owning a car in Portland. With a variety of companies and vehicles to choose from, you can find a car sharing option that fits your needs and budget. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the convenience of short-term car rentals in Portland.
