If you live in a fairly sizable city, car sharing is an option to consider. Car sharing can save you the money of a high monthly car payment, maintenance, and even the cost of a traditional car rental.
Car sharing allows you to rent a car for a short period of time from a private owner through a person-to-person rental company. Think of car sharing as an Airbnb of automobiles. A third-party company oversees reservations and payments and delivery and pickup are typically organized online.
Key Takeaways
- Car sharing is readily available in Switzerland, especially in cities
- It reduces your weekly costs, your environmental impact and the cars on the road
- Many providers: Mobility, Ubeeqo, Ride2go
Table of Contents
Is There Car Sharing in Switzerland?
Switzerland has had a form of car sharing since 1948, and the concept has grown in popularity in recent years. Living expenses are quite high in Switzerland, and with car sharing, you won’t have a high monthly car payment. You’ll also avoid the cost of maintenance, high insurance rates, and the cost of a parking space.
The Swiss are environmentally conscious and value the positive impact of car sharing on reducing their country’s carbon footprint.
You will need a decent driving record to participate in car sharing in Switzerland, and you’ll have better luck if you live in or around cities.
How Does Car Sharing in Switzerland Work?
Several companies offer organized car-sharing platforms in Switzerland. By choosing a membership on their website, an app will allow you to reserve a car at the location you desire. New members typically only pay around 50 CHF for the first four months and membership is free for students. Membership for subsequent months is only around 10 CHF.
You will incur additional charges based on the period of time you book the car, the model you choose, and the number of kilometers driven. Insurance coverage is automatic and includes comprehensive, liability, and passenger. The provider takes care of cleaning and disinfection.
Switzerland also has various private sharing schemes where those needing a car and car owners can contact and coordinate with one another. And residents of shared apartment buildings can participate in self-organized car sharing.
Advantages of Car Sharing
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The biggest advantage of car sharing is that it’s cheaper. Unlike a house, a car depreciates in value over time.
If you drive a car long enough, it will inevitably need routine maintenance and costly repairs. And high-interest rates in times of economic downturns make high car payments even more expensive. You will also save money on car insurance since car-sharing companies cover the cost.
Car sharing is associated with several environmental benefits. Car-sharing companies typically offer more fuel-efficient vehicles and electric cars. People who use car sharing drive fewer miles resulting in less traffic and less air pollution. Car sharing also reduces the need for space in the parking infrastructure, and more space for nature means better air quality in urban areas.
Car Sharing Providers in Switzerland
Mobility
Car sharing with Mobility lets you reserve available cars at over 1,500 locations. Choose your vehicle and reserve it at SBB.ch. With a SwissPass, you can unlock the car and drive away quickly and easily. Drive rates are based on the category of vehicle you choose and include fuel, insurance, motor vehicle tax, repairs, and cleaning.
Ubeeqo
Ubeeqo is a car-sharing provider in Switzerland that is all digital with cars available around the clock. Prices are determined by the hours the car is used and the number of kilometers driven. The app is easy to use and the deals are flexible, convenient, and affordable.
Two subscription plans are available. The Flirt subscription is free and the Passion subscription is 30 CHF for three months. Prices are cheaper by the hour with the Passion subscription. Start with Flirt to introduce yourself to car sharing and then switch to Passion to benefit from lower prices.
Ride2go
Switzerland’s car-sharing company Ride2go was founded in 1997. It has a fleet of more than 2,000 vehicles and is available in over 100 towns and cities across the country. With a membership, you can reserve a car with the company’s app or website. Pick up or drop off your chosen car at any Ride2go location. A variety of insurance options are available, and cars come with a full tank of gas and a GPS.
Car Sharing vs Car Subscription
With a car subscription, you have access to a car for as long as you need it rather than for a few hours or days. Fees are paid by the month or a few months on an ongoing basis. There are no contracts, and you can cancel the subscription at any time.
