Currently, there are 1 billion cars in the world. The average car sits idle for 22 hours every day. Getaround is a genius solution to the increasing problem of car population by providing an accessible platform for people to share their cars with friends and neighbours.
There are currently over 1 billion cars on the world's roads, and that number is only getting bigger. According to the OECD International Transport Forum forecast, the number of cars worldwide will reach an enormous 2.5 billion by 2050. Given that transportation currently accounts for approximately a quarter of the world's greenhouse gas emissions and that almost all (95%) of the world's transportation energy comes from petroleum-based fuels, largely gasoline and diesel, the consequences for both environment and economy are potentially disastrous.
Luckily, we might not have to face that future thanks to the ultimate car sharing community, Getaround. Although it is a daunting task to manage and restrain car use, this company might just have found a solution that is enticing for everyone. Founded in the country that has the highest number of cars per capita (the U.S. has 1.3 people per car), San Francisco-based company Getaround is an online peer-to-peer car sharing service that allows drivers to rent cars from private car owners and owners to put up their own car for rent as well.
If the traditional idea of car-sharing appeared risky and unrewarding, Getaround is quick to reassure that the service gives its users both the tools for keeping full control of their experience, and the financial benefits of renting their cars. CEO Sam Zaid wants us to re-imagine the way we see cars in the future, to create a community based on trust. Based around the concept of collaborative consumption, you can share your car, earn money and save the planet in the process. The cars are completely insured, and the process headache free. The company even provides roadside assistance day and night.
Getaround users list their cars for free, and then choose who and when to rent them out. The hourly fee to rent a car averages around $6-8 dollars an hour, but even the fee is up to the owner to decide. Feeling a bit uneasy with renting your car to a stranger? Well, it doesn't have to be a stranger: when you login with your Facebook account, you can personally choose who gets to drive your car, meaning you can lend it to a friend of a friend, or someone trusted in your community. Users can see past ratings and reviews of those wanting to rent, and can use the information to choose whether they are comfortable renting their car to them. The handoff can take place in person, but also through the Getaround Carkit, which allows drivers to unlock their rented car via their mobile phone.
The future looks promising for Getaround, as car-sharing services are gaining more and more popularity. Zipcar, a more traditional car-sharing company, was recently sold to Avis for $500 million. There are high hopes that Getaround’s innovative approach to the sector will boost it even further. Considering how successful companies like Airbnb have been with renting out homes, how should it be any different with renting out your car?
