The concept of car-sharing

To have a car in big cities for a few hours, without the constraints of possession. We pick up the vehicle at a borrow station, we go on a mop and we give it back. I forgot: we pay, most often, by direct debit every month.

The test

My choice is Mobizen . This company has a "terminal" housing a couple of Mercedes Class A just down from home ... On paper, it looks as simple as taking a Vélib '! I register online for a deposit of 250 € . A few days later, I receive my membership card, which also serves as the magnetic key for the car . For my first outing, I decided to do a lot of races to the hyper and buy the coffee table which I've been dreaming for six months! I reserve the slot from 14h-18h several days in advance because the weekends are stormed. On the day, I discover Gaby (they all have a name!) Wisely parked in its place. I am to the letter the indications, it is very easy. The fuel gauge lights up? No problem, I have a prepaid card available. Around 17:30, I activate a little to not make the car late: another member is waiting for him firmly. In total, the trip cost me 36 € . It's a little expensive but my use is punctual: an hour here and there, five hours at most for a walk in the forest with friends.

Report of the car-sharing

What a satisfaction to have a nice new car every time I need it! However, we must organize and not wait until the last moment to book. But if, in the end, you need it more than twice a week, it's better to have one of your own.

The rates are as varied as the formulas offered by the rental organizations: monthly subscription , hourly rate or per kilometer , all-inclusive package without subscription (€ 9 per hour at Mobizen).

Where to find them? In Paris ( mobizen.fr , okigo.com , caisse-commune.com and soon autolib.fr ) but also in province: Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Lille, Rouen, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Montpellier, Poitiers (addresses on franceautopartage.com ).