Deelauto

Deelauto is a form of car sharing in which a vehicle is made available for short-term use to multiple users. Participants book a car by the hour or by the day through an online platform or mobile app. Depending on the provider, the price typically includes fuel, insurance, and basic maintenance, while mileage may be billed separately.

Car sharing can be organized in two main models: fleet-based, where a transportation company owns and manages a pool of cars, and peer-to-peer, where private car owners list their own vehicles for others to rent.

Origin and spread: Car sharing emerged in the late 1990s and has grown as part of urban mobility strategies aimed at reducing private car ownership, congestion, and emissions. It is particularly prominent in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and other European cities.

Operation and requirements: Users typically register online, meet minimum age and driving-license requirements, and undergo a short verification. A reservation is made via app, specifying time and location. The vehicle is picked up at a designated place, returned in good condition, and refueling rules apply.

Impact and economics: Deelauto programs can reduce upfront costs and the need for parking space, and may lower household transportation expenses. They can lower per-kilometer emissions when widely adopted. Critics point to uneven availability, dependence on platform policies, and liability for damages.

Notable Dutch providers include Greenwheels, SnappCar, and MyWheels, which operate across multiple cities and, in some cases, internationally. The market is subject to local regulations on insurance, parking, and road traffic rules.