Our story
Harrogate Car Club launched in July 2020 with Co-wheels as the operator. At the time it was the first all hybrid car club in England. Harrogate Borough Council committed to spend up to £28,000 supporting the launch of the car club, with the aim of helping residents, visitors and businesses to reduce their dependence on private cars. Research has shown that a single car club car can remove 10-15 private vehicles from the road as people dispose of second, third or even fourth vehicles. As a result of this car club members are then more likely to walk, cycle and use public transport leading to more active and healthy lifestyles.
The car club allows members to book a car in advance or with five minutes notice 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The cars in Harrogate do not need to be returned to a designated parking bay as they have their own designated zone. Each vehicle has a permit to park within that zone.
Members pay for the car by the minutes and for the mileage associated with their trip. There is no need to pay for the fuel as this is covered with a fuel card in each vehicle. Vehicles can be unlocked with the App or with their membership card and all vehicles have keyless ignitions. There is no need to go to a showroom or depot to pick up or drop off the vehicle. There is even a van in the car club, which is available to all members. It has also been found that members of the car club can save up to £3,500.
Our advice
Working with Co-wheels, Harrogate Borough Council was able to assess how the car club performance could be improved and expanded, and where some of the vehicles could be relocated to boost their performance and membership.
A key piece of advice is to ensure that is widespread publicity and marketing before the launch - this is essential so the local people understand what the scheme is and what the benefits are.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the number of car hires; the number of miles and estimated carbon savings from shifting mileage from average cars to low emission vehicles; and the more active, healthy lifestyles of our car club members.
