Zipcar’s role in the 15 Minute City movement

What is a 15-minute city?

The 15-minute city is an urban planning concept that has been around since the early 20th century. It was brought back into the spotlight in 2015 by Carlos Moreno, a scientist and business professor who advised Paris City Hall on the development of smart cities. The concept then really took off after the COVID-19 pandemic, as people began rethinking how to make cities more local, sustainable and connected. Today, planners around the world are using the concept to shape new 15-minute towns and neighbourhoods.

At its core, the 15-minute city reimagines urban life around proximity, accessibility and community - creating places where people can meet their daily needs without unnecessary or long commutes. Moreno outlined several specific things people should be able to access within minutes of their home: their workplace, local shops, healthcare services, educational facilities and entertainment hubs.

Think about it: how long do you commute to work every day? Can you walk your kids to school in the morning? How far is the nearest cinema?

How mobility shapes the 15-minute city concept

The 15-minute city is a significant innovation towards reducing congestion and carbon emissions, as well as creating a more networked city, but ease of mobility is essential to its success.

Walking and cycling are the ideal modes of transport within this concept, but in big cities like London, Paris, Melbourne and Barcelona, car sharing is becoming increasingly popular for getting from A to B quickly. Sometimes, not every journey can be made on foot, and there’s nothing worse than being rained on while on your bike!

In fact, car sharing is a sustainable alternative and a step in the right direction when aiming to achieve a 15-minute city mindset. Sharing rides can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50% per passenger mile. Plus, it’s great for saving a few bucks!

Zipcar’s contribution to the 15-minute city vision: Building a networked city

1. Reducing car ownership

Car sharing with Zipcar is a great way to get around the city without owning a car. It’s sustainable, affordable and aligned exactly with the flexibility a 15-minute city requires.

For every Zipcar fleet, there are 21 fewer privately owned vehicles on the road, leading to less congestion and lower emissions. This contributes to the UK's efforts to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030. Plus, fewer cars on the road means there’s more space for traffic-free cycle lanes, and it’s safer for pedestrians.

2. Supporting local economies

An important part of a 15-minute neighbourhood is how the concept supports local businesses and micro-economies. Using a Zipcar works in favour of residents, who can save money on owning a car or expensive long commutes and reinvest in their community. For local businesses, a quick Zipcar trip can save lots of money compared to renting or maintaining large vans or trucks. Plus, removing the need for additional parking spaces also frees up urban spaces, a factor necessary for the developmental success of a 15-minute city.

3. Complementing public transport

One of the greatest things about living in a networked city is that you have options. Public transport is a low-cost way to get around, especially if you live in London, a city renowned for its regular underground trains and buses. And, when you need to get behind the wheel, a car-sharing service like Zipcar is really helpful.

With flexible drop-off options and a range of vehicle sizes (including vans), we can fill in the gaps for public transport. While cycling and taking the bus or train are options, car sharing is another great option. So, whether you need a Zipcar for date night, moving house or a cross-country road trip, we have options for everyone!

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Zipcar in action: Real-world urban impact

We have a fleet of thousands of electric cars - a responsibility we’re proud to have when promoting greener urban living. We also partner with public sector organisations that not only use our vehicles but also work with us to achieve our mission: a future with more car-sharing members than car owners in major cities.

Local residents across London (and beyond) are already experiencing the benefits of car sharing:

“It is literally the perfect way to get around London. Private, efficient, no parking problems. All the luxury of owning a car without the massive monthly costs and without any hassle.” - Matthew

“I absolutely love using Zipcar Flex! The fleet of cars in my local area is so handy and convenient for when I need to get somewhere at short notice. I recently used a Flex car to pick my mum up from the airport when she came for a surprise visit from Cyprus! They're always clean and well looked after, what a great service!” - Emma

How it works

Our products: Transport made simple

Flex (one-way car hire)

Zipcar Flex is our one-way car hire service. Simply reserve via the app, pick up the car in one location, make your trip and then drop off the car at a different location in our Zipzone. Zipcar Flex is perfect for quick, one-off trips, such as when you need to pick something up, drop a friend off at the airport or need a safe ride home after dark. Our pay-as-you-go rates are charged by the minute, hour or day.

Flex A to B

Roundtrip (Car rental alternative)

The Zipcar Roundtrip service allows you to pick up and drop off the car in the same place - just like a traditional hire car! Roundtrips are perfect for longer journeys and can be reserved by the hour or day(s). They’re a great option for pre-planned trips such as moving house, running errands or going on a weekend away.

Roundtrip A to A

The 15-minute city isn’t just a vision of the future, it’s a movement that’s already transforming how we live, move and connect.

We’re proud to be part of this change. Every shared car journey helps reduce congestion, cut emissions and give city dwellers the freedom to explore without the cost or hassle of owning a car. Zipcar gives you access to thousands of cars and vans near you, wherever you are in the city.