Ask us Anything about Zipcar Flex – Our Answers
Flex is our one-way option, where you can pick up and drop off cars all over London (in our Zipzone!). But we know that some members have questions about how it works – so we asked them what they wanted to know! These are the most popular questions, with answers from a member of our Fleet team.
What is the difference between Flex and Roundtrip?
Roundtrip you book in advance, just select a green pin, book then pick it up from its own dedicated parking bay, then return it to the same bay at the end of your trip. For Flex, just look for the blue pins, then reserve your nearest car when you’re ready to go! Drive it and drop it when you’re done. It really is that easy! It’s like a self-drive taxi, with free parking.
How does it work?
Look for the blue pins in the app, and tap to reserve. We’ll hold it for 15 mins while you get there (but you have options to extend that). Unlock with the app, drive and park it – for free! Then just lock and end your trip, you just need to be in our Zipzone (most of London).
Is there a way to quickly know where I can park? Do I have to pay to park?
You don’t have to pay to park a Flex, we have relationships with all the councils and pay our permits to run in each borough. That's why the simplest way to look for somewhere to park is to check out free or Resident’s parking bays. But if you’re not sure if the space you’re in is ok, just take a look at the Help Centre page for the borough you’re in – there's a link in the app!
Do I need to charge electric cars during the flex rental or leave them charging afterwards?
We have a team who do charge our electric cars for all members, and we don’t require you to charge them (like we do for Roundtrip, where a car or van must have a quarter of a tank at the end of your trip). But, if you’re in an EV and the battery is running low (25% or less) please do let Member Services know, or give charging a go! Each EV in the car has a QR code linking to a page to show you how to find your nearest charging spot, and a video on how to charge each vehicle. It’s really not as scary as you think, promise! PLUS if you give charging a go, you could get £20 credit too in our ‘Recharge Rewards’ scheme.
Is Zip Flex cheaper than Roundtrip?
Flex and Roundtrip have different prices, and Flex has a per-minute rate for shorter trips too. So the answer really depends on what you want to do. A 30-minute short trip with One-way Flex is the most convenient way to see friends across town. Or, if you’ve got a few errands to run for 5 hours, a Roundtrip might be your best bet! Check out our offers page for more info on pricing, and you’ll always get the most accurate pricing cost in the app.
Where are the nearest Flex cars to my location?
We’re all over London! In 15 boroughs, plus Gatwick and Heathrow T5 too. Just open the app, search ‘now and nearby’ at the top or bottom, select Flex and you’re good to go! If you zoom out (or check out the map below) you can see our Zipzone, the area you can pick up and drop off cars from too.
Why Rent a Zipcar?
Save money
We pay for fuel, parking and insurance – so you get access to a car without the hassle of owning one!
Rent a car locally
Drive on-demand
Rent by the minute, hour or day when and where you need them. Just book and unlock with the app.
Live greener
Cheaper and greener than owning your own car, we've also got hundreds of electric cars in our fleet.
Ready to get on the road?
Search the Zipcar app to find cars near you and take to the road in one of electric cars.