Redbridge Council introduces Ubeeqo car sharing

The London Borough of Redbridge has launched a car sharing service, allowing residents and businesses to book hybrid and electric vehicles.

Part of Europcar Mobility Group, the Ubeeqo car sharing scheme will allow residents and businesses in Redbridge to drive Toyota Corolla hybrids from an hour to several days at a time.

In the largest Ubeeqo car sharing scheme of hybrid vehicles so far in London, the initiative is designed to play its part in improving air quality across Redbridge, providing a new, convenient and greener way to travel around the borough. The cars are parked in spaces provided by Redbridge Council as part of its work to support green transport for businesses and residents, and include a series of convenient new bays exclusively for local residents to book 24/7.

“We believe this partnership will be great news for Redbridge residents and the borough” explained Patrick Cresswell, Managing Director, Ubeeqo UK. “By bringing Ubeeqo to Redbridge we can offer local people access to a car as and when they need it without the cost and maintenance that comes with owning four wheels.  As well as making urban mobility easier, more convenient and cost-effective, this initiative also supports the Council’s commitment to improving air quality, cutting vehicle emissions and reducing congestion.

“Working with Redbridge Borough Council, we are keen to encourage motorists to consider using our service as an alternative to car ownership. And that should result in fewer cars on the road, ultimately reducing emissions and congestion.  It’s a flexible solution for drivers who don’t want to commit to car ownership but need access to a car from time to time. We hope as many people as possible take advantage of the environmentally-friendly scheme when they need access to a car for a few hours or even a day.”

Gary Smith, Managing Director, Europcar Mobility Group UK added:  “This latest partnership between Ubeeqo and a London Borough underlines Europcar Mobility Group UK’s commitment to supporting central and local government in their goals to reduce congestion and emissions. Ubeeqo gives organisations and private motorists the opportunity to drive greener. Not only does it mean they don’t need to own their own vehicle; but they can cut their emissions too.”

The Toyota Corolla hybrids come with two power sources - a petrol engine and an electric motor. And the majority are self-charging which means that every moment they are being driven, the battery is charging - even when slowing down. This is thanks to technology like the regenerative braking system, which recovers energy that would normally be lost and stores it in the battery for later use. And because they are all self-charging hybrids, their batteries never need to be plugged in.

The vehicles are specially adapted to include an RFID card access system, meaning the cars can be booked via the Ubeeqo app or online and used by several different people throughout the day. The cars can be booked for any length of time (over one hour). Insurance is even included in the price*.

Residents who sign up to the program, also have access to the wider Ubeeqo fleet which is available from £3/hour and £30/day.