FAQ

Will I save money with E-cocars?

Yes, if you travel less than 6,000 miles a year. If you mainly use public transport to commute to work, and need a car for occasional use, then e-cocars will save you money. On average, a car costs £2,700 per annum to run excluding breakdown cost (source: Transport Research Laboratory). According to the RAC, a Vauxhall Corsa doing an annual mileage of 4,000 costs just over £2,300 a year. Driving a car club vehicle for the same mileage will cost around £1,065.

How are the charges calculated?

The computer inside each car is linked via the mobile phone network to our system. It logs the start and end of a trip, the mileage, controls the doors, reports low fuel and so on. A mileage charge is added to the cost per hour and you are billed on a monthly basis.

How do I make a booking?

Online or on a smartphone, use the reservation system, choose your car and time, then reserve it. Simple as that!

How do I make changes to that booking?

You can return a car early or extend your booking online or on a smartphone.

If you get stuck, call us and we will make the change for you.

How long before my trip do I have to book?

You can book weeks, months, days, hours or minutes before you book a car. As long as the car isn’t booked already you are good to go.

How and when do I cancel a booking?

From the login you can cancel from your account. All trips booked ahead are shown and as long as you cancel before the start of the booking there will be no charge.

How do I get into the car? Do I need keys?

Cars are easily accessed with your member’s smartcard using the reader on the windscreen, or using the MOQO app.

Each vehicle should have a laminated guide to explain any particular operating issues (let us know if it’s missing – sometimes they blow away!). Take the keys (if any) from the designated key storage and drive off. Except the Yaris Hybrid which has a start button.

Are there any special instructions for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid?

This car is a little different to operate. Read the laminated instruction sheet inside the car.

How is a car club different to car rental?

With us you can rent by the hour. The cars are parked near where you live, rather than at a car hire location, often in the next town. Car rental agreements are typically based on a minimum daily hire rate.

Which cars do you have?

All our cars are very fuel efficient, with fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The fleet includes the automatic Toyota Yaris Hybrid, a comfortable Golf Hatchback and a smaller Toyota Aygo. We will add to the fleet as our membership grows and we need to place a car in a new neighbourhood.

Do I need insurance?

You are fully insured on a comprehensive basis, we have specialist insurance for car clubs. You will be asked to complete an online declaration when you apply which requests your driving history. Non-EU drivers will need to be referred to the insurers. An excess of £250 applies to all members in the case of an accident in which our members are found to be at fault or no-fault could be assigned.

How do I find the car I reserved?

When you book, a map will help you find the car. The car will be waiting for you in its parking bay.

How will I spot the car?

Our cars all have the e-cocars logo on them. They are parked in designated car park spaces, with adjacent signage.

Can I take a one-way trip?

No, the car must be returned to the designated parking space at the end of your booking. e-cocars is a community car club, working to relieve parking and driving congestion from the growing numbers of private cars.

Do you provide car seats for children?

No, sorry we do not – you must bring your own.

Can I take my pet in the car?

Yes, as long as your pet is in a suitable pet carrier. We do have members with asthma problems brought on by animal fur so it is a case of being considerate to the other members.

Can I smoke in the car?

Similarly, we cannot allow anyone to smoke in the cars. A £100 fine will be incurred if you do and you may be banned as a member.