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, including the 15-minute ‘buffer’ between drivers, 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 within 3 hours of 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 the MOQO app, or with an optional smartcard using the reader on the windscreen

Each vehicle will have a laminated guide to explain any particular operating issues. Take the keys 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. See the map for their locations.

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.