Bolt launches car-sharing in London, targeting former Zipcar users

Bolt is expanding its mobility offerings in the UK by launching its car-sharing service, Bolt Drive, in London through a new partnership with Hiyacar. This strategic move aims to fill the void left by Zipcar's withdrawal from the city and cater to Londoners who need occasional access to a car without the costs of ownership.

Starting in autumn, users will be able to book Hiyacar vehicles directly within the Bolt app, eliminating the need for a separate membership fee. This integration provides Hiyacar with access to Bolt's substantial customer base, which reportedly includes over half of London's residents. Bolt, which already offers ride-hailing, e-bike, and scooter services, sees this as a natural extension to its transport options.

Diego Ramirez-Gölz, regional general manager for Bolt Drive, highlighted that many Londoners do not own cars but rely on services like Zipcar for specific needs. "Hiyacar gives us a peer-to-peer network to work with, and Bolt gives Hiyacar reach," he stated.

Don Iro, chief executive of Hiyacar, emphasized the accessibility aspect, noting that many cars sit idle in London. "Being in the Bolt app means our vehicles are visible to people at the moment they actually need one, not just to people who already knew Hiyacar existed," he said.

Bolt's decision is underpinned by research indicating a shift away from car ownership in the capital, with over 75% of Inner London residents not owning a car. Similarly, over 70% of Bolt's UK customers are non-car owners. Hiyacar, founded in 2016, is described as the UK's sole homegrown peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, boasting more than 265,000 registered users. Bolt itself entered the UK market in 2019 and operates in 20 cities.