Many international expats, accustomed to getting around in their cars, encounter some surprises upon arriving in Madrid. Why is it so difficult (and so expensive) to find parking in Madrid? What is this new «Madrid Central» law? Madrid is clearly a complex city for transportation, which is why the city council and its citizens are strongly committed to public transportation and emerging alternatives.

Scooters, scooters, and bicycles: the «car-sharing» concept fits perfectly with Madrid’s urban planning. Electric carsharing is a new mobility alternative that opens the door to alternative modes of transportation in all urban areas of Madrid. In 2019, its fleets have doubled, and the city council has also facilitated several companies’ expansion of their service areas.

This new mobility alternative offers numerous advantages over private cars. Being 100% electric cars, they can circulate without restrictions during periods of high pollution and in the Madrid Central area. Additionally, they can park in any space within the regulated parking zone (SER).

Most of these companies have a similar registration process: users register (many with discount codes and free minutes), reserve, and open the vehicle using the corresponding mobile app. To register, the user must complete their information and provide proof of a valid driver’s license.

The main carsharing companies in Madrid are:

Car2go

The car-sharing pioneer arrived in Madrid approximately four years ago. Car2go started as a two-seater, but this year it has launched new four- and five-seat models to compete with its competition. It has also increased its fleet to a total of 850 units, which will allow it to increase its availability in high-demand areas.

Zity

This company, founded in December 2017 by Renault and Ferrovial, has already attracted more than 100,000 users. ZITY cars are Renault ZOE models, 5-seaters, compact but with a spacious trunk. It has a wide circulation area that reaches Alcobendas, Hortaleza, and Ciduad Lineal.

Wible

The latest carsharing company to arrive in Madrid. More than 500 Kia Niro Hybrid cars. Wible has spaces in underground parking garages in the city and its own bases outside the city, to make your life easier.

To the east of the capital, Wible covers the entire perimeter bordering Arturo Soria Street to Alcalá Street and the neighborhoods of Concepción and Quintana. To the west, the University City and its surroundings.

Emov

Not only have private mobility companies discovered a significant push for car sharing, but so have car brands, especially those with highly attractive vehicles for sustainable urban mobility and interested in renting their own range of vehicles. For example, the Eysa group with Emov. The zones have been expanded to Sanchinarro and Las Tablas, and are being extended to Ventas and Pueblo Nuevo.

These rates are per minute, pollution-free, and therefore a major advantage since the so-called «Madrid Central» rule came into effect on November 30th. Some companies, such as Zity, have reported that since the Madrid Central rule came into effect, the number of registered users has increased by 36%, reaching 157,000 users.

Madrid is a city clearly committed to cleaner transportation and a more protected environment. Electric car-sharing companies represent a revolution in this regard.