Greenwheels Car Sharing: How to Book a Car

Greenwheels car sharing: booking and driving a car

A car is convenient, but owning one comes with costs: insurance, road tax, maintenance, parking. Greenwheels offers a smart solution: car sharing. You rent a car when you need it and only pay for what you use. In this guide we explain how Greenwheels works and how to book a car easily.

What is Greenwheels?

Greenwheels is the largest car sharing provider in the Netherlands. The company has been around since 1995 and has thousands of shared cars spread across hundreds of locations throughout the country. The cars are parked in fixed spots, often recognizable by green parking spaces or signs, and are available 24/7.

The concept is round-trip car sharing: you pick up the car at a Greenwheels location and return it to the same spot after your trip. Ideal for grocery shopping, day trips or visiting family outside the city.

How do you become a Greenwheels member?

To use Greenwheels, you first need to become a member. You do this through the website or the app. You need:

• A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year)
• A valid ID
• A Dutch bank account for direct debit
• An email address and phone number

Sign-up process

Enter your details on the website or in the app and upload photos of your driver's license and ID. Greenwheels verifies your details, which usually happens within a few days. Once approved, you receive your Greenwheels card, which you use to open the cars.

Subscription types

Greenwheels offers several subscriptions:

• Basic: No monthly fee, higher hourly rate. Ideal for occasional use.
• Plus: Low monthly fee, cheaper hourly rate. For regular use.
• Business: For companies with multiple users.

The Greenwheels app

The Greenwheels app is your central tool for booking and managing trips. Download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store and log in with your account details.

Finding cars

The map in the app shows all Greenwheels locations near you. Green icons show where cars are available. Tap a location to see which cars are parked there, including the type and availability.

Booking cars

Select the car you want to use and choose your preferred date and time. You can immediately see whether the car is available. Confirm the booking and you're done. You can book as little as 15 minutes in advance, but you can also plan weeks ahead.

Taking a trip with Greenwheels

A trip with Greenwheels goes smoothly once you know the steps:

Picking up the car

Go to the Greenwheels location where you made your booking. Hold your Greenwheels card against the reader behind the windshield. The car unlocks and you can get in. These days you can also open the car with your smartphone in the app.

Keys and refueling

The car key is in a holder inside the car. Take the key out to start the car. Need to refuel? Use the fuel card in the glove compartment. You refuel at Greenwheels' expense at selected gas stations.

Driving

You drive the car as if it were your own. The rate includes fuel, insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance. You only pay for the time and, depending on your subscription, any kilometers.

Returning the car

Return the car to the same location where you picked it up. Make sure the car is clean and the tank is at least a quarter full. Put the key back in its holder and leave the car. Lock it with your card or the app.

Rates and costs

Greenwheels' costs are made up of several components:

Hourly rate

You pay for every hour you have booked the car. The rate varies by car type and subscription. Small cars are cheaper than larger models.

Per-kilometer rate

Depending on your subscription, you also pay per kilometer driven. With some subscriptions, kilometers are included in the hourly rate.

Included

All rates include:

• Fuel
• Comprehensive insurance
• Maintenance and APK (the Dutch periodic vehicle inspection)
• Roadside assistance
• Parking costs at Greenwheels locations

Benefits of car sharing with Greenwheels

Why are more and more Dutch people choosing car sharing?

Cost savings: You only pay when you drive. No fixed costs for insurance, road tax or depreciation.

Convenience: Cars are ready when you need them. No worries about maintenance or inspections.

Eco-friendly: One shared car replaces several private cars. Many Greenwheels cars are electric or fuel-efficient.

Flexibility: Choose the car that suits your trip: small for groceries, large for a move.

Tips for Greenwheels users

Get the most out of your Greenwheels membership with these tips:

Book in time: Popular locations and times fill up quickly. Plan ahead for weekends and holidays.

Check the car: Inspect the car for damage before you drive off. Report any damage through the app to avoid disputes afterward.

Refuel at a quarter: Make sure you return the car with enough fuel. Is the tank almost empty? Top it up with the fuel card.

Combine with public transport: Greenwheels works well with public transport. Take the train to a city and pick up a Greenwheels car there for the last stretch.

Greenwheels and electric driving

Greenwheels has a growing range of electric cars. These cars are recognizable and are parked at locations with charging stations. Driving electric with Greenwheels is often cheaper per kilometer and better for the environment.

With electric cars you don't need to refuel. After your trip, you plug the car into the charging station at the parking spot. The app shows the current battery level, so you know how far you can drive.

Greenwheels for business

Greenwheels offers business solutions for companies. Employees share cars for business trips, which lets the company reduce the size of its fleet. Business accounts offer clear invoicing and management tools.

Frequently asked questions answered

New Greenwheels users often have practical questions. Here are answers to some common ones:

Can I keep the car longer than booked? Yes, provided nobody else has booked it. Extend your booking in the app.

What if the car isn't there? Contact customer service. You'll be offered an alternative or compensation.

Can someone else drive? Only registered members may drive. Add any co-users to your account.

Conclusion

Greenwheels makes driving simple and affordable without the burden of owning a car. With the app you book a car near you in just a few taps. Whether you want an electric city car for groceries or a roomier car for a day out, Greenwheels offers flexibility for every situation. Give it a try and discover why car sharing is becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a Greenwheels car?

Open the Greenwheels app, find a car near you on the map, select the date and time and confirm the booking. You can book as little as 15 minutes in advance or weeks ahead.

What is included in the Greenwheels price?

The rate includes fuel, comprehensive insurance, maintenance, APK inspection and roadside assistance. You only pay for the booking time and any kilometers.

Where do I return the Greenwheels car?

You always return the car to the same location where you picked it up. This is Greenwheels' round-trip system.

Do I have to refuel a Greenwheels car myself?

If the tank is less than a quarter full, top it up with the fuel card in the glove compartment. This is free at selected gas stations. You plug electric cars into the charging station.