What Is Carsharing?
Carsharing is a modern, on-demand alternative to traditional car rental or ownership.
Instead of buying or leasing a vehicle, or waiting in line at a rental counter - you can book a car near you for as long as you need it.
Unlike rideshare (where someone else drives), carsharing gives you full control behind the wheel. Drive it yourself, on your schedule.
Why Carsharing Makes So Much Sense in San Francisco
In a dense, fast-moving city like SF, flexible access often beats full-time ownership.
- Parking can be limited, especially in central neighborhoods
- Gas and insurance add up fast when you don’t drive daily
- Many people live car-free thanks to walkable streets and great public transit
- And with gig platforms and weekend getaways so popular, short-term rentals fill the gap perfectly
Popular Carsharing Options in San Francisco
Here’s a quick comparison of the main carsharing platforms available in SF:
|
Platform
|
Best For
|
Limitations
|
|
Mobi
|
Gig work, errands, travel
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Newer to SF, growing fast
|
|
Zipcar
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Hourly trips, errands
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High hourly fees, subscription-based model
|
|
Turo
|
Road trips, special cars
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Often expensive, requires owner coordination, gig-restricted
|
|
Traditional Rentals
|
Out-of-town trips
|
Expensive, inconvenient locations
|
Why More Locals Are Choosing Mobi
Mobi is a next-gen carsharing marketplace built for real life in the city. Whether you're doing DoorDash runs in your spare time, a traveler heading to Tahoe, or a car-free resident who just needs a ride now and then - Mobi gives you more flexibility and less friction.
Use It for Anything
Work, errands, travel, side hustles - Mobi doesn’t restrict how you use your rental.
Easy Booking
No rental counters. No paperwork. Book from your phone and unlock the car - either remotely or in person with the host.
Cars Where You Are
Many vehicles are available right in your neighborhood - not just at airports or downtown hubs.
Insurance Included
All rentals come with protection built in. No need to buy extra coverage at checkout.
Transparent Pricing
Daily and weekly rates that make sense - without surprise fees or deposits.
👉 Browse cars near you and book today
Best SF Neighborhoods for Carsharing
Mobi and other platforms are especially active in:
- SoMa – Great access to gig work zones and delivery hotspots
- Mission District – Popular with car-free residents
- Richmond & Sunset – Ideal for long-distance trips and family outings
- Marina, North Beach & Downtown – Convenient for tourists, workers, and quick errands
- Bernal Heights, Noe Valley – Residential areas with good parking and pick-up availability.
Wherever you are in SF, there’s likely a Mobi car nearby.
Tips for First-Time Carsharers in SF
- Avoid parking tickets – Know your street sweeping schedule
- Watch for hills – Choose a car with good brakes and power if you’re headed up steep inclines
- Plan for EV charging – If renting an electric vehicle, know where local charging stations are (try Volta or ChargePoint)
Want to Earn Instead of Drive?
If you own a car in San Francisco - or have access to one you’re not using full time - you can earn extra income by listing it on Mobi.
- Offset your ownership costs
- Set your own availability
- Get paid weekly
Whether you’re listing one car or building a fleet, Mobi gives you the tools to run a rental business from your driveway.
👉 Learn how to become a Mobi Host
Get Started with Mobi in SF
San Francisco deserves a carsharing platform built for its people - and that’s Mobi.
Whether you're driving to Ocean Beach, picking up passengers for Uber, or heading to the East Bay for a day, we’ve got the vehicle to match.
Ready to move smarter?
👉 Browse cars near you and book today
