Can Shared Cars Be Driven Out of the City?
2 Answers
Shared cars can be driven to other cities because they are charged by time. The issue is that you have to return the car after driving it out, as shared cars must be returned to designated stations. Unlike shared bicycles that can be parked anywhere on the roadside, shared cars currently need to be returned to specified stations after use, but not necessarily to the original location. Here is some relevant information: Disadvantages: Currently, shared car rentals have at least two major "bugs": few cars and few stations. These two factors prevent shared car rentals from becoming as popular as shared bicycles in cities. For shared car rental platforms to increase vehicle availability and expand station coverage, it is a costly endeavor. Real-name authentication: When using shared cars, real-name authentication is required for self-service rentals, with no deposit needed. You can unlock the car door using your phone, making the process relatively simple. Since the introduction of shared cars last year, veteran users with over a hundred usage records highlight the best advantage of shared cars: driving yourself and not having to wait for a ride. The price of "Youche" has not been adjusted, while "Jiabei" has been adjusted and is cheaper than Didi, with no price hikes on rainy days.
I often use car-sharing services, and the question of whether you can drive them outside the city is quite common. Most car-sharing services have geographical restrictions and are generally limited to the local city. If you drive beyond the designated area, the system may automatically detect GPS boundary violations, and the platform may charge extra fees, such as out-of-zone fees or penalties. Some vehicles are equipped with electronic fences that trigger alarms or even lock the car once they cross the boundary. Insurance may also not cover trips outside the city, meaning you could be liable for higher costs in case of an accident. I recommend checking the rules in the app before using the service—some platforms allow out-of-city trips but charge higher fees, while others completely prohibit it. For long-distance trips, it’s still more convenient to use your own car to avoid trouble. Last time, I accidentally crossed the boundary and got charged 50 yuan, so now I stick to driving within the city. It’s best to check customer service notifications or user agreements, as each company has different rules—don’t skip this step.
