Co-Wheels

Co-wheels is the largest independent car club operator in the UK. It is a social enterprise, providing public access to shared cars in more than 60 locations, from small villages to city centres. The company works by creating innovative partnerships with local authorities, public sector organisations, business and communities.

Co-wheels is used by local authorities, health authorities, universities, and businesses as pool cars for staff, while others focus entirely on being shared cars for local residents including working with developers and housing associations in new developments. We also encourage local ownership with communities running their own car clubs as fully supported Co-wheels franchises.

We have pioneered sustainable transport options, more than 40% of our fleet are zero-emission electric or ultra-low hybrids, and the remainder are low emission, and we have even introduced hydrogen vehicles. Our fleet has 44% lower emissions per car than the average UK car, and it has the lowest average CO2 emissions of any multi-fuel car club in England and Wales.

In our search for innovative projects we have expanded into electric bikes for hire to the public and as pool bikes, including a project here in Bristol. We also have a ‘flock’ of electric Renault Twizys in the Lake District painted as sheep so visitors can explore the countryside with no pollution!

As a social enterprise, the company’s mission is to help members and partners to save money, reduce car ownership and create environmental benefit. Because Co-wheels is a Community Interest Company, profit is reinvested into operations to expand the service.