I just watched a TV show that showed how zip car works . Tbh I had never heard of it . On the face of it it sounds good . Then I started to think about it .. I downloaded the app and that got me more worried . The app gives the the name of the street the car is park in also the type of car .
According to the TV show the keys for the car are in the glovebox .. What's wrong with some Ned downloading the app , finding where a car is , smash a window , drive the car away?
If anyone knows any more about this , what am I missing? Do it now ! Your a long time dead !!

I also wondered the same nothing to stop it getting stolen.

I don't think the app actually works until you have applied and been "approved" - presumably through some form of identity/credit check?

In other words, you can't find where the cars are until you get your app unlocked, and you can't do that until you've been approved for membership (I.e. The organisation is happy you are who you say you are)

However, nothing stopping someone spotting one of these cars with their (presumably) RFID panel in the windscreen, realising it's a zip car, smashing the window and nicking it with the keys.

I'd have to assume these cars have GPS tracking with remote shutdown capability to combat this. I.e. If the car isn't reserved and it moves off, then it gets automatically shut down/reported as stolen. Perhaps even the car won't start without the RFID card of the reservation holder being present - meaning that no-one can start the car (even with the keys) until the reservation holder has swiped his/her RFID card?

Typing as I'm thinking.........don't know if any of that is true - just thinking/typing out loud.

Reading a little more about it, seems like I was more or less right.

Ignition isn't active until the car has been legitimately unlocked with the RFID card (or phone) of the reservation holder.

If you smash the windows and grab the keys it won't start as the ignition isn't live (because the reservation holder hasn't swiped their card).

This is why the car must be taken/returned to a zip car location. As you swipe your RFID card, the zip car module inside the car talks to a base station by the parking space. This authenticates you as a valid user with a valid reservation for that car. Assuming you have been authenticated, then the doors unlock and the ignition is live. From that point you use the car/keys normally.

When you return the car to the zip car location, you switch off the car and put the keys back in the glove box. You then get out and swipe your RFID card again. The car authenticates you again with the street based base station, terminates your reservation, deactivates the ignition and locks the doors.

Simple but clever.

This all sounds like the system Hertz use with their vehicles. We recently decided on a visit to Ikea to get a new mattress but I didn't fancy going home and getting out the trailer or arranging delivery. I enquired about hiring one of the Hertz vans in the car park and the lady gave me a little Hertz welcome pack with a key fob. 5 minutes on the phone to Hertz and I was clear to book a van and within an hour the mattress was at home and the van back at Ikea. All for about £17. The ignition key was on a long chain but the system could only be activated through a valid booking (which you can do via an app).

Brilliant system, very convenient. Our nearest van is a few miles away at a local B&Q and if we ever want it, we can book and go so easily. Modern technology working in a good way. 2016 BMW X3 30d SE in red
MY2013 SD4 XS Firenze Red, 19" 10 spoke contrast paint wheels, Signature Strips, Grand Black Lacquer trim, Cold Climate Pack - gone!
2007 TD4 S Stornoway Grey - gone!

Last edited by Winslet on 13th Sep 2014 8:26 am. Edited 1 time in total

All makes sense now Do it now ! Your a long time dead !!