» flexcar

Every now and then, I see articles of interest to our readers but to which I have little or nothing to add. I will, from time to time, post such links in a roundup post so you don’t miss them.

Today’s links are all technology-related.

• Delmar Loop will soon have wind power.
• London car-sharing introduces plug-in hybrids for $10/hour rental.
• GoCycle has a newly-designed electric bike that is sleek and lovely, with batteries that last for 20 miles!

Rick at StlRising posed a question today about the WeCar Prius that he can see from his downtown office window.

Does anybody know about the program? How do you get in on it? Could I ditch my car, ride Metro downtown, and then have the We Car available for trips during the day out of the office?

WeCar is an interesting program. Lots of cities have flex-car programs; St. Louis’s is run by home-town Enterprise.  The essential idea is that you apply to become a member and, once a member, you can reserve the WeCar for specific periods of time and use as needed.

Flexcars are great for people who are trying to be car-independent but want a little more flexibility and/or range than public transit can offer, even when there’s no friend to hitch a ride with. What I hear most is that people who are car-free by choice and who rely on transit find the added flexibility gives them the extra freedom they need in situations that might otherwise tip them towards going ahead and getting a junky, “just in case” car – and wasting all that money on insurance and maintenance for a car that is mostly parked. I think it’s also a great idea for businesses who don’t want to maintain pool cars but need employee transportation from time to time.  (More on those ideas at TreeHugger.) Details on St. Louis’s program after the jump. (more…)