Short answer
Nothing replaced Zipcar like-for-like: it stopped taking bookings on 31 December 2025. The closest options are Enterprise Car Club vans, Hertz 24/7 vans at IKEA and B&Q, and local hirers like Pace and Drivalia, though most charge by the day and some need a deposit.
Zipcar had more than 550,000 London members and its vans cost around £9–£15 an hour. Since it closed, three of r/london's biggest threads on the subject blame it directly for the collapse in second-hand furniture sales. Here is what is left, with prices we checked in September 2026.
Self-drive van options
| Provider | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Car Club | £8.50–£10.50/hr; £65–£85/day; plus 30p/mile | Closest to Zipcar: app unlock, street bays, hourly. Monthly plan from £7. £1,500 excess unless you pay for a waiver. |
| Hertz 24/7 (IKEA, B&Q) | £15/hr; £50 half day; £65–£80/day | Good for an IKEA run. Not at IKEA Greenwich or Hammersmith. |
| Pace Van Hire | Small van from £50/day off-peak | New Cross, Croydon, Eltham. Day hire only. |
| Drivalia | Daily, mileage included | Fulham, Canary Wharf, Park Royal, Barking. Launched as a Zipcar alternative. |
| Europcar | 2–8 hour hire, weekdays | Limited days in central London. |
Prices from provider websites, September 2026. Check before booking.
The catch with all of them
- Day rates. Most charge for a full day, so a 40-minute job costs £65 or more.
- Deposits and excess. Expect a £200–£250 deposit or a high excess with some hirers.
- You still do the lifting, and you still need a driving licence.
If you just need one item moved
Hiring a van for a single desk rarely makes sense now. renwd moves one piece of furniture from the seller's door to yours from £19, with a driver who does the carrying. Get a price or read what every option costs.
Questions people ask
When did Zipcar close in London?
Zipcar stopped taking bookings in the UK on 31 December 2025.
Is there an hourly van hire in London now?
Yes. Enterprise Car Club vans start at about £8.50 an hour plus 30p a mile, and Hertz 24/7 at IKEA and B&Q sites charges about £15 an hour (September 2026 prices).
What is the cheapest way to move one item without hiring a van?
Ask the seller to deliver, or book renwd from £19 to collect it from the seller and bring it to your door.