Everything About Car Sharing in Azerbaijan and Baku

Car sharing in Azerbaijan is not very developed and is represented by only one company — CityCar, which is the country’s sole operator. For this reason, most of the market analysis will focus on this company, since there are no other providers at the moment.

Modern Urban Transport or a Temporary Solution? Analyzing CityCar in Azerbaijan

CityCar is a car-sharing service in Azerbaijan that operates on a free-floating model. This means users can rent an electric vehicle through a mobile app, drive it within the permitted zone, and end their trip at any convenient point, as long as it’s on the map of approved parking areas.

The service is aimed at mobile residents of Baku and offers around 30 BYD Dolphin electric cars. It is promoted as an eco-friendly, convenient, and affordable way to move around the city without the need to own a car.

How to Use Car Sharing in Baku

To start using CityCar, users must register in the app and provide:

• An ID card
• A driver’s license
• Proof of at least 2 years of driving experience — either the issue date of the license or the experience noted on the back

Once the account is approved, the user can rent a car through the app.

• Car doors unlock remotely via the app.
• The engine can be started with the Start/Stop button or with a key (depending on the vehicle model).

Trips are allowed not only within Baku but also up to 30 km outside the city.

• Going beyond this zone results in a fine: 50 AZN + 5 AZN for every additional kilometer.
• Ending the rental is only allowed in officially approved parking areas shown in the app.
• Ending a trip outside the permitted zone leads to a 50 AZN fine.

Rates and Payment Terms

The base rate is 0.60 AZN per minute.

Examples:

• A 10-minute trip costs about 6 AZN
• 1 hour of rental is about 36 AZN

Additional details:

• Users can switch to a package rate during the trip (hourly or other time-based packages).
• Once the package ends, the rental automatically reverts to per-minute pricing, and the user can choose another package if needed.
• Fuel or charging is included in the price.
• The app displays the car’s current fuel level or battery charge.

Coverage Area

CityCar runs on a free-floating model but with strict limits:

• Driving is allowed within Baku and up to 30 km outside the city.
• Crossing the boundaries or ending a trip outside the permitted area results in fines.
• Cars must be parked only in designated spaces — otherwise, the user risks a 50 AZN fine.

So while the service provides flexibility, users must pay close attention to coverage rules.

Insurance and Safety

Public sources do not provide full details about basic insurance, liability limits, or costs.

However, CityCar has shared information through its social media about a new additional insurance option:

• A CASCO «comprehensive insurance option» package with a +15% surcharge.
• With this option, the maximum liability for the driver in case of an accident is capped at 500 AZN, even if the damage is higher.

This reduces financial stress and boosts confidence behind the wheel, especially for new or occasional drivers.

Partnership Program

One of CityCar’s strong points is its peer-to-peer (P2P) program that allows private owners to rent out their cars:

• Owners can transfer their vehicle to CityCar.
• The company takes care of maintenance, management, and cleanliness.
• The owner receives a monthly income without active involvement.

This model may appeal to those who don’t use their car daily or want to earn passive income from it.

Digital Infrastructure and Current Status

• The CityCar app is available in official stores (App Store and Google Play).
• As of July 2025, no available cars are shown in the app.
• The last update was in October 2024.
• Despite this, the company remains active on social media, posting updates about CASCO and the partnership program.

It cannot be confirmed that CityCar has ceased operations — it may currently be on a technical break or undergoing internal updates.

What Works Well

• Eco-friendly fleet of new electric vehicles
• Flexible free-floating parking within the city
• Optional insurance with limited liability
• Flexible pricing system (per-minute + packages)
• Peer-to-peer program for car owners

Areas for Improvement

• High rate — 0.60 AZN per minute. For trips longer than 30 minutes, the cost can quickly surpass that of a taxi or a fixed-price rental.
• No cars displayed in the app — this may be a technical issue or a sign of a limited fleet, but in either case, it affects trust and user experience.

Conclusion

CityCar is an important step in the development of urban mobility in Baku. The service offers a convenient way to rent an electric car without visiting an office or dealing with paperwork. Flexible pricing, the partnership program, and an eco-friendly fleet are its strong points.

With further improvements and expansion, CityCar has the potential to become a sustainable element of Azerbaijan’s transport system and a model for other regional markets.

App Ratings in the Azerbaijani Market