The bike-sharing industry in 2021 and beyond
August 26, 2021
min. read
The bike-sharing industry is on the rise. It is the only mobility industry that statistics indicate didn't experience significant losses during the pandemic. The future is also bright as there are government initiatives around the world to support bike-sharing. However, there are things that newcomers in the business can learn from the previous leaders - success in the industry with high demand is no guarantee that the company will be a success.
A bike is a comfortable means of transportation in regions where motorized vehicles are widely used but create heavy traffic jams and pollute the air. This is a problem in regions like Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe. And this is where and why bike-sharing has become popular. According to the Statista Mobility Outlook, bike-sharing was the only mobility sector that grew its global revenues during the pandemic by a third in 2020. The single-person set-up and open-air nature of bike riding made it the perfect mode of transportation for the pandemic.
Bike-sharing is a shared transport service in which convectional bikes or electric bikes are made available for shared use to individuals on a short-term basis for a price or free. Development of software, GPS technologies, mobile payments, and IoT devices, as well as reduced locking and tracking system costs for bikes, have recently led to the popularity of a dockless bike-sharing system that allows users to leave the bike anywhere convenient.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the bike-sharing market was valued at USD 3 billion in 2020, and it is anticipated that it will reach USD 4 billion by 2026. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the bike-sharing sector in several countries. The most negative consequences were the daily decline in bike bookings.
Bike demand is majorly driven by developing countries, such as China and India that especially focus on e-bikes. China has always been the largest exporter of e-bikes. According to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the country's output of electric bicycles reached 25.48 million during the first 10 months of 2020, a year-on-year increase of 33.4%. During this period, the revenue of major bicycle manufacturing companies reached about USD 22 billion, an increase of 16.8%. According to the China Bicycle Association, from January to September 2020, the volume of bicycle exports was 12% up on the same period last year, rising to USD 2.43 billion.
However, the bike-sharing market growth in Europe is predicted to be the fastest across the globe, as it is anticipated that a large number of service providers will venture into the region in the coming years. In regional countries, bikes are being rapidly made available near major transit hubs, such as railway stations, thereby offering users convenience and ease of travel. In addition, the European Union (EU) also promotes such services, because they are environment-friendly and help to reduce traffic.
Global bike-sharing service market size between 2020 and 2026 in billion U.S. dollars according to Statista:
Currently, major players in the bike-sharing market are:
- Uber Technologies Inc. - provides opportunities to rent a bike in a partnership with Lime. Jump brand bikes are available after Lime acquired the Jump company.
- Lyft Inc. - in November 2018, Lyft acquired Motivate, a bicycle-sharing system and the operator of Capital Bikeshare and Citi Bike. It thus became the largest bike-share service in the United States.
- Hellobike - a transportation service platform based in Shanghai, China. Founded in 2016, the company merged with Youon Bike the following year. In a series of fundraising rounds dating back to 2016, Hellobike has raised over US$1.8 billion from investors.
- DiDi Bike - Didi Chuxing Technology Co. is a Chinese vehicle for hire company headquartered in Beijing with over 550 million users and tens of millions of drivers. The company provides app-based transportation services, including bike-sharing.
The biggest companies in the market are associated with China as are the biggest deals. Looking at the recent biggest deals in bike-sharing, the first worth mentioning involved Didi Chuxing’s bike-sharing arm Qingju. It raised USD 600 million in a Series B equity fundraising round and will be granted an additional USD 400 million in loans.
What was also interesting that at the end of 2020 the mobile application of Mobike, one of China's earliest and largest bike-sharing providers, went offline after its acquisition by Meituan three years before. Mobike was acquired by Meituan for USD 2.7 billion in April 2018. In January 2019, in an internal letter to employees Wang Huiwen, co-founder and Senior Vice-President of Meituan, informed them that Mobike will be renamed Meituan Bike and that the firm would become a unit of the new parent's location-based service department.
The growing interest in e-bikes
One trend that will definitely influence the industry in the near future is the growing interest in e-bike sharing. Pedelecs or pedal electric cycles or EPAC (Electronically Power Assisted Cycles) are becoming increasingly popular. This is a type of electric bicycle where the rider’s pedaling is assisted by a small electric motor. Such vehicles are capable of higher speeds, compared to manually operated bikes. As the demand for higher speeds for short-distance traveling increases, so does the preference for e-bikes. People are ignoring the fact that sharing services on pedal-assisted bikes are cheaper than e-bikes, as the latter offers effortless driving, more convenience, and variable motor power, as well as higher speeds.
One of the most interesting investment deals in 2020 that underlines the interest in e-bikes involved London-based free-to-use shared electric bike firm London-based HumanForest. It announced in September that it had raised £1.8 million. HumanForest offers 20 minutes free per day and a corporate subscription service. It launched in June 2020. In just four months of the company’s operations, 14,000 riders have taken almost 42,000 rides with the number of rides increasing by over 100% month on month!
Later that year, the company raised £1.27m via crowdfunding with the support of over 520 investors, of whom approximately 30% were trial users. The company says that it ran a successful trial during summer 2020 in London with 200 e-bikes. The new funds will be used to expand the fleet to 1,500 e-bikes.
HumanForest’s business model is based on three sources of revenue - users pay 15p per minute after their free daily 10-minute ride is up, while partner companies pay to advertise their brand on the HumanForest digital platform and companies pay to offer their employees further minutes for the HumanForest fleet.
Bike-sharing - more positive than negative aspects
If we analyze positive, as well as negative aspects that could influence the future of bike-sharing, the positive aspects far exceed the negative ones. The only negative aspects are high initial investment costs, as well as the rise in bike vandalism and theft. Positive aspects that could stimulate the bike-sharing business in the future are growing venture capital investments, an increase in the inclusion of e-bikes in the sharing fleet, as well as technological advances in bike-sharing systems.
There is also increased interest from governments in different initiatives for the development of bike-sharing infrastructure. Furthermore, governments are offering subsidies to service providers for developing stations and expanding their reach to a large number of commuters. For instance, in 2018, Chinese Municipal governments subsidized the Public Bike Sharing Program development to encourage non-motorized transport and offer convenient, flexible, and low-cost mobility options. Meanwhile, in Europe, the new public bike-sharing system was launched in the Italian Municipality of Trieste in February 2020. The system, known as BiTS, is being implemented as part of the city's Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Plan at a cost of EUR 390,000, with the aim of developing sustainable mobility by promoting walking and cycling to reduce urban pollution.
Despite the fact that interest in bike-sharing is rising and will continue to do so, it is equally important to learn and not forget the mistakes of pioneers of the industry. For example, the company Ofo was founded in 2014 as a university project, but soon afterward raised $866 million from investors led by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. Ofo was a station-free bike-sharing platform operated via an online mobile application. In total, over the course of nine investment rounds, the company has raised USD 2.2 billion but has still consistently experienced cash flow problems that were driven largely by intense competition in a market that has yet to be proven to be commercially viable according to analysts interviewed by Forbes.
Fees dropped to 1 yuan ($0.14) for each hour of use and sometimes were even free. Despite this fact, Ofo still managed to reach a valuation of $2 billion in a 2017 funding round and around $3 billion at its highest point, and at one time the company deployed more than 10 million bikes globally and attracted as many as 200 million users. “The company’s cash-burning operations and high valuation have combined to deter potential investors, and when capital became scarce, the startup could no longer cover its once sprawling operations,” wrote Forbes.
In 2018, Ofo announced a massive reduction in operations, and by 2020 it faced a large amount of unpayable debt as a result of which the company was no longer operating bike rentals. “Explanations of what exactly went wrong are still evolving, but it seems likely that the mind-boggling amounts of cash pumped into what wasn't essentially a "bike-sharing" model, but rather a rental business pepped up by a smartphone app, had something to do with it. Yes, the company bought bikes and placed them in the streets without docks for anybody to use, and that was somewhat new. And yes, a smartphone app served as the key. But the company owned the bikes, just like any old-fashioned rental shop, and incurred huge maintenance costs,” explained analysts from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, who were quoted in its magazine “Own the future”.
So it doesn't matter how big the demand for the service is, you should always apply simple business principles to your business.
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7 proven ways to boost your car sharing ratings
🚗 Want to keep your car sharing ratings high? Customers expect reliability, transparency, and great service - and their reviews reflect it. From AI-powered photo verification to seamless IoT connectivity, here are 7 game-changing solutions to improve your ratings and build trust with your users.
March 25, 2025
min. read
Car sharing can be a tough business. Your fleet is constantly in motion, customers have high expectations, and every review can impact your reputation. The difference between a good business and one that struggles often comes down to customer satisfaction – and that means keeping your ratings high.
So, what are the best ways to improve ratings in car sharing? Here are some smart solutions that can make a real impact.
1. AI-powered photo verification to prevent surprises
No one likes picking up a car and finding it scratched, dented, or dirty. AI-powered photo verification helps prevent these problems before they affect your ratings. The system ensures that users take proper photos before and after their ride. If a car is parked badly or a photo doesn’t show the vehicle correctly, the system flags it. This reduces disputes, increases accountability, and improves overall service quality.
Users also feel more secure knowing that they won’t be held accountable for damage they didn’t cause. This small step significantly improves trust in your service, which in turn helps maintain higher ratings over time.
Want to integrate this? Check out how ATOM Mobility supports smart integrations.
2. Customer support that actually helps
Fast and effective customer support is a game changer. Users expect quick answers, especially when they’re locked out of a car or facing a technical issue. Integrating tools like Zendesk, Intercom, or Mavenoid provides live chat, automated AI-powered answers, FAQs, and even emoji-based responses to make communication smoother. Happy customers leave better ratings – it’s that simple.
A great support system also means fewer negative reviews, as frustrated users are less likely to vent online when they can quickly get the help they need. Plus, automated FAQs help users solve minor issues on their own without waiting for a response.
3. Great IoT connectivity for a better experience
A smooth, uninterrupted experience is one of the biggest factors in user satisfaction. Vehicle connectivity solutions ensure that cars are always accessible when needed. Imagine a user trying to unlock a car, but the IoT lags or the car doesn’t respond. Frustrating, right? Integrating reliable IoT solutions minimizes these issues, making your service more dependable. ATOM Mobility supports a wide range of IoT modules like Teltonika, Geotab, INVERS and several others. This means your fleet remains connected, responsive, and reliable no matter what car models you have in your fleet.
A connected fleet also allows operators to quickly detect vehicle malfunctions, battery levels, and maintenance needs, ensuring cars remain in top condition before issues escalate.
See how seamless connectivity makes car sharing better.
4. Let users rate their ride
Giving customers a voice is essential. By allowing them to rate their ride, you get valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not. Did they like the cleanliness? Was the car easy to access? Was the trip smooth? This data helps you adjust and improve, keeping your service top-notch. Plus, users appreciate being heard, which encourages them to leave better reviews.
Encouraging feedback also lets you identify problem areas before they turn into frequent complaints. A proactive approach keeps customers engaged and boosts loyalty.
5. Clear and simple pricing
Surprise fees are a surefire way to get bad ratings. Users want transparency when it comes to pricing. Make sure your app clearly displays all costs upfront, including any deposits, insurance fees, or extra charges. Simple and honest pricing leads to trust, and trust leads to better reviews.
It also helps to offer clear explanations of what happens in case of late returns, damages, or toll fees. When users know what to expect, they’re less likely to be upset when additional charges apply.
6. Keep your fleet in top shape with preventive maintenance
It might sound obvious, but maintaining your vehicles properly is a huge factor in customer satisfaction. No one wants to deal with a car that smells weird, has a flat tire, or makes strange noises. Regular inspections, automated maintenance tracking, and in-app damage reporting help keep your fleet in top condition. Implementing task automation can further improve fleet maintenance, ensuring vehicles are always in optimal condition with minimal manual intervention. Well-maintained cars, happy customers, higher ratings.
Adding small touches like air fresheners, charging cables, and regular interior cleaning can elevate the user experience. Even if a vehicle is a few years old, good upkeep makes all the difference in perception.
7. All-in-one dashboard for smarter management
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. An advanced dashboard lets you track vehicle performance, monitor customer feedback, and optimize operations in one place. ATOM Mobility’s dashboard solution provides detailed analytics, helping you stay on top of issues before they affect your ratings.
By leveraging data insights, operators can identify peak rental times, adjust pricing models, and plan fleet expansions accordingly. A well-optimized system keeps operations efficient and users satisfied. Additionally, vehicle damage management helps customers easily report damages, allowing operators to address issues faster and improve overall service quality.
Improving your car sharing ratings isn’t rocket science, but it does require the right tools. By integrating AI-powered photo verification, enhancing customer support, ensuring seamless connectivity, and keeping your fleet well-maintained, you can significantly boost user satisfaction. And when customers are happy, your ratings – and your business – will thrive.
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Sign-up made easy: ATOM Mobility adds Apple and Google login options
At ATOM Mobility, we’re always looking for ways to improve the user experience. One of the most requested features from our customers has been alternative login options. And now, we’re happy to announce that Apple and Google sign-in options are finally here!
March 11, 2025
min. read
Why is this important?
Most mobile apps rely on phone number verification for sign-ups and logins. This is also the case for ATOM Mobility, where users verify their phone number using a One-Time Password (OTP). We use trusted partners like Twilio, Dexatel, and others to ensure secure phone verification. Big companies like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive also follow this method because it helps prevent fraud and unauthorized access.
However, we know that not everyone wants to use their phone number every time they log in. Some users prefer quicker options, especially if they’re alreadyuse Apple or Google on their devices. That’s why we’ve now added these alternatives.
The popularity of Apple & Google sign-in
According to global data, a significant number of people prefer logging in with their existing accounts rather than typing in a phone number. Research shows that about 60-80% of users choose social logins if given the option. That’s a huge number! By adding Apple and Google login, we’re making it even easier for users to sign up and start using your app instantly.
Many popular apps and platforms already offer these sign-in options because they reduce the time it takes for users to access services. The fewer steps involved, the more likely users are to complete registration rather than abandoning the process midway. For businesses, this translates to higher conversion rates and more engaged users.
What this means for your business
Adding Apple and Google login options isn’t just about convenience. It has real benefits for operators as well:
- Fewer support tickets – Phone number verification can sometimes fail due to network issues, wrong numbers, or SMS delays. With Apple and Google sign-ins, users can skip these problems entirely.
- Better user experience – The easier it is to sign up, the more likely users are to complete registration and start using the service.
- More successful registrations – Reducing friction at the sign-up stage means more people will complete the process, leading to higher conversion rates.
- Higher user retention – If signing in is fast and easy, users are more likely to return rather than be discouraged by a slow login process.
Security considerations
It’s important to note that phone number verification still plays a big role in fraud prevention. If users sign in without verifying their number, there’s a higher risk of fake accounts. That’s why we’re keeping the OTP method as the default while offering Apple and Google login as an alternative.
Many companies, including ATOM Mobility, prioritize fraud prevention. While Apple and Google sign-in reduce the risk of failed logins, they also require additional monitoring to ensure that the platform remains secure. Implementing fraud detection measures alongside these sign-in options can help maintain a balance between user convenience and platform security.
How it works
The updated login screen will now include Apple and Google sign-in buttons alongside the phone number option. Users can choose their preferred method, making the process faster and more flexible.
If you are an ATOM Mobility customer, enabling this feature in your app settings is simple. Once activated, users will see the Apple and Google login buttons immediately when they open the app. This small but powerful change can lead to more completed registrations and a smoother onboarding experience.
What’s next?
This is just one of the many improvements we’re bringing to ATOM Mobility. We’re constantly working on new features to enhance the user experience and streamline operations. Check out our other top features:
- Integrations – Connect with various third-party services like Zendesk, Intercom, and Mavenoid to improve customer support.
- Connectivity – Our platform supports multiple IoT devices and vehicle models, ensuring seamless operation.
- Dashboard – Manage your fleet and users efficiently with a feature-packed admin panel.
Future possibilities
At ATOM Mobility, we believe in continuous innovation. Now that Apple and Google login options are live, we are exploring other ways to simplify user access and improve security. Some potential future developments include:
- Biometric authentication – Using Face ID or fingerprint scanning for even faster logins.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Adding an extra layer of security for high-value users.
With Apple and Google login now available, signing up for ATOM Mobility-powered apps is easier than ever. Whether users prefer OTP verification or a simple one-tap login, they now have more choices. This update is all about making the experience smoother and increasing the number of successful registrations.
If you’re an ATOM Mobility customer, make sure to enable this feature and give your users the flexibility they want. And if you need any help, feel free to reach out to our team!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve the platform!
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