
Software is an essential part of your vehicle-sharing business. And it doesn't matter what vehicles your customers are going to share. They will do it through the mobile app. So here is the decision to make – are you going to create the vehicle-sharing software from scratch or choose one of the existing solutions on the market. Hopefully, this article will help you with this decision.
Which one of these two options should you choose? There is no one correct answer and there are advantages as well as weaknesses to both of them.
Imagine that this is your first vehicle-sharing business and you have decided to do everything on your own. You are full of enthusiasm and you approach your CTO or IT partner and promise to come up with the brief. The task doesn't seem too complicated for the software you need. However, the vehicle-sharing business is the one that makes creating the brief so complicated. There are many small details to consider.
First step - long and costly research
If you really have decided to start to develop software from scratch, you should take one step back. Your CTO or IT partner must start with the investigation on what functions you might need and how one thing might lead to another. This might take a lot of time and money. In addition, sometimes you can get an impression of what clients need only by operating in the market. For example, ATOM is operating in 23 countries. Their software that is also a white label solution for vehicle-sharing businesses already includes over 100 different features and settings that users might need. And those features are a collection of suggestions from users made over the course of several years in those markets.
However, the aim of the research is to understand what the vehicle-sharing software might look like. If the investigation is done, you can start to prepare the brief and documentation for developers. Here is a list of some other things that you should consider before starting work on a technical solution:
- backend, as well as frontend of the solution - both should be developed and supported so your team can manage operations;
- there should be two versions of the mobile app - one for users that has a device operating on iOS. Other - for the owners of devices that run on Android;
- whenever Apple or Android updates their operating systems or other 3rd party makes an update, you should be ready to check if everything works on your apps;
- apps should be compatible with smart locks in the case of bikes or IoT solutions in the case of scooters, mopeds, cars that are used on the vehicle;
- the IT solution must be properly tested and debugged - the industry average shows that testing the app takes approximately two-three months;
- if your vehicle fleet has over 100 vehicles, most likely you will have a service team. The most convenient way for the service team to operate is by using the phone app. This means that there should be one more app for the service team. And your team members might also have iOS as well as Android operating systems on their devices. So again – there are two more apps for you to build;
- additionally, you must have an invoicing option and also the option to create reports, see statistics, analyze routes, distribute promotions, launch referral programs, etc. And this list can go on and on.
The software development usually costs from EUR 100,000-400,000 depending on the complexity and features that you might want to include. In addition, you have to keep in mind that nothing ends with development. The software requires testing, private launch, debugging and support. And only then will the software be ready for the public launch. However, more bug fixing should probably be done.
One year and you are ready to go!
This whole process mentioned above takes approximately one year. Of course, fingers crossed that the solution as well as the integration with smart locks or IoT solutions works. There is just one problem - the vehicle-sharing industry is changing very rapidly - new players are coming in, others are expanding, new means of transportation are used for vehicle-sharing. And there are a lot of things that might happen and change in a year. It might be hard to catch up.
Furthermore, competitors are constantly offering and creating new features that were not in the market previously such as subscriptions, which is currently a new trend. For example, ATOM Mobility has created a white label solution for the vehicle-sharing market that constantly collects knowledge from their clients and adds new features. Later those features are integrated into solutions offered to other clients so everyone is up to date. In the case of a custom-made solution, everything is on you - it might take additional time and money.
One more thing that speaks in favor of the white label solution - let's imagine that your business is very successful. You have developed a vehicle-sharing software for the one-vehicle type and you would like to grow by adding other vehicle types. Sorry, not possible. You will have to make significant changes to the existing software or develop the new one. So probably you will have to start over again.
The same problem might apply to extending the fleet. If your business becomes scalable, the software might not be appropriate for a fleet with 20 000 vehicles. White label solution providers are usually ready for such success of their customers as they have already supported thousands of vehicles for some time.
When it is worthwhile developing a custom solution?
However, there are times that it is worth considering developing a custom solution - your own software for your vehicle-sharing business. It is worth doing this, if:
1) You already know that you might need some very specific features, but the company offering white-label solutions can't provide them to you. For example, you want your car sharing software to run on the blockchain. Or you want to create a decentralized sharing service. However, it is only worth investing in such a specific solution if it is a real game-changer for you and you have the data to proof it;
2) You have EUR 500,000 or more available in funding and you have a very strong team of developers that you would like to keep working for your company. You consider them to be your asset. Then, if you are lucky, after some time, someone might be interested in buying your company just because of the team and, of course, the solution you have developed;
3) The co-founder of the company is a very good CTO with high-level technical skills and the ability to lead the team. Then it is probably worth building a team. However, most likely you will build a technological and not a vehicle-sharing company in the end and spent more on development than actually on vehicles.
4) For some reason one of the requirements is to have a source code. Companies offering white label solutions won't be able to help you with that.
There is a power in sharing and this doesn't just apply to vehicle-sharing. You always get access to a strong network when you are working hand in hand with the industry leaders. That's what we at ATOM emphasize in collaboration with our clients. We are ready to share as much as we can because we do really care about our clients’ business. It is important for us that they grow and constantly have access to the latest achievements within the industry.
Click below to learn more or request a demo.

🚀📱2025 was all about automating more and reducing friction across mobility. ATOM Mobility introduced OpenAPI, new sign-in flows, a rental web-booker, smarter fleet automation, and a wide range of new hardware and payment integrations. A faster, more flexible, more scalable mobility platform - built for operators who want to grow.
2025 has been a defining year for shared mobility, digital rentals, and ride-hailing. Competition is stronger, operational costs are rising, and users expect instant, reliable digital experiences. Operators who succeed are the ones who automate more, reduce friction, and stay flexible with hardware, payments, and integrations.
This year, ATOM Mobility shipped a series of features designed to help operators achieve exactly that:
grow revenue, reduce costs, improve fleet quality, and scale into new markets with less complexity.
Here are the 10 most impactful (out of more than 70) features ATOM Mobility released in 2025, and why they matter.
1. OpenAPI (supported by all 3 modules - vehicle sharing, digital rental and ride-hail)

The launch of ATOM’s OpenAPI marks a major step forward for operators seeking greater flexibility, automation, and integration possibilities.
What it is
A fully documented API layer allowing operators and partners to build custom flows, integrations, booking systems, analytics dashboards, or MaaS connections on top of ATOM Mobility.
Who it helps
All verticals: micromobility, car-sharing, moped sharing, rentals, ride-hail, and enterprise partners.
How it works
OpenAPI enables third-party developers to build on top of the ATOM Mobility infrastructure, allowing seamless integrations with external apps, internal tools, and automated workflows. With OpenAPI, operators can extend their service in almost any direction: a partner app (like FreeNow or Uber) can show your vehicles, unlock them, and process payments on your behalf; or internal systems can trigger automated actions - such as sending a survey email after every completed ride. The possibilities are nearly unlimited, giving operators full flexibility to innovate and scale however they choose.
Why it matters
- Enables deeper integrations with partners and local platforms
- Supports custom business logic and automations
- Makes it easier to enter new markets with local-specific requirements
- Opens the door to MaaS distribution and enterprise collaborations
2. Sign-In with Apple & Google - A smoother first-time user experience (all modules)

Across mobility, the registration flow is often the first point of friction. ATOM Mobility introduced modern authentication options to simplify onboarding.
What it is
One-tap sign-in using Apple ID or Google Account instead of relying solely on SMS verification.
Who it helps
All operators - especially those targeting tourists, or markets with unreliable SMS delivery.
How it works
When creating a new account or logging in, users can choose to log in/register using Apple ID or Google Account - this will allow account creation in just 2 taps.
Why it matters
- Faster user onboarding experience -> happier rider -> more frequent rides
- Fewer SMS-related issues (and lower SMS related costs) and failed verifications
- Reduced support load from login problems
3. Multipurpose side menu button (all modules)

What it is
A customizable slot in the app menu where operators can add up to five external links - websites, ecommerce pages, tour pages, extra FAQ pages, social media, partner offers, etc.
How it works
- Enable in Settings → System preferences → External links
- Add titles + URLs
- Links automaticaly appear in the app under “More”
Value for operators
- A space where you can display any information you consider important for the user
- Supports cross-promotion and partnership campaigns
- Allows communication updates without app releases
- Creates additional monetisation opportunities, such as launching your own e-commerce or merchandise shop
4. Pre-ride questionnaire (all modules)

What it is
A form that users must complete before starting a ride - ideal for compliance, reporting, invoicing, or gathering important data.
Who it helps
Operators needing regulatory data, reporting, consent collection, or structured user feedback.
How it works
Create a question (or several) in “Customer form” -> Group questions into a pre-ride form -> Assign a form to specific vehicle models/classes.
Once completed, the customer must answer predefined questions before starting the ride. Their responses appear in both customer and ride exports. For example, you can ask for a personal ID code, legal address, or any other required information.
Value for operators
- Helps meet regulatory or municipal requirements
- Ensures correct invoicing details
- Provides a structured way to capture essential user data
5. Driver revenue auto-distribution (Stripe & Adyen, ride-hail)
What it is
Automatic payout splitting: driver earnings go to the driver’s payout account, and platform commission goes to the operator - all processed automatically after each ride.
Who it helps
Ride-hail operators using Stripe or Adyen.
How it works
- Operator has a Stripe/Adyen merchant account
- Drivers onboard as payout recipients
- After completed rides, payouts split automatically
- Supports mixed payment methods (cash and non-cash)
Value for operators
- Reduces manual payout work
- Minimises accounting errors
- Improves driver experience through transparency and instant pay out
- Makes scaling easier when the driver base grow
6. Set a manual vehicle location (vehicle sharing & digital rental)
What it is
A tool to override or manually set a vehicle’s GPS position when IoT data is unavailable (no IoT placed on the vehicle at all) or inaccurate.
Who it helps
Operators with underground parking, poor GPS coverage, or long-term rentals without IoT can use this setup. A typical scenario is long-term bike rental without IoT: the user completes ID verification, payment, and booking in the app, then sees the vehicle assigned to a predefined location (station) where it is picked up and later returned. This serves as a workaround for vehicles that do not support IoT or where adding IoT device is too costly.
How it works
Edit vehicle → update “Location” field. The system assumes this as the correct coordinate. Works for individual vehicles or via mass import.
Value for operators
- Avoids user frustration when vehicles appear in the wrong location
- Supports business modesl with fleets operating without IoT devices
7. Offer your price - rider-controlled pricing (ride-hailing)

What it is
A flexible pricing feature that lets passengers propose their own fare - higher or lower than the system-calculated price, within limits set by the operator. Drivers see the offer instantly and can choose to accept or reject it.
Who it helps
Ride-hailing operators in competitive, price-sensitive, or highly dynamic markets where price shifts demand quickly.
How it works
When requesting a ride, the user selects “Offer your price”. A slider or +/– buttons allow them to adjust the fare within operator-defined boundaries. If the user lowers the price, the app explains that the offer may reduce the chance of driver acceptance.
Drivers see a clear banner showing whether the rider is offering more or less than the standard fare. Drivers can accept or decline based on their preference.
Operators can enable or disable the feature per vehicle class.
Why it matters
- Creates a clear differentiator in markets dominated by fixed-fare competitors
- Helps convert riders who compare multiple apps before booking
- Gives drivers more control over their earnings and decisions, improving transparency and satisfaction
- Supports better ride matching during off-peak hours or less profitable routes
- Allows operators to experiment with more flexible pricing strategies without changing their core fare model
8. Web-booker for digital rental - frictionless bookings directly from your website (digital rental)

What it is
A lightweight, embeddable booking widget that lets customers reserve a rental vehicle directly from your website - without installing the mobile app first. It’s designed to capture spontaneous bookings, convert website visitors, and unify online and in-app rental experiences.
Who it helps
Car, moped, and bike rental operators, as well as hospitality and tourism partners such as hotels, resorts, coworking spaces, real-estate developers, and travel service providers.
How it works
Every operator receives a branded rental URL: merchantname.atommobility.com/rent
Users select their area, vehicle type, and rental period directly in the widget. Once confirmed and the account created, the booking syncs automatically into the ATOM Mobility dashboard. Customers see a confirmation screen with a QR code to open the booking in the mobile app. Payment, ID verification, and vehicle unlock actions are completed in the ATOM Mobility-powered app before the trip begins.
The widget automatically adapts to the operator’s brand color for a visually seamless integration. In the dashboard, each booking displays its source: App, Web, or Booker - helping operators track where rentals originate.
Why it matters
- Converts first-time users browsing your website into paying customers - without forcing an app install
- Enables plug-and-play rental flows for partners such as hotels, rental desks, cafés, coworking spaces, or tourist spots
- Supports QR-based rental journeys from physical locations
- Reduces friction for users who want a fast, simple booking experience
- Helps operators expand distribution with minimal effort, unlocking new sales channels
- Unifies online and mobile rental flows under a single backend and operational system
Demo: https://app.atommobility.com/rental-widget
9. Vehicle status change automation (vehicle sharing & digital rental)

What it is
Bad user experiences often happen when several riders encounter the same faulty vehicle. ATOM Mobility now prevents this automatically. Automation rules detect problematic vehicles and instantly set them to “Needs investigation,” hiding them from the user app so the operator can inspect the vehicle before the next rider can take it.
Who it helps
Sharing and rental operators managing medium or large fleets.
How it works
System monitors low ratings, repeated short rides, and user reports. When triggered, it:
- creates a maintenance task
- switches vehicle status
- hides the vehicle from users
Why it matters
- Prevents recurring complaints from the same issue
- Reduces refunds and reputational damage
- Helps maintain a healthier, more reliable fleet
- Automates routine operational checks
10. New integrations (10) - a broader ecosystem for hardware, payments & compliance (all modules)
What was added
2025 brought a wave of new integrations that give operators more flexibility in choosing hardware, payments, charging, and regulatory tools. What was added:
- Ridemovi IoT
- Wave payment gateway
- Linka smart lock support
- 2Hire IoT
- Kuhmute charging stations
- Eskiz.uz OTP service
- Atmos payment gateway
- Chiron API (regulatory)
- Fitrider charging station
- Azericard payment gateway
Why it matters
- Easier entry into markets with local payment or OTP requirements
- More hardware options for scooters, bikes, e-bikes, and cars
- Better compatibility with charging infrastructure
- Reduced integration time when expanding
- Support for regulatory compliance where required
These ten features represent only a small selection of what we delivered this year. In total, our team shipped more than 70 new features, dozens of integrations, and countless small improvements that quietly make the platform faster, more stable, and more enjoyable for operators and end-users every single day. Behind each release is a team focused on one idea: helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more efficient, and more profitable mobility businesses.
And we’re just getting started.
Our 2026 tech pipeline is already packed with ambitious and exciting solutions - from deeper AI-powered automation to smarter fleet intelligence and new tools that will change how operators run mobility services. We're looking forward to pushing the industry even further together.

🛴📡 That smooth ride you just took? It was powered by a whole ecosystem of hardware and software you never saw. From IoT modules in the vehicle to real-time dashboards and rider apps, shared mobility relies on a solid tech stack to stay online, secure, and profitable.
You open an app, spot a scooter on the map, and within seconds it unlocks with a click. You ride off, expecting the battery to be charged, the brakes to work, and the whole process to feel effortless. From the very first ride, shared mobility set the standard: vehicles should always be nearby, ready to go, and the whole experience should feel seamless. What most riders never think about, though, is the complex mix of hardware and software working in the background to make every smooth ride possible.
Why the tech matters
Technology is the baseline for the shared mobility business model. Every ride depends on it. Vehicles need IoT hardware to lock, unlock, and report their status. Connectivity has to be stable so operators always know where assets are and what condition they’re in.
IoT, or the Internet of Things, is the technology that connects physical devices – like scooters, bikes, or cars – to the internet. Each vehicle contains a small embedded device (the IoT module) that sends and receives data through mobile networks. This connection allows operators to remotely control key functions such as locking, unlocking, location tracking, and firmware updates. In short, IoT is what makes a vehicle “smart” and manageable at scale.
On the software side, riders expect apps that feel instant and intuitive, while operators rely on dashboards for fleet health, pricing, and support. Add in the realities of theft, battery swaps, downtime, and local regulations, and the stakes become clear. Without a reliable tech stack, even small failures – a scooter that won’t unlock or a payment that stalls – can quickly break user trust and hurt the business.
Where it began
Over the years, several manufacturers have entered the shared mobility IoT space, offering different hardware configurations, network technologies, and integrations. Companies like Teltonika (Lithuania), Comodule (Estonia), Invers (Germany), OMNI (China) and others produce modules compatible with various vehicle types and connectivity standards. Each provider focuses on specific strengths – some prioritize energy efficiency or compact design, others emphasize global coverage or advanced diagnostics. Choosing between them depends on the type of vehicles, operational scale, and software ecosystem an operator plans to use.
Our partner, Comodule was already developing IoT for micromobility when the Corona pandemic hit. Overnight, cities shifted and everyone needed their own safe, private way to move around. Shared scooters and bikes suddenly went from being a niche service to an essential part of urban transport, and the demand for IoT skyrocketed. For IoT manufacturers, it meant long days in development and manufacturing, pushing hard to deliver reliable devices at scale for brands like Uber, Lime, and Hive.
That sharp rise in demand forced them to grow quickly and gave valuable experience in building technology that could perform under real pressure. Fleets that trusted Comodule devices had a backbone they could rely on: vehicles that could be located, unlocked, secured, and managed internationally. Just as important, the IoT had to integrate seamlessly with software systems (like ATOM Mobility). That’s why building robust API and SDK tools became critical – enabling operators to connect hardware to their platforms, control fleets in real time, and access the information needed to keep moving.
IoT as the brain of the vehicle
Inside every connected scooter or bike sits a IoT module, the “brain” that links the vehicle to the cloud. It connects through cellular networks, constantly sending data about location, speed, and battery status. When a rider taps “unlock” in the app, that command travels through the cloud to the module, which triggers the electronic lock and wakes up the vehicle. The same connection allows operators to set geofenced no-parking zones, push over-the-air updates, or activate a sound alarm if the scooter is being tampered with. Battery sensors inside the module report charging cycles and health, so operators know exactly when a pack needs to be swapped or replaced.
All of this data is streamed in real time to the fleet management system, giving providers the ability to monitor hundreds or even thousands of vehicles simultaneously. For operators, these capabilities mean higher uptime, faster theft recovery, and precise control over the entire fleet – the difference between running a struggling operation and a profitable one.
Selecting the right IoT hardware is a long-term decision that affects the entire fleet’s performance. Operators should evaluate network compatibility (2G/4G/5G/eSIM) and regional coverage, integration options such as open APIs and SDKs, and reliability under different weather conditions. Battery efficiency, after-sales support, firmware update policies, and compliance with standards like CE or FCC also matter. In short, IoT isn’t just a component – it’s the operational backbone of any shared mobility business.
Rising expectations in the market
As shared mobility matured, the bar kept getting higher. New scooter generations came with swappable batteries, sturdier frames, and better onboard electronics. Riders got used to apps that respond instantly, process payments in seconds, and show vehicle availability with pinpoint accuracy.
At the same time, competition rose, not only from global players but also from smaller, local operators launching fleets in their own cities. For these companies, reliable hardware was no longer enough. They needed the software layer that connects everything: smooth rider apps, powerful operator dashboards, and analytics to make smarter decisions. Yet many lacked the time and resources to build software on their own.

Software as the missing piece
As fleets grew and competition intensified, operators realized they did not have time or funds to develop their own software layer. They needed a market-ready platform that ties everything together – apps that riders enjoy using and dashboards that give operators full control of their business. That’s where solutions like ATOM Mobility come in.
Platform connects directly with IoT through APIs and SDKs, so every unlock command, error code, or battery update flows instantly between the rider’s app and the operator’s dashboard. Almost any company can launch a fleet with this stack – from large-scale operators to small, local newcomers.
The power of integration
When hardware and software work seamlessly, the rider experience feels effortless. A simple tap in the app sends a command through the cloud to IoT, which unlocks the vehicle and streams live data back in milliseconds. The operator instantly sees the vehicle’s status in the dashboard: battery level, GPS position, and any error codes.
If the scooter leaves a geofenced area, the system reacts automatically. If maintenance is needed, the alert is flagged before it becomes a breakdown. By combining the hardware with software, fleet providers get one complete ecosystem – a stack built to keep vehicles online and users satisfied.
From seamless rides to smarter cities
From a rider’s perspective, shared mobility should always “just work.” That won’t change. But the technology stack behind it is becoming more sophisticated every year. Stricter regulations demand safer and more transparent services, while cities are pushing for integration into broader Mobility-as-a-Service platforms. IoT and software together provide the data and control that operators need, not only to stay compliant but also to improve fleet efficiency and sustainability and to provide insights for city planning.
For users, that sophistication will translate into something simple: services that are more reliable, safer for everyone on the road, and smarter – with data from real-world usage helping to shape better vehicles, better infrastructure, and better cities in the future.


