5 things to keep in mind when choosing your vehicle-sharing fleet for the 2023 season
March 20, 2023
min. read
Whether you're an experienced mobility veteran or a first-time entrepreneur, there are several things you need to keep in mind when choosing or upgrading your fleet for the 2023 season – be it cars, ebikes, or scooters.
In 2023, we'll see cities and countries implement stricter mobility management regulations and new safety requirements. Customer expectations will continue to grow in tandem with rising competition. And technological advancements will push the electric mobility industry to new heights.
To stay competitive and meet customer demand in terms of both quality and quantity, it's crucial to not only choose the right fleet for your business, but also carefully manage the related decisions that come with such an order. This will help you avoid running into unwelcome surprises both in the short- and long-term.
Here are the aspects to keep in mind when choosing your fleet this year:
1. Shipping prices are lower than last year
Following a hectic 2022 for logistics, 2023 brings good news for businesses – shipping prices have come down significantly and supply chains are finally starting to show some stability.
Recent research indicates that there has been a significant decline in freight rates, reducing shipping costs by up to 50% compared to last year's peaks. The falling cost of shipping provides mobility businesses with the opportunity to make better use of their resources and can even make a significant difference in business viability.
That said, it's difficult to accurately predict the trajectory of shipping prices going forward. Previous years have been characterized by perpetual instability and there is a possibility that costs may rise again due to global events. Hence, shipping expenses should be top-of-mind when considering ordering new vehicles, particularly from overseas.
2. Choosing vehicles: you get what you pay for
It may be a smart idea to reinvest the savings from falling shipping costs into the vehicles themselves. While cheaper brands might look appealing, bear in mind that they typically require more maintenance than their more expensive counterparts.
Accordingly, a larger upfront investment into more durable and reputable vehicles may pay off in the long run, as you benefit from reduced need for maintenance and the labor that comes with it. Better durability also means a longer vehicle lifespan.
For example, some of the largest shared e-mobility operators purchase their fleet from OKAI, which vehicles are known for their durability and can be ordered from the company's warehousing facilities in Europe. Segway and Feishen are two other Chinese manufacturers that also provide stock from their European warehouses. If you prefer EU-manufactured vehicles, you may want to consider the Estonian scooter manufacturer Äike.
Cheaper models may still be a fantastic option for first-time mobility entrepreneurs aiming to validate their business idea. However, anyone in it for the long haul should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of large investments in lower-end models.
That said, if buying a brand-new fleet is too costly for your business, consider used vehicles that were previously owned by other operators in the EU. It can be a more cost-efficient alternative for operators just starting out. Check out our vehicle marketplace, reach out to us, and we'll help you put your fleet together.
3. Regulations will change and your fleet must adapt
The micromobility industry has long been loosely regulated, but now this is quickly changing. This year, we can expect new and stricter requirements, especially when it comes to kick scooters. And you must be ready to adapt your fleet to meet these emerging requirements.
In other words, along with swappable batteries and a durable design, things like scooter modularity and adaptability will become more important than ever before. These features are crucial not only for integrating new technologies as they emerge, but also in their ability to comply with newly introduced regulations.
For instance, the growing movement to make helmets a requirement with kick scooters should lead you to consider models that either have these locks, or can be retrofitted to add them. Otherwise, you may find yourself with an unusable fleet.
4. Invest in spare parts ahead of time
Researching and purchasing extra batteries and recommended spare parts beforehand can help reduce downtime and ensure that your fleet is always ready to perform at maximum efficiency. “Getting at least a 50% share of spare batteries along with the initial order is a good idea,” suggests Dominik Graaf, advisor at FEISHEN New Mobility.
Dominik also highlights that, when it comes to spare parts, it's better to stock up on extra ones, than to find yourself with an incapacitated fleet for months as you wait for critical parts to be shipped. The best way to determine which and how many parts you need is to ask your manufacturer of choice.
Manufacturers typically have comprehensive metrics about the performance of their own products – they know the weak points, they know the lifespan, and they know the most common issues. Accordingly, they're uniquely positioned to make good recommendations about spare parts and often offer pre-made packages along with the initial order. You can expect the cost for spares to be around 2-5% of the value of the scooter.
5. Understand the associated costs of importing vehicles
If you've been researching manufacturers and their prices, you'll probably have reached the conclusion that it's cheaper to order from overseas than buy locally. There are significant price differences between, for example, buying scooters in the EU vs Asia, even when purchasing from the same manufacturer.
But the price of the vehicle is only half the story.
According to Dominik Graaf, the reason for the price difference is import-associated costs – when ordering from Asia, you will have to bear all the costs for shipping, customs, and delivery. Not to mention the hassle of managing the entire process. Whereas when you buy from a European warehouse, the bulk of these costs have already been paid by the manufacturer and are accordingly priced into the scooter or other vehicle.
Once this is accounted for, the price difference falls sharply.
Moreover, buying in Europe confers various other advantages, the most important being dramatically shorter lead times, reducing the time until you see the first scooters from months to weeks. Additionally, it gives you a local contact point, as well as simplifies accounting and other managerial processes.
Do note that, at the end of the day, it may still prove cheaper to buy from overseas. However, unless you've got the experience and tenacity to deal with international shipping and its related headaches, we recommend starting as locally as possible.
Bring it on, 2023
To summarize – we're at a unique time when falling costs offer more businesses the option to consider longer-term investments. Be it more durable scooters or well-stocked backup parts, now is a good time to be forward-thinking.
With the right fleet and the right mobility platform and software, your business will be well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 2023 season.
If you're looking to purchase vehicles for your mobility-sharing business, start with exploring ATOM Mobility's vehicle marketplace.
Need help or advise on business, software, or vehicles? Let's talk!
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ATOM Connect 2026: The state of shared micromobility - key trends shaping the Industry
🛴 🚲 At ATOM Connect 2026 in Riga, operators, technology providers, and industry experts came together to discuss where the market is heading and what will define successful operators in the coming years. The discussions covered everything from fleet economics and regulation to AI, insurance, MaaS, and operator growth stories.
May 19, 2026
min. read
Shared mobility continues to evolve quickly. At ATOM Connect 2026 in Riga, operators, technology providers, and industry experts came together to discuss where the market is heading and what will define successful operators in the coming years. The discussions covered everything from fleet economics and regulation to AI, insurance, MaaS, and operator growth stories.
One thing became increasingly clear throughout the event: The industry is entering a different phase. Growth is still happening, but the rules for winning are changing.
🚲 E-bikes are becoming the core shared mobility asset
For years, shared e-scooters dominated headlines and rapid expansion stories. Now the conversation is gradually shifting.
Research presented by Frost & Sullivan suggests that e-bikes are increasingly becoming the preferred shared micromobility mode in many markets because of stronger unit economics, lighter regulatory friction, and changing rider behavior.
Some numbers presented:
- Average lifetime gross profit per shared scooter: ~$2,073
- Average lifetime gross profit per shared e-bike: ~$4,336
- Average scooter lifespan: ~3 years
- Average e-bike lifespan: ~4 years
Despite higher vehicle costs, e-bikes generate stronger long-term economics. We also saw examples from operators:
- Forest increased its e-bike fleet by 34%, while more cities increasingly support bike-focused mobility systems.
The interesting part is that e-bikes are gradually shifting from “fun transportation” toward everyday commuting infrastructure.
📈 Growth continues while fleet size remains relatively stable
One surprising trend discussed during the event was that the European shared micromobility market continues growing despite relatively stable fleet sizes.
Normally, growth comes from deploying more vehicles. Now something different appears to be happening:
- Better utilization
- Increased rider adoption
- Improved retention
- Subscription models
This is an important shift because it suggests the market is becoming more efficient. Instead of flooding cities with additional vehicles, operators are increasingly focused on generating more value from existing fleets.
💰 Subscriptions are becoming increasingly important
Historically, shared mobility relied heavily on per-ride revenue. That model is also changing.
Frost & Sullivan highlighted subscriptions as one of the strongest trends for 2026, with subscription-heavy models showing positive profitability dynamics. This aligns with what many operators shared during discussions. Subscriptions bring several advantages:
- Higher retention
- Predictable recurring revenue
- Lower customer acquisition pressure
- Better ride frequency
The industry may gradually move toward a model that looks more like SaaS and memberships rather than only pay-per-use transportation.
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🤖 AI is moving from experiments to core operations
AI was one of the strongest themes throughout the event. Only a few years ago, AI in mobility often meant pilots and interesting demos. Now operators increasingly use it for daily operations. Examples discussed included:
- Demand forecasting
- Rebalancing optimization
- Predictive maintenance
- Safety monitoring
- Fraud detection
- Dynamic insurance pricing
- Battery optimization
Frost & Sullivan identified AI-powered demand anticipation as one of the highest-impact trends for operators in 2026.
Yuri Narozniak from datafolio also shared examples where AI predicts high-risk insurance zones and dynamically adjusts risk models based on ride behavior. Datafolio additionally introduced integrated rider insurance options, with approximately 25% long-term rider adoption.
🌍 Regulation is increasingly determining market strategy
Regulation has become one of the biggest variables affecting operator success. Different cities continue taking very different approaches. Examples discussed included:
Positive developments:
- UK extending e-scooter trials until 2028
- Netherlands approving road-legal e-scooters
- Oslo doubling scooter capacity
Restrictions:
− Prague banning shared scooters
− Italy tightening compliance requirements
Cities want fewer operators, stronger compliance, and more accountability.
Winning a market increasingly depends on safety records, operational quality, data transparency, compliance history rather than simply deploying larger fleets.
📱 MaaS continues connecting fragmented mobility services
Raymon Pouwels shared the growth story behind umob and the continued expansion of Mobility-as-a-Service. The long-term vision remains simple: One interface, multiple transportation services.
Users increasingly expect transportation to behave similarly to digital services: Open one app -> See all options -> Choose what works best.
The market continues moving toward stronger integration between operators and MaaS platforms.
🏆 What separates operators who will win in 2026?
One slide from Frost & Sullivan summarized it particularly well:
"The operators still standing in 2026 didn't win on product - they won on discipline, selectivity, and city relationships."
Looking across both research and operator stories, common patterns repeatedly appeared:
✔ Lean and efficient operations
✔ Strategic market selection
✔ Diversified revenue streams
✔ Strong partnerships
✔ Data-driven decisions
✔ Safety and compliance focus
Thank you again to all speakers, partners, and participants who joined us at ATOM Connect 2026 and contributed to the discussions. We are excited to continue building the future of mobility together.
Want to continue the conversation? 🚀
Our team will be attending Micromobility Europe (June 2-3, Berlin) and we'll have a booth there. If you're attending too, come say hello, grab a coffee, and let's talk mobility ☕
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What makes a strong driver app and why it impacts growth
🚗 A weak driver app slows down operations and pushes drivers to other platforms. In ride-hailing, drivers switch apps fast. If the experience is confusing, slow, or unreliable, they leave. That means fewer completed rides and higher costs for operators. A strong driver app improves navigation, keeps ride flow steady, makes earnings clear, and helps drivers stay longer. This article explains what actually matters in a driver app and how it affects your ability to grow and scale.
April 29, 2026
min. read
In any ride-hailing or mobility business, the driver app is a great tool. However, it is also the main interface drivers use every day to accept rides, navigate, track earnings, and communicate with the platform. If the experience is slow, confusing, or unreliable, drivers leave. If and when that happens, operations suffer immediately.
This is why driver experience has become an important factor in platform performance. According to industry insights, driver churn remains one of the biggest challenges in ride-hailing, with platforms needing to continuously recruit and onboard new drivers to maintain supply. The 2025 Gig Driver Report found that 68% of gig drivers use two or more platforms every month, which shows how easily drivers switch between apps when the experience, earnings, or payout process feels better elsewhere.
A well-built driver app does more than support operations. It improves efficiency, increases completed trips, and helps build long-term driver loyalty.
The driver app is the core of daily operations
Drivers rely on the app for almost everything during a shift. It needs to work reliably in real conditions, including high demand, long hours, and unstable connections.
A modern driver app should allow drivers to:
- Accept and manage ride requests
- Navigate easily using popular apps such Waze or Google maps
- Track earnings in real time
- Easily understand interfacen and buttons
- Control availability and working hours
Solutions like the ATOM Mobility driver app bring all of this into one system, reducing friction and making daily work simpler for drivers. When everything works in one place, drivers spend less time solving issues and more time completing trips.
Navigation and dispatch directly affect earnings
Accurate navigation and smart ride assignment are two of the biggest factors affecting driver productivity.
Drivers need to:
- Find pickup points quickly
- Follow efficient routes
- Avoid unnecessary idle time
Even small improvements in routing and dispatch can make a difference. Better routing reduces wasted time and fuel use, which improves both driver earnings and operational efficiency across the platform.
At the same time, automated dispatch ensures drivers receive rides consistently. Features like back-to-back trip assignments reduce downtime and keep drivers active throughout their shift.
Payments and transparency build trust
Drivers want clarity when it comes to earnings. If payouts are delayed or unclear, trust drops quickly.
A good driver app should show:
- Earnings pe each trip
- Daily, weekly and monthly totals
Clear earnings tracking reduces disputes and gives drivers confidence in the platform. It also simplifies operations for companies managing large fleets.
Driver experience and retention are directly connected
Driver experience is closely linked to retention. Small issues like unclear earnings, poor navigation, bad UI or inconsistent ride flow can push drivers to another platform.
This is why long-term retention strategies matter, especially in competitive markets where drivers have multiple options, as explained in how to retain drivers on your ride-hailing platform long term.
Platforms that invest in driver experience early reduce churn and avoid constant recruitment costs.
The driver app is part of a larger platform
The driver app does not exist on its own. It is part of a broader system that includes rider apps, dispatch tools, analytics, and payment systems.
Most operators today do not build these systems from scratch. Instead, they launch using ready-made platforms where all components are connected, including the driver app, as explained in this guide on building a personalized white-label taxi app.
This approach allows companies to launch faster and scale without rebuilding core infrastructure.
Driver experience should match your business model
Not all ride-hailing platforms are the same. Some focus on premium services, others on affordability, and others on specific local markets.
The driver app needs to support that positioning. Features, pricing logic, and workflows should reflect the type of service being offered, which is explored further in this article on finding your niche in the ride-hailing market.
When the product and the business model align, both drivers and passengers have a clearer experience.
Continuous improvement matters
Driver expectations continue to evolve. Features that were once optional are now standard.
Platforms that continue to improve their tools and workflows stay competitive longer. Many of these improvements come from real operational challenges, as seen in recent updates highlighted in ATOM Mobility’s latest platform features.
Small improvements in daily workflows can have a large impact when applied across hundreds or thousands of drivers.
The driver app is one of the most important parts of any mobility platform. It affects how drivers work, how much they earn, and whether they stay.
A reliable and well-designed app improves daily operations, reduces friction, and helps platforms scale more efficiently. It also builds long-term driver trust, which is one of the hardest things to maintain in a competitive market.
As mobility businesses continue to grow, the quality of the driver app will remain one of the key factors that determines whether a platform can scale successfully or struggles with constant churn.
Driver App demo credentials - Email: test@atom.com, Password: driver
