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!
Interested in launching your own mobility platform?
Click below to learn more or request a demo.
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Micro-mobility market consolidation heats up: ATOM Mobility acquires ScootAPI
In a significant move signaling further consolidation within the micro-mobility software sector, industry leader ATOM Mobility announced its strategic acquisition of ScootAPI. The deal, finalized on June 1, 2025, strengthens ATOM Mobility's dominant position in the B2B SaaS Micro-Mobility market.
June 16, 2025
min. read
In a significant move signaling further consolidation within the micro-mobility software sector, industry leader ATOM Mobility announced its strategic acquisition of ScootAPI.
The deal, finalized on June 1, 2025, strengthens ATOM Mobility's dominant position in the B2B SaaS Micro-Mobility market. This deal also marks a successful and timely exit for ScootAPI founder, George Kachanouski, who is already channeling his entrepreneurial energy into a new AI Venture in stealth mode for now.
For years, both ATOM Mobility and ScootAPI have been key players, providing essential software solutions for micro-mobility operators worldwide. This acquisition sees ATOM Mobility, led by CEO Arturs Burnins, proactively solidifying its market leadership. The move was driven by a strategic imperative to win the top spot in a competitive landscape by integrating ScootAPI’s valuable assets and client base.
About ATOM Mobility:
Founded in 2018 by Arturs Nikiforovs and CEO Arturs Burnins, ATOM Mobility empowers entrepreneurs to launch and scale mobility platforms worldwide, including vehicle sharing (scooters, bikes, mopeds, cars), digital rental, and ride-hailing businesses. With a suite of products including customizable rider apps, comprehensive dashboards, operator apps, and robust analytics, ATOM Mobility supports over 200 projects and 35,000 vehicles, facilitating over 1,000,000 rides monthly. The company is committed to providing reliable, agile, and well-designed technology with a strong focus on customer revenue growth and system stability, aiming to be the leader in B2B SaaS for micro-mobility.
About ScootAPI:
Founded in 2019 by CEO George Kachanouski, ScootAPI established itself as a significant player in the micro-mobility software space. The company delivered a robust white-label SaaS platform that empowered entrepreneurs and operators worldwide, successfully launching more than 50 distinct micro-mobility projects across diverse international markets. ScootAPI was dedicated to fostering 'smart' city transportation, thereby contributing to reduced CO2 emissions and an improved quality of urban life for communities worldwide.
"This is an acceleration moment for ATOM Mobility and the micro-mobility SaaS market as a whole," said Arturs Burnins, CEO of ATOM Mobility. "Acquiring ScootAPI aligns with our strategy to lead the industry and provide the most comprehensive, reliable, and innovative solutions to operators globally. We're excited to welcome ScootAPI’s clients into the ATOM Mobility platform, further accelerating the growth and efficiency of shared mobility worldwide."
For George, this move wasn't initially on his roadmap. He was invested in ScootAPI's growth. However, the recent explosion in AI technology sparked a new, compelling passion. “Selling ScootAPI wasn't something I was planning to do," George admitted. "We had built a good product, and the journey was far from over in my mind. But then the AI revolution really took off, and I found myself completely captivated by the potential of agentic workflows to automate business processes. The idea of building a new company in the AI space, something potentially even bigger and on a brand new frontier, became incredibly exciting."
As the transition moves ahead, George remains confident that ScootAPI's clients are in good hands. “ATOM Mobility has a clear vision and the technical depth to support operators long-term,” he said. “That was important to me. I didn’t want to hand things over to just anyone – I wanted to be sure the people relying on our platform would still be supported and able to grow.”
The integration of ScootAPI into ATOM Mobility promises a smooth transition for clients, who will now benefit from an expanded suite of features and robust support under the ATOM Mobility umbrella, further streamlining operations for micro-mobility entrepreneurs globally.
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Top mobility conferences to attend this year: Must-see events for 2025
🌍 🚗 Want to stay on top of the latest trends in mobility? Check out the must-attend conferences in 2025! From urban transportation to micromobility, these events offer great networking opportunities and valuable insights into the future of mobility. 👉 ATOM Mobility will be at several events, so make sure to stop by our booth and chat with us!
June 5, 2025
min. read
The mobility industry is rapidly evolving, and staying ahead means connecting with the right people, discovering new technologies, and learning from experts. Conferences are a great way to do just that. Whether you’re a policy maker, an entrepreneur, or a fleet manager, the year ahead is packed with events where you can grow your network and gain valuable insights. Here’s a list of some of the top mobility conferences happening this year that are worth attending!
1. Velo-city 2025
The Velo-city conference is a must for anyone involved in urban transportation. With a focus on cycling and sustainable mobility, Velo-city brings together policy makers, city planners, and transportation experts to discuss how cities can become more bike-friendly and sustainable.
This year, ATOM Mobility will have a booth at the event, so if you’re attending, don’t forget to stop by and chat with our team. It’s a great opportunity to explore how new tech can make urban transportation smarter and more efficient.
Where: Gdansk, Poland
When: 10-13 June
Check it out: https://www.velo-city-conference.com
2. Micromobility Europe 2025
If you’re interested in micromobility – whether it’s e-scooters, bikes, or mopeds – Micromobility Europe is the place to be. This conference is the hub for mobility entrepreneurs, vehicle manufacturers, and operators of sharing services. You’ll hear from innovators in the space, explore the latest products, and attend workshops on everything from regulation to scaling your fleet.
At Micromobility Europe, ATOM Mobility will not only have a booth but our CEO will also be on a panel discussion on day two of the event (“Fleet Tech 2.0: The Tools Powering the Next Generation of Operators”). You can check out the full agenda here. We’d love to meet you, so make sure to stop by and say hi.
Where: Brussels, Belgium
When: 17-18 June
Check it out: https://micromobility.io
3. Gurtam Fleet Management Conference 2025
For fleet managers, car-sharing operators, and telematics professionals, the Gurtam Fleet Management Conference is a key event to attend. This conference focuses on optimizing fleet operations, the latest in vehicle tracking, and telematics technologies. ATOM Mobility will be among the visitors, and we’ll also be presenting on stage, where we’ll discuss some of the latest trends in fleet management and the use of AI ("AI-powered mobility: Vision, Precision, Prediction. A Look into How AI Transforms Fleet Parking Compliance, Vehicle Damage Detection, and Demand Forecasting.").
If you’re in the fleet management space, this is a great event to gather insights and share ideas with like-minded professionals.
Where: Vilnius, Lithuania
When: 10-11 September
Check it out: https://conference.gurtam.com
4. IAA Mobility 2025
One of the biggest mobility events in Europe, IAA Mobility gathers everyone from policymakers to automakers to discuss the future of transportation. With a wide range of topics including light electric vehicles (LEVs), micromobility, public transport, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS), this is a great conference for anyone interested in the broader scope of mobility.
Whether you’re looking to explore the latest in automotive technology or learn about policy changes affecting the mobility industry, IAA Mobility is a must-attend event.
Where: Munich, Germany
When: 9-12 September
Check it out: https://www.iaa-mobility.com/en
5. Mobility Live Saudi 2025
If you’re looking to tap into the growing mobility market in Saudi Arabia and MENA, Mobility Live Saudi is one of the largest events focused on urban transportation in the region. The conference brings together policy makers, car rental entrepreneurs, and mobility infrastructure developers to discuss the latest trends and innovations in connected vehicles, MaaS, and micromobility.
It’s an exciting event to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in the Saudi Arabian market, especially in terms of infrastructure and emerging mobility solutions.
Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
When: 9-21 October
Check it out: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/mobility-live-saudi
Why attend these conferences?
Each of these events offers a unique opportunity to connect with people in the mobility ecosystem. Whether you're looking to learn about new technologies, hear from industry experts, or network with potential partners, attending these conferences can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Plus, many of these events offer in-person interaction, which can be crucial for building strong relationships and fostering meaningful collaborations. From policy changes to new tech, these conferences are where you’ll find the insights that can shape the future of mobility.
Visit us at ATOM Mobility’s booths
If you plan on attending any of these conferences, make sure to stop by ATOM Mobility’s booth. We’ll be happy to talk about how we’re making micromobility, corporate car-sharing and mobility more efficient, sustainable, and accessible. Our team is excited to connect with fellow professionals, share insights, and discuss how we can all contribute to the future of mobility.
See you there!
Driver App demo credentials - Email: test@atom.com, Password: driver
