Everything you need to know before starting your car-sharing business
February 23, 2024
min. read
Is it a good time to start a car-sharing business? Absolutely.
The car-sharing market is booming – it's estimated to grow 20% every year and reach a $20 billion market value by 2032. That's nearly a sevenfold increase from 2022's $2.9 billion valuation.
Despite app-based vehicle sharing being a relatively new entrant in the mobility ecosystem, it has exploded in popularity. People have been quick to pick up on its convenience and ease of use, especially in urban centers where maintaining a private vehicle grows increasingly costly and bothersome.
This spells an opportunity for entrepreneurs keen to answer real mobility demand.
But what is car-sharing and how does it work? What does the business model look like? And what are the first steps for getting started?
Find the answers below.
What is car-sharing and how does it work?
Car-sharing is an app-based mobility service that allows individuals to rent vehicles on a short-term basis. With this service, users gain access to a fleet of vehicles which are typically stationed throughout a city, ensuring that there's always a car conveniently nearby.
The user's journey and benefits of car-sharing
Through an app on their smartphone, users can locate, book, and unlock the closest available vehicle, as well as pay for their journey automatically by adding payment details, thus providing a seamless experience and quick access to a car. Other common benefits for users include not having to worry about fuel or insurance, as those are included in the price.
Cities often encourage the use of shared mobility since it helps decongest streets, free up parking, and minimize the environmental impact of private vehicles on the city. Accordingly, public-private partnerships are common, conferring further benefits for users of this type of shared mobility: free parking, free use of bus lanes, and more.
How does car-sharing work: the business perspective
On the business side of things, the operator is responsible for ensuring that maintenance and logistical tasks for their fleet are taken care of.
This includes regular maintenance tasks, such as vehicle check-ups, repairs, fuel fill-ups, and cleaning. Also, if you have a free-floating model (where users can leave their cars anywhere), the operator should regularly relocate cars to optimal locations for continued user convenience and reliability.
Beyond deploying and maintaining their fleet, operators also oversee the smooth functioning of their mobility app, as well as take care of user verification, namely, ensuring that the people signing up are who they say they are and have valid driver licenses. Of course, like any other business, customer support and other responsibilities tied to running the operation are a given.
The car-sharing business model
So far, we have listed a lot of expenses – maintenance, management, insurance, IT. Add to this salaries, operational overheads, and buying or renting the fleet itself. How do businesses recoup all these expenses and turn a profit?
Note: Since car-sharing businesses operate at scale, they should aim to negotiate lower rates with service providers.
Car-sharing businesses make use of several revenue sources. First and foremost, customers are charged for the time/distance use of the car. Additionally, branding and cross-promotion partnerships (e.g. advertising on the car or the app) are often used to secure additional revenue. It may also be sensible to create membership or loyalty programs to ensure recurring revenue, by offering subscribers added benefits, such as access to premium cars or longer reservation times.
The aim is to have your cars on the road as much as possible, so enterprises typically focus on maximizing vehicle usage and revenue per vehicle. Finding success is about finding balance in a constantly changing landscape – having too few cars may lead to overbooking and dissatisfaction with lack of availability, whereas having too many will lead to inefficient use of resources.
How to start a car-sharing business
As with any business, launching a car-sharing project requires research, investment, development, and strategy. Let's take a look at each in turn.
1. Market research
When exploring opportunities for starting a car-sharing business, numerous factors must be considered.
Audience and demand
Understanding the demographics, preferences, and behaviors of your potential users is crucial. As is determining the level of demand. Some questions you should answer include:
- Who is my target audience – urban commuters, occasional travelers?
- What are their demographics? How should you communicate with them?
- What segment offers the most promise – B2C, B2B?
Competition
Identifying who's already operating in your area and why (or why not) can help you get a better grasp of what works and what doesn't. Some questions you should answer include:
- Who are my competitors – other car/ride-sharing businesses, public transportation?
- How can I differentiate my business from others?
- Has any previous similar business failed in this area – why?
Legal and logistical considerations
Determining whether there are any legal/practical barriers to launching your operations is a smart thing to do before you invest too much time and money into your project. Consider:
- What are the legal requirements for operating this type of business in your area?
- How will you handle insurance and liability issues for your fleet?
- How and where will you run your day-to-day operations? If you're thinking about going electric – does the area have the necessary infrastructure?
While answering these questions isn't necessarily a prerequisite for launching your business, dealing with them early on can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
2. Investment
How much capital do you need to launch a car-sharing business?
It depends most on whether you're planning to rent or buy vehicles for your fleet. While renting is more accessible in the short term, it will take a sizable bite out of your profit. Owning your vehicles is typically the preferred option, as this offers price stability, long-term cost efficiency, freedom of operations, and other benefits.
To get a ballpark estimate for the starting investment, you should add up the total price of cars (EUR 12,000-20,000 per vehicle), insurance, car-sharing software procurement and maintenance, as well as expected operational overhead for getting started. It may also be wise to put aside some funds for unexpected expenses such as repairs.
3. Development and launch strategy
Securing the vehicles and necessary permits can take a while, and you should account for this. During this time, you should put your plans into practice. Establish maintenance protocols and logistical plans for efficient fleet management. Implement user verification processes and responsive customer support for a secure and positive user experience.
As to the IT infrastructure, you can save a lot of resources by choosing a white-label IT solution to power your app and dramatically accelerate your time-to-market. Platforms like ATOM Mobility can equip your business with the app you need – all you have to do is customize it.
Speaking of customization, don't forget about branding. Create a compelling brand identity and plan for targeted launch and marketing campaigns to generate awareness the moment your business is ready for its first customers.
Your car-sharing business journey starts here
Now you know how to start a business in this industry – entering this thriving market demands a blend of user-centric strategies and astute business decisions. But the key to success is reliable partners that can guide you in the right direction. Try out our free floating carsharing software and get on the road today!
Get in touch with ATOM Mobility to discover how you can power your new enterprise the smart way.
Interested in launching your own mobility platform?
Click below to learn more or request a demo.
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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!
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Where to buy scooters, bikes, and mopeds for your micromobility fleet
🛵 Planning to start a scooter, bike, or moped sharing service? Choosing the right vehicles is a huge part of your success. This guide explains where to buy used or new vehicles, what to expect from each option, and which brands are best for fleet operations.
May 20, 2025
min. read
Starting a micromobility business means making smart decisions early on. One of the most important is choosing the right vehicles. Whether you're planning to launch a fleet of e-scooters, bikes, or mopeds, the vehicles you choose will affect how fast you can get to market, how much you spend upfront, and how reliable your service will be.
There are two main ways to source vehicles: buy them used or buy them new from manufacturers. Both have their pros and cons, depending on your goals, budget, and timeline.
Option 1: Buy used vehicles
Buying used scooters, bikes or mopeds can be a great way to reduce costs when starting out. This is especially useful if you're still testing the waters or want to launch quickly without investing too much.
Where to find them:
- Cyclecure - Offers refurbished electric bikes and scooters, often with up to 60% savings compared to new. Each vehicle is inspected and comes with a 1-year warranty. A good example is their refurbished NIU NQi-series mopeds with warranty and ready-to-use condition – ideal for small-scale pilot projects.
- Fleetser - A platform for sourcing and selling mobility fleets. You can find bulk listings of used and new e-vehicles, including sharing-ready scooters and mopeds. One recent example includes a fleet of used Segway Max G30 scooters in good condition with fleet discounts.
- ATOM Mobility marketplace - Offers carefully selected scooters, bikes, and mopeds optimized for sharing. Vehicles come ready for fleet use, including IoT and software integration.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Faster delivery
- Often no minimum order quantity (MOQ)
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan or more maintenance
- Limited or no warranty
- Less consistency across fleet
Option 2: Buy new from manufacturers
If you're planning to scale or want full control from the start, buying new vehicles directly from a manufacturer or distributor might be a better fit. You get full warranty, better quality, and longer lifespan.
Where to buy:
- Directly from the manufacturers. For example, OKAI, Navee, Niu, Feishen...
- ATOM Mobility – Sometimes new and unused vehicle directly from other operators are listed there.
- Cyclecure – Besides used vehicles, also offers new models from trusted brands.
- Fleetser – Also lists brand new fleets available for order.
Pros:
- Warranty and post-sale support (if you purchase directly from the manufacturer)
- Brand-new condition and full lifecycle
- Easier to scale with consistent models
Cons:
- Higher initial investment
- Longer delivery times (especially when shipping from Asia)
- MOQ applies in most cases
New vs. Used – What to expect
If you're comparing both options, here are the main differences you should keep in mind:
Used vehicles are usually available faster and cost less upfront. You don’t have to commit to big orders and can start with just a few units. But they may need more maintenance, have shorter lifespan, and does not include any warranty.
New vehicles require more investment, but you get full warranty, latest models, and better support. Manufacturers may have minimum order requirements and longer delivery timelines, especially if shipping from Asia. However, the quality and reliability usually make up for it in the long run.
Most popular vehicle manufacturers (for direct orders)
If you're considering ordering directly from manufacturers, here are some of the most popular and proven brands used in shared mobility:
- OKAI (okai.co) – Popular models: OKAI ES600P (durable scooter for sharing), OKAI EB100B (e-bike)
- NAVEE (navee.tech) – Known for long-range, sharing-friendly scooters (reasonably priced)
- Segway Commercial (segway.com) – Widely used in fleets, especially the Segway Max Plus series and Segway e-moped.
- Yadea (yadea.com) – Offers sharing-grade mopeds like G5 and G5L
- NIU (niu.com) – Smart scooters and mopeds, including NQi-series, with good support
- Fitrider (fitriderscooter.com) - mainly focused on scooters
- Freego (freegobikes.com) and Hongji (hongjibike.com)
Each of these manufacturers offers models built specifically for sharing and large fleets. Features like swappable batteries, fleet dashboards, and rugged design come standard.
Choosing the right supplier depends on your goals. If speed and low cost are most important, used vehicles may help you get started faster. If you're building something long-term, investing in new vehicles may pay off through better reliability and longer lifespan.
In both cases, make sure the vehicles you choose are compatible with your platform – and that spare parts and support will be available. ATOM Mobility works with both used and new fleets and can help match you with the right vehicle options.
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