How is AI transforming the micromobility industry?

How is AI transforming the micromobility industry?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various sectors, and micromobility is no exception. By integrating AI into e-scooters, e-bikes, cars and other small vehicles, the industry is becoming smarter, safer, and more efficient. AI’s prowess in data processing, predictive analytics, and machine learning is driving this transformation, making operations more innovative and productive, and setting a bright future for micromobility.

Let's explore how AI is making a significant impact on the micromobility industry through smart parking, dynamic pricing and rebalancing, and damage detection.

From automating routine tasks to providing deep insights through data analysis, AI is reshaping how we navigate urban environments. Its ability to learn from vast amounts of data and make real-time decisions is crucial for developing efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly transportation solutions.

AI in micromobility

Micromobility refers to small, easy-to-maneuver vehicles like e-scooters, e-bikes, and shared bicycles that operate at speeds typically below 25 km/h. The rise of micromobility is driven by the need for convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly urban transport. AI helps tackle critical challenges in the micromobility industry, including parking management, pricing strategies, fleet rebalancing, and damage detection. Companies like SWITCH are leading the way by using advanced algorithms to generate synthetic data, predict demand, optimize fleet distribution, and support strategic planning.

3 business problems AI solves

1) Improper parking

Improper parking can clutter sidewalks and create accessibility issues, frustrating many urban dwellers. AI-driven parking analysis provides a practical solution:

  • Image Validation: AI modules validate images uploaded by users, ensuring the vehicle is correctly parked. Invalid images require users to retake them.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: AI systems analyze live feeds of parking images, allowing operators to quickly address poor parking.
  • Behavioral Improvement: Data from AI analysis helps redefine parking zones and penalize repeat offenders, reducing bad parking practices.
  • Support Reduction: Accurate parking data significantly decreases the number of support tickets related to parking issues.

Results? Studies show AI parking analysis can drastically improve compliance. For instance, 52% of improperly parked vehicles are correctly re-parked on the second attempt, rising to 82% by the third attempt.

If you're interested in exploring these solutions further, you can read a case study by ATOM Mobility in collaboration with Captur's AI-Powered Photo Verification solution.

2) Dynamic pricing and rebalancing

AI enhances fleet utilization and customer satisfaction through dynamic pricing and rebalancing strategies:

  • Predictive Rebalancing: AI predicts where vehicles are needed most, optimizing their distribution across the city, increasing fleet utilization, and ensuring availability.
  • Automated Task Management: Ground teams benefit from automated task assignments, streamlining operations and reducing manual workloads.
  • Dynamic Pricing: AI adjusts rental costs based on demand, time of day, and location, maximizing revenue and customer retention.

A case study revealed that scooters placed in AI-recommended areas saw a 6% increase in average revenue, and rebalanced vehicles experienced a 10.8% usage increase within 24 hours.

3) Damage detection

Maintaining vehicle condition is crucial for safety and longevity. AI-powered damage detection systems offer a solution:

  • 360-Degree Capture: AI guides users through comprehensive vehicle inspections, capturing detailed images from all angles during pick-up and drop-off.
  • Damage Detection: AI algorithms detect and assess scratches, dents, and other damages, focusing on types specific to the business’s needs.
  • Automated Reporting: The system generates detailed reports on vehicle damage history and rental status, ensuring transparency and facilitating prompt repairs.

Automating damage detection helps operators maintain high safety standards and reduces downtime from manual inspections. Companies such as FocalX streamline the damage detection functionality.

Embracing AI for a smarter future

Integrating AI in micromobility is revolutionizing the industry by enhancing operational efficiency, user experience, and safety. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of micromobility will grow, driving the industry toward smarter, more sustainable urban transportation solutions.

For micromobility operators, embracing AI technologies is not just an option but a necessity to stay competitive and meet the growing demands of urban commuters. The future of micromobility is intelligent, efficient, and AI-driven.

Join the ATOM Academy

Ready to dive deeper into the world of shared mobility and learn how to use AI to transform your business? Join the ATOM Academy for FREE expert knowledge, practical insights, and innovative strategies that will help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving micromobility industry. Visit ATOM Mobility to learn more. Let's drive the future of urban transportation together!

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Where to buy scooters, bikes, and mopeds for your micromobility fleet
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.

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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)
  • 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

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.

Blog
White label vs franchising: Which model is right for your mobility business?
White label vs franchising: Which model is right for your mobility business?

🛵 Thinking about launching a mobility business? One key decision can shape your entire growth path: go with a franchise or build your own brand with a white label solution. 🔍 This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each model – and shows how you can even grow your own partner network under your brand with ATOM Mobility’s white label platform.

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White label vs franchising: Which model is right for your mobility business?

Starting a new mobility business comes with many decisions, but one of the most important is choosing the right model for growth. Whether you're thinking about launching an electric scooter fleet, a ride-hailing app, or car sharing in your city, there are two main paths to consider: joining a franchise or building your own brand using a white label solution.

Both models offer clear benefits – and both have downsides. What works best depends on your goals, experience, and long-term vision.

What is franchising in mobility?

Franchising means joining an existing brand and operating under their name, systems, and technology. For example, a local taxi fleet might become a Bolt ride-hailing partner, gaining access to Bolt's technology, user base, and reputation. Similarly, in the micromobility space, some brands allow local entrepreneurs to launch electric scooter or bike-sharing services as franchisees.

This model is popular because it can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to launch. Instead of developing your own technology, brand, marketing strategy, and operational systems, you get a package, a “ready to use” business, from a brand that already knows the ropes.

Franchising: Pros and cons

The main advantage of franchising is speed and simplicity. You don’t need to build everything from scratch. You operate under a recognized name, which can make marketing easier. Often, you also get operational support and a clear playbook to follow.

But there are also downsides. As a franchisee, you don’t fully control the brand, customers and the technology. You may have limited flexibility to experiment or adapt the service to your local needs. Franchise fees or revenue sharing models can also reduce your profit margin. And if the brand suffers reputational issues elsewhere, it can impact your local business – even if you’re doing everything right.

Real-world examples of successful micromobility franchises:

LEVY, an US-based electric scooter-sharing company, has successfully expanded through a franchise model by partnering with local operators across USA. Entrepreneurs can launch and operate Levy-branded services in their cities, leveraging LEVY’s tested software, hardware, and operational know-how. This model has helped LEVY scale quickly while maintaining a consistent brand and service quality.

Nextbike, based in Germany, is one of the world’s leading public bike-sharing providers. It works with cities and franchise-like partners to operate local services under the Nextbike brand. These partners handle operations on the ground, such as maintenance and customer service, while benefiting from Nextbike’s established platform, brand, and international experience. With a presence in over 300 cities, it’s a clear example of how a micromobility business can scale through distributed partnerships.

What is white label in mobility?

A white label solution allows you to launch your own mobility platform – under your own brand – using someone else's ready-made technology. This means you can create a ride-hailing app, car-sharing service, or scooter fleet that looks and feels 100% yours, but without needing to build the software from scratch.

If you’re not familiar with how white label works, here’s a good explanation.

With white label, you take ownership of your brand and operations, while leveraging reliable, tested software that’s been used in dozens of markets. You’re not just a local operator – you’re the brand owner.

White label: Pros and cons

The biggest benefit of a white label approach is independence. You control the brand, the marketing, pricing, partnerships, everything. You can build a unique business that reflects your vision and local market needs. There’s no revenue sharing or ongoing franchise fees.

However, white label also means more responsibility. You have to manage marketing, customer support, local partnerships, and operations yourself. While the software is provided, the business is yours to run. It requires more involvement but also brings more potential reward.

3 reasons to choose your own white label platform

  • Complete control over everything: Unlike a franchise, where key decisions are made by its owner, you’re in charge of everything - from choosing the name, branding to allocating budgets and setting up a supply chain.
  • Flexible operations: There’s no universal solution that works equally well for all entrepreneurs. By starting your own project, you can better adapt to the local market needs, customer requests, and even changes in legislation. To launch a new app feature or adjust pricing, you won’t have to go through layers of approvals - you are the only decision-maker.
  • Faster growth opportunities: For example, by attracting investments, launching crowdfunding, increasing your fleet, making additional investments in advertising, or even launching your own franchise.

Choosing the right model for your mobility business

If you want a fast, low-risk way to enter the market with support and clear systems, franchising may be a good fit – especially if you’re new to mobility or want to test the waters.

If you want to build a long-term business under your own brand, with full control and higher potential margins, white label is likely the better option. It gives you room to grow and adapt without being tied to someone else’s rules.

Many successful businesses start with white label software to speed up their launch, then focus on building a strong local brand and user base. Over time, this approach can offer more strategic freedom and better returns.

You can even build your own franchise using ATOM white label

One advantage of choosing a white label provider like ATOM Mobility is that you’re not just building for yourself. With ATOM’s platform, you can also expand by inviting partners to operate under your brand in other cities or regions.

This means that you can launch as an independent operator and, over time, create your own franchise-style network. ATOM’s software allows you to add partners to your platform, assign them specific territories, limit access to data, and manage operations from one central system. Your partners operate under your brand – and you stay in control of the bigger picture.

This is exactly how several of our clients have grown. They started locally, proved the model, then expanded by partnering with others – all without giving up their brand or independence.

Both franchising and white label are valid ways to launch a mobility business, and both come with clear advantages. But if your goal is long-term brand ownership, flexibility, and the ability to scale on your own terms, white label is often the smarter path.

With ATOM Mobility’s platform, you can launch fast, operate efficiently, and even build your own network of partners under your brand – creating a franchise model that works for you.

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