Everything you need to know before you start your car-sharing project
June 21, 2021
min. read
So you have chosen the type of vehicle. And of all the transportation means available you have decided that you’ll use cars for your sharing business. Congratulations! You have done the most challenging part. Congratulations! 🥳 😆 The next step is to create a business plan. As this too is not the easiest of tasks, we’ve created a guide for you highlighting the most important things to consider before starting hands-on.
There are a lot of different approaches to start from, but let's start with the one that opens up a wider perspective of your future playground. And this is all about the market assessment. So why not start with the demographic assessment that will later help you to define your target audience.
Demographic assessment is the understanding of your customer profile and finding out how many people meet those criteria in the area you are planning to operate. For example, if your customer profile is young people without their own cars, but for whom having one would make their life easier, you are in the right place. However, it could be that the same age group is not interested in using the car-sharing service because, for example, distances are too small or young people are working in the city nearby and coming home just for the weekend and have no need for a car. There might be different scenarios and each of them should be analyzed separately.
Look at competitors
If there are competitors in the area you’re interested in, this could be both a good as well as a not-so-good sign. It is also a good sign in terms of demand - it means that the service is required in the area in question. However, it could be that market is too small for several companies to operate in, so you should carefully research how many players the market can take.
In addition, consider obtaining all the information you can have about your competitors - their fleet size, how many rides each vehicle makes per day and per month, and their pricing strategy. Any credible source of information works. For example, consider looking into local media. Sometimes company representatives are talkative about their success and future plans so it could be useful for you to analyze the market. You can also use their service and, for example, analyze vehicle odometers from time to time to calculate the distance that a vehicle travels within a week.
There are also talkative customers, who might be willing to share their likes and dislikes about your competitor’s service with you. This could also be a very important source of the information about the business.
Wide range of possible future customers - B2C, B2B, P2P
At the beginning of this article, you might get the feeling that car sharing is about the business-to-consumer (B2C). But your customer could also be another business. For example with the help of your service companies can rent out their vehicles to corporates as well as to logistics, delivery, or even construction companies if the appropriate vehicle type is available. These are not very common solutions and car-sharing is used more often to offer vehicles to people, but some companies also operate very successfully in B2B settings.
However, there are several types of B2C car sharing. There is an option where are the owner of cars and you rent them out with the help of your platform. Car owners could also be other businesses that rent out cars to regular consumers while they are not using them. Another option is peer-to-peer (P2P) renting - people rent out vehicles to other people while they are not using them.
In all these cases, your car-sharing platform is going to be a tool that will help to make cars available. For you, the platform is going to be the most important driver of your revenues.
Regular or electric?
There are fans and supporters of both - regular as well as electric cars. However, personal opinions do not play a crucial role here. What really matters is financial reasoning:
- What is the price of the car? What's the difference in price between regular and electric cars?
- If you have to take a loan, does the bank somehow support one or another type of car?
- Can you get support from the state or the city council? For example, are there special fees for parking electric vehicles that could reduce your costs while the car awaits the next driver?
- What about taxes? Do reduced taxes apply if you use environmentally friendly vehicles?
Price and costs
When you make your choice, in the framework of your business plan you should also plan one step further and look at values like insurance and maintenance costs. A vehicle is one of the most important assets if you decide to have one, but also it generates most of your costs.
At this point, you should already focus on deciding what the price for your service will be. In addition to all nuances mentioned above, you should also take into account the prices that your competitors offer, as well as other costs - salaries for your employees, premises’ rental, etc. And, last but not least, what is your profit going to be and how will you earn money?
One more cost item that you should consider is marketing costs. However, this is a bit easier as these costs are relatively easy to predict and control. Bear in mind though that if you don't invest enough in attracting customers, you won't generate enough revenue. And marketing doesn't end with advertising campaigns. It’s important to create your brand and find your unique selling point - how are you going to be different? You can read more about marketing and other things to keep in mind in this blog post “How to launch a vehicle sharing business in 6 steps?”
Technological challenges
The sharing business is complicated from a technological perspective as vehicles should be connected to the software that is connected to the platform used to operate the business. And the platform is also connected to the app used by customers. Everything should work smoothly together. At ATOM we are making life better for those who are willing to use ready-made solutions. However, there are companies that are thinking of creating technical solutions from scratch. This is possible, but you should really ask yourself is it worth it? In this blog post “A white label solution or building your own software - what to choose for your vehicle sharing business?” you can find out more.
That's it! After all these decisions have been made, it seems like you could be ready to go! Finally, let's sum up how much time it takes from business plan to launch:
- ideas and draft of your go-to-market strategy - 1-2 weeks;
- market analysis by taking into account competitors as well as customers - 2 weeks;
- tech decisions on cars and IoT solutions - 1-3 weeks;
- preparing the budget - 1 week (+ at least 15 weeks if funding is required;
- operational plan - 2 weeks;
- hiring - 3 weeks;
- software - 2-4 weeks (in case of using white label solution);
- testing & soft launch - 1 week.
So the most optimistic scenario is that you will be ready to launch your car-sharing business in three to four months. A critical component in managing a successful car sharing operation is reliable technology. Car sharing software plays a fundamental role in automating bookings, managing fleets, and enhancing customer service. To explore our solutions, learn more about our car sharing software. Contact ATOM for additional information. We are here to help our clients succeed.
Interested in launching your own mobility platform?
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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
