Ride-hailing vs ride-sharing – what's the difference?
March 26, 2024
min. read
It's easy to get lost in today's mobility landscape. It feels like every year a new type of vehicle hits the streets, and with it comes some weird new term or category adding to an already deeply confounding list – ride-hailing, ride-sharing, carpooling, car-sharing, on-demand rentals, micro-mobility rentals, shared transportation, Mobility-as-a-service,...
No wonder people prefer using and verbing brand names, e.g. “Uber to the airport” or “grab a Bolt”.
In reality, it's not that complicated. Virtually all of the terms listed above are self-explanatory and by the end of this article you'll have a firm grasp on the industry's terminology.
Understanding the distinction between these various concepts is important for entrepreneurs and anyone else looking to set foot in the industry, as using the correct terms:
- Ensures everyone is on the same page,
- Is relevant for regulatory compliance,
- Matters in all your business endeavors from market research to strategy development.
Since the two terms that people get most hung up on are “ride-hailing” and “ride-sharing”, we'll take a closer look at those, and then follow it up with a disambiguation of the other terms on our list.
What is ride-hailing?
Ride-hailing is – surprise, surprise – the hailing of a ride. Much like with a taxi, it involves hiring a person with a car to pick you up and take you to your destination.
So why don't we just call it a taxi service?
When mobility startups like Uber came to prominence in the early 2010s, they did so by disrupting the cab industry through digitalizing the hailing experience and introducing transparent pricing.
Read more: Uber's company history.
In other words, you could now hail a ride through an app on your smartphone and see exactly how much it would cost. Whereas previously, you had to call a taxi service or try to hail one on the street.
So the term “ride-hailing” was coined to distinguish this new type of on-demand app-based taxi service from the more traditional one. However, over the years, the ride-hailing service portfolio has evolved beyond just taxi-like operations and includes things like hiring drivers for moving, or even taking your kids to school. Traditional taxi companies also increasingly make use of a ride-hailing app.
Accordingly, the meaning of ride-hailing is the hailing of on-demand transportation services via an app. Most often it's used in the context of taxi-like services, but it's an umbrella term that can include other services, too.
Fun fact: did you know that Uber was originally named UberCab? Its founders dropped the “Cab” part since they didn't see themselves as a traditional cab service.
What is ride-sharing?
Again – the hint is in the name. At the most basic level, ride-sharing is sharing a ride. But, as with ride-hailing, there's some nuance that's important to understand.
Today, ride-sharing typically refers to multiple passengers sharing a single private ride on a route that passes their various destinations. You can think about it as on-demand carpooling.
Let's unpack this.
Though there are many similarities between ride-sharing and carpooling, they generally differ in terms of ride organization and journeys. Carpooling often happens informally, in the sense that a group of neighbors or coworkers traveling or commuting on the same route will agree to share a ride to, for example, save on gas. Carpooling can also be very sporadic and is primarily organized through private channels or local bulletin boards.
On the flipside, ride-sharing allows a person to carpool with others by simply finding an available seat through an app – drivers digitally share their route and seat availability and passengers can hop into a suitable ride for a small fee.
Notably, ride-sharing is often most popular with busy routes and times of day, as that's when there's highest demand.
There's a reason why a lot of confusion arose regarding the difference between ride-hailing and ride-sharing, namely, the terms were used interchangeably early on. To this day, “Ride-sharing” is sometimes used as an umbrella term for all app-based mobility solutions, though this is going out of fashion, given the clearer differentiation between solutions.
So, while both ride-hailing and ride-sharing are app-based on-demand mobility solutions for getting to a destination in a private vehicle, they differ in passenger count, cost, route, availability, and popularity.
One key component further distinguishing ride-hailing from ride-sharing is the use of advanced software, designed to optimize operations and enhance user experience. Ride-hailing software supports companies in efficiently managing bookings, payments, and communication between passengers and drivers. To explore how this software can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ride-hailing services, visit our detailed ride-hailing software use cases page.
Other terms commonly used in the mobility industry
Though ride-hailing and ride-sharing are categories you'll hear most often, it's almost inevitable that you'll encounter other terms, which may sow further confusion.
Let's avoid that – here are some quick explanations of other popular terms.
Car-sharing
Car-sharing or vehicle-sharing is most often confused with ride-sharing, but despite sounding similar, they mean completely different things. Car-sharing refers to the app-based short-term rental of cars. The easiest way to remember it is that with ride-sharing people share a single ride, whereas with car sharing people share a single car – again, it's all in the name.
On-demand rentals
On-demand rentals is a category describing vehicles that are instantly available for rent, usually through an app. This includes both micro mobility solutions, like scooters and bikes, as well as larger vehicles like mopeds and cars. For those following along – yes, car-sharing is a type of on-demand rental!
Shared transport
As mentioned in the previous sections, “ride-sharing” is often incorrectly used as an umbrella term for all on-demand app-based mobility solutions. The correct term is shared transport or shared mobility. Shared transport is a broad category that includes both multiple people sharing a vehicle simultaneously (i.e. ride-sharing), as well as individual people sharing a vehicle over time (i.e. car-sharing/on-demand rentals).
Ride-hailing and other on-demand services related to mobility are also often categorized under the shared mobility umbrella.
Mobility-as-a-Service
Mobility-as-a-Service or MaaS is an approach to urban transportation that seeks to integrate a variety of mobility options (both public and private) into a single super-solution that answers a traveler's every mobility need. Often, MaaS solutions are sought out by local municipalities to provide effective alternatives to car use and minimize a city's carbon footprint.
Is the terminology really that important?
As you can see, a lot of the confusing mobility terms are simply categories and categories of categories – don't worry if you can't remember them all. If you know the difference between ride-sharing and ride-hailing that's already plenty.
Anyone in the mobility industry will tell you that it's perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification when talking specifics, as it's common for people to interpret these terms differently, and language barriers can be particularly troublesome for getting on the same page.
That said, you SHOULD pay close attention to the terminology if you're doing research for your own mobility business. A ride-hailing business is completely different from a ride-sharing one, and it's important not to compare apples to oranges during market research, as it can undermine your business from day one.
Other than that, all you have to remember is that ride-hailing is hailing a ride and ride-sharing is sharing a ride. Simple as that.
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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.
Driver App demo credentials - Email: test@atom.com, Password: driver
