Traditional car rental vs peer-to-peer vs on demand car sharing
November 22, 2023
min. read
With the increasing demand for shared mobility, we've seen different business models in the car market: traditional car rental, peer-to-peer car sharing, and on-demand car sharing.
In this blog post, we're going to compare these business models. We'll look at the established traditional car rental companies and how they stack up against the newer peer-to-peer and on-demand services. We'll explore how these companies are doing financially – and make some predictions about their possible future.
Traditional car rental
Traditional car rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis operate by owning or leasing their own fleets of vehicles. They usually have rental offices and parking lots in strategic locations such as airports and city centers. Customers looking to rent a car make reservations through the company's websites, mobile apps, or by phone. Typically, customers pay a daily or weekly rate, plus additional costs for mileage and optional services like insurance.
Avis – proving that traditional car rental is going strong
Avis was founded in 1946 in Detroit, and it quickly established itself as a major player in the car rental market. Avis is best known for its "We Try Harder" slogan, which was introduced in the 1960s and became a symbol of the company's commitment to customer service. Over the years, Avis has expanded its operations globally.
Avis had a strong second quarter in 2023. They reported $3.1 billion in revenue, with a net income of $436 million. The company saw an increase in usage compared to the same period in 2022, reaching 70.5%. Avis also performed better than expected on Wall Street, with earnings of $11.01 per share – surpassing the estimated $9.79.
At the end of Q2 2023, Avis had around $1.1 billion in liquidity and an additional $1.1 billion for fleet funding. Avis CEO Joe Ferraro credited the strong results to the company's ability to capitalize on the growing travel demand, particularly during the busy summer season.
Hertz – usage and fleet growth
Hertz was founded in 1918 in Chicago. Over the years, Hertz grew into a global brand, serving both the leisure and business travel sectors. Despite various ownership changes, it has maintained a strong presence in the car rental market.
Hertz also reported a healthy second quarter in 2023. They made $2.4 billion in revenue, mainly due to high demand – rental volume increased by 12% compared to the previous year, and their average fleet grew by 9%.
Each vehicle brought in an average of $1,516 per month during the quarter, thanks to a usage rate of 82%, which was 230 basis points higher than in Q2 2022. As of June 30, 2023, Hertz had $1.4 billion in liquidity, with $682 million in unrestricted cash. Overall, Avis' old rivals Hertz are doing quite well too.
Peer-to-peer car sharing
Peer-to-peer car sharing allows private vehicle owners to offer their cars for rent through platforms like Turo and Getaround. The vehicles are distributed across various neighborhoods and residential areas, offering a decentralized and more flexible system. Customers can use these platforms to find and reserve their vehicles of choice.
Turo – promising financials, uncertain IPO plans
Turo, founded in 2009, began as RelayRides and was later rebranded. Turo offers an online platform that allows individual car owners to rent out their vehicles to other people when they are not using them. The company provides a marketplace where people can list their cars for rent, and renters can search for and book vehicles for short-term use.
Turo has gained popularity as a more flexible and often cost-effective alternative to traditional car rental services. It allows car owners to monetize their vehicles when they're not in use and provides renters with a wide selection of cars to choose from.
Turo, valued at $1.2 billion in 2019, has seen promising financials. In 2022, they earned $746.59 million, up 59% from the previous year, with 320,000 vehicle listings. They went from substantial losses in 2019 and 2020 to a net income of $154.66 million in 2022.
Turo also grew its marketplace, engaging with 160,000 active car owners and 2.9 million riders worldwide by the end of 2022. However, according to their S-1 filing, they anticipate increasing expenses in the future, which might challenge their profitability.
Turo applied for an IPO on the Nasdaq in 2022 but didn't proceed. The IPO plans were delayed, likely due to challenges like the 2022 tech downturn. However, recently, Turo revived its plan to go public and could list their shares in the fall of 2023.
Getaround – an uncertain future
Getaround is another popular peer-to-peer car-sharing platform that allows individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others when they are not using them. It's often referred to as the "Airbnb of cars." Introduced in 2011, it is currently accessible in over 1,000 cities in the United States and Europe.
In 2022, Getaround earned $62.3 million in revenue. However, they reported an EBITDA of -$25.0 million, indicating that its operating expenses exceeded its earnings. Overall, the company experienced a net loss of -$46.8 million for the year. Getaround's total assets were valued at $217.1 million.
During its public market debut in 2022, Getaround witnessed a significant decrease in its share value, plummeting by as much as 65%.
In March 2023, the company got a notice from the New York Stock Exchange saying it didn't meet the requirements. This was because their average global market capitalization over 30 consecutive trading days fell below $50 million, and their reported stockholders' equity was also below $50 million.
Overall, Getaround's stock market troubles and weak finances make their future uncertain for now.
On-demand car sharing
On-demand car sharing services like Zipcar and Share Now (formerly Car2Go) maintain their own fleets, which are parked throughout cities in designated spots or on the streets. Customers can access these vehicles in real-time using mobile apps. The pricing structure usually includes fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
Share Now – downsizing, acquired by Stellantis
Share Now, a German carsharing firm born from the merger of Car2Go and DriveNow, now operates as a subsidiary of Stellantis' Free2Move division, offering car sharing services in European urban areas. It has over four million registered members and a fleet of 14,000+ vehicles across 18 European cities.
In late 2019, ShareNow announced the closure of its North American operations due to competition, increasing operational costs, and limited support for electric vehicles. Service in London, Brussels, and Florence was also discontinued.
On May 3, 2022, Share Now was acquired by Stellantis, with the ownership now managed by Stellantis subsidiary Free2Move, following the closure of the acquisition on July 18, 2022.
CityBee – a success story in Baltics
CityBee, founded in 2012 in Lithuania, started as a car-sharing service primarily aimed at businesses. It now operates in the whole Baltic region. Customers can choose from a variety of vehicles, including cars, vans, bikes, and electric scooters. The fleet also includes electric and hybrid cars. CityBee takes care of insurance, fuel, and parking fees in CityBee areas.
In 2022, CityBee reported a sales revenue of €33,168,028, slightly down from the previous year's €39,814,173. However, the company's profitability surged, with a profit before taxes of €2,193,820 – a substantial increase from the €968,722 in 2021. This also resulted in a higher profit margin of 6.61% in 2022, compared to 2.43% in 2021.
CityBee saw its net profit rise to €1,857,517 in 2022, a substantial increase from the €876,986 in 2021. The company's equity capital also grew to €4,688,176, indicating a stronger financial foundation. CityBee shows that on-demand car sharing can succeed with the right approach in the right market.
There's room for different business models
The shared car mobility market is large enough for different solutions to exist together – especially with car ownership costs going up. Companies like Hertz and Avis demonstrate that the traditional rental model remains relevant and holds significant profit potential.
Despite financial challenges, peer-to-peer car sharing and on-demand car sharing are attracting a fresh customer base. Peer-to-peer car sharing offers a more personal touch by letting people rent their own vehicles. On-demand car-sharing services are a great solution for urban residents, offering quick pay-as-you-go access to vehicles.
While the position of traditional car rental giants might seem unshakeable, it's a fast-moving, evolving market. Regional success stories – such as CityBee – certainly prove that challengers are not asleep.
If you own a fleet, operate a car rental business, or are looking to get into one, ATOM Mobility can equip you with an end-to-end software suite that will put you miles ahead from competition.
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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