Insights and news from the ATOM Mobility team

Shared mobility often looks simple from the outside. A user opens an app, unlocks a vehicle, completes a trip, and moves on with their day. But not everybody knows that the system behind every ride is a bit more complex and can be quite expensive. For many operators, the biggest expenses are not always the most obvious ones.

As shared mobility continues to grow across Europe, operators face increasing pressure to improve efficiency while maintaining service quality. According to the latest European Shared Mobility Index, shared mobility services generated more than 700 million trips across Europe in 2025, reflecting continued demand for alternative transportation options. At the same time, profitability remains one of the industry's biggest challenges.

Across more than 300 shared mobility projects worldwide, one pattern appears consistently: operators often underestimate operational costs during launch planning while focusing primarily on fleet acquisition, permits, and launch activities. The largest challenges often emerge later through day-to-day operations, where downtime, fleet balancing, maintenance, customer support, and compliance costs gradually impact profitability.

Downtime costs more than most operators expect

Every shared vehicle is an asset that only generates revenue when it is available to users. A scooter waiting for repairs, a bike with a flat tire, or a car that has not been inspected after damage generates no revenue at all. For example, a scooter generating an average of two rides per day at €3 per ride produces roughly €2,200 in annual revenue. If recurring maintenance issues keep that vehicle unavailable for two weeks each quarter, the shared mobility operator could lose more than €250 in annual revenue from that vehicle alone. Across hundreds or thousands of vehicles, downtime quickly becomes a significant operational cost.

Yet the costs continue to build up – insurance, depreciation, financing, storage, and operational overhead do not stop simply because a vehicle is unavailable.

This becomes particularly noticeable as fleets grow. A single inactive vehicle may not seem significant but hundreds of inactive vehicles spread across multiple cities quickly become a major financial problem.

That is why many operators invest heavily in fleet visibility and operational tools. Platforms such as ATOM Mobility's vehicle sharing software help operators monitor vehicle status in real time and identify issues before they affect large parts of the fleet.

Unmet demand heatmap (ATOM Mobility dashboard)

Fleet balancing becomes a business of its own

One of the least visible costs in shared mobility is fleet redistribution. Users naturally travel between different parts of a city. Over time, vehicles begin clustering in some areas while disappearing from others. The result is familiar to most operators – too many vehicles where demand is low and not enough where demand is highest. Solving this problem requires people, vehicles, planning, and technology. Large operators often maintain dedicated teams responsible for things like fleet redistribution, battery swapping, charging operations, station monitoring and demand forecasting.

Academic studies of bike-sharing systems consistently identify balancing and redistribution as some of the biggest operational challenges because they directly affect both utilisation and customer satisfaction. When users cannot find a vehicle nearby, they often choose another transport option instead. It’s even more difficult during big events, tourist seasons, weather changes, and rush hours when demand patterns shift rapidly.

Charging operations can become a major expense

For operators managing electric scooters, bikes, and mopeds, battery charging creates another layer of operational complexity. Vehicles must be collected, charged, swapped, and returned to high-demand locations. Labour, logistics, warehouse space, charging infrastructure, and electricity costs all contribute to the overall cost of fleet operations.

As fleets grow, charging efficiency becomes increasingly important. Poor battery management can increase downtime, reduce vehicle availability, and create unnecessary operational costs. For operators managing thousands of electric vehicles, charging and battery-swapping operations can require dedicated teams, warehouses, charging infrastructure, and specialised software to coordinate daily tasks efficiently.

Small maintenance issues rarely stay small

Most vehicle problems start as minor issues but then become a bigger problem. A slightly damaged brake, a worn tire, a loose component, or a battery performing below normal levels may not immediately remove a vehicle from service. Left unresolved, however, these issues often become larger repairs that require more time, more money, and more operational effort.

For this reason, maintenance is no longer viewed as a reactive task by many successful operators. Instead, it is becoming an ongoing operational process supported by automation, diagnostics, and task management systems. So it’s important to identify problems before users do.

Many operators are moving toward more structured maintenance workflows, similar to the approaches discussed in ATOM Mobility's fleet management automation insights.

Customer support grows with every vehicle added

Customer support is often not thought enough about during launch planning. Founders typically focus on vehicles, apps, and pricing. Few spend enough time calculating the operational cost of helping users when things go wrong.

Support requests usually involve payment issues, failed unlock attempts, damaged vehicles, parking questions, account verification, trip disputes and other day to day problems. A fleet generating 100,000 monthly rides may receive hundreds or even thousands of support requests related to payments, parking violations, damaged vehicles, or account verification.

The cost of poor support is often higher than the cost of support itself because unresolved issues directly affect retention and reviews.

Regulation creates costs that did not exist five years ago

The shared mobility industry has grown significantly. A decade ago, many cities welcomed operators with relatively few requirements. Today, most cities expect detailed reporting, parking compliance, safety measures, accessibility standards, and operational transparency.

Operators increasingly need to invest in:

reporting systems
compliance processes
city partnerships
parking management
operational monitoring

These requirements create additional costs, but they are quickly becoming part of doing business in the sector. At the same time, cities are becoming more selective about which operators receive permits and long-term partnerships, making operational quality an increasingly important competitive advantage.

The strongest operators focus on efficiency, not just growth

Hidden costs rarely appear in business plans or launch announcements. They emerge gradually through downtime, maintenance, balancing, customer support, charging operations, and compliance requirements. Individually, each cost may seem manageable. Together, they often determine whether a mobility business becomes profitable.

Shared mobility businesses often talk about fleet size, market expansion, and trip volume. The operators that build sustainable businesses tend to focus on a different set of metrics, including vehicle utilisation, downtime, maintenance efficiency, and operational automation. Growth still matters, but it becomes expensive quickly when operational control is lacking.

Across the shared mobility industry, operational excellence is increasingly becoming a stronger competitive advantage than fleet size alone.

How technology helps control hidden operational costs

Many of the hidden costs discussed in this article can be reduced through better operational visibility and automation. Modern mobility management platforms help operators monitor fleet health, detect issues before they lead to downtime, automate maintenance workflows, prioritise field operations, optimise redistribution using real-time demand data, coordinate charging and battery-swapping activities, automate refunds for unsuccessful rides, and generate compliance reports with no manual effort.

At ATOM Mobility, we've seen these challenges across more than 300 shared mobility projects worldwide. While every market is different, operators that invest in operational efficiency early are often better positioned to achieve sustainable growth and profitability.

Cracking the code of car sharing: Best technology for car sharing business

🚘💡 What keeps cars in car-sharing businesses connected? From CAN bus and OBD devices to cutting-edge IoT providers like Teltonika, Invers and Geotab, it’s all about the hardware!

November 27, 2024

Car sharing is more than just a trend—it’s a game-changer for urban mobility, helping people access vehicles without the headache of owning them. But what makes it all work? Let us introduce the tech behind car sharing and explore how companies like ATOM Mobility make it easier to start and scale your shared mobility business profitably.

The three pillars of car sharing technology

At the heart of every car-sharing operation are three key technologies that connect vehicles to platforms: CAN bus, OBD, and OEM telematics. Here’s what they do and why they matter:

1. CAN Bus: The car’s internal network

The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus acts like a car’s central nervous system, allowing different components to talk to each other. It delivers detailed data—fuel levels, battery status, or even tire pressure—directly to your car-sharing platform. This deep integration also allows remote actions like locking or starting the vehicle.

However, CAN systems require professional installation, which can mean higher upfront costs. For larger operators with fleets that need granular control and detailed diagnostics, it’s a must-have.

2. OBD: Affordable and easy to deploy

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) devices are the plug-and-play heroes of car sharing. Simply connect them to the car’s diagnostic port, and you’ve got instant access to location, speed, and engine health. They’re affordable, quick to set up, and ideal for small-to-medium operators just getting started.

That said, OBD devices offer less functionality compared to CAN. They’re perfect for a more basic setup but might not suit operators who need advanced data or remote vehicle controls.

3. OEM Telematics: Factory-installed genius

OEM telematics systems come pre-installed in many modern cars. These systems provide seamless connectivity and are highly reliable, enabling features like real-time tracking, diagnostics, and remote locking.

The downside? OEM telematics tie you to the car manufacturer’s system, which can limit customization. If your fleet is from a single brand, this is a fantastic option. For mixed-brand fleets, integrating other devices might make more sense.

The IoT providers helping you succeed

Beyond these three core technologies, IoT providers offer additional tools to supercharge your car-sharing operations. Here are four standout names making waves in the industry:

Teltonika

WEB: https://teltonika-gps.com
Headquartered in Lithuania, Teltonika has been at the forefront of IoT since 1998. With over 1,600 employees, the company specializes in GPS trackers and other connected devices that bring real-time tracking, security, and driver behavior analysis to your fleet. Their scalable solutions are ideal for growing car-sharing businesses.

Geotab

WEB: https://www.geotab.com‍

Based in Canada, Geotab supports over 2 million vehicles worldwide with its advanced fleet management tools. Their telematics devices don’t just track vehicles—they provide insights into fuel efficiency, maintenance needs, and safety. For operators focused on data-driven optimization, Geotab is a top choice.

INVERS

WEB: https://invers.com/en/solutions/cloudboxx

‍Germany’s INVERS is a leader in shared mobility tech, offering the CloudBoxx device to connect vehicles with car-sharing platforms. Easy to integrate and reliable, CloudBoxx ensures a smooth experience for operators and users alike. With a strong presence in Europe and North America, INVERS is a trusted name in the industry.

Acacus

WEB: https://www.acacusgroup.com

Operating out of the UAE, Acacus combines IoT and AI to deliver smart mobility solutions. Their tech is widely used in government projects and private fleets, especially in regions embracing smart cities. Acacus brings innovation and reliability to shared mobility operators aiming for cutting-edge solutions.

How ATOM Mobility comes into the picture?

Technology is only as good as the platform that connects it all. That’s where ATOM Mobility shines.

ATOM’s software integrates seamlessly with devices from Teltonika, Geotab, INVERS, and others, making it simple to connect your fleet and manage everything from a single dashboard. No matter the size of your operation, ATOM provides tools for real-time tracking, user management, and secure payments—all with intuitive design and full support.

Whether you’re launching your first car-sharing fleet or expanding across multiple cities, ATOM helps you scale profitably and with confidence. We make the technical stuff easy so you can focus on growing your business.

Why is car sharing the future?

Urban living is changing. People are moving away from car ownership, opting instead for flexible, on-demand solutions like car sharing. It’s convenient, cost-effective, and kinder to the planet.

With tech like CAN, OBD, OEM telematics, and IoT devices driving the industry forward, the potential for shared mobility is enormous. But to succeed, operators need the right tools to manage fleets, optimize performance, and deliver a great user experience.

Join us

Ready to start your car-sharing journey? Book a demo with ATOM Mobility and let’s get moving!

Fleet management with ATOM Mobility: The future of task automation

🔧 🚗 Simplify fleet management with automation! ATOM Mobility’s latest Task Automation feature creates maintenance tasks automatically, so you can focus on growth instead of scheduling. From mileage-based services to feedback-triggered check-ups, this tool has your fleet covered.

November 11, 2024

‍Automating fleet management with ATOM Mobility: The future of task automation

Managing a fleet comes with many moving parts—from ensuring vehicles are serviced regularly to addressing feedback and operational needs. ATOM Mobility’s new Task Automation feature optimizes this process by automatically creating tasks based on each vehicle’s real-time parameters, such as mileage, time, user feedback, and ride count. This allows fleet operators to focus on strategic growth while routine maintenance and issue resolution become automated. Here’s how this feature could make fleet operations smoother, efficient, and more scalable for shared mobility and rental businesses.

Task automation for fleet management

ATOM Mobility’s Task Automation feature builds on its ongoing focus to simplify fleet management. This new addition enables operators to automate task creation based on specific vehicle metrics, reducing manual effort and enhancing overall fleet efficiency.

The idea is brilliantly simple: instead of creating tasks manually (which can be tedious and time-consuming), this tool will automatically create tasks for you based on pre-set conditions.

With Task Automation, you can set specific parameters that will trigger task creation, such as mileage, ride count, ratings, or time. Picture this: every 5,000 kilometers driven, the system can automatically create a “Tire Check” task. Or if a specific vehicle receives user ratings below two stars, a “Low user review, check up required” task can be triggered. This approach to task generation not only saves valuable time but also ensures that vehicles receive consistent care based on real usage and performance, not guessing.

How task automation works in a nutshell

Setting up Task Automation in ATOM Mobility’s dashboard is designed to be as seamless as possible. The process essentially boils down to three simple steps:

Log in to the ATOM Mobility platform, and head to the Fleet Maintenance section under “More.”
Create a new automation: Specify the task type (like check-ups or cleaning ro anything else), set priority (low, medium, high), choose the relevant vehicle model, and add an optional description.
Set a trigger parameter and value: Choose the metric that will trigger the task, whether it’s mileage, ride count, user feedback, or time schedule.

Once everything’s set, the system will keep track of these parameters for each vehicle, ensuring that when a trigger is met, a task will be created automatically and added to the dashboard. You’ll have everything you need to keep each vehicle in tip-top shape without manual oversight.

Why task automation is a game-changer for shared mobility operators

It’s no secret that keeping up with fleet maintenance can be a full-time job—and then some. Task Automation is built to give you time back in your day and enhance fleet health without excessive manual work. Here’s how it shines:

Minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency: With automated tasks created on schedule, you’re reducing the chance of missing maintenance, which can lead to unexpected breakdowns or, worse, unsatisfied customers.
Boosting customer experience: Users expect seamless, safe, and reliable rides. By setting automated checks based on feedback ratings, you can address any hiccups before they escalate, like a regular check-up triggered when user ratings dip, ensuring issues are handled swiftly.
Optimizing resource allocation: Operators save time, money, and stress by allowing ATOM’s platform to handle task creation. Staff can then focus on actual maintenance rather than constant monitoring and task creation, ultimately lowering operational costs.

Examples of task automation in action

To illustrate how powerful Task Automation can be, here are some scenarios where it could make a real difference for fleet operators:

Mileage-based maintenance: Automatically set oil changes or tire rotations every 5,000 kilometers. No more sticky notes or vague reminders—once the mileage threshold is hit, the task is created instantly, saving time and maintaining vehicle health.
Feedback-based follow-ups: Let’s say you have a popular scooter, but a few users have noted a squeaky brake. Once the feedback drops below a specific rating, an automatic check-up task is created. That way, you don’t have to wait for a cascade of bad reviews before you act.
Time-based cleanings: Hygiene is crucial, especially in shared mobility. You could set a task to clean and sanitize vehicles after a set number of hours or rides, ensuring each user gets a fresh experience without needing someone to track hours.

Task automation meets scalability: ideal for growing fleets

For any business with a growing fleet, Task Automation provides a clear advantage. By using parameters to generate tasks, you can scale up without needing additional manpower just to manage scheduling. As your fleet grows, Task Automation scales with you, handling more vehicles and keeping you updated on the health and performance of each.

Think of it as a maintenance manager that grows alongside your fleet without increasing your operational costs. It’s no longer about manually checking every vehicle at every mile marker; it’s about letting the system manage maintenance alerts while you keep your attention on strategic growth.

Getting started with task automation on ATOM Mobility

Setting up Task Automation is straightforward, but don’t hesitate to ask ATOM Mobility’s team for more detailed guidance. Here’s a quick overview to get you started:

Select your trigger: Choose between kilometers, hours, ride count, or ratings, based on what matters most to your fleet.
Define your task requirements: Each task is customizable, so you can specify different needs depending on the type of vehicle or its usage.
Monitor with ease: Once in place, the automation will handle task creation. Just check in via the dashboard to monitor progress and handle any high-priority issues as needed. All the information and tasks are synced between the dashboard and fleet manager app.

ATOM Mobility’s commitment to innovation means we’re constantly updating our features to make fleet management more efficient and automated. Task Automation isn’t just a convenience—it’s an opportunity to elevate how you manage and grow your fleet in a sustainable way. With automation taking care of repetitive tasks, your team can focus on what really matters: delivering an outstanding experience to every rider.

Why now’s the time to automate with ATOM Mobility

The shared mobility industry is moving faster than ever, and staying competitive means embracing tools that make operations smoother and more efficient. ATOM Mobility’s Task Automation feature is a game-changer that brings automation to the forefront, allowing operators to focus on high-impact work while leaving routine tasks to the platform.

Whether you manage a fleet of e-bikes, scooters, or vehicles, automated maintenance can streamline your operations, prevent issues before they arise, and let your team work smarter, not harder.

Explore more about ATOM Mobility’s fleet management solutions on their blog and discover other products that can help you on your way to creating a micromobility fleet!

Explore the future of mobility: must-attend events in Q4 2024

🚀 Ready to explore the future of travel and mobility? Here are the top 2024 (Q4) events for business owners and those looking to enter the mobility space! Don’t miss these opportunities to connect, learn, and meet ATOM Mobility team💡

October 14, 2024

ATOM Mobility will be attending three major events that focus on micro-mobility, car rental and taxi industry. We’re looking forward to making new connections, meeting potential partners, and showing how our platform can revolutionize shared mobility. Here’s where we’ll be and why you should join us!

‍

World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024

When: November 5-7, 2024
Where: London, UK‍
Website: World Travel Market London

WTM London is one of the biggest events in the travel and tourism industry, but it’s not just for travel enthusiasts! There’s a growing focus on sustainable urban mobility, making it an exciting event for businesses in the micro-mobility and vehicle-sharing space.

With industry leaders from all over the world, this is a fantastic chance to network and learn about how mobility is becoming a key part of travel experiences.

‍

EU Taximesse 2024

When: November 8-9, 2024
Where: Cologne, Germany
Website: EU Taximess

The EU Taximesse is Europe’s top event for taxi and ride-hailing services, but it's not just about taxis anymore. This event is also a great place to explore new mobility technologies, including vehicle-sharing and fleet management solutions. If you’re working in or alongside these industries, this is the event to check out.

‍

Micromobility America 2024

When: November 14-15, 2024
Where: Costa Mesa, California, USA‍
Website: Micromobility America

If you’re into micro-mobility, is the event to be at! Taking place in California, this event brings together industry leaders, startups, and city planners to discuss the latest trends in urban transportation. From e-scooters to e-bikes, it's a hub for everything micro-mobility. We’re excited to be attending this event to explore how cities can build smarter, greener transport solutions. Whether you're a startup, an investor, or a city planner, we'd love to connect and discuss how we can collaborate to transform urban mobility.

Why are these events a must, if you’re working in the field?

Connect with industry leaders: These events are the perfect place to meet key players in the mobility industry. Let’s chat and see how we can work together to drive innovation in micro-mobility and vehicle-sharing.

Discover the latest trends: Stay ahead of the curve by learning about the newest technologies and business models shaping the future of transportation.‍

Grow your business: Whether you’re a startup looking for partners or an established company aiming to expand, these events offer incredible opportunities for collaboration.

Shall we meet?

Are you planning to attend any of these events? Reach out to us – we can’t wait to connect!

Don’t miss out on these amazing mobility events in the last quarter of 2024! Whether you're in Cologne, London, or California, these events offer an unbeatable chance to learn, network, and explore the future of urban transportation.

Unlocking new revenue streams: B2B partnership ideas in shared mobility

🚀 Want to boost your fleet’s profit? By teaming up with other businesses and trying new B2B ideas, you can generate more revenue and streamline your operations. Explore some interesting B2B revenue-generating ideas!

October 7, 2024