Insights and news from the ATOM Mobility team

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a trend in mobility. For modern vehicle sharing and rental services, AI is already solving real operational problems and unlocking new ways to grow. At ATOM Mobility, several AI-powered features have already been implemented into live products and tested by operators across Europe.

This article shares three real-world AI use cases that are already helping operators reduce manual work, improve asset control, and better match vehicle availability to demand. 

1. Vision AI: Camera-based parking control for micromobility

Micromobility parking continues to be a challenge in cities where dockless vehicles can end up blocking sidewalks, crossings or entrances. Manual checks are costly and often too slow to solve the problem in real time.

ATOM Mobility now uses computer vision to solve this. With Vision AI, riders take a photo when ending their ride. The system analyses the image using a neural network to understand if the vehicle is parked correctly – within a designated zone and without creating obstructions. If not, the app notifies the user and prevents trip completion until the parking is corrected.Each parking photo is automatically tagged as “Good parking”, “Improvable parking” (the user receives guidance on how to improve the parking), or “Bad parking” (the user is asked to re-park).

If the user fails to submit a “Good parking” photo after several attempts, the system will accept the photo with its current tag (“Improvable” or “Bad parking”) and flag it in the dashboard for further customer support review.

This solution has been live with many operators already. It helps reduce complaints, improve compliance with city regulations, and lowers the need for manual reviews.

2. Precision AI: Detecting car rental damages with cameras and machine learning

In traditional car rental, damage inspection is slow, manual, and often inconsistent. With self-service rentals becoming more popular, operators need a smarter and faster way to verify a vehicle’s condition between trips.

ATOM Mobility has integrated AI-powered damage detection using computer vision. Customers scan the vehicle at pick-up and drop-off. The app compares images and flags scratches, dents, or other visible damage with high accuracy. This allows operators to quickly assess responsibility and reduce disputes.

The system helps protect the fleet, lowers repair costs, and adds trust for both users and operators. It’s especially useful for car sharing and self-service rental models where physical handovers are skipped.

3. Prediction AI: Forecasting demand and automating vehicle relocation

One of the biggest cost factors in shared mobility is rebalancing the fleet. If scooters or cars are idle in the wrong location, revenue is lost. At the same time, relocating vehicles manually is expensive and not always efficient.

ATOM’s AI models use historical trip data, usage trends and contextual signals (such as day of the week or weather) to forecast demand and suggest the best relocation zones. This gives operators a map of where and when to move vehicles – improving utilisation and saving time.

The system can even be combined with automated relocation logic, where users are incentivised to park in high-demand areas. This shifts part of the rebalancing cost from operators to riders and keeps the fleet productive.

Why this matters now

AI tools are finally reaching the stage where they can operate reliably, even in complex environments like cities. These examples are not abstract ideas or lab tests. They’re active features helping ourcustomers run leaner, smarter fleets today.

For micromobility operators, Vision AI reduces complaints and ensures regulatory compliance. For car rental providers, Precision AI saves hours of staff time and improves trust. And for both, Prediction AI improves margins by making sure vehicles are where users need them.

What’s up next?

These are just the first steps. AI in mobility will continue to expand with smarter pricing engines, voice-based support, predictive maintenance, and more. But the examples above already prove that even small AI integrations can bring major improvements.

At ATOM Mobility, we continue building these tools directly into our platform so that operators don’t need to develop them in-house. If you want to see how these AI-powered features work in action, get in touch with our team.

AI in shared mobility is not about replacing people. It’s about giving operators better tools to run faster, smarter, and more efficient services.

2025 has been a defining year for shared mobility, digital rentals, and ride-hailing. Competition is stronger, operational costs are rising, and users expect instant, reliable digital experiences. Operators who succeed are the ones who automate more, reduce friction, and stay flexible with hardware, payments, and integrations.

This year, ATOM Mobility shipped a series of features designed to help operators achieve exactly that:
grow revenue, reduce costs, improve fleet quality, and scale into new markets with less complexity.

Here are the 10 most impactful (out of more than 70) features ATOM Mobility released in 2025, and why they matter.

1. OpenAPI (supported by all 3 modules - vehicle sharing, digital rental and ride-hail)

The launch of ATOM’s OpenAPI marks a major step forward for operators seeking greater flexibility, automation, and integration possibilities.

What it is
A fully documented API layer allowing operators and partners to build custom flows, integrations, booking systems, analytics dashboards, or MaaS connections on top of ATOM Mobility.

Who it helps
All verticals: micromobility, car-sharing, moped sharing, rentals, ride-hail, and enterprise partners.

How it works
OpenAPI enables third-party developers to build on top of the ATOM Mobility infrastructure, allowing seamless integrations with external apps, internal tools, and automated workflows. With OpenAPI, operators can extend their service in almost any direction: a partner app (like FreeNow or Uber) can show your vehicles, unlock them, and process payments on your behalf; or internal systems can trigger automated actions - such as sending a survey email after every completed ride. The possibilities are nearly unlimited, giving operators full flexibility to innovate and scale however they choose.

Why it matters
- Enables deeper integrations with partners and local platforms
- Supports custom business logic and automations
- Makes it easier to enter new markets with local-specific requirements
- Opens the door to MaaS distribution and enterprise collaborations

2. Sign-In with Apple & Google - A smoother first-time user experience (all modules)

Across mobility, the registration flow is often the first point of friction. ATOM Mobility introduced modern authentication options to simplify onboarding.

What it is
One-tap sign-in using Apple ID or Google Account instead of relying solely on SMS verification.

Who it helps
All operators - especially those targeting tourists, or markets with unreliable SMS delivery.

How it works
When creating a new account or logging in, users can choose to log in/register using Apple ID or Google Account - this will allow account creation in just 2 taps.

Why it matters
- Faster user onboarding experience -> happier rider -> more frequent rides
- Fewer SMS-related issues (and lower SMS related costs) and failed verifications
- Reduced support load from login problems

3. Multipurpose side menu button (all modules)

What it is
A customizable slot in the app menu where operators can add up to five external links - websites, ecommerce pages, tour pages, extra FAQ pages, social media, partner offers, etc.

How it works
- Enable in Settings → System preferences → External links
- Add titles + URLs
- Links automaticaly appear in the app under “More”

Value for operators
- A space where you can display any information you consider important for the user
- Supports cross-promotion and partnership campaigns
- Allows communication updates without app releases
- Creates additional monetisation opportunities, such as launching your own e-commerce or merchandise shop

4. Pre-ride questionnaire (all modules)

What it is
A form that users must complete before starting a ride - ideal for compliance, reporting, invoicing, or gathering important data.

Who it helps
Operators needing regulatory data, reporting, consent collection, or structured user feedback.

How it works
Create a question (or several) in “Customer form” -> Group questions into a pre-ride form -> Assign a form to specific vehicle models/classes.
Once completed, the customer must answer predefined questions before starting the ride. Their responses appear in both customer and ride exports. For example, you can ask for a personal ID code, legal address, or any other required information.

Value for operators
- Helps meet regulatory or municipal requirements
- Ensures correct invoicing details
- Provides a structured way to capture essential user data

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5. Driver revenue auto-distribution (Stripe & Adyen, ride-hail)

‍What it is
Automatic payout splitting: driver earnings go to the driver’s payout account, and platform commission goes to the operator - all processed automatically after each ride.

Who it helps
Ride-hail operators using Stripe or Adyen.

How it works
- Operator has a Stripe/Adyen merchant account
- Drivers onboard as payout recipients
- After completed rides, payouts split automatically
- Supports mixed payment methods (cash and non-cash)

Value for operators
- Reduces manual payout work
- Minimises accounting errors
- Improves driver experience through transparency and instant pay out
- Makes scaling easier when the driver base grow

6. Set a manual vehicle location (vehicle sharing & digital rental)

What it is
A tool to override or manually set a vehicle’s GPS position when IoT data is unavailable (no IoT placed on the vehicle at all) or inaccurate.

Who it helps
Operators with underground parking, poor GPS coverage, or long-term rentals without IoT can use this setup. A typical scenario is long-term bike rental without IoT: the user completes ID verification, payment, and booking in the app, then sees the vehicle assigned to a predefined location (station) where it is picked up and later returned. This serves as a workaround for vehicles that do not support IoT or where adding IoT device is too costly.

How it works
Edit vehicle → update “Location” field. The system assumes this as the correct coordinate. Works for individual vehicles or via mass import.

Value for operators
- Avoids user frustration when vehicles appear in the wrong location
- Supports business modesl with fleets operating without IoT devices

7. Offer your price - rider-controlled pricing (ride-hailing)

What it is
A flexible pricing feature that lets passengers propose their own fare - higher or lower than the system-calculated price, within limits set by the operator. Drivers see the offer instantly and can choose to accept or reject it.

Who it helps
Ride-hailing operators in competitive, price-sensitive, or highly dynamic markets where price shifts demand quickly.

How it works
When requesting a ride, the user selects “Offer your price”. A slider or +/– buttons allow them to adjust the fare within operator-defined boundaries. If the user lowers the price, the app explains that the offer may reduce the chance of driver acceptance.
Drivers see a clear banner showing whether the rider is offering more or less than the standard fare. Drivers can accept or decline based on their preference.
Operators can enable or disable the feature per vehicle class.

Why it matters
- Creates a clear differentiator in markets dominated by fixed-fare competitors
- Helps convert riders who compare multiple apps before booking
- Gives drivers more control over their earnings and decisions, improving transparency and satisfaction
- Supports better ride matching during off-peak hours or less profitable routes
- Allows operators to experiment with more flexible pricing strategies without changing their core fare model

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8. Web-booker for digital rental - frictionless bookings directly from your website (digital rental)

‍What it is
A lightweight, embeddable booking widget that lets customers reserve a rental vehicle directly from your website - without installing the mobile app first. It’s designed to capture spontaneous bookings, convert website visitors, and unify online and in-app rental experiences.

Who it helps
Car, moped, and bike rental operators, as well as hospitality and tourism partners such as hotels, resorts, coworking spaces, real-estate developers, and travel service providers.

How it works
Every operator receives a branded rental URL: merchantname.atommobility.com/rent
Users select their area, vehicle type, and rental period directly in the widget. Once confirmed and the account created, the booking syncs automatically into the ATOM Mobility dashboard. Customers see a confirmation screen with a QR code to open the booking in the mobile app. Payment, ID verification, and vehicle unlock actions are completed in the ATOM Mobility-powered app before the trip begins.
The widget automatically adapts to the operator’s brand color for a visually seamless integration. In the dashboard, each booking displays its source: App, Web, or Booker - helping operators track where rentals originate.

Why it matters
- Converts first-time users browsing your website into paying customers - without forcing an app install
- Enables plug-and-play rental flows for partners such as hotels, rental desks, cafés, coworking spaces, or tourist spots
- Supports QR-based rental journeys from physical locations
- Reduces friction for users who want a fast, simple booking experience
- Helps operators expand distribution with minimal effort, unlocking new sales channels
- Unifies online and mobile rental flows under a single backend and operational system

Demo: https://app.atommobility.com/rental-widget

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9. Vehicle status change automation (vehicle sharing & digital rental)

What it is
Bad user experiences often happen when several riders encounter the same faulty vehicle. ATOM Mobility now prevents this automatically. Automation rules detect problematic vehicles and instantly set them to “Needs investigation,” hiding them from the user app so the operator can inspect the vehicle before the next rider can take it.

Who it helps
Sharing and rental operators managing medium or large fleets.

How it works
System monitors low ratings, repeated short rides, and user reports. When triggered, it:
- creates a maintenance task
- switches vehicle status
- hides the vehicle from users

Why it matters
- Prevents recurring complaints from the same issue
- Reduces refunds and reputational damage
- Helps maintain a healthier, more reliable fleet
- Automates routine operational checks

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10. New integrations (10) - a broader ecosystem for hardware, payments & compliance (all modules)

What was added
2025 brought a wave of new integrations that give operators more flexibility in choosing hardware, payments, charging, and regulatory tools. What was added:
- Ridemovi IoT
- Wave payment gateway
- Linka smart lock support
- 2Hire IoT
- Kuhmute charging stations
- Eskiz.uz OTP service
- Atmos payment gateway
- Chiron API (regulatory)
- Fitrider charging station
- Azericard payment gateway

Why it matters
- Easier entry into markets with local payment or OTP requirements
- More hardware options for scooters, bikes, e-bikes, and cars
- Better compatibility with charging infrastructure
- Reduced integration time when expanding
- Support for regulatory compliance where required

These ten features represent only a small selection of what we delivered this year. In total, our team shipped more than 70 new features, dozens of integrations, and countless small improvements that quietly make the platform faster, more stable, and more enjoyable for operators and end-users every single day. Behind each release is a team focused on one idea: helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more efficient, and more profitable mobility businesses.

And we’re just getting started.
Our 2026 tech pipeline is already packed with ambitious and exciting solutions - from deeper AI-powered automation to smarter fleet intelligence and new tools that will change how operators run mobility services. We're looking forward to pushing the industry even further together.

You open an app, spot a scooter on the map, and within seconds it unlocks with a click. You ride off, expecting the battery to be charged, the brakes to work, and the whole process to feel effortless. From the very first ride, shared mobility set the standard: vehicles should always be nearby, ready to go, and the whole experience should feel seamless. What most riders never think about, though, is the complex mix of hardware and software working in the background to make every smooth ride possible.

Why the tech matters

Technology is the baseline for the shared mobility business model. Every ride depends on it. Vehicles need IoT hardware to lock, unlock, and report their status. Connectivity has to be stable so operators always know where assets are and what condition they’re in.

On the software side, riders expect apps that feel instant and intuitive, while operators rely on dashboards for fleet health, pricing, and support. Add in the realities of theft, battery swaps, downtime, and local regulations, and the stakes become clear. Without a reliable tech stack, even small failures – a scooter that won’t unlock or a payment that stalls – can quickly break user trust and hurt the business.

Where it began

Over the years, several manufacturers have entered the shared mobility IoT space, offering different hardware configurations, network technologies, and integrations. Companies like Teltonika (Lithuania), Comodule (Estonia), Invers (Germany), OMNI (China) and others produce modules compatible with various vehicle types and connectivity standards. Each provider focuses on specific strengths – some prioritize energy efficiency or compact design, others emphasize global coverage or advanced diagnostics. Choosing between them depends on the type of vehicles, operational scale, and software ecosystem an operator plans to use.

Our partner, Comodule was already developing IoT for micromobility when the Corona pandemic hit. Overnight, cities shifted and everyone needed their own safe, private way to move around. Shared scooters and bikes suddenly went from being a niche service to an essential part of urban transport, and the demand for IoT skyrocketed. For IoT manufacturers, it meant long days in development and manufacturing, pushing hard to deliver reliable devices at scale for brands like Uber, Lime, and Hive.

That sharp rise in demand forced them to grow quickly and gave valuable experience in building technology that could perform under real pressure. Fleets that trusted Comodule devices had a backbone they could rely on: vehicles that could be located, unlocked, secured, and managed internationally. Just as important, the IoT had to integrate seamlessly with software systems (like ATOM Mobility). That’s why building robust API and SDK tools became critical – enabling operators to connect hardware to their platforms, control fleets in real time, and access the information needed to keep moving.

IoT as the brain of the vehicle

Inside every connected scooter or bike sits a IoT module, the “brain” that links the vehicle to the cloud. It connects through cellular networks, constantly sending data about location, speed, and battery status. When a rider taps “unlock” in the app, that command travels through the cloud to the module, which triggers the electronic lock and wakes up the vehicle. The same connection allows operators to set geofenced no-parking zones, push over-the-air updates, or activate a sound alarm if the scooter is being tampered with. Battery sensors inside the module report charging cycles and health, so operators know exactly when a pack needs to be swapped or replaced.

All of this data is streamed in real time to the fleet management system, giving providers the ability to monitor hundreds or even thousands of vehicles simultaneously. For operators, these capabilities mean higher uptime, faster theft recovery, and precise control over the entire fleet – the difference between running a struggling operation and a profitable one.

Rising expectations in the market

As shared mobility matured, the bar kept getting higher. New scooter generations came with swappable batteries, sturdier frames, and better onboard electronics. Riders got used to apps that respond instantly, process payments in seconds, and show vehicle availability with pinpoint accuracy.

At the same time, competition rose, not only from global players but also from smaller, local operators launching fleets in their own cities. For these companies, reliable hardware was no longer enough. They needed the software layer that connects everything: smooth rider apps, powerful operator dashboards, and analytics to make smarter decisions. Yet many lacked the time and resources to build software on their own.

Software as the missing piece

As fleets grew and competition intensified, operators realized they did not have time or funds to develop their own software layer. They needed a market-ready platform that ties everything together – apps that riders enjoy using and dashboards that give operators full control of their business. That’s where solutions like ATOM Mobility come in.

Platform connects directly with Comodule IoT through APIs and SDKs, so every unlock command, error code, or battery update flows instantly between the rider’s app and the operator’s dashboard. Almost any company can launch a fleet with this stack – from large-scale operators to small, local newcomers.

The power of integration

When hardware and software work seamlessly, the rider experience feels effortless. A simple tap in the app sends a command through the cloud to IoT, which unlocks the vehicle and streams live data back in milliseconds. The operator instantly sees the vehicle’s status in the dashboard: battery level, GPS position, and any error codes.

If the scooter leaves a geofenced area, the system reacts automatically. If maintenance is needed, the alert is flagged before it becomes a breakdown. By combining the hardware with software, fleet providers get one complete ecosystem – a stack built to keep vehicles online and users satisfied.

From seamless rides to smarter cities

From a rider’s perspective, shared mobility should always “just work.” That won’t change. But the technology stack behind it is becoming more sophisticated every year. Stricter regulations demand safer and more transparent services, while cities are pushing for integration into broader Mobility-as-a-Service platforms. IoT and software together provide the data and control that operators need, not only to stay compliant but also to improve fleet efficiency and sustainability and to provide insights for city planning.

For users, that sophistication will translate into something simple: services that are more reliable, safer for everyone on the road, and smarter – with data from real-world usage helping to shape better vehicles, better infrastructure, and better cities in the future.

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*This article was created together with our partner Comodule.

The car rental industry is finally going digital. Not with just a website and an app, but with a real transformation of how rentals work – from booking to unlocking the vehicle. Customers no longer want paper contracts, counters, or “similar model” surprises. They want convenience, predictability, and self-service.

That’s exactly what happened at Norway’s largest airports, where traditional rental giant Europcar lost its presence to Hyre – a local operator offering a mobile-first, fully digital blend of car rental and sharing. But it’s not just new players like Hyre pushing this shift. Established giants like Sixt and Avis are rapidly digitalising their rental flow as well – rolling out features like app-based bookings, mobile ID verification, and keyless access across key markets.

At ATOM Mobility, we’ve helped operators move toward this digital future for over seven years. The goal is simple: modernise outdated processes, improve the user experience, and create more profitable operations. And right now, the timing for this shift couldn’t be better.

From counters to apps: Why the rental experience is changing

Customer expectations have changed. Today’s users – especially younger ones and business travellers – are used to seamless, mobile-first journeys. They don’t want to queue at a desk, hand over their ID, wait for paperwork, or discover they’re getting a different car than they booked. And in many cases, they simply won’t accept it.

Hyre’s model responds to this new demand:

• A 100% digital rental experience, available via app, website, or walk-up self-service kiosk
• Real-time vehicle selection – you see and book the actual car you’ll drive
• Instant access via smartphone, no human interaction required

And the results are impressive:

• In 2019, Hyre made €1.1M in revenue with a €1.7M loss. In 2020 – €4.6M revenue, €0.2M profit
• By 2024, they reached ~€34M revenue and finally turned a solid profit
• They now operate 2,500+ vehicles, across 100+ models
• Average revenue per vehicle is ~€37/day (over €1,100/month) – around 50% higher than some other regional competitors

This shift is not just a trend in Norway. It’s a glimpse of where the car rental market is heading across Europe and beyond.

What users gain from a digital rental experience

The benefits for customers are obvious – and powerful:

1. No waiting at the counter
   Skip the lines, avoid awkward conversations, and get on the road faster. Operators like Sixt now offer full online check-in and mobile app flows that replace the desk altogether.
2. Car you booked = car you get
   No more vague “or similar” surprises. Apps like Hyre and Sixt let you choose the actual vehicle, right before your trip.
3. No paperwork, no friction
   Everything is handled in-app: driver’s license verification, payment, pickup, and return.
4. Unlock with your phone
   Smartphone access makes key handover unnecessary. Some services also offer remote unlock support if something goes wrong.
5. On-demand rentals
   Rent a car for an hour, a day, or a week – flexible durations are easier to offer with digital flows.

This is what the modern traveller wants: clarity, control, and speed.

Why operators are embracing digitalisation

While the user benefits are clear, the real business case lies in how much better digitalisation makes operations:

1. Reduced staffing costs
   With no need for front desk staff at every location, operators save significantly – especially at airports and peak-time zones.
2. Higher fleet utilisation
   Real-time data enables better fleet distribution, faster turnover between rentals, and reduced downtime.
3. Better user data and insights
   A mobile-first journey provides valuable usage data: when people rent, where, how long, and what kind of car. This helps with pricing, loyalty, and upselling.
4. Fewer manual errors and disputes
   Digital contracts, ID checks, and timestamps reduce risk and improve accountability.
5. New revenue models
   Digitalisation opens the door for hybrid models – like Sixt Share – where rental and car sharing meet. One fleet, multiple use cases.

Real examples: Hyre, Sixt, Avis, and Beyond

• Hyre (Norway): A leader in mobile-first car rental and sharing. Took over Europcar’s prime airport locations in 2024. Profitable, scalable, and 100% digital.
• Sixt: Offers online check-in, vehicle pre-selection, and app-based car access in key cities. Its Sixt Share product blends traditional rental and flexible car sharing in a single app. Sixt also lets customers select their exact car model up to 30 minutes before pickup.
• Avis Budget Group: Investing heavily in digital transformation – using AWS to build connected vehicle platforms and real-time user tracking. In Mexico, Avis even launched biometric identity verification, allowing renters to skip counters using facial recognition.

These companies understand that digitalisation isn’t about offering an app – it’s about rebuilding the rental experience around the user. And it's paying off.

What this means for operators (and how ATOM Mobility can help)

If you’re running a rental operation and still relying on paperwork, front desks, or disconnected tools, now’s the time to evolve.

Here’s how you can modernise your operations with help from ATOM Mobility:

• Replace paper with digital onboarding
  Use in-app license scanning, facial verification, and automated approval flows.
• Enable keyless vehicle access
  Let users unlock the vehicle via app, securely and reliably.
• Offer flexible rental durations
  Go beyond daily rates – allow hourly, weekend, or hybrid rental periods.
• Use data to guide pricing and availability
  Monitor usage patterns and demand in real time. Adjust pricing zones dynamically.
• Launch new revenue streams
  With digital infrastructure in place, testing car sharing or subscriptions becomes much easier.
• Cut costs and increase vehicle ROI
  More bookings per vehicle, lower overhead, and happier customers – all enabled by a modern backend.

ATOM Mobility provides all the building blocks to power this shift. Whether you’re a traditional rental company l

ooking to go mobile-first, or a new operator exploring flexible mobility, we’ve built the tech to get you there.

The rental counter is going away

Car rental is becoming more like e-commerce: fast, digital, and customer-led. The counter, the queue, the paperwork – these are all parts of an older model that no longer meets expectations. The future lies in seamless, app-based access that lets users pick the car they want, when they want it.

The Hyre example shows what’s possible with the right model. Sixt and Avis show how even large incumbents are adapting. If you’re an operator – big or small – the time to start this shift is now.

And if you’re looking for a trusted partner to support you on that journey, ATOM Mobility digital rental software is ready. We help rental and car sharing businesses launch, scale, and thrive – with the tech that powers modern mobility.