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White label vs franchising: Which model is right for your mobility business?
Blog
White label vs franchising: Which model is right for your mobility business?

🛵 Thinking about launching a mobility business? One key decision can shape your entire growth path: go with a franchise or build your own brand with a white label solution. 🔍 This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each model – and shows how you can even grow your own partner network under your brand with ATOM Mobility’s white label platform.

White label vs franchising: Which model is right for your mobility business?

Starting a new mobility business comes with many decisions, but one of the most important is choosing the right model for growth. Whether you're thinking about launching an electric scooter fleet, a ride-hailing app, or car sharing in your city, there are two main paths to consider: joining a franchise or building your own brand using a white label solution.

Both models offer clear benefits – and both have downsides. What works best depends on your goals, experience, and long-term vision.

What is franchising in mobility?

Franchising means joining an existing brand and operating under their name, systems, and technology. For example, a local taxi fleet might become a Bolt ride-hailing partner, gaining access to Bolt's technology, user base, and reputation. Similarly, in the micromobility space, some brands allow local entrepreneurs to launch electric scooter or bike-sharing services as franchisees.

This model is popular because it can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to launch. Instead of developing your own technology, brand, marketing strategy, and operational systems, you get a package, a “ready to use” business, from a brand that already knows the ropes.

Franchising: Pros and cons

The main advantage of franchising is speed and simplicity. You don’t need to build everything from scratch. You operate under a recognized name, which can make marketing easier. Often, you also get operational support and a clear playbook to follow.

But there are also downsides. As a franchisee, you don’t fully control the brand, customers and the technology. You may have limited flexibility to experiment or adapt the service to your local needs. Franchise fees or revenue sharing models can also reduce your profit margin. And if the brand suffers reputational issues elsewhere, it can impact your local business – even if you’re doing everything right.

Real-world examples of successful micromobility franchises:

LEVY, an US-based electric scooter-sharing company, has successfully expanded through a franchise model by partnering with local operators across USA. Entrepreneurs can launch and operate Levy-branded services in their cities, leveraging LEVY’s tested software, hardware, and operational know-how. This model has helped LEVY scale quickly while maintaining a consistent brand and service quality.

Nextbike, based in Germany, is one of the world’s leading public bike-sharing providers. It works with cities and franchise-like partners to operate local services under the Nextbike brand. These partners handle operations on the ground, such as maintenance and customer service, while benefiting from Nextbike’s established platform, brand, and international experience. With a presence in over 300 cities, it’s a clear example of how a micromobility business can scale through distributed partnerships.

What is white label in mobility?

A white label solution allows you to launch your own mobility platform – under your own brand – using someone else's ready-made technology. This means you can create a ride-hailing app, car-sharing service, or scooter fleet that looks and feels 100% yours, but without needing to build the software from scratch.

If you’re not familiar with how white label works, here’s a good explanation.

With white label, you take ownership of your brand and operations, while leveraging reliable, tested software that’s been used in dozens of markets. You’re not just a local operator – you’re the brand owner.

White label: Pros and cons

The biggest benefit of a white label approach is independence. You control the brand, the marketing, pricing, partnerships, everything. You can build a unique business that reflects your vision and local market needs. There’s no revenue sharing or ongoing franchise fees.

However, white label also means more responsibility. You have to manage marketing, customer support, local partnerships, and operations yourself. While the software is provided, the business is yours to run. It requires more involvement but also brings more potential reward.

3 reasons to choose your own white label platform

  • Complete control over everything: Unlike a franchise, where key decisions are made by its owner, you’re in charge of everything - from choosing the name, branding to allocating budgets and setting up a supply chain.
  • Flexible operations: There’s no universal solution that works equally well for all entrepreneurs. By starting your own project, you can better adapt to the local market needs, customer requests, and even changes in legislation. To launch a new app feature or adjust pricing, you won’t have to go through layers of approvals - you are the only decision-maker.
  • Faster growth opportunities: For example, by attracting investments, launching crowdfunding, increasing your fleet, making additional investments in advertising, or even launching your own franchise.

Choosing the right model for your mobility business

If you want a fast, low-risk way to enter the market with support and clear systems, franchising may be a good fit – especially if you’re new to mobility or want to test the waters.

If you want to build a long-term business under your own brand, with full control and higher potential margins, white label is likely the better option. It gives you room to grow and adapt without being tied to someone else’s rules.

Many successful businesses start with white label software to speed up their launch, then focus on building a strong local brand and user base. Over time, this approach can offer more strategic freedom and better returns.

You can even build your own franchise using ATOM white label

One advantage of choosing a white label provider like ATOM Mobility is that you’re not just building for yourself. With ATOM’s platform, you can also expand by inviting partners to operate under your brand in other cities or regions.

This means that you can launch as an independent operator and, over time, create your own franchise-style network. ATOM’s software allows you to add partners to your platform, assign them specific territories, limit access to data, and manage operations from one central system. Your partners operate under your brand – and you stay in control of the bigger picture.

This is exactly how several of our clients have grown. They started locally, proved the model, then expanded by partnering with others – all without giving up their brand or independence.

Both franchising and white label are valid ways to launch a mobility business, and both come with clear advantages. But if your goal is long-term brand ownership, flexibility, and the ability to scale on your own terms, white label is often the smarter path.

With ATOM Mobility’s platform, you can launch fast, operate efficiently, and even build your own network of partners under your brand – creating a franchise model that works for you.

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Case study
Making corporate travel cool again: the story of MOBEOMaking corporate travel cool again: the story of MOBEO
Making corporate travel cool again: the story of MOBEO
Making corporate travel cool again: the story of MOBEO

Meet MOBEO – an innovative Spanish company that is not only transforming how we get around but also making corporate travel more exciting.

In big cities, employees often want to avoid traffic and parking hassles, preferring an easier way to commute. Luckily, there are people ready to take on the challenge. Meet MOBEO – an innovative Spanish company that is not only transforming how we get around but also making corporate travel more exciting.

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In big cities, employees often want to avoid traffic and parking hassles, preferring an easier way to commute. Luckily, there are people ready to take on the challenge. Meet MOBEO – an innovative Spanish company that is not only transforming how we get around but also making corporate travel more exciting.

We caught up with Álvaro Ventura, CEO of MOBEO, to get the inside scoop on how his company is creating corporate fleets and shaking up the world of business travel with a help from Atom Mobility.

Launch date: November 2023
Country: Spain
Web page: https://mobeosharing.com
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mobeoshare/id6469049276
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobeoshare.app&hl=en_AU
Fleet: bicycles (incl. conventional, hybrid, mountain, electric bikes), pedal karts, and bicycles
for people with reduced mobility.

From two wheels to many

With 12 years of experience in the tourism industry, the MOBEO team identified an opportunity to expand their business by leveraging resources from their existing projects. This vision led to the creation of MOBEOsharing.com, a platform designed to meet the growing demand for employee transportation services. Their ambitious goal? To become the leading provider of shared private fleets for European businesses within five years.

MOBEO’s journey began with a self-funded investment of 70,000 euros, which laid a strong foundation for their operations. However, the team quickly recognized that additional capital would be essential for rapid expansion. They are now actively seeking investments to accelerate their entry into the European market and to help achieve their bold vision.

What makes MOBEO special

MOBEO’s mission goes beyond simply providing vehicles; they aim to transform how companies approach transportation. MOBEO works closely with clients to run campaigns that encourage employees to adopt greener travel options instead of relying on cars. Their comprehensive services include digital awareness campaigns, personalized commuting routes, and team-building events focused on sustainable transportation.

As Ventura, a key figure in MOBEO, explains, “Some clients go all-in with our full package, while others might just want us to handle the wheels. It’s like a buffet—take what you need!”. This flexibility allows MOBEO to cater to companies of all sizes and budgets, making them a preferred choice for businesses looking to modernize their transportation strategies.

On the software side, MOBEO relies on ATOM Mobility's digital rental solution, which provides MOBEO users (employees of companies that MOBEO partners with) the opportunity to create an account in the MOBEO app, upload their employee ID card (allowing the MOBEO team to verify that the individual is indeed employed by the specific company), and, once verified, gain access and pre-book vehicles for upcoming rides. The MOBEO app also features a calendar function, enabling users to schedule future bookings as needed. At the end of the month, MOBEO bills partners based on the usage of vehicles by their employees. All vehicle monitoring, unlocking, and locking are automatically managed by the ATOM Mobility platform. It’s that simple.

Targeting clients

MOBEO is strategically expanding its presence by focusing on large companies with offices in major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valencia, and Seville. These cities are particularly well-suited for introducing shared mobility solutions due to their large employee bases and the strong demand for sustainable transport options. On average, an employee takes a vehicle for 1-2 days and rides 10-40 km per booking.

Partnering with ATOM Mobility

In 2019, MOBEO began with a small software provider that met their initial needs but lacked the capacity for growth. Recognizing the need for a more robust solution, MOBEO partnered with ATOM Mobility—a decision that proved pivotal for scaling their operations.

ATOM Mobility, a leader in shared mobility software solutions, is known for its comprehensive platform and exceptional customer service. Their software empowers businesses like MOBEO to manage fleets efficiently, offer seamless user experiences, and scale operations smoothly. MOBEO frequently encountered positive feedback about ATOM Mobility during hardware discussions, prompting them to explore and eventually adopt ATOM Mobility's services.

This partnership has been instrumental in MOBEO’s success, providing them with the tools and support necessary to expand and innovate in the competitive European market.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Be ready!

For those looking to enter the shared mobility sector, Ventura offers sage advice: “This industry is going places, but it’s not a walk in the park. Good financial planning is key because regulatory changes are like a rollercoaster ride—you’ve got to hang on and adapt quickly.”

The future of success

MOBEO is setting new standards for corporate mobility, thanks to their innovative approach and strategic partnership with ATOM Mobility. Together, they are on track to revolutionize how businesses manage transportation in Spain.

As MOBEO continues to pioneer advancements in corporate mobility, their collaboration with ATOM Mobility remains a cornerstone of their success. With shared values and a commitment to innovation, MOBEO and ATOM Mobility are poised to lead the transformation of business transportation across Europe.

Blog
Organize your fleet like a pro: ATOM Mobility launches Task manager featureOrganize your fleet like a pro: ATOM Mobility launches Task manager feature
Organize your fleet like a pro: ATOM Mobility launches Task manager feature

Boost efficiency, enhance user experience, ensure every job gets done right, and monitor tasks from a single dashboard —say hello to the Task Manager for fleet operators! 🚀

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If you’re managing a fleet, you know that keeping track of all the moving parts can feel like holding a dozen plates spinning at once. That's why ATOM Mobility's latest feature is about to become your new best friend: say hello to the Task Manager for fleet operators!

We are listening to our clients

The new Task Manager feature is based on direct feedback from our Sharing and Rental clients. They needed a more efficient way to organize their on-site teams and manage tasks. We heard their requests loud and clear and have developed a tool that streamlines operations and reduces headaches.

So, what exactly is the Task Manager?

Instead of drowning in a sea of sticky notes and spreadsheets, you now have a sleek, intuitive Task Manager that allows you to:

  1. Create tasks for your operational team directly from the dashboard.
  2. Link each task to a specific vehicle, so there's no confusion about what needs to be done where.
  3. Indicate the type of task, be it maintenance, cleaning, charging, or a simple check-up.
  4. Set start and end dates for each task, ensuring timely execution.
  5. Assign a priority level (high, medium, or low) to help your team focus on what’s most important.
  6. Monitor task completion in real-time, knowing exactly who’s working on what and whether they’re on track.

Why it is a game changer

Let’s break down the main benefits:

  1. Centralized management
    • All your fleet and operational tasks are managed from one dashboard. No more switching between apps, tabs, or physical notes. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for fleet management.
  2. Enhanced team coordination
    • By assigning tasks with clear details and deadlines, your team knows exactly what’s expected. It’s goodbye to miscommunication and hello to efficiency.
  3. Real-time monitoring
    • Keep tabs on who’s doing what and when it’s being done. It’s like having eyes on the ground without needing to be everywhere at once.
  4. Improved client satisfaction
    • With more organized and efficient operations, your fleet’s uptime increases, and client satisfaction soars. Happy clients mean repeat business and great reviews.
  5. Customizable prioritization
    • Not all tasks are created equal. With the ability to set priority levels, you ensure that the most critical tasks get the attention they deserve.

A real-world scenario

Let’s see how this might look in real life. Imagine you’re managing a fleet of cars. One of your team members noticed that a tire is flat Using the Task Manager, they can quickly create a task, link it to the specific car, set a high priority (because nobody likes a flat tire), and assign it to the team member responsible for maintenance.

You can then monitor this task from the dashboard, ensuring it’s completed on time. The result? A happy customer who didn’t have to deal with a flat tire and a team that knows exactly what’s expected of them.

Ready to get started?

Excited to try out the Task Manager for yourself? Head over to your ATOM Mobility dashboard and start exploring this game-changing feature. It’s designed to be intuitive and user-friendly so you can hit the ground running.

At ATOM Mobility, we’re committed to making fleet management as smooth and efficient as possible. The new Task Manager is just one of the many ways we’re helping you stay ahead of the game. By centralizing task creation, assignment, and monitoring, we give you the tools to operate like a well-oiled machine.

So, put on your superhero cape (or just your favorite work shirt), and let the Task Manager take your fleet operations to the next level.‍

Blog
How is AI transforming the micromobility industry?How is AI transforming the micromobility industry?
How is AI transforming the micromobility industry?

🌐 There’s no denying it – we are quickly entering a world we cannot imagine without Artificial Intelligence. That also means changes for the micromobility industry, as AI can help address its challenges, including damage detection, safety, and pricing strategies. 💡 But how is AI transforming the industry? Let’s dive in.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various sectors, and micromobility is no exception. By integrating AI into e-scooters, e-bikes, cars and other small vehicles, the industry is becoming smarter, safer, and more efficient. AI’s prowess in data processing, predictive analytics, and machine learning is driving this transformation, making operations more innovative and productive, and setting a bright future for micromobility.

Let's explore how AI is making a significant impact on the micromobility industry through smart parking, dynamic pricing and rebalancing, and damage detection.

From automating routine tasks to providing deep insights through data analysis, AI is reshaping how we navigate urban environments. Its ability to learn from vast amounts of data and make real-time decisions is crucial for developing efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly transportation solutions.

AI in micromobility

Micromobility refers to small, easy-to-maneuver vehicles like e-scooters, e-bikes, and shared bicycles that operate at speeds typically below 25 km/h. The rise of micromobility is driven by the need for convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly urban transport. AI helps tackle critical challenges in the micromobility industry, including parking management, pricing strategies, fleet rebalancing, and damage detection. Companies like SWITCH are leading the way by using advanced algorithms to generate synthetic data, predict demand, optimize fleet distribution, and support strategic planning.

3 business problems AI solves

1) Improper parking

Improper parking can clutter sidewalks and create accessibility issues, frustrating many urban dwellers. AI-driven parking analysis provides a practical solution:

  • Image Validation: AI modules validate images uploaded by users, ensuring the vehicle is correctly parked. Invalid images require users to retake them.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: AI systems analyze live feeds of parking images, allowing operators to quickly address poor parking.
  • Behavioral Improvement: Data from AI analysis helps redefine parking zones and penalize repeat offenders, reducing bad parking practices.
  • Support Reduction: Accurate parking data significantly decreases the number of support tickets related to parking issues.

Results? Studies show AI parking analysis can drastically improve compliance. For instance, 52% of improperly parked vehicles are correctly re-parked on the second attempt, rising to 82% by the third attempt.

If you're interested in exploring these solutions further, you can read a case study by ATOM Mobility in collaboration with Captur's AI-Powered Photo Verification solution.

2) Dynamic pricing and rebalancing

AI enhances fleet utilization and customer satisfaction through dynamic pricing and rebalancing strategies:

  • Predictive Rebalancing: AI predicts where vehicles are needed most, optimizing their distribution across the city, increasing fleet utilization, and ensuring availability.
  • Automated Task Management: Ground teams benefit from automated task assignments, streamlining operations and reducing manual workloads.
  • Dynamic Pricing: AI adjusts rental costs based on demand, time of day, and location, maximizing revenue and customer retention.

A case study revealed that scooters placed in AI-recommended areas saw a 6% increase in average revenue, and rebalanced vehicles experienced a 10.8% usage increase within 24 hours.

3) Damage detection

Maintaining vehicle condition is crucial for safety and longevity. AI-powered damage detection systems offer a solution:

  • 360-Degree Capture: AI guides users through comprehensive vehicle inspections, capturing detailed images from all angles during pick-up and drop-off.
  • Damage Detection: AI algorithms detect and assess scratches, dents, and other damages, focusing on types specific to the business’s needs.
  • Automated Reporting: The system generates detailed reports on vehicle damage history and rental status, ensuring transparency and facilitating prompt repairs.

Automating damage detection helps operators maintain high safety standards and reduces downtime from manual inspections. Companies such as FocalX streamline the damage detection functionality.

Embracing AI for a smarter future

Integrating AI in micromobility is revolutionizing the industry by enhancing operational efficiency, user experience, and safety. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of micromobility will grow, driving the industry toward smarter, more sustainable urban transportation solutions.

For micromobility operators, embracing AI technologies is not just an option but a necessity to stay competitive and meet the growing demands of urban commuters. The future of micromobility is intelligent, efficient, and AI-driven.

Join the ATOM Academy

Ready to dive deeper into the world of shared mobility and learn how to use AI to transform your business? Join the ATOM Academy for FREE expert knowledge, practical insights, and innovative strategies that will help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving micromobility industry. Visit ATOM Mobility to learn more. Let's drive the future of urban transportation together!

Blog
From vision to reality: building a personalized white label taxi appFrom vision to reality: building a personalized white label taxi app
From vision to reality: building a personalized white label taxi app

The world of taxi apps is booming, but the idea of building your own from scratch can be daunting. 🚕 What if there was a faster, more cost-effective way to launch your ride-hailing service? Enter white label taxi apps. These pre-built solutions provide a shortcut to your business while skipping the lengthy and costly software development process. In this guide, we'll explore the many advantages of white label taxi apps, from quicker launch times to features that help you attract and retain riders.

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The world of taxi apps is booming, but the idea of building your own from scratch can be daunting.

What if there was a faster, more cost-effective way to launch your ride-hailing service?  

Enter white label taxi apps.

These pre-built solutions provide a shortcut to your business while skipping the lengthy and costly software development process.

In this guide, we'll explore the many advantages of white label taxi apps, from quicker launch times to features that help you attract and retain riders. We'll also guide you through the process of building your vision, from defining your target audience to crafting a unique selling proposition.

Why build a taxi app using white label software?

The answer is simple – white label taxi app solutions help to bridge your business idea with reality. There’s no need to build a taxi app from ground zero, since the solutions are already there – tried, tested and waiting for your branding.  

If you’re still not sure about the benefits of using a white label taxi platform over building your own, consider these advantages:

  1. Faster development and launch time 

White label apps are pre-built, allowing you to launch your service much quicker and skip the lengthy and expensive process of custom development. In addition, such mobility software is continuously updated and developed, complying with the latest regulations and meeting user demands in specific markets. 

  1. Cost-effective solution

Building a custom app requires significant investment. White label solutions like ATOM Mobility offer a cost-effective alternative, allowing you to test and refine your concept without breaking the bank.

Once your app is up and running, white label taxi app platforms help you reduce operational costs by automating tasks and increasing operational efficiency for your taxi business.

  1. Customizable features to match your vision

Don't be fooled by the "white label" – your branding can make your taxi app unique. A white label platform gives you the freedom to completely customize the app's look and feel without worrying about the technical intricacies of the app’s operation. 

How exactly do you personalize your app’s brand identity? It’s simple and fun – start by adding your logo, choosing your color scheme, and creating in-app copy to match your brand’s voice. Think about creating a seamless user experience that reflects your unique concept and resonates with your target audience.

  1. Scalability to accommodate future growth

White label solutions are designed to be scalable, allowing you to easily add features and accommodate a growing user base. If you choose to build your taxi app with ATOM, you get a user-friendly booking and dispatch software and a powerful admin panel to manage drivers, customers and follow the stats. With time, you can quickly expand to other business verticals and create your unique superapp, keeping it all customized for your brand.

  1. Improved customer satisfaction & loyalty

Gone are the days of hailing cabs or waiting on hold. Your white label taxi app should have the option to get a ride in seconds, with features that are meticulously designed to be as intuitive as possible. With just a few taps, customers should be able to create accounts, book rides, and track their driver's arrival in real time. 

When building custom taxi fleet software, this level of convenience and sense of control can take years. White label taxi apps have refined their features to enhance customer satisfaction and build loyalty. Thus you won’t have to lose customers due to technical glitches or slow features.

How to make your white label taxi app stand out?

Before you take the first steps in building your white label taxi app, take a moment to solidify your vision.  What will be special about your app and who will be its target users? This roadmap will guide your decisions and ensure your app caters to a specific need within the market.

Lay out a plan including important aspects of your vision, such as:

Define your target audience 

It sure is tempting to offer your services to all the taxi riders on the market, but in reality, differentiation works much better. We recommend defining a user segment that would be the primary target audience for your taxi app. Will you focus on budget-minded students, busy business travelers, or families with young children? Choose a niche that's large enough to be sustainable, but targeted enough to stand out.

Choose your unique selling proposition (USP) 

Your USP is what will differentiate your app. For example, are you known for eco-friendly vehicles, flat fares, or focusing on specific areas? Maybe you’re a kid and pet-friendly company that offers extras like different-size booster seats and cartoons on board.

Determine key app functionalities and special features

It’s also important to consider what app features are imperative for your business. Which functionalities should definitely be there besides having a rider app, driver app, and admin panel? For example, do you want to offer in-app chat, rider verification options, multiple payment options, etc., or any other special features?

Beyond launch: how to market your app and get loyal customers

Let’s imagine you’ve already launched your white label taxi app by selecting the right platform (like ATOM Mobility), choosing your branding and integrating the desired functionalities. What next?

To ensure long-term success, ongoing marketing and customer acquisition strategies are crucial for the success of your ride-hailing business. 

Here's how to hit the ground running:

Know your riders

Leverage built-in analytics within your taxi fleet software to understand rider behavior and preferences. This allows you to create detailed user personas – representations of your ideal customers. By understanding their needs and habits, you can tailor your marketing efforts for maximum impact.

Targeted acquisition

Armed with your user personas, launch targeted advertising campaigns across relevant channels. Social media platforms, local publications, and strategic partnerships with businesses frequented by your target audience can be effective avenues for reaching potential riders.

Loyalty programs to stay top-of-mind

Entice new customers with attractive introductory offers and discounts. Once you've hooked them, implement loyalty programs that reward repeat rides. This could include points systems for free rides, different memberships with exclusive benefits, or referral programs that incentivize existing riders to spread the word.

Harnessing the power of "deals"

Don't underestimate the power of discount codes and promotions. Strategic use of these tools can attract deal-conscious customers and encourage them to try your service.

Top taxi fleet software, like ATOM Mobility, offers various marketing tools, from loyalty and referral programs to integrated email marketing and push notifications that help stay top of mind and re-activate users.

Bring your dream taxi business to life

The world of taxi apps is brimming with potential, and white label solutions empower you to claim your share. 

If you’re ready to turn your dream into reality, choose trustworthy taxi fleet software like ATOM Mobility to eliminate all technological headaches. Instead, you can focus on marketing and operations and grow your business with unlimited possibilities.

Contact ATOM Mobility today for a free consultation and explore how we can transform your vision into a thriving ride-hailing business.

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