DEVELOPMENT

How to Build an E-Scooter App: Essential Guide

Published: September 17, 2024

28 min read

Today, electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation, offering a quick and eco-friendly way to navigate city streets. But what drives the rise of e-scooters beyond convenience and sustainability? A major factor is the seamless, user-friendly apps that make it easy to manage personal vehicles and rent shared scooters.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key steps and considerations for e-scooter app development. From market insights to key features, legal considerations, and technical solutions, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Keep reading to discover the key insights and best practices to help you build a seamless and efficient app experience.

🛴 E-Scooter Market Overview

What is e-mobility? In the context of e-scooters, it refers to using of electric-powered scooters as sustainable transportation. The global e-scooter market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the demand for sustainable urban transportation and the rise of shared mobility services.

According to the Next Move Strategy Consulting report, the electric scooter market, valued at $21.51 billion in 2022, is forecasted to grow to $49.36 billion by 2030, achieving a CAGR of 14.2% from 2023 to 2030. The growth of scooter app development is driven by advancements in battery technology and the expansion of smart city initiatives aimed at improving urban mobility.

The electric scooter rental segment, a key part of the broader electric scooter market, is also witnessing significant expansion. As reported by Statista, the global revenue from scooter sharing services is anticipated to reach $1.9 billion by 2024. The user base is expected to exceed 94.2 million worldwide this year.

Statista report on e-scooter sharing services revenue worldwide

E-scooter sharing services are expected to generate revenue over the next five years (image by Statista)

Let’s take a look at regional market insights:

  • Statzon reports that Asia-Pacific dominates the global market due to high urbanization rates and large populations, particularly in countries like China and India. For instance, China has about 350 million e-scooters in 2024.
  • According to Statista, the user base in Europe is forecasted to reach 42.1 million by 2024, with Germany, France, and Spain being the largest markets.
  • As reported by Statzon, the number of e-scooters in Europe could reach 600,000 by 2024.
  • Statista reports that the e-scooter user base in North America is expected to reach 33 million by 2029, with New York and San Francisco leading the trend.

This dynamic market environment offers a promising landscape for startups and existing mobility companies to create e-scooter apps that leverage these growth trends and deliver cutting-edge solutions for urban mobility.

🛵 Types of E-Scooter Apps

For successful e-scooter app development, it’s essential to understand the different types of apps available in the market. Generally, e-scooter apps can be categorized into two main types: e-scooter rental apps and e-scooter companion apps. Each type serves a unique purpose and caters to different user needs and business models.

E-Scooter Rental Apps

E-scooter rental or sharing apps are designed to facilitate short-term rentals of electric scooters in urban areas. These apps are tailored for users looking for convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Users can effortlessly explore cities with user-friendly electric scooter rental apps

E-scooter sharing apps allow quickly locate and rent scooters with just a few taps (image by Bacancy)

E scooter sharing app development usually involves two main panels: the User Panel and the Admin Panel.

  • User Panel: Provides a user-friendly interface for riders to locate, book, and unlock scooters, as well as manage payments, ride history, and personal settings.
  • Admin Panel: Offers a comprehensive dashboard for fleet operators and administrators to manage the entire scooter fleet, including tracking scooter locations, monitoring battery levels, handling user complaints, and managing revenue.

📌 Key players in the e-scooter sharing app market are Bird, Lime, Spin, and Lyft.

E-Scooter Companion Apps

E-scooter companion or control apps are primarily designed for individual e-scooter owners rather than those using shared fleets. These apps are often bundled with specific e-scooter brands and offer additional features that help users manage their scooters effectively.

Egret's user-friendly interface, good design, and customizable settings allow riders to tailor their experience to their preferences

With advanced features designed for convenience, Egret enhances every ride and ensures optimal performance (image by Stormotion)

📌 Key players in the e-scooter control app market are Xiaomi, Ninebot, Isinwheel, and Pure. We’re also proud to be the tech partner of Egret, the innovative e-scooter manufacturer based in Germany. We’ll tell you more about this case study at the end of the article.

By identifying the right app type, businesses can effectively target their audience and enhance user engagement in the growing e-scooter market.

⚙️ How Do Electric Scooter Apps Work?

Understanding the different types of e-scooter apps also reveals their distinct technological requirements and functionalities, which are crucial in electric scooter app development. Sergei Shemshur, our React Native Developer, sheds light on how these apps operate.

E-Scooter Companion Apps

E-scooter companion apps allow users to control and monitor their scooter’s settings directly from their smartphones, primarily using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This technology ensures straightforward, real-time control with minimal infrastructure.

An example of an easy-to-use e-scooter companion app

Intuitive e-scooter companion apps allow users to monitor and control their scooter's performance (image by raihan fikri)

How They Work (after you buy the e-scooter):

  1. Open the App: Download and launch the app on your smartphone.
  2. Connect to Scooter: Register your e-scooter on the app and use BLE to pair it with your scooter.
  3. Manage Settings: Control settings such as locking/unlocking, adjusting riding modes, and changing display metrics (e.g., kilometers vs. miles) directly through the app.
  4. Enjoy the ride!
Sergei Shemshur, React Native Developer @ Stormotion

E-scooter companion apps are simpler to develop due to their limited technology requirements, primarily focusing on BLE connectivity for direct communication between the e-scooter and the smartphone. In contrast, e-scooter sharing apps require a more complex technological infrastructure to handle multiple users, real-time tracking, payment processing, and fleet management, making them more challenging to implement.

Sergei Shemshur, React Native Developer @ Stormotion

E-Scooter Rental Apps

E-scooter sharing apps connect multiple users to a network of available scooters, necessitating a more complex technological infrastructure.

E-scooter sharing apps are revolutionizing urban transportation by providing users with cost-effective mobility solutions

E-scooter rental apps offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative for short trips and daily commutes (image by Dhira Danuarta ✳)

How They Work:

  1. Open the App: Launch the app, and sign up with your details and payment information.
  2. Find and Book a Scooter: Use GPS and maps to locate and reserve an available scooter near you.
  3. Unlock the Scooter: Scan a QR code or use NFC to unlock the scooter.
  4. Ride: Navigate with GPS, track your ride in real-time, and receive updates through push notifications about battery status or route reminders.
  5. End the Ride: Park the scooter in a designated area, end the ride in the app, and pay based on usage.
  6. Provide Feedback: Report issues or provide feedback through the app.

Electric scooter companion apps utilize BLE for direct, straightforward control of individual scooters, while scooter sharing app development requires a more intricate setup to support shared rentals and fleet management.

When developing an e-scooter app, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is essential. Below are key considerations and advice for ensuring your app meets all necessary standards.

  • Local Regulations. Each city may have specific regulations for scooter sharing business, including permits and licenses for fleets.

🟢 Advice: Research the local regulatory landscape early in the electric scooter rental app development process to avoid hefty fines.

  • Age Restrictions and Riding Guidelines. Operators must ensure users meet the minimum age and follow proper riding behavior.

🟢 Advice: Implement age verification features (through ID scanning) during e-scooter application development to reduce legal liability.

  • Speed Limits and Designated Riding Areas. E-scooters often face speed limits and are restricted to specific areas like bike lanes.

🟢 Advice: Use GPS-based geofencing to automatically limit speeds in specific zones and restrict usage to approved areas.

  • Helmet and Safety Equipment Mandates. Depending on the region, helmets may be required for riders to ensure their safety.

🟢 Advice: Incorporate reminders and offer helmet rental or discounts through partnerships with local providers.

The app provides multiple payment options, allowing users to easily pay for rides

Users can manage their payments easily through the e-scooter rental app (image by Parshant Designs)

  • Insurance Policies and Liability Coverage. You must have insurance to cover liabilities for accidents or damages, protecting both users and your company.

🟢 Advice: Partner with an insurance provider to create a policy covering riders, vehicles, and third parties. Display insurance details in your app for user peace of mind.

If you're interested in developing a custom solution for insurance, you can also make a car insurance app tailored to your business needs.

  • Data Protection and Privacy Regulations. Electric scooter sharing and companion apps must comply with data protection laws such as GDPR.

🟢 Advice: During electric scooter app development, implement end-to-end encryption and ensure that your app has clear privacy policies.

  • Parking and Usage Restrictions in Urban Areas. Cities may have designated zones for parking e-scooters to avoid clutter.

🟢 Advice: Use in-app maps to direct riders to parking zones and integrate penalties for improper parking to ensure compliance with urban restrictions.

E-scooter app creation requires careful attention to legal and regulatory considerations. Proper planning and integration with local policies will not only protect your business but also enhance the appeal and usability of your app.

⚖️ Pros and Cons of E-Scooter Apps

E-scooter apps have revolutionized urban mobility by offering a convenient way to manage rides. However, they also come with their own set of challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to consider when you decide to start e-scooter companion or scooter sharing app development.

Benefits of E-Scooter Apps

  1. Convenient and Affordable Urban Mobility. E-scooters provide an easy and cost-effective solution for short trips in cities, making them ideal for last-mile transportation.
  2. Flexible Payment and Rental Options. The app payment system can include pay-per-ride, subscription models, and free rides for loyalty programs.
  3. User-Friendly Interfaces and Real-Time Navigation. E-scooter apps offer intuitive design and real-time GPS navigation, helping users quickly locate, unlock, and ride scooters with ease.
  4. Data-Driven Insights. Both operators/manufacturers and users benefit from data analytics, with operators optimizing fleet management and users accessing ride history and usage patterns.
  5. Sustainability and Brand Image. Promoting e-scooters aligns with sustainability goals and supports green transportation initiatives, enhancing the brand’s eco-conscious image.
  6. Scalable Business Model for Shared Mobility. E-scooter apps are highly scalable, allowing operators to expand their fleet and services to new cities without significant infrastructure investments.

Disadvantages of E-Scooter Apps

  1. Potential for Regulatory and Compliance Issues. We discussed this in the section above.
  2. Challenges with Maintenance and Vehicle Availability. Maintaining a fleet of scooters can be costly and time-consuming, with the need for regular repairs and battery replacements. E-scooter providers should also ensure timely OTA updates and provide a warranty.
  3. Seasonal Usage Fluctuations and Weather Limitations. E-scooter usage can drop during colder months or adverse weather conditions, leading to seasonal fluctuations in revenue and demand.
  4. Dependence on Charging Infrastructure and Battery Life. E-scooters rely on charging stations and battery swaps, which can become a logistical burden in cities without adequate infrastructure or during peak usage times.

📌 Balancing these pros and cons is key to successful e-scooter control or electric scooter rental app development.

Ready to tap into the growing e-scooter market? Contact us today to develop a cutting-edge app tailored to your business needs!

🗒️ Challenges of E-Scooter App Development

The e-scooter app development process involves addressing several technical and operational challenges. Here’s how to tackle each one effectively.

Integration of Physical Devices via BLE or Serial Protocols

What is IoT device management? Concerning e-scooter sharing apps, it involves overseeing and controlling the interconnected devices that make up the e-scooter ecosystem. In e-scooter companion apps, seamless communication with scooters typically occurs via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or serial protocols.

Solution: Use standardized communication protocols and thoroughly test device connectivity to ensure reliable interaction between the app and scooters.

Real-Time Tracking and GPS Accuracy

For rental apps, accurate GPS tracking ensures precise location and fleet management, while for control apps, it helps users find and monitor their scooters.

Solution: E-scooter application developers should implement high-precision GPS services and real-time data updates to maintain accuracy in urban environments.

The e-scooter companion app enhances riders’ overall experience by providing control and insights into their smartphone

The e-scooter control app allows users to lock/unlock features, ride history, and battery status (image by MindInventory UI/UX)

Battery Management and Range Estimation

Effective battery management is crucial for preventing unexpected breakdowns in rental scooters and for helping users of control apps monitor their scooter’s battery life.

Solution: Integrate real-time battery monitoring systems and provide users with clear range estimates to optimize scooter usage and enhance overall reliability.

Incorporating EV charging app development services can enhance e-scooter apps, simplifying access to charging solutions for both fleet operators and personal scooter owners.

Scalability and High User Demand

As user bases grow, both rental and control apps need to handle increased data loads efficiently.

Solution: Design a scalable backend architecture capable of dynamically adjusting to high traffic and data volume, ensuring smooth performance and a seamless experience regardless of demand levels.

Integration with Payment Gateways

Secure and seamless payment processing is vital for managing rental app transactions and any in-app purchases or premium features in companion apps.

Solution: Implement robust payment gateway integration that supports multiple payment methods and adheres to security standards to protect user financial information.

Ensuring User and Vehicle Safety

Safety features are important for protecting riders and ensuring scooter reliability in rental apps, as well as for providing alerts and monitoring for personal scooters.

Solution: Develop features such as speed monitoring, safety reminders, and emergency alerts, and ensure regular maintenance to uphold safety standards.

Dealing with Vandalism and Theft

Minimize the impact of vandalism and theft on rental fleets, and enhance security for personal scooters in companion apps.

Solution: During e-scooter sharing app development, incorporate anti-theft measures like GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote locking. Regularly update security protocols and consider additional features for personal scooter protection.

Maintenance and Fleet Management

Efficient maintenance and fleet management are key for operational success in sharing apps and for managing personal scooter conditions.

Solution: Use automated tools to monitor health, schedule maintenance, and manage repairs. Provide maintenance reminders and tracking features to support personal scooter upkeep.

Optimizing App Performance for Multiple Devices

Ensure consistent e-scooter app performance across various devices and platforms.

Solution: During scooter app development, test the app on different devices and operating systems, optimizing performance to deliver a smooth and reliable user experience.

Handling User Data Privacy and Security

Protect sensitive user data in rental apps due to transactions and personal information, and secure data related to personal scooters.

Solution: Implement strong data encryption, secure authentication methods, and comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR to safeguard user privacy and security.

By implementing effective solutions, you can overcome these hurdles and create a reliable, user-friendly e-scooter app that stands out in the competitive market.

📝 Key Components of Multi-Platform Scooter Apps

For a seamless and user-friendly electric scooter app development, you should incorporate several essential components. These features ensure the app delivers a smooth experience for riders and operators.

While many of these components are critical for rental apps, they are equally important for companion apps, with slight adjustments in functionality. Let’s discuss them.

User Registration and Profile Management

A streamlined sign-up process is critical for attracting users. You should offer easy account creation using email, phone numbers, or social media logins, and allow users to manage their personal information within the app.

Scooter sharing applications provide a personalized and convenient sharing experience

The e-scooter rental app includes a profile management feature that lets users view ride history and manage payment methods (image by Luke Pachytel)

Onboarding

Guiding new users through the app's key features helps them get started quickly. You can implement an interactive onboarding experience with tooltips and brief tutorials that help users understand how to find and unlock scooters, manage scooter settings, and make payments.

Real-Time Scooter Availability and GPS Integration

During e-scooter sharing app development, you should integrate a GPS feature that shows available scooters nearby in real-time. For companion apps, GPS integration helps users track their scooters' location and monitor real-time ride status.

QR Code Scanning

QR codes simplify unlocking scooters in rental apps, allowing users to unlock a scooter quickly via their smartphone camera. In e-scooter companion apps, QR codes can pair the scooter with the app, ensuring a fast and seamless connection between the user's scooter and the app.

Smart Lock Technology

App developers can integrate smart lock technology with Bluetooth or the Internet of Things (IoT), and users can lock/unlock their scooters securely. In rental apps, this ensures security during rides, while in control apps, it provides a convenient way to manage personal scooters.

QR code scanning is a must-have feature in the e-scooter sharing app

Users can easily unlock and rent e-scooters by scanning a QR code directly from the app (image by Amal Tomy)

In-App Payments

In the electric scooter rental app development, secure and flexible payment options are vital for user retention, offering credit cards, digital wallets, or subscription-based payments. In companion apps, in-app payments may be used for premium features or accessories, requiring secure and fast payment integration.

Push Notifications and Alerts

For rental apps, push notifications can include ride status, promotions, or available scooters nearby. In e-scooter control apps, notifications can alert users about their scooter's battery status, security updates, or maintenance reminders.

Battery Status and Range Indicators

E-scooter apps should display real-time battery levels to help users plan rides and avoid interruptions due to low battery. This feature enhances reliability for rentals and provides valuable insights for personal scooter management.

If you’re interested in expanding your mobility business further, consider learning how to make an EV charging station app.

Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates

Providing OTA updates benefits rental and companion apps, enabling e-scooter application developers to remotely update the scooter's software. This ensures that scooters always have the latest firmware, adding new features or improving existing ones without requiring manual intervention.

Ride History and Usage Analytics

Ride history and analytics improve the experience for both companion and e-scooter sharing apps. Rental app operators use analytics to optimize fleet usage and engagement, while control app users benefit from detailed ride history, including distance, duration, and battery consumption.

An example of the e-scooter app that provides users with advanced tracking and performance insights

Electric scooter companion apps enable users to discover new routes and enhance their riding experience (image by Zaim Maulana)

User Reviews and Support Features

User feedback is crucial in both types of e-scooter apps. Reviews allow users to rate their experience, and in-app support, such as FAQs or live chat, ensures quick assistance. Implementing these features helps maintain service quality and user satisfaction.

A multi-platform e-scooter sharing app development requires incorporating key components such as real-time scooter availability, secure in-app payments, smart lock technology, and user-friendly interfaces. By focusing on seamless connectivity, accurate GPS integration, and enhanced user experiences, you can create a reliable and scalable app that meets the demands of both users and operators.

Looking to build a robust and feature-rich e-scooter app? Get in touch with our team of experts and start your development journey now!

Contact Us

🔨 Tech-Stack for Building an E-Scooter Application

E-scooter mobile app development requires a well-rounded technology stack that covers both the frontend and backend, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and a seamless user experience. With extensive experience, our developer, Sergei Shemshur, identifies the key tools essential for app development.

  • React Native is the go-to solution, providing a cross-platform framework that allows developers to create apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase. Sergei particularly prefers Expo, a RN extension that simplifies software development even further.
  • react-native-ble-plx is a top choice for BLE connectivity due to its excellent support and seamless integration with Expo.
  • For camera functionalities, like QR code scanning, developers use react-native-vision-camera or expo-camera.
  • To handle maps and real-time scooter availability, react-native-maps is a reliable library that integrates seamlessly with Google Maps and other map services.
  • On the backend side, Firebase is a solid choice for handling essential features like authentication, push notifications, and analytics.
  • Tools like React Native Paper or Material-UI can be leveraged to provide a consistent and responsive design across different screen sizes.
  • Payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal ensure secure and smooth in-app transactions.

📌 By leveraging this tech stack, e scooter application developers can create a robust, scalable app that delivers a superior user experience and meets operational needs.

⚒️ How to Develop an E-Scooter App?

Whether you're building a rental app for shared scooter services or a companion app for personal e-scooters, the development process remains largely the same. Both require a strong focus on user experience, real-time functionalities, and robust backend systems to ensure smooth and secure operations. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on e scooter app development.

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

You should conduct thorough market research before hiring an e-scooter app development company and writing a single line of code. Analyze the current market trends, competitor offerings, and target audience. Identify the demand in different regions, local regulations, and preferences for specific features to ensure your app meets user expectations.

🎯 This research sets a solid foundation, ensuring your app caters to user needs and complies with local laws.

The screenshot of e-scooter sharing app with scooter park location features

The e-scooter rental app integrates with maps to help users easily find parking stations (image by Excellent Webworld)

Step 2: Define the Main Features and Functionality

Define the core app features such as scooter availability, real-time GPS tracking, QR code scanning, and in-app payments. Additional functionalities like push notifications, ride history, and smart lock integration can improve the user experience.

🎯 Focus on delivering a smooth and intuitive experience for new and existing users.

For a more detailed discussion on key hardware features of e-scooter sharing apps, check out our guide on how to make an EV rental app. If you're interested in learning more about the main features of rental apps, feel free to read our article on how to build a car rental app.

Step 3: Design UI/UX

Your app’s success largely depends on how easy and enjoyable it is. Focus on creating an intuitive and visually appealing UI/UX. Important aspects of the design phase include:

  • Wireframes and Prototypes: Use tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD to create wireframes and interactive prototypes. This allows you to visualize the flow before moving to development.
  • User-Centered Design: Design user journeys that require minimal clicks for tasks like unlocking an e scooter, checking battery status, or making payments.
  • Responsive Design: Ensure your app functions seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes. This is especially important for companion apps used in both mobile phones and vehicle-mounted consoles.

🎯 Clear, easy-to-navigate interfaces lead to higher user retention and satisfaction.

Step 4: Develop E-Scooter App

Start developing the app using the chosen tech stack. As was mentioned in the Tech Stack section, React Native is a great choice to reduce time and costs for cross-platform deployment. Below are key components of the scooter app development process:

  • Frontend Development: Build the user interface and integrate BLE for scooter communication and GPS tracking.
  • Backend Development: Ensure scalability with technologies like Node.js or Firebase, and implement payment gateways.
  • Integration: Add real-time functionalities like BLE, GPS tracking, and payment systems.

🎯 A well-architected backend and a responsive frontend are critical for real-time operations and user satisfaction.

If you’d like to dive deeper into how to develop IoT applications, read our article on this topic.

Step 5: Conduct Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance is a crucial step to ensure the app works as intended across devices and real-world scenarios. During electric scooter app development, focus on:

  • Functionality Testing: Verify that core features like unlocking scooters via QR codes, GPS tracking, and payments function smoothly.
  • BLE Connectivity: Ensure stable Bluetooth connections between the app and e-scooters.
  • Load Testing: Simulate high traffic to test server resilience and scalability.
  • Beta Testing: Test the app with a small group of users to gather feedback on the user experience and fix any bugs before the public launch.

🎯 A well-tested app is key to delivering a bug-free experience and building user trust.

Step 6: Deploy the App

After testing, deploy your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Ensure compliance with:

  • App Store Guidelines: Follow policies for data privacy, user consent, and local regulations.
  • API Monitoring: Set up systems to monitor performance and uptime after deployment.

Step 7: Launch and Market the App

Prepare a strong marketing strategy to drive downloads and engagement:

  • Pre-Launch Buzz: Generate excitement through early access programs or social media.
  • Launch Campaign: Use ads and promotions to target your audience.
  • User Incentives: Offer promotions like discounted rides for new users.

🎯 Good marketing ensures a successful app launch and attracts a broad user base.

The screenshot of scooter franchise app with the booking window

The e-scooter rental apps allow users to search for available scooters and reserve them (image by Halo Product)

Step 8: Maintain and Update the App

Post-launch, continuous app maintenance is essential to improve features, add functionalities, and fix bugs. App development services should also include ongoing activities:

  • Monitoring: Keep an eye on app performance metrics such as crash reports, user feedback, and server load.
  • Regular Updates: Push updates to enhance the app experience, improve security, and stay compatible with the latest OS versions.
  • Customer Support: Offer 24/7 support through chat or email to resolve user issues promptly.

🎯 A well-maintained app ensures long-term success and customer loyalty.

Following these steps, you can develop a scalable, secure, and user-friendly e-scooter app that meets market demands. Whether you're creating a rental app for sharing fleets or a companion app for personal e-scooters, these steps ensure a seamless development process.

💰 Costs to Build an E-Scooter App

E-scooter app development involves several factors that influence the overall cost, whether you're building a rental or companion app for personal use. For example, creating an MVP can range from $30,000 to $50,000, while more complex, mid-range apps with additional features and capabilities start at $50,000.

If you’re interested in learning about the cost to develop IoT software, check out our article on the topic.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing an E-Scooter App

Here are the main factors that influence the cost of developing your e-scooter app.

Platform Choice: iOS, Android, or Both

One of the most crucial decisions is whether to build your app for iOS, Android, or both platforms. Opting for a cross-platform solution using technologies like React Native can reduce costs, allowing you to target both platforms from a single codebase. However, native apps (built individually for iOS and Android) can offer better performance, but they are more costly as they require separate e-scooter application developers and codebases.

App Complexity and Feature Set

The complexity of your app's features significantly impacts development time and cost. A Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with essential features like scooter unlocking, GPS tracking, and in-app payments will cost less. After establishing a user base and achieving sufficient ROI, you can introduce advanced features such as real-time data analytics, multi-language support, and smart lock integration.

Business Intelligence

Integrating analytics tools for Business Intelligence (BI) adds to the cost but provides valuable insights. Tools like Firebase Analytics or custom dashboards can track rider behavior, fleet performance, and user engagement, helping you optimize operations and marketing efforts.

Connectivity with E-Scooter

Implementing seamless connectivity between the app and e-scooters through BLE, Serial, GPS, and QR code scanning is crucial. The choice of technology, such as BLE libraries (mentioned in the Tech Stack section), directly impacts the development cost. The more complex the connectivity and real-time tracking features, the higher the cost due to the need for precise hardware and software synchronization.

UI/UX Design and Customization

Investing in intuitive UI/UX design enhances the user experience but can be costly. Tools like Figma or Sketch help create interactive prototypes. Customizing design elements such as icons, animations, and user flows also adds to the cost. If you're aiming for a unique, branded experience, expect to allocate more budget to design.

The screenshot of the e-scooter sharing app with user profile and ride information windows

The e-scooter sharing app features a sleek and user-friendly design, making it easy to locate, rent, and manage scooters (image by Ywen)

Third-Party API and Payment Gateway Integration

To handle in-app payments and offer seamless transactions, you'll need to integrate with a payment gateway. Additionally, integrating third-party APIs for maps and real-time notifications increases the complexity and cost. The more third-party services you use, the more you’ll spend on development services and licensing fees.

Non-functional Requirements

Non-functional requirements like performance optimization, accessibility, and security are essential for scaling the app. While they don’t directly add features, they improve the user experience and ensure the app’s reliability. Implementing data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and optimizing app speed will contribute to the overall cost but are necessary for a high-quality product.

Development Team

The size and expertise of your e-scooter companion or electric scooter rental app development team will also affect the cost. You can build an in-house team or work with an outsourced development agency. The latter often offers a range of expertise, from mobile application development to UI/UX design and QA. Location also matters — development in Eastern Europe is typically more affordable than in North America or Western Europe.

Maintenance and Post-Launch Support

Once your app is live, you'll need to allocate resources for ongoing maintenance and updates. Regular updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features are essential to keep users engaged. Additionally, server upkeep, customer support, and new feature rollouts all contribute to the post-launch cost.

How much does it cost to build an e-scooter app? It depends on multiple factors, including the platform, feature set, third-party integrations, and development team. Whether you're creating a rental app or a companion app, it's essential to prioritize features and plan for future updates to optimize costs over time.

As cities embrace smart technology and micro-mobility ecosystems expand, scooter apps are poised to become even more innovative, offering enhanced features for both operators and users. Let’s see what the future has in store for us.

Trend

Explanation

Integration with Smart Cities and IoT Technology

For sharing apps, this allows fleet operators to manage scooter distribution more efficiently across city areas by accessing real-time data on traffic and parking availability. For companion apps, users can get smart recommendations on optimal routes based on traffic patterns, nearby parking, and charging stations, enhancing their riding experience.

AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance

This technology is a key component in e-scooter sharing app development, as predictive algorithms can analyze scooter usage patterns and notify operators before breakdowns occur, ensuring smoother operations. For companion apps, AI can alert users about their scooter’s health, flagging potential issues like battery degradation or mechanical failures.

Incorporation of Augmented Reality for Enhanced User Experience

Sharing app users could use AR to easily locate nearby scooters or available parking zones. Companion apps could incorporate AR navigation, providing riders with real-time directions, nearby landmarks, or maintenance tips via their phone’s camera for a more engaging ride experience.

Blockchain for Secure Payments and Data Management

For sharing apps, blockchain ensures transparent transactions for ride payments, while control apps can leverage it to secure personal data and scooter usage history, building user trust.

Voice-Activated Commands and Hands-Free Navigation

Voice-activated features will allow riders to control certain app functions without needing to handle their phones. Hands-free navigation through voice commands can enhance convenience and safety during rides, especially in busy urban environments.

Enhanced Safety Features with AI and Machine Learning

AI-driven safety features like automatic speed adjustment, obstacle detection, and real-time hazard alerts will make riding safer. ML algorithms can assess rider behavior and local conditions to enhance overall safety measures.

Partnerships with Public Transport Systems

As part of the growing trend toward multimodal transportation, e-scooter apps will partner with public transit systems. This integration will enable users to plan entire journeys, seamlessly switching between scooters and buses, trains, or subways for greater convenience.

📌 As these trends continue to shape the industry, e-scooter apps will play an increasingly important role in revolutionizing urban transportation, offering smarter, safer, and more convenient mobility solutions.

🗂️ How Can Stormotion Help?

If you’ve reached this section, you’re likely curious about our experience in e-scooter app development. At Stormotion, our IoT software development services cover everything from custom app development to BLE integration, and of course, building e-scooter apps on-demand. One example is our partnership with Egret, a leading e-scooter manufacturer based in Hamburg, known for their innovative products.

Egret approached us to help solve a critical issue after transitioning their companion app from Native to React Native. Their primary challenge was the delay in OTA updates, which took up to five minutes, potentially leading to the scooter turning off during the process, posing safety concerns. In addition, they required seamless communication between the app and different e-scooter models via Bluetooth, as each model had a unique module.

The Egret app offers a seamless connection to your e-scooter, providing real-time performance monitoring and control

Egret offers a seamless experience for users, allowing them to easily monitor and manage their scooter’s performance (image by Stormotion)

Our team developed a custom native module for Bluetooth functionalities, improving the communication speed between the app and scooters. We performed reverse engineering on the OTA protocol to address the update delays, allowing updates to be completed within the scooter’s operational window. This solution enabled smooth interaction across all scooter models, ensuring consistency and user safety.

Sergei Shemshur, React Native Developer @ Stormotion

Although the scooters used different protocols, their operations were largely similar. To streamline management, we consolidated the entire scooter control logic into a single interface. This interface intelligently selects the appropriate protocol based on the specific scooter model.

Sergei Shemshur, React Native Developer @ Stormotion

The latest version of the Egret companion app includes vital functions, such as locking and unlocking the scooter, switching between riding modes (Eco, Tour, or Sport), controlling lights, battery level and charging time report, OTA firmware updates, display customization (km/miles), and changing access codes on some scooter models.

Egret currently has a 4.1 rating on the Google Play Store, and we're working on improving user satisfaction in future updates.

💡 Takeaways

Whether you aim to launch a rental service in a bustling urban center or provide an advanced companion app for individual scooter owners, understanding the intricacies of e-scooter app development is key to standing out in the competitive mobility market.

Let’s summarize key points:

  • Adhering to local regulations and implementing strong security measures protects both your business and users, enhancing your app's credibility and appeal in the market.
  • Creating a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation, real-time updates, and secure payment options will keep your app competitive and ensure high user satisfaction and retention.
  • Utilizing the right tech stack, such as React Native for cross-platform development, BLE for device connectivity, and robust backend systems for real-time functionalities, is crucial to building a scalable and high-performing app.
  • By incorporating data-driven insights, advanced features, and continuous updates, you can create an app that not only meets current market demands but also evolves with future trends.

Looking to create an app that sets the standard in e-scooter mobility? Reach out to us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how we can help you build a cutting-edge app that drives growth and user engagement.

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Questions you may have

Take a look at how we solve challenges to meet project requirements

What are the key features needed in a cross-platform e-scooter app?

Key features needed in a cross-platform e-scooter app include real-time GPS tracking, QR code scanning for unlocking scooters, in-app payments, smart lock technology, battery status and range indicators, push notifications, user registration and profile management, and ride history and usage analytics.

Which technologies are best suited for developing an e-scooter app?

The best technologies for creating an e-scooter app include React Native for cross-platform compatibility, Firebase for backend services like authentication and push notifications, BLE for direct scooter connectivity, and libraries like react-native-maps for real-time mapping and tracking.

How do you ensure seamless user experience across different platforms?

To ensure a seamless user experience across different platforms, we use a cross-platform framework like React Native, focus on a responsive design that adapts to various screen sizes, and rigorously test the app on multiple devices and operating systems to identify and resolve compatibility issues.

What are the security considerations when building an e-scooter app?

Security considerations for building an e-scooter app include implementing end-to-end data encryption, secure authentication methods, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations (such as GDPR), and integrating features like geofencing, anti-theft measures, and secure payment processing.

How do you integrate real-time tracking and payment systems into the app?

To integrate real-time tracking and payment systems, we use high-precision GPS services for accurate location tracking and real-time updates and integrate a reliable payment gateway like Stripe or PayPal that supports multiple payment methods and adheres to security standards for transaction protection.

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