If you are among the tech-savvy app enthusiasts of the world, chances are that you must have heard about Uber. And the revolution it brought to the ride-hailing market. However, it’s important to know uber app development cost.
Yes! It has been in multiple controversies lately, but the business model of Uber has become an ideal choice for anyone who wants to invest in a taxi booking business. Despite Uber’s competition, cab riding companies like Lyft and Didi managed to generate healthy revenue. And believe me, you can too if you follow in the footsteps of these companies.
I know “How much does it cost to make an app like uber” would be your first search query in google, if you have thought of making an app like uber. Having been engaged in multiple Uber app development projects we are aware of every development aspect of an Uber-like app and the cost to build an uber app.
Note that building an app like Uber and its price depends on multiple factors including demographic, development agency, features, timeline, and other important aspects.
Without further ado, let’s get started and know how many apps and panels you will need and what is the uber like app price.
But before that,
Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER) runs a digital platform that facilitates the movement of people and products from one location to another by using the expansive network and cutting-edge technology owned and operated by the firm. It offers ride-hailing services as part of its mobility business, delivery services for food, groceries, and other items as part of its delivery business, and freight shipping services as part of its freight business.
The platform that Uber uses to link people and companies who need these services with individuals and businesses that supply them aims to facilitate connections between the two groups.
You have the option of hiring a dedicated team of developers for Uber app development. This method will save money in the long run. You will be responsible for a number of important aspects, one of which is the supervision of the project’s completion within the allotted amount of time. You will incur fewer expenses by working with people that have knowledge in this area, and the team that is put together will work according to your specifications.
- Throughout the course of a year, building an app like Uber caters to around 93 million unique users.
- Every single quarter, 1.44 billion rides are finished using the app, and this figure is just going to keep growing from year to year.
- The ridesharing segment of Uber’s business in the United States is expected to handle $29.59 billion in 2021, up from $26.61 billion in 2020.
- The most recent estimates, as of the year 2021, have Uber’s overall market share in the United States at 68%.
- Just these five locations are responsible for 22% of Uber’s total gross bookings for ridesharing.
- The number of people who use Uber on a monthly basis has increased at a compound annual growth rate of 48.74%.
This growth will slow down over time, but on the bright side, the proportion of app users who really utilize it will continue to increase steadily.
Let’s take a look at the reasons behind the success of Uber. For one thing, there are just a total of five steps required to complete a ride. It has brought about a comprehensive change in the taxi sector. The following five stages are included in it:
The user then launches the application and specifies the pickup and drop-off locations. Uber ride prices are provided, approximately. After that, he has the option of either paying before the ride is done or after it is over. Multiple payment alternatives are available to assist with payment.
The user is paired with a driver who is now available. The driver is the one who is responsible for receiving the request from the user and deciding whether or not to accept it. Once the passenger has accepted the request, they will be able to examine the trip data inside the app.
When the ride has begun, the passenger will be able to watch its progress. It is also possible to share the journey data with the passengers’ contacts so that they can keep track of the ride in real time.
Ride apps like Uber, often provide numerous payment methods. The user is given a precise amount of how much does an uber ride cost. The user may also connect their payment cards and electronic wallets, which makes the payment process both quicker and more comfortable. Users have the option of making payments either before or after the ride has been completed.
After the trip is over, both the driver and the passenger have the opportunity to leave a review. It instills a sense of pride in the drivers for the service that they are offering to customers.
To create a taxi app like Uber is desirable for a number of different reasons:
The manual management of the whole fleet might be a lot more difficult than it first seems to be. But this challenge may be overcome if you create a taxi app like Uber. When you integrate your company with models of on-demand services like Uber, your operations will become more user-friendly and faster as a result, which will lead to increased efficiency.
To create a taxi app like uber, it is always advisable to use monitoring technologies to increase the desirability of your services. The GPS capability included into the app allows for the tracking of drivers and riders, hence enhancing safety.
If you create an app like Uber, there are several opportunities for expanding your company. It is easy to increase your company network without investing in more transportation vehicles. You need just create a taxi app like Uber, and drivers who use your app would be accountable for providing their own car. You will earn income in the form of commissions.
In the uber app development for riders, users are needed to register an account with a valid email ID and phone number, as well as create a password for their account and agree to the terms and conditions. After filling up the form, the user gets an SMS to verify their number. Once this is complete, the user may login into their account.
A range of taxi categories is then provided, from which the user may pick and confirm their booking according to their preferences. The technology searches for nearby drivers and connects the user to the closest one. Once the driver verifies the reservation, gets an estimate cost of uber ride, the user enters the taxi, makes payment through cash, credit card, or wallet, and then rates the driver. Users may also see prior rides, configure the payment system, communicate with customer support, and use other capabilities.
There is a separate uber app for drivers to accept and handle requests for passengers, similar to the application for riders. The driver is first asked to establish an account and log in.
As soon as the driver starts the application, they must provide their cellphone number and personal information. The driver is then needed to submit all necessary documentation for further verification. The administrator then processes the driver’s request, examines the screening procedure further, and grants final permission for the driver’s account.
After the administrator has authorized the driver’s account, the driver may launch the app, go online, and accept trip requests from users.
As soon as the passenger enters the taxi, the driver may begin the journey and access a map screen that takes them to the location. As soon as the journey concludes, the driver completes the trip flow, verifies Uber ride price, and rates the passenger based on his experience with the program.
In addition to the two mobile applications, admin control is responsible for monitoring both platforms and ensuring their smooth operation. The admin configuration is very sophisticated and monitors the complete operation of the applications.
Generally, the admin panel manages the advanced features of the apps, including how much does an Uber trip estimate, how much does uber charge per mile, uber ride cost estimator, managing commission rates for drivers, assigning trips to drivers upon request, user interaction, handling issues, managing payment gateways, approving or rejecting drivers, creating reports and maintaining accounts, and all Management functions.
Clarifying your app’s vision, outlining your product’s objectives, and identifying its end users. Choosing the most important features for your MVP, deciding on which platforms your app will run, and establishing your revenue approaches.
Once the technical specification is complete, the design to create a taxi app like Uber is the first formal phase in the app development process. Designers interpret your idea for your taxi service application and render it on a digital canvas.
Ensure that the Product Owner and the development team are familiar with one another. In addition to setting tools, defining every job within the team, reaching a consensus on norms, and determining the next actions is required.
The frontend development is the implementation of the app designs created by the app designers. During the frontend development phase, the app’s wireframe is built up, element by element. This phase of development extends beyond the app to include the dispatcher panel, admin panel, and company website. The designing team initially designs each of these deliverables.
The mobile application may be compared to the tip of an iceberg, meaning that a massive iceberg underneath keeps the tip afloat. This iceberg is the conclusion. Backend development for a taxi app comprises establishing servers, storing and retrieving data, and creating the interface that links to the frontend app. Therefore, the backend will consist of a single delivery that is linked to all frontend deliverables.
Plan, code, build, and test are the Continuous Integration app development phases (and repeat). Using human and automated tests to provide Quality Assurance at each level of the app development process. Typically, development teams use the Scrum methodology and split the work into brief iterations, each of which is followed by a demonstration.
Release comprises uploading assets required by law and promotional materials, beta testing, improving the product page/store presentation, and everything else necessary for your app approval to go as smoothly as possible. Launch preparation is vital if you want to build uber-like app to stand out and be successful.
The Uber app development cost can be estimated to be higher. These driver app and passenger apps should have the most important features that could help you start your app at the initial level. You can always add advanced features later when you get some traction for the app. Remember the cost of any mobile app depends on the time it takes to develop the app. The more you have features in the app the more will be development time. And the more app development timeline, the more it costs you.
So, Before considering the cost to make an application like Uber, take a glance over the features which an app like Uber should consist of :
It encourages people to enroll and utilize this application with their mobiles.
Users should be able to enter a destination and find a matching driver for the ride.
Providing your riders with multiple payment options like cash, wallet, and credit/debit card makes transactions easy.
Google places and maps can be utilized as a marker for pick-up and drop places. Also, you could track your driver’s location through google map integrations.
Your app should have a notification feature that can notify the passenger before their driver arrives.
The rider app should have a trip history feature that lets passengers know their past rides and information like driver, car, date, and fare.
The passenger should be able to rate the driver as per their ride experience.
You have to incorporate a simple registration option in the Driver’s app so that they can update their information like name, card number, photo, and other vital details.
Status Update: Having this feature in the driver’s app allows them to on/off their duty status. A driver will get a request only when he or she has activated the status.
A driver should be able to get a request from a nearby user. Also, drivers should have a choice to accept or decline that request.
The driver would need tracking of a rider’s location on the mobile app so that S/he could reach the exact location with the help of google maps.
As soon as the rider posts a request, a nearby driver should get a notification for the same.
The inclusion of this important feature will let your driver see the past trips and their earnings.
Above mentioned features are the must-have features to get started in the on-demand taxi booking business. These are the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) features that may cost you less compared to fully featured mobile apps.
Through our past project experience, we have created a list of these features and how long it take to build them. You could estimate the final cost of building an app like Uber from the time.
| Location | Android (Per Hour) | iOS (Per Hour) |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 168 | 150 |
| South America | 34 | 43 |
| UK | 70 | 70 |
| Eastern Europe | 35 | 35 |
| India | 26 | 30 |
| Indonesia | 12 | 12 |
| Australia | 110 | 110 |
In order to organize and control all of the driver’s processes, as well as keep track of customer satisfaction, a central control point is required. In this way, a web-based admin panel should be developed to manage customers, drivers, orders, locations, payments, payouts, and other business processes in an app like Uber.
Thus, the high-level set of functions within an admin platform for Uber-like service includes:
- Locations & Fares Management
- Driver & User Management
- Booking Management
- Vehicle Management
- Review Driver’s Orders & Payoffs
- Check Ratings & Reviews
- Notifications Management
- System Content Management & FAQ
- Promotions & Discounts Management
- Driver & User Support
- Integration with Google Analytics
Cost to Build Uber App (MVP) = Total time * Per hour rate of your development agency
Note that per hour charge varies in the different continents. Consider going through the per hour rate of these counties and then multiply it with the total time taken to build the uber app development.
As I have told you earlier, the uber app development cost depends on multiple factors. Let’s step by step know what factors you must consider before you start your app likle uber.
The cost of making an app like Uber mainly depends on the company you hire for the project. You would find discrepancies in the per hour rate of different development companies. Western countries, especially North America, have the highest per hour rate of app development. On the other hand, Asian countries charge much lower for the same kind of applications without compromising the quality of the app. Check out this table for the per-hour pricing rate for developing an app.
| Location | Android (Per Hour) | iOS (Per Hour) |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 168 | 150 |
| South America | 34 | 43 |
| UK | 70 | 70 |
| Eastern Europe | 35 | 35 |
| India | 26 | 30 |
| Indonesia | 12 | 12 |
| Australia | 110 | 110 |
The cost to make an app like Uber depends on the app development platform as well. If you want to make your uber app on both platforms then it might cost you more. However, you would get great traction for your app if you have an app for both platforms.
If you don’t have a budget, you could start with either of the platforms. Uber initially was launched on the iOS platform because iOS consisted of 80% of the market share in the US.
You could either go for a native app or a hybrid app. Hybrid apps and native apps work on a different architecture, tools, and programming languages. However, for a better quality product, you should go for native apps.
Still, if you have doubts and want to clear out your head, you could consult an experienced development company.
The key technology that is used in a taxi booking app is Geolocation. Any Uber-like app would be tied heavily to mapping technologies and navigations, namely:
- Identification of a device’s location using CoreLocation framework for iOS; Android uses Google’s location APIs.
- Providing directions to the driver with the help of MapKit for iOS, which gives navigation from point A to point B. Android OS uses Google Maps Android API.
Google maps are integrated into the iOS and Android app versions. As an alternative, the Uber taxi booking app may purchase services from other mapping software teams.
Another vital technical element to consider is Push Notification & Messaging within the app.
The communication within apps like Uber goes all the way from the request being sent by the passenger, its acceptance by a driver, ride cancellation, etc.
Twilio telecommunication provider is a good option to use for text messages in Uber-like apps.
In order to equip a taxi app with push notifications on iOS, use Apple Push Notifications Service; and for Android apps, Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) should be used.
SMS notifications are as important to integrate as push notifications since the latter can sometimes be unreceived; they won’t work if the device is offline or unavailable.
By using SMS warnings, the user is informed whether the message was successful or not.
Payment Gateway Integration is a crucial functionality to be implemented in apps like Uber. To avoid human error, Uber-like apps should employ a pay-off process via a payment card.
To proceed with payment integration, it is necessary to comply with certain requirements and country policies for handling this data securely.
For reference, the PCI (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) exists within the US.
As a tool to implement payment functionality, it is possible to use Braintree or Stripe, which is used by its main competitive taxi app service in the USA – Lyft.
Backend development for a ridesharing app (2,500 – 3,200 hours)
For any Uber-like app, you’ll also require a backend – a centralized remote application.
Although there may exist mobile apps that use no backend at all, or have a backend in a simplified form (like Firebase or Serverless), Uber-like apps tend to be complex and need the creation of a fully-fledged, custom-made backend application.
Even if you have more mobile applications in the same domain (like a driver app and passenger app in your Uber clone), you should have one common backend for all of them.
The mobile apps use the same data and only present them from different perspectives – tailor-made for the driver or passenger. It’s not uncommon to see the backend part of the whole application cost more than other platforms. This might be true for your Uber clone as well.
The more computation and data synchronization an application requires (Uber-like apps have a lot of those), the more of it should be done on the backend side. The uber app development cost may vary depending on what type of features you are willing to integrate.
Admin panel development for a ridesharing app (350 – 500 hours)
The Admin panel is the place where you or your back-office people (“admins” of the app) can see various types of information about the application, and change some configurations of it.
Generally, there is no limit on what data can be seen there. However, the more data is shown, the higher the cost of the admin panel.
Similarly, every value used in the application can end up as a value configured via the admin panel, but it makes the panel more costly as well.
The right balance of how much to show and how much to make configurable is hard. On the one hand, you want to give your admins as much power as possible.
Yet, on the other hand, everything has a cost. A bloated admin panel can make the whole project more expensive and complex, not to mention that it can also postpone the launch of the application.
Typically, in the MVP development stage, admin panels are basic to enable an early launch.
As the project goes on, we have more information from the users (and the admins!) about what data is crucial. Remember that many useful features of Uber can be added to the admin panel later.
In our case, the MVP stage of the admin panel contained:
- Adding and deleting admins
- Managing admins’ privileges
- Browsing the list of drivers
- Updating drivers’ data
- Driver verification
- Changing the price of a ride
There may be several income models from which to pick. Consider the following income models when creating an app like Uber:
Another method of generating revenue is through a “Listing model” that requires drivers to list their cabs with the service provider. In exchange, the service provider receives a fixed amount from the drivers to list their cabs on their portal, which the drivers must renew monthly or quarterly to remain a part of the portal.
In addition to linear methods of creating money, there are several different ways to generate income. In addition to the base cost, surge pricing, and waiting fees, service providers may add an additional “Service charge” to the trip ticket. This service charge may be a minimal price to use the app, which consumers may be willing to pay if the app provides exceptional features.
One of the most often used revenue models for taxi booking apps like Uber is the “percentage-based model,” in which a predetermined commission % is levied on the fee paid by the passenger. Riders who seek assistance and pay the fee at the conclusion of the journey earn the income.
Advertising is one of the largest income generators. Having a large user base will entice many businesses to promote their goods and services on your website. Cab advertising, in which various posters, banners, and stickers are affixed to cabs, generates a substantial amount of income. It serves as a revenue model for service providers.
As I have mentioned earlier, you just have to multiply the total app development time with the per hour rate of the development agency. This is how uber app development cost is calculated roughly. The MVP of the taxi app will cost you less, whereas a fully featured app like Uber may cost more.
We at Echo Innovate IT has been part of many uber like app development projects. From our estimate, the cost to make an app like uber on Android could touch $5500 for the MVP. This could go high in the case of iOS development and touch $6500.
I hope you have got your answer to your question. For further guidance on pricing and other aspects, consult our experts who can provide valuable insights, especially in the context of the Uber business model. Feel free to Contact us, we would love to guide you on the price and other aspects.
It is without a doubt the appropriate moment to develop your app concept. The app business is expanding at an unprecedented rate and has profoundly transformed the way we live. We are the ideal mobile app development partner for you, whether you are a small company, startup, or major organization.
Uber app development is one of our primary on-demand app development solutions. We are a leading Uber-like taxi app development company, serving customers globally with effective online taxi booking app solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Our team of designers, developers and QA engineers support personnel that will assist you throughout the Uber-like app development process to guarantee that you have a solution of the highest quality within your specified timeframe. For a more detailed discussion, get in touch with our expert consultants.
Which company is developing the Uber clone app?
At Echoinnovate IT, We developed the uber clone app, we have 10+ years of experience. As a custom mobile application development company, We manage the entire lifecycle of your product planning, strategy, and app/web launch, from UI / UX design, application development or Web development, and QA testing to product delivery.
We have developed more than 630+ projects in various industries. Our team of mobile app developers uses the latest technology to develop the highest mobile apps.
If you want to build an app we are glad to start working on your project. Contact us now.
How much time will it take to develop an app like Uber?
Approximately, building an app like uber can take anywhere between 2 to 6 months depending on your needs. At Echoinnovate IT you can get the best services in the least time. Contact us now to develop an app like Uber.
