How To Build An App Like Uber: Technology Stack, Development & Cost

Searching for information on how to create an app like Uber? Tekrevol is here with all the guidance and recommendations you need to get started on developing an app like Uber. But first, let’s learn a few things about Uber.

Uber was founded back in 2009, and today, it has operations in over 900 metropolitan areas of the world. You might’ve heard the term “Uberisation.” This term is derived from transport services providing app Uber.

Uber is a massive success; there’s no doubt that it has gained success because it provided customers with an economical and efficient conveyance method. The bonding of technology that Uber introduced was not only innovative but disruptive too.

Moreover, by the end of 2019, Uber had earned more than $14 billion in revenue. This may not come as a surprise to you, but Uber is the most widely used app for booking taxi services globally.

Uber faces fierce competition today because of the launch of several similar apps. However, the company still manages to hold its own against its competitors and dominate the ride-sharing market. The following are some of the examples of uber-like apps:

• Curb
• Easy Taxi.
• Lyft.
• Gett.
• Flywheel.
• Grab (Operates in Southeast Asia).
• Careem (Operates in Middle-east).

The mobile applications mentioned above are some of Uber’s competitors, and some of them are giving tough competition to Uber. However, Uber has still the upper hand in the market with more sales and a strong user base. Therefore, if you want to surpass this ride-hailing giant, you need the help of a top-ranked mobile app development company that knows how to create a ground-breaking app, let alone making it successful in the digital market.

In this article, we’re going to cover the following aspects:

• • On this page:
  • What You Need To Know Before Starting Developing Your Ride-Hailing App
  • Pre-Development Phase Of Creating Your Mobile Application
  • The Development Phase Of Your App
  • Functionality Insights Your App Like Uber (User’s Perspective)
  • Functionality Insights Your App Like Uber (Driver’s Perspective)
  • Administration Panel For Your App Similar To Uber
  • The Technology Stack You’ll Need To Create Your App
  • The Revenue Models For Your App Similar To Uber
  • Development Insights Of Creating An App Similar To Uber
  • How Does The Uber App Work?
  • Start Building Your Taxi-App

Tekrevol’s core intention here is for you to create another successful mobile application project and not an Uber clone. With that out of the way, Let’s learn how you can build a traveling app.

What You Need To Know To Create An App Similar To Uber

Uber is a brand today which aforementioned operates in 900 metropolitan areas globally. It provides its users with the facility to be in touch with drivers 24 hours via a mobile application.

The Uber mobile application is available on both iOS and Android. The aim of connecting users with drivers is to arrange the transport of the user on time. When the user books a ride, the location of the user and the driver is shared mutually. Hence, both parties know each other’s location.

Quite innovative, right? Uber has captured a significant share in the market through its ride-hailing, smooth app. The application itself provides the users an incredibly smooth interface, convenient operation, and different levels of service options. The various service options are as followed:

• UberBLACK – A business class ride, especially for special occasions or a business meeting.
• UberSUV – When size matters.
• UberX – When you’re looking for a cost-effective option.
• UbexLUX – When you want a top of the line luxurious ride.

So, as you can see with the services mentioned above, the company has divided the transport options into various categories, each designed to serve specific customers. Furthermore, many successful aspects of this famous ride-hailing service are kept secret. But, since you’re here at Tekrevol – we will unveil these secrets to you.

Pre-Development Phase Of Creating Your Mobile Application

Before getting started on the development of your app, here are some aspects that you should consider before initiating the development phase of your mobile application:

• Create a business model that entails all the necessary information related to your Uber-like project.
• Research and analyze your targeted audience’s needs and requirements.
• You’re creating an app similar to Uber so, define your USPs clearly and tell your audience what is distinct about your app.
• Get familiar with the required features and functionalities and the technology stack you need to develop them.
• Hire android experienced professionals to ensure a smooth and hassle-free project experience.
• Make necessary adjustments before the app’s final launch, and always look for user feedback to improve your app.

The Development Phase Of Your App

To develop the best taxi app, you need to understand the Uber App’s major elements/features. The Uber app has two different models that serve different purposes. The first one is the Uber – Request a ride app, and the second one Uber – Driver app. Both the applications have different functionalities; however, both of these apps are interlinked with each other through an admin panel.

Now that you know both of the modules let’s start discussing both the models and the admin panel, which are crucial in building your application.

After downloading the Uber app on iOS or Android, users can request a ride in their preferred car. The ride request generated by Uber is visible to drivers in the nearby vicinity.

Functionality Insights Of Your App Like Uber (User’s Perspective)

The following are some of the essential features that your app should provide to its users:

• A Registration Option should help the user create a personalized profile. Make the registration process simple by giving them the option to sign-up with Gmail, Facebook, or phone number for verification.
• Booking Functionality through which the user can select the car set the pickup location, or enter the address.
• Estimated Price Calculator should be integrated to inform the user about the ride’s rate before he/she books. This is a must-have feature that is implemented on the back-end side of the system.
• Incorporate a Ride Tracking option to help the user identify and update the ride he has booked. The tracking option should enable the user to see the driver’s movement.
• Add a Payment Method in different variants to provide maximum feasibility to the user in terms of cashless payment through PayPal or credit cards or via cash.
• Integrate Push Notification to your app will keep your users coming back to your app. You can inform your audience about discounts, ride estimated fare, car details, or anything to keep them engaged.
• Your app should have an In-App Messaging Facility that should connect the user to the driver.
• A Feedback (Rating and Review) option that fosters service evaluation and betterment of your app.
• Give the user a complete history of his previous rides and transactions by integrating a Travel History page into your app.
• The Customer Support option to assist your users at any time.

Advanced Features Of Your App Similar To Uber (User’s Perspective)

• Ride Cancellation option to help the users cancel a ride if they deem it necessary.
• Interactive Map that shows the user all the rides available nearby.
• Advance ride Booking option to enable the user to book a trip in advance.
• Book For Other to enable the user to book an app on his/her friend’s or relative’s behalf.
• Gamifying The Experience by including badges, starts, points, levels, or coupons. This approach would increase customer engagement and retention rate.
• Voice Recognition allows your application to perform tasks by listening to voice commands.

Functionality Insights Of Your App Like Uber (Driver’s Perspective)

After developing the user’s side of the app – you should duplicate the experience for your driver’s version of the app in terms of Sign-up, push notifications, messaging, reviews, and support functionality.

The following is a complete functionalities list that will be developed entirely from scratch:

• Driver Profile and Status will help you smoothen the verification process because the drivers would be able to input their license, insurance, and vehicle number, etc., all by themselves. The status will confirm the availability of the driver.
• Ride Alert will allow the drivers to get notified instantly about a customer inquiry so that they can either accept or decline the order. Ride alert should also provide the users with customer location, route, travel, and history.
• Push Notification to notify them about trip changes, target completions, or booking information like navigation, payment, route, etc.
• Route Optimization will prove to be immensely advantageous to the drivers because, through this functionality, they’ll know about the best route to take using Google Maps.
• Analytic Reports of the driver’s average trips, earnings (daily, weekly, monthly), or Kilometers driven would be helpful.
• In-App Messaging or Calling feature to help the driver connect conveniently to the user.

Advanced Features Of Your App Similar To Uber (Driver’s Perspective)

• Destination Transparency to help the driver select the ride with a preferred destination.
• Multipliers Completion will give the drivers a facility to earn more by completing weekly or monthly targets. This experience can also be gamified.
• A Penalty Feature in-case the user keeps the driver waiting for more than 15 minutes or cancels the right after a designated time, he/she would have to pay the penalty caused.
• Heat Maps tell the driver where the service is in the most demand so that the driver can plan his schedule to reach a destination where there’s a higher passenger ratio.
• Additional Booking allows the driver to accept another trip while already completing a trip.

Administration Panel For Your App Similar To Uber

The administration panel is a must-have module because it will ensure customer satisfaction, organize and control all other processes, and keep track of all necessary implementations. So, to manage all of the previously mentioned aspects, you need to develop a web-based admin panel.

This web-based admin panel would effectively manage your users, drivers, ride bookings, payments, and in app-accounts and purchases. The Uber app already has a web-based admin panel that it uses to refine its business processes. Moreover, creating a top-notch admin panel would ensure that the following functions are being carried out correctly:

• Driver-User Management.
• Ride Management.
• Fare Management.
• Vehicle & Location Management.
• Reviews, Rating, Support, and Feedback Management.
• Notification Management.
• Content Management.
• Inquiries, Promotions, Discounts & Offers Management.

The Technology Stack You’ll Need To Create Your App

Below we have compiled the technology stack that you’ll need to make your traveling app:

• Kotlin – For Android apps)
• Swift – For iOS apps)
• io – For providing a seamless playing experience.
• APNS – For push notifications.
• Firebase – For building your mobile application.
• Facebook SDK – For analyzing how people interact with your app.
• Google Maps – For routing and navigation.
• Google Places – For directions and location fetching.
• js for back-end development.
• Elastic Email – An Email delivery engine.
• io – For in-app chatting/messaging.
• Google Directions – For routing.
• Amazon EC2 – For cloud hosting experience.
• Amazon S3 – For cloud storage.
• Braintree/Stripe – For online transactions (payment).
• Twilio – For SMS notification.

The above-mentioned technology stack is an idea of what you need to develop your Uber-like app. However, keep in mind that the technology stack may change concerning the business objectives, features, functionality, and platform.

The Revenue Models For Your App

Your framework for generating financial income or your revenue model may differ from Uber’s original revenue model. Your values and objectives would be the main factors causing the difference. Remember that Uber doesn’t own the vehicles that are registered on its platform. The platform acts as a bridge between the rider and the driver and enables them to earn revenue.

The uber revenue models can be divided into two parts: Uber charges fees from the drivers and a second where Uber charges fees from the passengers.

Development Insights Of Creating An App Similar To Uber

With every functionality and feature out of the way, let’s walk through your app’s developmental stage.

Geo-Location & Routing

Location is the most important function that your app should have. Generally, GPS technology is used to detect someone’s location. In developing an app similar to Uber, this feature will help the drivers locate the users once they’ve requested a ride.

Uber’s app makes the overall locating and routing process seem quick, efficient, and straightforward, but in reality, there is a complex architecture making the experience look seamless and easy. Moreover, the routing option gives the user and the driver the statistics of the distance and best route.

So, the functionality mentioned above tells us that Geolocation and routing are the core functionality of Uber. When creating your taxi app, you must ensure a flawless service experience that rivals that of Uber.

Technical Side Of Geo-Location & Routing

From pinning the point on a map to tracking the car movement in your Uber app –everything is related to Google Maps. Google Maps power routes and directions in the Android version of the app. Also, this is the easiest and most accurate way.

For Android

Maps SDK and Geo-Location API are the tools/technology you need to develop your app similar to Uber (Android version). These technologies will give you the drivers and users precise location and routing advantage.

For iOS

Core-Location and Map-Kit are the two frameworks that you need to provide your users with the same functionality you provided on your Android version of the Uber-like app. These technologies can also efficiently select routes and provide directions to both parties.

Payment Integration

Next comes the payment integration methods that you will be integrating into your ride-hailing app. Uber has its strategy of demanding payment from users and sharing the amount between the vendor/driver and owner. So, you may have to come with your distribution strategy.

Let’s assume you have your strategy ready. Now, you’re looking for a straightforward transaction method between the parties, which could benefit your customers and drivers. One approach would be paying upon ride completion. The second would be cashless payment – let’s discuss both of them by considering what Uber has integrated with its app to make the payment mode smooth and seamless.

Uber has a fare calculator integrated within their app that calculates and gives the user a highly accurate estimation of how much the ride would cost. The calculator also provides the user with different estimates depending on the type of conveyance that the user has chosen, i.e., UberX, SUV, Premium, or Black.

Uber considers the following aspects to give the passengers and drivers and estimation cost:

• Base Fare.
• Cost Per Minute.
• Cost Per Mile.
• Safe Rides Fee.

For the cashless method, you would have to integrate a payment system into your app and ensure that the system is safe. However, to store and process credit card data, you would be required to meet PCI compliance requirements. Once you’re PCI certified, you can easily integrate a cashless payment feature into your app.

The second way to ensure a fully secured and supported payment gateway is through opting for a PCI compliance solution like Braintree or Stripe.

Moreover, providing your audience with a seamless experience is the key here, so make sure that your payment gateway is specially designed for mobile devices. Also, the service is simple and ensures quick user data extraction.

Uber uses Braintree for all of its cashless transactions. Uber is also leveraging its newly announced Card.io integration. Card.io scans a card’s code using the device’s camera to provide users extreme convenience while paying for their chosen service.

Registration & Profile

Registration and profile are the most crucial elements of a mobile application. And quite honestly, today, we can’t imagine a website that doesn’t ask for the user’s information.

According to App Annie, consumers downloaded nearly 204 billion apps in 2019. Almost all of the apps downloaded had a registration option. The user would conveniently set up his/her profile.

Moreover, there are three reasons why you should consider having a registration and profile page. One, you can keep track of your user base. Second, your users can get access to the full set of services offered by your app. Third well, Uber gives its users similar functionality.

Considering that you’re developing an app like Uber, which will involve mobile payments, this feature is necessary. Also, to keep the process of registration and profile completion swift – we recommend you give your audience the option of signing in via social media or email.

Uber offers similar functionality. This approach will enable your customers to complete the registration process and start offering services quickly. You can also ask for their phone number in addition.

For the profiles, keep the process of incorporating data and managing it easy. Some of the information that you can ask from your customers are the following:

• Upload a profile picture.
• Name
• Address.
• Phone number.
• Car license number.

A tip from Tekrevol would be to keep the functionality minimum by asking for the information that matters the most. Additionally, you can also add a rating and review system.

This strategic move will help you showcase that you care about your users and their experience. Their feedback will also help you improve your app’s several pain points that negatively impact your overall reputation.

A tip from Tekrevol would be to keep the functionality minimum by asking for the information that matters the most. Additionally, you can also add a rating and review system.

This strategic move will help you showcase that you care about your users and their experience. Their feedback will also help you improve your app’s several pain points that negatively impact your overall reputation.

The UI – UX Design

The app’s UI and UX are essential because they will determine the user experience of your app. Additionally, your app would be sophisticated. You’re trying to create an app like Uber so, try to showcase your functionality and features in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

While there are many things we can tell you about your app’s design aspect, we prefer to explain our ideology regarding the design in two specific words, “Simple and Clean.” Most of your audience might have difficulty using your app, maybe because they’re new to the technology or old.

Incorporating an outstandingly easy design will help users of all ages to know how to use your app easily. Additionally, aside from a smooth and clean interface, you can also develop easy navigation into your app. Here are some general recommendations from our side to help you when designing an app like Uber:

• Ensure a user-friendly experience.
• The design should reflect your app’s (business’s) core values.
• The navigation should be easy.
• The booking process should be hassle-free and fast.
• The functionalities and features of the app should be intuitive.
• Visual elements and graphics should be stunning.

Notifications

Standard notifications or push notifications to keep the users coming back to your app. You can also use these notifications to inform the users about the latest offer, discount, news, or anything else important. Having a notification functionality will enable you to engage your audience and persuade them to use your app.

Moreover, integrating an SMS, Email, or Push notification feature within your app will help you notify your audience about important events like the arrival of the car or request confirmation.

You can leverage the following technologies to build an Uber-like notification feature:

• Apple Push Notification Service (APN) – to build a notification functionality in iOS devices.
• Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) – to build a notification functionality for Android-powered devices.

Ride Cost Estimator

An algorithm-based cost estimator is crucial for your app, similar to Uber. We said algorithm-based because your app should have its rates and fares that would change according to the service type and cost-per-mile.

This feature would enable the users to see the price of the ride they’re about to book. Your app’s ride cost calculating algorithm would calculate the user’s total distance, estimated time of journey, and drop-off location to give the users an estimated cost.

Moreover, the app’s functionality would be customized, so; it is crucial to decide the calculating cost methodology applied to the app. Furthermore, Uber has different algorithms that calculate the fares of additional services users choose, like UberX or UberSUV.

Communication

We are building an app that will be connecting users with vendors. Here, communication is probably the most critical aspect of the app. To be more precise, communication is the foundation of this particular app.

The users would be communicating with the drivers frequently after the ride has been booked. Although this feature is present in literally every app today, there’s always room for more improvement. Once integrated with your ride-sharing app, this feature will make it even more convenient for the users to connect with their drivers.

In Uber, the user can call or text the driver within the app. We will focus on incorporating the same built-in messaging and calling technology into your app.

SMS Notifications

Integrating an SMS notification feature will help you go beyond the basic functionality of providing information to your users. You can send the users information related to your app or services via SMS.

You can do this by contacting the telecommunication service provider. For SMS notification, the Uber app utilizes Twilio. However, you can avail yourself more options like Nexmo, Sinch, or Plivo to get this feature for your audience.

Advance Ride Booking

A more modern feature introduced by Uber a few years ago, this functionality enables the user to request a pickup in advance within a timeframe of 15 minutes to 30 days. This feature gave users the facility to plan their trips more accurately.

Integrating a ride scheduling functionality can be a USP. It will surely persuade your audience to use your app to avail of this feature alone. Moreover, by combining this feature with other features mentioned on this list, you’ll create your app’s broader functionality.

Ride Booking For Others

This feature is similar to the ride-booking in advance functionality. It would be innovative to include in your Uber-like app development. This feature gives users the option of requesting a ride on behalf of a friend or relative.

Fare Sharing Feature

One more advanced functionality that you can include in your Uber-like app is the fare sharing feature. This feature would allow the users to travel to the same destination to ride together and divide the traveling cost between them.

How Much Would It Cost To Build An App Like Uber?

Wondering how much it would cost to build apps like Uber? The cost depends on the functionality, complexity, and feature set you’ll integrate into your app.

Considering all the features and functionalities mentioned above, developing an app would cost you $60,000 to $120,000 in round figures. Plus, you would have to get an admin panel designed for your Uber-like app. The price of getting an admin panel developed would be somewhere between $10,000 to $15,000.

Moreover, if you are looking for a complete breakdown of the cost of developing an app like Uber, in that case, we have a great blog on “How much would it cost to make an app,” written by one of our top business analysts. Be sure to check it out.

How Does The Uber App Work?

Uber is an application that connects driver-partners and riders. Users can request a ride using their Uber app in the areas where Uber is operating. Once the ride is requested, Uber gives the user an estimated time of the drive’s arrival and gives the driver’s location.

The Uber app also gives the user information about the driver, vehicle, vehicle number plate, and vehicle type. The users can order Uber from wherever they want. Moreover, once the user arrives at his/her destination, the app automatically calculates the fare. The user pays through either cash or the payment method linked to his/her Uber account.

Once the user has arrived at his/her destination, he/she can rate the driver from 1 to 5 stars. This rating system can also be called Uber’s feedback system. The idea of building a community of respect and accountability is instigated through the integration of a review and rating system.

Uber’s seamless functionality and user experience make Uber the champion in its niche. However, to explain the process, we’ll discuss the Uber business model, which consists of five essential elements. So, if you need to build an app similar to Uber, you can integrate these aspects to make sure your app doesn’t miss a beat:

1.  User Ride Request

After downloading the Uber app on iOS or Android, users can request a ride in their preferred car. The ride request generated by Uber is visible to drivers in the nearby vicinity.

2.  Accept Or Decline User Request

Uber gives the driver the option to choose his preferred request by accepting or declining/canceling the request. Once the driver cancels the ride request, it is passed over to another driver who is nearby.

3.  Ride Booked

If the driver accepts the ride, the user’s contact details are shared with the driver. This makes it easier for him to quickly locate the user’s location and navigate towards him/her giving the user an estimated arrival time in the meantime.

4.  Payment Option

After booking the ride, the Uber app gives the user an estimated cost of the ride. The estimated fare can be paid through the flexible payment methods integrated within the app, i.e., cashless or payment upon ride completion.

5.  User’s Feedback (Ratings & Reviews)

After completing the ride, the Uber app gives the user a feature of rating the driver and leaving a review of the overall experience.

The functionalities mentioned above are a precise and concise way of describing how the Uber app works. So, suppose you’re willing to design the best taxi app for Android or iOS. In that case, you have to ensure that the steps mentioned above are integrated within your app.

Now that you know all the ins and outs of developing your app, let’s start discussing the app’s creation method, technology stack, and functionalities and tools.

Start Building Your Taxi-App

Following the instructions in our article, going through each phase of your Uber-like app development in detail and hiring the best talent to work on your cab-hailing service providing app will ensure a ground-breaking app in the end.

We suggest that you start with an MVP (minimum viable product) and determine which features and functionalities are genuinely essential for your application. Go for the research and analyze your targeted audience – see what is currently missing in the market and create a business model.

Ensure that your business model is fulfilling your target audience’s demands and start working on your project. Moreover, the best way to constantly improve your app is by understanding user’s feedback and adjusting accordingly to it in the long-run.

These implementations and processes are essential because today, the market is highly competitive. To stand out today, you need to bring innovation. Uber was successful because, at the time of its launch, no companies offered such services at such a massive scale. So, because market conditions are continually evolving – we want you to adapt to the best practices to ensure your project’s success in the long run.