A Complete Guide to eScooter App Design

Design can make or break an app.

When it comes to escooter apps, the experience users have is directly tied to how well the app is designed.

Think about it: users need to locate a scooter, unlock it, and start their ride, all with just a few taps.

A seamless design ensures this process feels natural, while a clunky one could leave users frustrated.

Beyond usability, great design builds trust.

Escooter apps are often the face of a larger brand, and your design tells users whether you’re reliable.

Whether it’s responsive layouts or intuitive features, every detail counts when it comes to user experience.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about escooter app design, from the process to trends, costs, and tools. If you’re looking to create an app that stands out, this is your roadmap.

Why Design is the Backbone of Escooter Apps

When it comes to developing a escooter app, design is much more than an aesthetic choice, it’s the foundation of a seamless, user-friendly experience. 

A well-designed app is the difference between a user completing their ride effortlessly or abandoning the app in frustration.

► Usability Drives the Experience

Your app must prioritize ease of use. Imagine a new user opening your app for the first time.

How quickly can they find a nearby scooter, check the pricing, and unlock it?

If they’re stuck navigating through cluttered menus or confusing options, chances are they’ll move on to another service.

Clear navigation, intuitive placement of buttons, and minimal clicks to perform key actions, these are the hallmarks of a user-first design.

Features like real-time scooter tracking, one-click payments, and responsive feedback for actions (e.g., unlocking a scooter) enhance usability and create a stress-free experience.

► Trust Begins with Design

Would you trust an app that looks outdated, glitchy, or inconsistent? Probably not.

Your design is often the first impression users have of your brand, and it speaks volumes about your professionalism.

Consistency in branding elements, colors, fonts, and tone of communication, creates a sense of reliability.

Smooth transitions, polished layouts, and responsive elements also build confidence in your app’s functionality and security.

► Accessibility Opens Doors

A good design isn’t just for the tech-savvy, it’s for everyone. Accessibility ensures that users with different abilities can interact with your app comfortably.

Features like larger fonts, high-contrast themes, and screen reader support make your app inclusive.

By considering accessibility in your design, you tap into a broader audience and demonstrate your commitment to user inclusivity.

► Visual Hierarchy Simplifies Interaction

Visual hierarchy refers to arranging app elements to guide the user’s eye naturally.

For instance, a well-placed “Start Ride” button or prominent icons for map navigation ensures users instantly know what action to take.

This makes the app feel intuitive and reduces the learning curve for new users.

► Enhancing Retention Through Design

A well-designed app keeps users coming back.

Features like personalized dashboards, clear ride histories, and loyalty programs can all be highlighted through smart design.

When users feel like the app “understands” their needs, they’re more likely to stick around.

To summarize, design isn’t just a supporting player, it’s the star of the show. From usability to inclusivity and trust, your app’s design directly impacts how users perceive and interact with your platform.

The Complete Escooter App Designing Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Designing an escooter app isn’t just about creating an attractive interface, it’s about ensuring users can seamlessly interact with the app, from locating a scooter to completing payments.

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the design process, covering every essential detail.

Step 1: Research and Understand Your Audience

The first step in the design process is knowing exactly who will use your app. This involves deep research into your target audience's preferences, behaviors, and challenges.

Key actions to take:

• Conduct Surveys or Interviews: Ask potential users about their expectations. For instance, commuters might want quick booking, while tourists may value navigation assistance.
• Develop User Personas: Create detailed profiles of your ideal users. These personas should include demographics, goals, pain points, and preferred app features.
• Analyze Competitors: Study popular escooter apps in the market. What design features do they excel at? What could they improve?

This research ensures your design decisions are tailored to your users’ needs.

Step 2: Define App Goals and Features

Before jumping into design, outline what your app will do and the features it must include. These could vary based on your target market and business model.

Core features of an escooter app typically include:

• Real-time Scooter Location Tracking: Use maps to show nearby scooters.
• QR Code Unlocking: For quick and easy scooter access.
• Ride Details: Distance, duration, and cost tracking.
• Payment Integration: Support multiple payment options, such as credit cards, digital wallets, or subscription plans.
• Customer Support: Easy-to-access help features, like live chat or FAQs.

Having a clear list of features ensures your design stays focused. 

Step 3: Map the User Journey

A user journey map outlines every step your users will take within the app. It helps you identify potential friction points and streamline the process.

Example journey for an escooter app:

• Download and Register: Users download the app, sign up, and verify their account.
• Locate a Scooter: The user opens the app and finds available scooters nearby using a real-time map.
• Unlock and Ride: They scan a QR code to unlock the scooter and start their ride.
• Track Progress: During the ride, the app shows the route, time, and estimated cost.
• End the Ride: Once done, they park the scooter and complete payment.

This roadmap helps ensure every interaction is accounted for in the design.

Step 4: Create Wireframes: The App Blueprint

Wireframing is where your app takes shape. This stage focuses on layout and functionality without worrying about visual details.

What to include in your wireframes:

• Navigation Flow: Clear pathways for users to move between screens (e.g., home > map > payment).
• Key Screens: Design placeholders for crucial sections like maps, user profiles, and ride history.
• CTA Placement: Highlight critical actions like “Start Ride,” “End Ride,” and “Pay Now.”

Wireframes give you a clear structure, allowing room for changes before committing to final designs.

Step 5: Prototyping: Simulate the Experience

Prototyping turns wireframes into interactive mockups. This is where you test how the app functions in real life, without needing to code anything yet.

Tools like Figma or Adobe XD can help you create prototypes that mimic real app interactions:

• Simulate tapping, swiping, and scrolling.
• Test the functionality of key features, such as scooter unlocking or payment processes.
• Gather early feedback from testers to identify usability issues.

This stage is crucial for catching potential roadblocks before heavy design or development begins.

Step 6: Visual Design: Bring the App to Life

Now it’s time to focus on aesthetics. The visual design stage ensures your app is visually appealing and aligns with your brand identity.

Key design elements to focus on:

• Color Palette: Choose colors that evoke trust and align with the escooter industry. For example, green signifies eco-friendliness, while blue conveys reliability.
• Typography: Use clean, readable fonts that fit your app's tone, whether modern, playful, or professional.
• Icons and Imagery: Add intuitive icons for features like map navigation, payment, and ride details.

Consistency across screens ensures your app feels cohesive and professional.

Step 7: Responsive Design: Adapt to Every Device

Your users will access the app on various devices with different screen sizes. Responsive design ensures that your app works flawlessly across smartphones, tablets, and even wearable devices.

What to check:

• Layout adjustments for small and large screens.
• Button sizes and spacing for touch inputs.
• Optimal loading times on slower networks or devices.

Step 8: Test Usability and Gather Feedback

Once your design is ready, put it through rigorous usability testing. This involves having real users interact with the app to identify pain points and refine the experience.

Key areas to test:

• Navigation: Are users able to find scooters or make payments without confusion?
• Performance: Does the app respond quickly to actions like unlocking or ending rides?
• Accessibility: Is the design user-friendly for people with disabilities (e.g., screen readers, high contrast)?

Iterate your design based on this feedback to ensure every aspect works smoothly.

Step 9: Design for Scalability

Think beyond the initial launch. As your app grows, you may add features like subscription models, group rides, or promotional offers. Ensure your design can accommodate these changes without disrupting the current user experience.

Step 10: Collaborate with Development Teams

Finally, designers and developers must work closely to translate the design into a fully functional app. Provide developers with clear specifications, including:

• Design files and prototypes.
• Font sizes, color codes, and spacing details.
• Interaction animations and transitions.

Frequent communication ensures that the final app matches your design vision.

By following this comprehensive design process, you can create an escooter app that stands out in terms of usability, aesthetics, and functionality.

Things to Keep in Mind When Designing an Escooter App

Designing an escooter app requires careful attention to detail to ensure it not only looks good but also delivers a seamless and intuitive user experience.

Here’s a list of key factors you should consider during the design process:

A] Prioritize User Simplicity

Users don’t have the patience to navigate a complicated interface. Every feature should be easy to find, and key actions like finding a scooter, unlocking it, and making payments should take minimal effort.

How to Achieve It:

• Use minimalistic layouts with clear navigation.
• Place commonly used actions like “Find a Scooter” or “Start Ride” front and center.
• Include a guided tutorial for first-time users to make the onboarding process smooth. 

B] Focus on Speed and Performance

Your app design should support fast loading times and real-time functionality. Features like scooter tracking and ride updates rely on dynamic data, which should load instantly.

Tips:

• Optimize map design for faster loading by using lightweight APIs.
• Use loading animations or progress indicators to keep users informed during any delays.
• Ensure seamless transitions between screens to avoid frustration.

C] Create a Seamless Map Integration

The map is the heart of an escooter app, guiding users to nearby scooters and showing their ride progress. A cluttered or confusing map can lead to a poor experience.

Best Practices:

• Use familiar map layouts (e.g., Google Maps or OpenStreetMap).
• Add clear markers for scooters, parking spots, and restricted areas.
• Use color codes for different scooter statuses (e.g., green for available, red for unavailable).

D] Include Clear Payment Flows

Your payment system should be secure and straightforward. Confusion or multiple failed attempts can lead to user drop-offs.

How to Simplify Payments:

• Offer multiple payment options like cards, wallets, and subscriptions.
• Include visual cues like “success” messages and confirmation emails after payments.
• Make refund or dispute options easy to access.

E] Accessibility Should Be a Priority

Not every user interacts with apps in the same way. Designing for accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your app.

Accessibility Features:

• High-contrast modes for users with vision impairments.
• Voice navigation or screen reader compatibility.
• Adjustable font sizes for readability.

F] Focus on Battery Efficiency

Escooter apps are often used on the go, and a battery-draining app can frustrate users.

What to Keep in Mind:

• Optimize GPS usage to reduce energy consumption.
• Allow users to turn off unnecessary background features.
• Include a battery-friendly mode to limit real-time updates when not needed.

G] Build Trust Through Transparency

Users should feel confident about every interaction with your app, from pricing to data privacy.

Ways to Build Trust:

• Display ride costs upfront, including potential fees (like parking or late return charges).
• Use clear privacy policies and let users control what data they share.
• Show scooter conditions or battery levels to prevent unpleasant surprises.

H] Emphasize Visual and Brand Consistency

Consistency in design builds recognition and trust. Your app should align with your brand’s identity while maintaining a professional look.

Consistency Tips:

• Stick to a uniform color palette and typography.
• Use the same style for buttons, icons, and transitions across the app.
• Include your logo and branding subtly in all screens.

I] Localize for Your Target Audience

If you’re launching your app in multiple regions, localization can make a significant difference.

Localized Features:

• Support for multiple languages.
• Adapt pricing to local currencies.
• Include region-specific rules, like parking zones or speed limits.

J] Plan for Future Scalability

Your design should be flexible enough to accommodate future updates, whether it’s adding new features, regions, or integrations.

What to Consider:

• Use modular layouts that allow for easy addition of features.
• Ensure your navigation bar can accommodate new sections.
• Keep scalability in mind during wireframing to avoid major redesigns later.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll create a user-friendly escooter app that stands out in the market.

Up next, let’s take a look at some popular escooter apps and how they can inspire your design.

Popular Escooter Apps for Design Inspiration

When designing your escooter app, it’s helpful to look at industry leaders who have nailed their app design.

Each of these apps offers valuable insights into user-friendly layouts, intuitive navigation, and seamless functionality. 

Here are some of the top escooter apps to inspire your project:

1) Bird

Why It Stands Out:

• Minimalistic Design: Bird uses a clean interface with a focus on simplicity, ensuring users can find and unlock scooters effortlessly.
• Real-Time Updates: The app provides accurate scooter availability and battery levels on the map.
• Intuitive Navigation: Users can seamlessly transition from locating a scooter to completing payments without confusion.

Design Takeaway: Bird’s focus on simplicity and speed highlights the importance of reducing friction in the user experience.

2) Lime

Why It Stands Out:

• Interactive Map Features: Lime’s map interface includes color-coded parking zones, restricted areas, and available scooters.
• Eco-Friendly Branding: The app uses green tones throughout, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: Lime offers guided tutorials for new users, making onboarding easy.

Design Takeaway: Lime shows how consistent branding and detailed maps can enhance the user experience.

3) Spin

Why It Stands Out:

• Focus on Accessibility: Spin includes features like voice support and high-contrast modes, making it more inclusive.
• Detailed Ride Summaries: Users can view comprehensive trip details, including costs, distance, and ride time.
• Efficient Payment Flow: Payment options are clearly displayed, with a straightforward checkout process.

Design Takeaway: Spin’s attention to accessibility proves the importance of making apps usable for everyone.

4) Tier

Why It Stands Out:

• Unique Features: Tier integrates eco-friendly options like helmet rentals and scooter energy-saving modes.
• Dynamic Visuals: The app uses animations and transitions to enhance user engagement.
• Localized Features: Tier adapts its app to region-specific regulations and languages.

Design Takeaway: Tier demonstrates the value of adding unique features while maintaining a polished, localized design.

5) Voi

Why It Stands Out:

• Personalized User Dashboards: Voi offers dashboards that display user stats, like total rides and environmental impact.
• Responsive Design: The app adapts flawlessly to different screen sizes, maintaining usability across devices.
• Strong Brand Identity: Bright colors and friendly visuals make the app approachable and memorable.

Design Takeaway: Voi’s use of personalization and branding creates a strong emotional connection with its users.

6) Dott

Why It Stands Out:

• Intuitive Map Interface: Dott uses a clear map with easy-to-read icons for scooter locations, parking spots, and restricted areas.
• Real-Time Battery Levels: Users can see the battery life of scooters before booking, ensuring transparency.
• Quick Ride Start: A one-click unlock feature makes starting rides effortless.

Design Takeaway: Dott’s streamlined navigation and transparency set a high standard for user convenience. 

These apps provide valuable insights, but remember to add your unique twist to differentiate your product.

Design Trends for Escooter Apps

In the competitive world of escooter app design, staying ahead means adopting trends that elevate user experience and keep your app looking modern.

Here are the top design trends shaping escooter apps in 2024 and beyond:

► Minimalist Interfaces

Simplicity is king in app design. Users value apps that are visually clean and focus on function over clutter. Minimalistic designs help users find what they need faster, enhancing the overall experience.

How to Apply It:

• Use ample white space to reduce visual noise.
• Stick to a limited color palette that reflects your brand.
• Prioritize large, readable fonts and concise text.

► Dark Mode

Dark mode is no longer a luxury, it’s an expectation. Many users prefer apps that offer dark mode for comfort, especially in low-light conditions.

Why It Matters:

• Reduces eye strain during nighttime usage.
• Saves battery life on OLED screens.
• Offers a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Design Tip: Ensure all visuals and icons in dark mode are adjusted for readability and contrast.

► Personalization

Apps that adapt to users’ preferences are gaining popularity. Personalization makes users feel valued and can lead to increased loyalty.

Examples of Personalization:

• Customized dashboards showing ride history and eco-impact (e.g., CO₂ saved by using a scooter).
• Tailored ride recommendations based on past usage patterns.
• Localization options for language and currency preferences.

► Microinteractions

Microinteractions are small animations or responses that make the app feel more dynamic. They provide feedback, guide users, and add personality to the app.

Where to Use Microinteractions:

• A “loading” animation when searching for scooters.
• Button animations when users unlock a scooter or make a payment.
• A celebratory animation after completing a ride or saving money with a subscription.

► Gamification

Turning routine activities into engaging challenges is a great way to keep users hooked. Gamification in escooter apps not only entertains but also encourages frequent use.

Gamification Ideas:

• Reward badges for milestones, like “First 10 Rides” or “100 km Traveled.”
• Leaderboards showing users’ ride stats compared to others in their city.
• Daily or weekly challenges with rewards, such as discounts on future rides.

► Interactive Maps

The map is the core feature of any escooter app, and enhancing it with interactive elements improves usability and engagement.

Trending Features:

• Color-coded zones for parking, restricted areas, and high-traffic locations.
• Real-time weather overlays to warn users of conditions like rain or snow.
• Predictive route suggestions based on user preferences or scooter availability.

► Voice Command Integration

With the rise of hands-free technology, adding voice commands can set your app apart. This is particularly helpful for users who are on the go.

Voice Commands Could Include:

• “Locate the nearest scooter.”
• “Check my ride history.”
• “Start a ride” or “End my ride.”

► Eco-Focused Features

As sustainability becomes a top priority, escooter apps are integrating eco-friendly elements into their design.

Eco-Focused Features to Consider:

• Displaying the environmental impact of each ride (e.g., CO₂ emissions saved compared to driving a car).
• Encouraging eco-friendly routes with fewer stops or lower traffic.
• Integrating with public transport to promote multimodal travel.

► Augmented Reality (AR)

AR features add a futuristic touch to your app and improve navigation. While still an emerging trend, AR is becoming more common in mobility apps.

AR Applications:

• Guiding users to the nearest scooter with AR arrows on their camera view.
• Highlighting nearby parking zones in real-time through the phone’s camera.
• Overlaying route suggestions onto the real-world environment.

► Accessibility Features

Inclusivity is a major trend across all app categories. Escooter apps that prioritize accessibility stand out as user-friendly and socially responsible.

Must-Have Accessibility Features:

• High-contrast themes and adjustable text sizes.
• Voice-over navigation for visually impaired users.
• Gesture-based controls for users with mobility impairments.

► Responsive and Modular Design

With users accessing apps on devices of all sizes, responsive design is a non-negotiable trend. Modular designs also make it easier to scale and update the app in the future.

Best Practices:

• Ensure the app looks great on smartphones, tablets, and wearables.
• Use scalable design components to add or modify features easily.

► Data Visualization

Users appreciate data presented in a clear, engaging format. Escooter apps can use this to highlight ride statistics and environmental impact.

Examples:

• Graphs showing monthly ride stats or money saved.
• Eco-friendly metrics like total CO₂ saved and calories burned.
• Interactive charts for subscription costs vs. pay-per-ride expenses.

By incorporating these design trends into your escooter app, you’ll not only improve usability but also appeal to modern users who expect cutting-edge features.

Escooter App Designing Cost: What to Expect

Designing an escooter app involves multiple stages and requires a team of professionals to ensure a smooth user experience and visually appealing interface.

Combining all phases, the total cost for designing an escooter app typically ranges between $10,000–$25,000.

The actual cost will depend on the app’s complexity, desired features, and the location of your design team.

The cost of designing your app will vary based on several factors, including complexity, features, and the location of your design team. Let’s break it down for you.

Several factors influence the overall cost of designing an escooter app:

a. App Complexity

• Simple Apps: Basic functionality like finding a scooter, unlocking it, and making payments. Minimalistic design with limited screens.
  Estimated Cost: $5,000–$10,000
• Moderate Apps: Additional features such as ride tracking, user profiles, and payment integrations. Moderate customization in the UI/UX design.
  Estimated Cost: $10,000–$20,000
• Advanced Apps: Highly interactive maps, AR features, gamification, and multi-language support.
  Estimated Cost: $20,000 and above

b. Number of Screens

The more screens your app requires (e.g., map screen, user dashboard, payment page), the higher the design cost. Each screen involves unique wireframes, prototypes, and UI/UX design.

c. Design Team Location

Design costs vary significantly depending on the team’s location:

• USA/Canada: $100–$250/hour
• Europe: $50–$150/hour
• Asia: $20–$80/hour

d. Features and Interactivity

• Adding advanced features like real-time maps, microinteractions, and gamification increases costs.
• Incorporating accessibility options or eco-friendly features may also require additional design effort.

By understanding these costs, you can better budget for your escooter app design and ensure you get the most value from your investment.

Your Trusted Partner for Escooter App Development – JPLoft

At JPLoft, we specialize in creating escooter apps that are both user-friendly and visually stunning. Our team of experienced designers and developers understands what it takes to turn your vision into a reality. Whether it’s crafting intuitive interfaces, integrating advanced features, or ensuring seamless performance, we’ve got you covered.

With a focus on innovation and scalability, we tailor every app to meet your unique business needs. From wireframes to launch, our process is transparent, efficient, and driven by excellence.

Let JPLoft be your go-to escooter app development company, reach out to us today and let’s make your app idea a reality!

Conclusion

Designing an escooter app is more than just creating a visually appealing interface, it’s about crafting a seamless experience that keeps users coming back.

From understanding your target audience and mapping user journeys to adopting the latest trends like interactive maps, personalization, and accessibility, every design decision plays a crucial role.

A well-designed app not only attracts users but also builds trust and loyalty, setting your business apart in a competitive market.

While the cost of design may vary depending on complexity and features, investing in a thoughtful design process ensures a higher return through satisfied users and increased engagement.