Companies like Uber have lit up the taxi industry. Their Taxi App has streamlined the process of getting a taxi ride by matching drivers with passengers. There’s still more room for other Taxi Apps to pop up in non-Western markets, wherein Uber Clone Apps have been unable to penetrate.
You can get a piece of the action by getting an App like Uber built by app development companies who have the tried and tested model. You can use these ready-made Uber Clone Apps to launch your business quickly.
The cost and technology that go into building an Uber Clone depend on your approach, whether you want to make one from scratch or get a ready-made on-demand solution from app development companies.
We will differentiate between these two approaches by examining their costs, the level of technology required, and the time needed to build an Uber Clone.
Building an Uber Clone from Scratch
Planning Stage
This is the preliminary stage of the development phase. Here, you need to conduct market research and identify the pain points of the customers in your targeted region. You need to make a realistic roadmap, which is the timeline until the Uber clone is ready to launch.
UI/UX Design
This stage focuses on building a user-friendly interface and experience for your customers. The UI should be simple, with clear text and icons. The design for the user app, the driver app, the admin panel, and the main website is prototyped and finalized in this phase.
Frontend Development
This stage also focuses on the user interface for iOS, Android, and web panels. It consists of user registration and authentication. GPS tracking, live ride status, and payment integration.
Backend Development
The backend development phase consists of implementing server-side logic, real-time tracking, database management, and payment processing.
Testing & QA
This phase of development is primarily for testing the app’s functionalities, stability, security, and compatibility across multiple platforms. This phase will require months.
Deployment & Launch
During this phase, the app is uploaded to the Android & iOS app stores. The initial marketing campaign begins, and the developers address the bugs and glitches reported on day one.
Post-Launch Maintenance
Your dev team continues to fix bugs via regular updates and add new features for the foreseeable future. They also continue to monitor the server for any increased user spikes.
Technologies Used for Building an Uber Clone
Whether you’re building an Uber clone from scratch or getting a ready-made one, the tech stack is generally the same.
For iOS
Language – Swift, IDE – Xcode, Database – User default
For Android
Language – Java, IDE – Android Studio, Database – Realm
Backend –
Language: PHP & Node.js,
Framework: Express.js,
Database: MongoDB or MySQL
Additional Technologies
Payment Gateway: Stripe
Maps and Location Services: Google Maps API
Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging
Log in using Social Media
Google Login API (OAuth 2.0)
Facebook Login API
Map Services
Google Maps API (Primary)
Other supported map services
OpenStreetMaps
- TomTom
- LocationIQ
- OpenCageData
- MapQuest
- MapBox
- DeveloperHere
- Nettoolkit
Push Notification
Android: Firebase Cloud Messaging
IOS: Apple Push Notification Service
In App Chat, Voice Call, & Video Call
For Website
- HTML
- CSS
- PHP
- MySQL
- jQuery
- Node.js
- mongoDB
- SocketCluster
The Cost of Building vs Buying a Ready-Made Uber Clone
The first section of the blog outlined the process of building an Uber Clone from scratch. The cost will continue to balloon at each stage. You have to hire professionals who are experienced app developers. Invest in physical infrastructure, such as office spaces and utilities, and bear the cost of electricity bills for running technical equipment.
Mismanagement of funding is possible when building from scratch. The development team, design team, and content development team must all be in sync for the development process to proceed smoothly and avoid going over budget. The time to build an Uber Clone from scratch will take upwards of a year. The expenditure will continue after the app is launched, as regular updates and the addition of new features require additional funding.
In contrast, buying an Uber Clone from an app development company significantly reduces the budget. You don’t have to go through the hassle of buying offices and other infrastructure. There is little waiting time, and you receive what you see.. You can bypass the process of building an app and reap the rewards from day one.
Launch Branded Uber-Like Taxi App in 1 or 2 Weeks
After trying the live demo of the Uber Clone App, you can purchase the app from the app development company. They will white-label your apps, essentially removing the mark of the App Development Company and replacing it with your brand’s flair. In addition to this, you get a permanent domain—free upgradation for two years and a year’s worth of bug support. You will also get the complete licensed source code of the app, so that your team of developers can continue to make modifications to it.
This lucrative second option of getting a ready-made app is the key to your success in the Taxi industry. Your Taxi App can have more features than a giant App like Uber or Lyft. It is also helpful in transforming your offline taxi business into an online on-demand business. The ready-made app will also be highly scalable.
This on-demand app solution can be customized according to your customer base. In Asian markets, Tuk-Tuks and Motorcycles are common than Taxis. You can implement these rides in your app. Your Taxi App will have a faster time to market, giving you a competitive edge.
Conclusion
Building an Uber Clone from the ground up is a costly venture. Uber has dominated the taxi industry, but there is a way for you to get a piece of the action. Rather than building an Uber Clone from scratch, you can buy a ready-made on-demand Taxi App. This is a cost-effective and efficient way to bring your app to market. Because of the immense cost of building one from scratch, this lucrative alternative can get your business started quickly, and you can start earning profits from day one. The blog lists the tech stack required to build an Uber Clone.