Is launching an Uber clone in 2025 still a good business idea?
I’ve been researching ride-hailing startups for a while and noticed something interesting. Many founders still jump straight into building an Uber clone, expecting growth just by launching an app. But a lot of these platforms shut down within months.
From what I’ve seen, the issue isn’t the technology — Uber clone scripts today are actually quite advanced. The real problem is poor planning around operations, pricing, and driver supply.
Some questions I’m genuinely curious about and would like opinions on:
Is it smarter to launch in a niche (like corporate rides, rural transport, or rentals) instead of competing head-on with Uber?
How important is localization (pricing, vehicle types, regulations) when using an Uber clone?
For those who’ve tried it, what was harder — acquiring riders or retaining drivers?
Does starting with a ready-made Uber clone app actually save time, or does customization become a headache later?
I’d love to hear from people who’ve launched, failed, or are currently running ride-hailing platforms. Real experiences would help more than theory.