Mobile Public Toilets - Shared Cars

Shared cars are called 'mobile toilets' due to the poor hygiene conditions of some vehicles, but the main reasons for their exit are flaws in the business model, limitations in usage scenarios, and bad user behavior.

Reasons for being called 'mobile toilets'

Shared cars were once jokingly referred to as 'mobile toilets'. This term originated from some real-life operational nightmares. Some netizens found human excrement in the trunks of rented shared cars, as well as chewing gum stuck to seats and used tissues hanging from steering wheels. These uncivilized behaviors led to extremely poor hygiene conditions in some shared cars, leaving a negative impression of 'mobile toilets'.

Key reasons for their exit

• Fundamental issues with the business model: Shared cars adopt a heavy-asset operation model, which incurs high costs. Expenses such as vehicle depreciation, insurance, maintenance, dispatching, cleaning, and charging station配套 (supporting facilities) require substantial capital investment. However, the prices paid by users are difficult to cover these costs, resulting in long-term losses for enterprises and making it difficult for them to continue operating.
• Inherent flaws in usage scenarios: The scarcity of parking spaces is a major challenge faced by shared cars. In cities, the number of suitable parking spaces is limited, making it difficult for users to find appropriate parking spots after use, which increases the difficulty of use. Additionally, the insufficient range of new energy vehicles and the lack of charging station配套 (supporting facilities) also limit the usage scope and convenience of shared cars.
• User behavior exacerbates the situation: The bad behavior of some users further worsens the plight of shared cars. Some people use shared cars for long-distance travel, increasing vehicle wear and tear and operational costs. Dangerous behaviors such as late-night drag racing and drifting not only cause severe damage to vehicles but may also trigger safety accidents. Some even dismantle components such as central control screens, seriously affecting the normal use and subsequent operation of vehicles.