On-board computer – a Mobility legend quietly fades into the background
18.08.2025
They’ve been as much a part of the Mobility cars as the red colour for decades – the on-board computer, which customers can use to extend or change reservations. But their time is running out, as the Mobility app can do more and more – time for a song of praise.
Handwritten reservation lists start almost 40 years ago. In Mobility’s predecessor cooperative, the first customers use a pen or felt-tip to enter when they want to use the shared car. They always get the car keys from a lockable box. If it had continued like that, Mobility would never have grown to 285,000 users who share more than 3000 cars today. But luckily, the digital solution for car sharing comes in the mid-1990s – the on-board computer.
On-board computer reduces car theft
The on-board computer makes car sharing much easier. With the first version, the vehicles can be opened and closed using a personal card. The nice side effect of this is that the cars are no longer continuously stolen.
However, it takes almost ten years until all vehicles are fitted with electronic access. Even well after the turn of the millennium, customers still find the car keys in a box at some locations. The key for the box is received by post after registration.
“Goosenecks” take the strain off call centres
From 2000, the cooperative installs the second generation of on-board computers in its cars – including a numeric keypad. Users can thus now extend, reduce or prematurely terminate their reservation and no longer need to contact the call centre to do so. The fuel card is in the on-board computer. If you pull it out, the screen shows the pin, so that you can refuel free of charge. Internally, these control units are affectionately called “goosenecks”, as they are usually installed on a movable arm between the seats at the front.
Melted fuel cards
Since then, a further three generations have been added – with an increasing number of functions. For example, from the third generation, it’s possible to call the 24-hour service centre directly via the on-board computer, if you want to report damage, perhaps. But the principle of the on-board computer has remained the same – the card reader is at the front windscreen and the computer stowed somewhere in the car (possibly under the driver’s seat).
The control unit is first part of the rear mirror and later directly stuck to the windscreen, which causes quite a headache for the ServiceMobilers. Because due to the solar radiation and the extreme heat, the integrated fuel card occasionally becomes distorted. In the latest version, this has wandered into the glove box and the smaller screen is installed at a suitable position around the steering wheel.
The app replaces the on-board computer screen
We’re once again facing another turning point – attentive Mobility users will have noticed that the screens with their reservation functions are no longer to be found in many cars. Around 700 vehicles – mainly electric cars – are already on the road without a visible on-board computer. And in three to four years, this will apply for all red cars. Because the latest generation of on-board computers has neither a computer under the seat nor a display with buttons. The entire unit is housed compactly in the reader at the front windscreen. This means that in future, you’ll be able to use the Mobility Card as a key, in addition to your smartphone. One big advantage is also that the new version has considerably better reception, which is particularly effective in underground car parks.
The on-board computer has brought car sharing into the new millennium. But its time is running out – or at least that of the control unit. The new heroine of shared mobility is the Mobility app. On the one hand, it offers all the previous functions while on the other, several new options, which are constantly being extended. One example: Drivers of electric cars receive information about the current charging status and the range one hour before reservation.
A selection of the functions of the Mobility app
Change reservation times
Return the car (end reservation)
Open and close car (via Bluetooth)
Display the PIN code for refuelling
Navigate to the next suitable petrol station
Submit refuelling receipt directly
Carplay: This can be used to display all the reservation information on the car screen, for example
Members of a rental start group (such as members and co-members) see all the information and can mutually adjust reservations or open cars with their phone
Direct entry of existing damage at journey start
Additional tip for experts: create favourites for recurring reservations to save time.
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