Ather Energy has announced a new over the air (OTA) software update for its Gen 2 and newer electric scooters, introducing the Pothole Plus feature. The update is available for compatible models, including the Ather Rizta and Ather 450X, and is designed to improve rider awareness by providing alerts about frequently encountered potholes on commonly travelled routes.
According to Ather Energy, the Pothole Plus feature works by analysing anonymised riding data collected from its connected scooter network. The system identifies road sections where multiple riders repeatedly experience significant bumps, allowing it to detect locations that are likely to contain potholes or damaged road surfaces.
When a compatible scooter approaches one of these identified locations, the system provides an alert to the rider, enabling them to slow down or prepare for uneven road conditions. The objective is to improve riding comfort and help reduce the likelihood of unexpected impacts caused by damaged roads.
Ather has stated that the feature is built with user privacy in mind. The company uses anonymised and aggregated vehicle data rather than personally identifiable information when identifying recurring pothole locations. This approach allows the system to improve continuously as more compatible scooters contribute data across different regions.
The latest OTA update reflects the growing role of connected vehicle technology in the electric two wheeler segment. Software based features have become an important differentiator among electric vehicle manufacturers, allowing companies to introduce new functionality and improve existing systems without requiring customers to visit service centres.
The Pothole Plus feature is available only on Gen 2 and newer Ather scooters that support the latest software platform. Eligible owners will receive the update automatically over the air, provided their vehicles meet the necessary software and connectivity requirements.
Ather has consistently expanded its software ecosystem through OTA updates, introducing features related to navigation, ride analytics, charging management, safety and user convenience. These updates allow customers to benefit from new technology throughout the ownership period without hardware modifications in many cases.
Industry experts believe predictive road hazard alerts could become an increasingly important feature as connected mobility technologies continue to evolve. By leveraging data collected from thousands of vehicles, manufacturers can enhance rider awareness and contribute to safer commuting experiences.
Customers are advised to ensure that their scooters are running the latest available software version to access newly released features. Additional information regarding compatibility, software rollout schedules and supported models is available through Ather Energy's official channels.