Ather Energy has introduced a new connected safety feature called Pothole+ Alerts for its existing customers. The feature is being rolled out via an over-the-air (OTA) software update to Gen 2 and newer scooters, including the Ather 450 Apex, 450X and Rizta Z.
Pothole+ Alerts uses anonymised ride data collected from Ather’s large connected scooter fleet to identify and map road hazards. These include potholes, broken or damaged road sections, uneven surfaces and poorly designed speed breakers.
When a rider uses the scooter’s built-in navigation, the system provides advance warnings about upcoming hazards. Alerts appear visually on the dashboard display. Audio alerts can also be delivered through the scooter’s speakers, the Ather Halo smart helmet, or any compatible Bluetooth headset, allowing riders to stay informed without taking their eyes off the road.
In addition to real-time warnings during a ride, the feature can recommend the smoothest route before the journey begins, giving riders the option to prioritise comfort over the absolute fastest path.
The update is available for Gen 2 and above models — specifically the 450 Apex, 450X and Rizta Z. Older Gen 1 scooters and certain lower variants (such as the 450S and Rizta S) are not compatible.
Ather is rolling out the update in phases, so not every eligible scooter will receive it at the same time. Once the software reaches a vehicle, the feature is enabled as part of the latest AtherStack update. No visit to a service centre or additional hardware is required.
Ather co-founder and CEO Tarun Mehta noted that the feature has been under development for nearly nine years. “The challenge was never the idea. It was the data,” he said. Building accurate road intelligence required a sufficiently large connected fleet travelling the same roads repeatedly over time — something Ather’s growing scooter network has now made possible.
Every Ather scooter comes equipped with onboard computing and connectivity, enabling the company to continuously collect real-world data and introduce new software-driven features for customers.
With Indian road conditions remaining unpredictable, especially during the monsoon, Pothole+ Alerts is a practical addition that leverages Ather’s connected ecosystem to improve everyday riding safety and comfort.
