Bengaluru-based startup Ather Energy has begun rolling out its Voice on Ather feature to eligible customers, enabling voice-based interaction on select electric scooters via an OTA software update. The functionality is available on the Ather 450X, 450 Apex and Rizta Z equipped with Gen 3 hardware or newer. The rollout does not extend to the 450S and Rizta S. Eligible owners are receiving the feature through the company’s OTA update programme.First showcased at Ather Community Day 2025 as part of the AtherStack 7 platform, the feature allows riders to use natural voice commands to access navigation, vehicle settings, calling functions and media controls. The system is powered by large language models and natural language processing technology, and has been developed to understand conversational speech and Indian accents.The feature works with Ather’s Halo smart helmet as well as compatible Bluetooth headsets. Riders can use voice prompts to search for destinations, locate nearby charging stations, check arrival times, adjust screen brightness, switch traction control modes and modify Magic Twist regenerative braking settings.Users can also make phone calls, manage notifications and control music playback through voice commands, reducing the need to interact with the scooter’s touchscreen while riding. According to Ather, the objective is to improve accessibility and minimise distractions on the move.Ather has also outlined plans to expand the functionality in future software updates. The company says the system will eventually move beyond command-based interactions and begin proactively communicating with riders. Planned features could include alerts for potholes, tyre pressure, ParkSafe notifications, and other vehicle or road-condition updates.With the introduction of Voice on Ather, the company is further expanding the connected features available on its electric scooters, bringing voice-based interaction to a segment where such technology remains relatively uncommon.
