At a recent event, Ather Energy’s founder and CEO Tarun S Mehta showcased the company’s latest safety innovation — AI-powered pothole detection and alerts. The feature maps potholes across major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune, using real-time data from Ather’s connected scooter fleet. Riders receive voice alerts when approaching hazardous road sections.
Co-founder and CTO Swapnil Jain explained, “By combining AI with data from our connected fleet, we are turning everyday rides into safer and more intuitive experiences.” The company plans to expand its database as more scooters feed data into the system.
Internet Applauds — And Trolls
While the innovation drew appreciation for its forward-thinking approach, it also sparked a wave of online reactions and memes. Many users took digs at India’s poor road infrastructure, with one commenting, “Just mark the whole of Bangalore as one big pothole.” Another joked, “Equip commuters in Bangalore with mortar and tools — they have enough time in traffic anyway.”
Some users saw the feature as a reflection of systemic failure, with one remarking, “A good government would use this data to fix roads; a bad one would force Ather to take it down.” Others urged the company to make the data public to aid civic authorities and private initiatives.
A Wake-Up Call On Civic Issues
Beyond the memes, Ather’s initiative has reignited debate on accountability and road safety. Actor Ranvir Shorey and other public figures have previously criticized India’s persistent pothole problem, despite repeated government promises.
By blending AI, connectivity, and rider safety, Ather Energy’s innovation doesn’t just make roads smarter — it also challenges India to fix them.
