Key Highlights
- Ather Rizta Z now supports full touchscreen functionality via free OTA update
- No hardware changes required – the touch layer was always present but inactive
- New features include swipe gestures, navigation, trip planning, and smartphone controls
In a move that’s turning heads across the EV community, Ather Energy has rolled out a surprise OTA update that activates touchscreen functionality on the Rizta Z. Yes, the same Rizta Z that launched without touch support now gets a fully interactive display—without any hardware changes. The update began rolling out during Ather’s Community Day event in Bengaluru and is free for all existing owners.
This isn’t just a minor tweak. It’s a complete shift in how riders interact with their scooter. The 7-inch TFT display now responds to taps, swipes, and pinch gestures, unlocking features like navigation, trip planning, smartphone notifications, and onboard controls.
Why is it significant?
When the Rizta Z launched last year, Ather had quietly shipped it with touchscreen-capable hardware but disabled the feature. According to CEO Tarun Mehta, the decision wasn’t about cost, it was about timing. The company was transitioning to a new software architecture and wanted to wait until usage data justified the switch. That moment arrived, and now Rizta Z owners are getting a feature that wasn’t even promised at launch.
This kind of backward compatibility is rare in the auto industry. Most brands would’ve waited for a facelift or charged for a hardware upgrade. Ather just flipped the switch.
What’s New on the Dashboard
With the new update, Rizta Z riders can now:
- Tap to access maps, ride stats, and battery info
- Swipe through menus and settings
- Pinch to zoom on navigation routes
- View and respond to call/SMS alerts
- Control ride modes and regen settings directly from the screen
The update also lays the groundwork for future features like voice commands and gesture-based shortcuts. Ather says this is just the beginning of a more intuitive, distraction-free riding experience.
No Changes to Rizta S
It’s worth noting that the lower-spec Rizta S continues with the standard DeepView display and does not get touchscreen support. The Rizta Z remains the premium variant, offering larger battery options (up to 3.7 kWh), a 4.3 kW motor, and a top speed of 80 km/h.
Mechanically, nothing changes. The update is purely software-driven, and it’s already being pushed to users who attended the Community Day event.
Also read: Ather Energy unveils EL platform for next-gen scooters
