Quick Highlights:Ather files design patent for EL01-inspired family electric scooter.Based on the new modular and cost-optimized EL platform.Swingarm-mounted motor, 14/12-inch wheels, and large TFT expected.First EL platform scooter likely to launch during festive season 2026.Ather EL Platform Based Scooter Patent RevealedAther Energy is gearing up for its biggest product expansion yet, and fresh design patent filings have now offered a clear glimpse into what the brand has planned next. The Bengaluru-based electric scooter manufacturer has patented the design of an upcoming scooter that appears nearly identical to the EL01 concept showcased at Ather Community Day 2025. This model is expected to be the first production scooter based on Ather’s all-new EL platform , marking a major shift in the company’s product strategy.Since its inception, Ather has relied on a single platform that underpins both the performance-oriented 450 series and the family-focused Rizta. While these scooters cater to different audiences, they share a common architecture. The introduction of the EL platform changes that completely. Designed to be modular, scalable, and significantly more cost-effective , the EL platform will support multiple scooter body styles and segments, allowing Ather to compete more aggressively in India’s fast-growing electric two-wheeler market.EL 01 Concept Come to LifeThe newly surfaced design patent suggests that the production version of the EL01 concept has retained most of its original styling. The scooter features a clean, uncluttered design that aligns with its family-centric positioning. Visual highlights include a large LED DRL at the front, a neatly integrated LED tail-lamp , a broad seat , and simple body panels that prioritize practicality over aggressive styling. Apart from the addition of rear-view mirrors and minor production-ready tweaks, the patented design closely mirrors the concept model.One of the most important takeaways from the patent is the confirmation of hardware elements first seen on the EL01 concept. The scooter is expected to use a 14-inch front wheel and a 12-inch rear wheel , both alloy units, offering a balance between stability and maneuverability. Another key change is the introduction of a swingarm-mounted motor , replacing Ather’s earlier belt-driven setup. This new motor configuration promises better durability, reduced maintenance, and improved efficiency, especially for daily family use.What We Know AlreadyAther has confirmed that the EL platform can accommodate battery packs ranging from 2kWh to 5kWh , depending on the scooter’s intended use. The family-oriented EL01-based scooter is likely to sit somewhere in the middle of this range, prioritizing usable real-world range over outright performance. With Ather’s extensive experience in battery management and thermal optimization, the company is expected to deliver competitive range figures while maintaining long-term reliability.Technology has always been a strong point for Ather, and the EL platform is no exception. The EL01 concept featured a large 7-inch TFT touchscreen , and it is highly likely that the production scooter will retain this display. Expect features such as connected navigation, ride statistics, OTA updates, smartphone connectivity, and multiple riding modes to be standard or optional, depending on the variant. Ather has also hinted that future EL-based scooters could support advanced rider assistance systems , particularly on family-focused models.About the EL PlatformFrom a structural standpoint, the EL platform uses a unibody steel chassis , which Ather says has been developed using insights gathered from over 26 lakh kilometers of real-world riding data . This chassis design improves strength while simplifying manufacturing. According to the company, scooters built on the EL platform can be assembled up to 15 percent faster than current models , significantly improving production efficiency.Maintenance and ownership costs are another area where the EL platform brings tangible benefits. Ather claims service intervals have been doubled to 10,000 km thanks to reduced brake wear and simplified components. Periodic servicing is also expected to take nearly half the time compared to existing models, making EV ownership more convenient and affordable for mass-market buyers.The EL platform also debuts several new technologies. One of the most notable is the Advanced Electronic Braking System , designed to reduce stopping distances and minimize rear-wheel lock-ups. While not a full ABS replacement, AEBS is expected to enhance safety and could work alongside ABS in future variants. Another innovation is the Charge Drive Controller , which integrates the onboard charger with the motor controller. This eliminates the need for a bulky external charger and frees up additional under-seat storage space.Production at Ather’s Aurangabad FactoryProduction of EL platform-based scooters will take place at Ather’s upcoming Factory 3.0 in Aurangabad , also known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. This facility will be central to Ather’s expansion plans, enabling higher volumes, improved localization, and faster time-to-market. By optimizing manufacturing and supply chains, Ather aims to keep costs competitive while scaling up to meet rising demand.What else?At Community Day 2025, Ather showcased three potential design directions for the EL platform: a maxi-style scooter with a large 5kWh battery and 14-inch wheels, a sporty scooter with a compact 2kWh battery and sharper dynamics, and a family scooter with a longer wheelbase, plush suspension, and practical features. The patented design clearly aligns with the family scooter concept, making it the most likely candidate for the platform’s first production outing.EL 01 Launch TimelineAther has confirmed that the first EL platform-based scooter will launch around the festive season of 2026 . While the company has not officially confirmed the name, industry expectations suggest that pricing could start slightly under ₹1 lakh , making it Ather’s most accessible electric scooter yet.With the EL platform, Ather is transitioning from a niche premium EV brand to a full-fledged mass-market player. Improved durability, lower ownership costs, faster production, and a versatile platform give Ather the tools it needs to challenge rivals across multiple segments. As the first EL-based family scooter edges closer to production, it is clear that the coming years will be transformative for Ather Energy and India’s electric scooter landscape.