A passive, open-source OBD data reader for Ather electric scooters. This device reads real-time CAN bus data directly from the scooter's BMS (Battery Management System), allowing owners and technicians to monitor actual battery health, cell imbalance, switch statuses, per-cell information, Charging information and more experimental values.
If you don't want to deal with wiring, flashing, or soldering, I am building fully assembled, ready-to-use plug-and-play devices!
You can Buy it here : CLICK HERE TO BUY PLUG & PLAY DEVICE
** DEMO OF HOW IT LOOKS **
You will need the following components to build the reader. Purchasing your components through the links below helps support this open-source project at zero extra cost to you:
- 1 × ESP32 C3 Supermini OR (only one module required, Either buy esp32 c3 Or ESP32/Wroom)
- 1 × ESP32/WROOM 38 pin
- 1 × SN65HVD230 CAN Bus Transceiver Module
- 4 × Female-to-Female Jumper Wires
- 2 × Female-to-Male Jumper Wires
You can build this using either an ESP32/WROOM or an ESP32-C3. Please choose based on your usage:
- ESP32/WROOM: The best option for long-term use. It has adequate compute power, stays cool, and can be left connected to the scooter for longer time without any issues.
- ESP32-S3: A good middle-ground option with strong compute power. It can be plugged in for up to an hour without any issues at all, But it also heats up as well.
- ESP32-C3: It's the best option if you just wanna check your scooter's details as it can easily run for 40-50 minutes and all you need is 2-3 minutes, But due to lower compute power, it tends to heat up quickly under this workload.
- ESP Flasher Tool:
- The
.binfirmware file (located in this repository).
- Connect your ESP module to your PC/Laptop via USB.
- Open the ESP Flasher application.
- Select the correct COM/Serial port your ESP32 is connected to.
- Select the proper
.binfile provided in this folder for you selected hardware and click Flash. - Wait a minute for the process to complete, then disconnect and reconnect the ESP32 to restart it.
- Check the Wi-Fi networks on your phone or laptop. If you see a network named
a-obd, the flashing was successful! (If it doesn't appear, try flashing again).
Follow the wiring diagram as per your hardware: Make sure the ESP module is disconnected from power before wiring.
ESP32-C3 WIRING DIAGRAM :
ESP32 S3 WIRING DIAGRAM :
ESP32/WROOM WIRING DIAGRAM :
Once connections are done connect it to port in the boot :
The connector in which this device connects is in in boot of your ather 450 series, and also in boot for rizta as well see the images ! there's tiny black cover just remove it and you'll be able to see the connector
- Once all connections are securely made, power up the ESP32. You can use your PC or just a standard USB Power Bank or Even your Mobile phone (no PC required for regular use).
- Connect your phone or laptop to the Wi-Fi network named: A-OBD` and password for the wifi is 12345678
- After connecting To Wifi open your web browser and go to: http://192.168.4.1
- You will now see your live dashboard displaying your scooter's real-time data!
- Actual State of Health (SOH): See the true original SOH values straight from the Ather BMS, rather than relying on service center reports or app scorecards.
- Battery Imbalance Metrics: Crucial for tracking individual cell health. If your imbalance is above
0.3, it indicates excessive imbalance, and you may need to visit the service center for a warranty claim. - Live Switch Diagnostics: Check the real-time status of all buttons and switches on the scooter to isolate faulty hardware individually.
- Real-time Accuracy: All data is pulled live directly from the BMS, ensuring 100% accuracy.
- Per Cell Information: Data like Voltages & SoH for each cell in the battery.[Added in V2]
- Charger Information: Values like Charger Input voltage, Output voltage , Charger current, Watts are now added and Tiny bug in balancing state is fixed.[Added in V3]
- More Information: Charger locks, Dashboard fan status, Smart and Forced Eco Status, Charger Fan info, Motor current, Temperature and Cell balancing bug fixes [Some are experimental values]. [Added in V4]
- More features in active development!
- Technicians & Proactive Owners: Monitor genuine battery health to take timely action and fix/claim battery issues before it's too late.
- Broken Display Workaround: Create a tiny secondary device for riders whose main displays are dead. They can view essential info (like battery SoC%) without paying for an expensive screen replacement. Ive made this device for personal use you can see the images !
- Base Variant Upgrades: A lightweight external display for base variants (like the Ather Rizta without the Pro Pack) to view hidden metrics effortlessly. (Note: Needs testing! Contact me if you own a Rizta and want to help test).
Building open-source hardware, reverse-engineering CAN bus data, testing safely on actual vehicles, and maintaining the code takes a massive amount of time, effort, and late nights!
If this tool helped you diagnose your scooter, saved you a trip to the service center, or if you just want to support the development of future updates (like adding full ESP32/WROOM support and new diagnostic features), please consider supporting this project as well ! Your support is what keeps projects like this alive and free for the community.
Does it harm the vehicle or void my warranty?
Absolutely not. This device acts purely as a passive reader. It only listens to the incoming CAN data and does not transmit commands or make any changes to the scooter. Because you aren't splicing or cutting any wires, it is functionally identical to standard OBD-II scanners used in cars. It will not void your warranty.
Is it safe to use?
Yes. Even if you accidentally plug the wires into the wrong pins on the Ather connector, it will not harm the scooter since the device only reads passive data.
Is there hidden code?
The project is entirely open-source. You are free to read the source code and compile/verify it yourself for total peace of mind.
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No Telemetry/Tracking: This device and its code do not contain any telemetry, tracking software, or phone-home capabilities. Your scooter's data stays securely between your scooter and your phone.
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Disclaimer: This is a community-driven, open-source project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ather Energy. Use at your own discretion.
This project is licensed under the Apache License 2.0.
You are free to use, modify, study, or fork this project, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author:
- If you use this code, reverse-engineered CAN IDs, or diagrams in your own project, website, video, or research, you must prominently link back to this repository:
Original Project: Ather OBD Diagnostic Reader by SAM0-0
- You may not claim the reverse-engineering work or firmware as your own original work.
- User Responsibility: This tool is an independent, community-driven diagnostic utility. You are solely responsible for how you handle your vehicle, your wiring, and any connections you make.
- No Liability: Under no circumstances shall the author, contributors, or maintainers be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or misuse of this project or its instructions.
- Ather, Ather 450X, Ather Rizta, and associated brand names or logos are registered trademarks of Ather Energy Limited.
- This project is completely independent, non-official, and has no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement from Ather Energy Limited.