Smart Features in Electric Scooters: What’s Worth Paying For?

In 6 years, the electric scooter industry has evolved and changed A LOT. Today, choosing an electric scooter isn’t just about range, speed, or suspension — it’s also about smart features. Riders now expect more intelligence, more convenience, and more built-in safety than ever before. But with so many high-tech options available, the real question becomes: Which smart features are actually worth paying for?

In this guide, we break down the most valuable technologies found in electric scooters, how they work, and which ones deliver the strongest return on investment.

Why Smart Features Matter in Modern Electric Scooters

The role of smart features has shifted dramatically. If you had one of the first scooters, you may remember the first “dashboards” if one could even call them that. Where there was no such thing as total battery (instead it only showed battery voltage and one had to guess the mileage or total battery left), and forget about Bluetooth connectivity. But today, these are now essential pieces of technology that enhance performance, safety, and peace of mind.

But are Smart features necessary? A lot of us take them for granted nowadays, but the reality is that it does matter, smart features: 

• Improve daily ride safety

• Help riders maintain and control their scooter

• Reduce theft risk

• Increase long-term vehicle lifespan

• Enhance comfort and usability

With more people relying on scooters for high-tech commuting, the demand for intelligence is only growing.

How Rider Expectations Have Evolved

A few years ago, the average rider wanted durability and decent mileage. Today’s rider expects:

• Real-time data

• Customizable performance settings

• Seamless app integration

• GPS tracking

• Smart lighting

• Theft prevention

• Over-the-air updates

In short, riders expect their scooter to behave more like a connected vehicle than a simple mobility device. This shift has accelerated the future of micromobility, where software is becoming just as important as hardware.

The Rise of Connected Mobility and App-Integrated Scooters

The modern app-controlled scooter is now a staple in the market. Through a Bluetooth or cloud connection, riders can access:

• Ride data and analytics

• Speed, battery health, and temperature monitoring

• Custom acceleration and braking profiles

• Firmware updates

• Remote locking and alarms

• Navigation assistance

• Diagnostics
  
  

These connected features truly define what a bluetooth scooter is capable of in 2025 — and they unlock performance and safety advantages standard scooters can’t match.

Top Smart Features to Look for in 2025 Models (and keep an eye out for in 2026)

1. Digital Scooter Dashboards

If it’s your first scooter, you may not even think this is important, but believe us, it is. Once you start riding more often, you’ll realize you want to see your ride analytics to learn the health of your scooter & even understand how far you can go on other ride. 

Modern dashboards display:

• Speed

• Power output

• Battery range

• Ride mode

• Warnings or alerts

Worth it? Yes — they improve safety, awareness, and ease of use.

2. App-Based Custom Controls

Customization is one of Apollo’s most appreciated features (and perhaps one of the things that we’re most proud of and our riders love), but it’s an absolute most. Every rider has a different riding style, experience, and riding knowledge - and just like you adjust your mirror in your car when you’re going to drive, customizing your scooter is a must. Some of the most important things to consider are: 

• Regenerative braking intensity

• Acceleration response

• Turn signal behavior

• Cruise control timing

Worth it? Absolutely — especially for riders who want their scooter to match their personal riding style.

3. Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting improves visibility in a big way. Features may include:

• Automatic headlights

• Adaptive brightness

• Side lights for visibility

• Animated turn signals

• Brake light alerts

• And on some scooters (like the Apollo Pro 2023) - you can even adjust the color of the deck lights

  

Worth it? Yes — lighting is one of the strongest upgrades for scooter safety technology.

4. Ride Analytics & Maintenance Alerts

Some scooters now track:

• Riding distance

• Battery health trends

• Charging behavior

• Component temperature

• Wear indicators
  
  

Worth it? Yes — it helps riders extend battery and motor life.

5. GPS Tracking & Scooter Anti-Theft Systems

Although not all scooters have GPS tracking, it can be useful. Unfortunately, electric scooter theft is an issue, and GPS-equipped scooters can be located through a companion app or even Apple Find My. 

Worth it? Maybe — Unfortunately Apple FindMy is only available for ioS users and even if you do have it, it’s hard to get your scooter back if it has been stolen. We’d say its a very-nice-to-have, but not something you absolutely need. 

Are These Smart Features Worth the Extra Cost?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common smart features available and whether we think they’re worth it: 

Overall: If a feature improves safety, performance, or security — it’s worth it.

Future Innovations in Scooter Intelligence

The next generation of smart scooters may include:

• Full IoT hardware with remote diagnostics
  

• Crash detection with emergency alerts

• Ultra-advanced theft deterrents

• Smarter navigation with battery-adaptive routes

• AI-powered predictive maintenance

• Real-time traction control

• Multi-device ecosystems (helmet, lock, scooter sync)

• Self-balancing technology

The future of micromobility is undeniably smarter — and far more connected.

People Also Ask

What smart features do electric scooters have?

Common smart features include GPS tracking, app controls, regenerative braking settings, smart lighting, digital dashboards, and anti-theft systems.

Can you control an electric scooter from your phone?

Many app-integrated scooters allow riders to lock/unlock the scooter, customize performance, track rides, update firmware, or check battery health.

What features improve electric scooter safety?

Smart lighting, regenerative braking, turn signals, traction sensors, and digital dashboards all significantly improve rider safety.

Final Thoughts: What Smart Features Are Actually Worth It?

Smart features are transforming the riding experience — but not all features are created equal. The technologies that provide the strongest ROI are those that enhance safety, performance, or security.

If you can only choose a few, prioritize:

1. Regenerative braking customization

2. Smart lighting

3. App-based ride customization

4. Digital dashboards & analytics
   
   

These features elevate your scooter from a simple ride to a truly high-tech commuting machine.