Apple is known for iPhones, MacBooks, and smartwatches. But what if the tech giant quietly stepped into the world of two wheeled electric mobility?
Reports suggest that Apple has been working on smart cycling technology for over a decade. Riders across the United States and Canada may soon see Apple tech powering their daily commute in ways nobody expected.
This is not about a flashy concept video. Patent filings and software updates tell a much deeper story.
Did Apple Really Patent a Smart Bike System?
Yes, it appears they did. Back in 2010, the US Patent and Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple describing a fully connected smart bicycle system. By January 2013, Apple was officially granted the patent.
The system reportedly uses iPhone and iPod sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers to track cycling data. It is expected to monitor speed, distance, altitude, cadence, heart rate, and even wind speed.
What makes it more interesting is the team feature. Early filings suggest the system could let groups of cyclists communicate in real time about course difficulty and route conditions. But a patent is just the beginning. What actually made it into real products is even more surprising.
How Is Apple Already Changing the E-Bike Experience?
With the release of iOS 17 and watchOS 10, Apple turned the iPhone and Apple Watch into full featured bike computers. Reports indicate that riders can now pair Bluetooth cycling sensors directly with their Apple Watch.
That means speed sensors, cadence sensors, heart rate monitors, and even power meters can all connect without a third party app. The iPhone can also display real time cycling data on the lock screen through Live Activity, effectively acting as a handlebar mounted bike computer.
For e-bike riders, this changes everything. A newer patent filing suggests Apple is developing custom fusion models specifically designed to calculate more accurate workout data for electric bike rides. That is a clear signal that Apple sees the e-bike market as a serious opportunity.
Is Apple Building an Actual Electric Scooter?
There is no confirmed product yet. Apple has not announced any plans to manufacture an electric scooter or e-bike under its own brand. However, the company has made strategic moves in the mobility space that suggest deeper involvement could be coming.
In 2015, Apple reportedly recruited key engineers from Mission Motors, a well known electric motorcycle startup. That move eventually led to Mission Motors shutting down. Combined with years of work on Project Titan, Apple's cancelled autonomous car project, it appears the company has serious interest in electric mobility.
Even without its own vehicle, Apple's technology is already embedded in the scooter world. But how exactly is that happening?
Which Electric Scooters Already Use Apple Technology?
Several major brands now integrate Apple Find My directly into their electric scooters. The Segway ZT3 Pro reportedly features a 1,600W motor, a 597Wh battery, and up to 43.5 miles of range, all paired with built in Apple Find My tracking and auto proximity locking.
Xiaomi's upcoming Electric Scooter 6 Max is also expected to include Apple Find My support alongside front and rear suspension and 12 inch tires. Gogoro, a major player in Asia's scooter market, has added multiple Apple features to its smart electric scooter lineup as well.
For riders who already own a scooter without built in tracking, an AirTag mounted on the handlebars or hidden inside the frame offers a simple theft protection solution. Apple's ecosystem is quietly becoming a security backbone for the e-scooter industry.
What Could an Apple Branded Scooter Look Like?
If Apple ever decides to enter the scooter market directly, early patents and design philosophy give us some clues. Reports suggest the company values sensor rich experiences, seamless device integration, and clean minimalist design.
An Apple scooter could potentially feature real time health tracking through the Apple Watch, automatic ride logging synced to the Health app, and Find My integration for theft prevention. Pricing would likely sit in the premium range, possibly above $1,500 based on Apple's typical product positioning.
Nothing is confirmed. But the pieces are clearly falling into place. The real question is whether Apple sees enough demand to make the leap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple making an electric scooter?
There is no official announcement from Apple about manufacturing its own electric scooter. However, patents and strategic hires suggest the company has explored electric mobility technology.
Which electric scooters work with Apple Find My?
Several models reportedly support Apple Find My, including the Segway ZT3 Pro, the upcoming Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Max, and select Gogoro smart scooters.
Can I use my Apple Watch while riding an e-bike?
Yes, reports indicate that with watchOS 10 and iOS 17, Apple Watch can pair with Bluetooth cycling sensors and display real time ride data, making it a capable e-bike companion.
Did Apple patent a smart bike system?
Yes. Apple filed a patent application in 2010 describing a connected smart bicycle system. The patent was granted in January 2013 and covers features like speed tracking, heart rate monitoring, and group ride communication.
Can I track my electric scooter with an AirTag?
Yes. An AirTag can be mounted on the handlebars or hidden inside the frame of most electric scooters to provide basic location tracking through Apple's Find My network.