Mumbai, March 29: The consumer commission in Thane has directed the two-wheeler EV company, Ola Electric, to either replace a defective electric scooter or issue a refund to the customer.
The commission issued this order due to serious irregularities in service and unfair trade practices. The district consumer dispute redressal commission stated that the scooter had multiple defects from the outset, and the company failed to address these issues adequately.
The commission characterized the company’s conduct as a significant lapse in customer service. This case was filed by a lawyer from Navi Mumbai, who purchased the scooter for ₹96,997 in July 2024.
According to the complaint, problems with the vehicle began just two days after delivery. During its first long trip, the scooter experienced acceleration issues and broke down multiple times in traffic.
The complainant also reported a severe battery issue, claiming that during a trip in August 2024, the charge level suddenly dropped from 21% to 3% within just 500 meters, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly. They noted that this incident could have led to a serious accident.
Despite sending repeated emails and messages, the customer did not receive a response from the company until they publicly raised the issue on social media. Even after taking the scooter for servicing, there were delays and no updates. The commission found that the initial vehicle information was not provided to the designated garage.
The order stated that when the scooter was returned months later, it was in poor condition, with scratches and cleanliness issues. The commission concluded that the ongoing problems from the first ride indicated that the two-wheeler was defective.
It noted that the company failed to provide timely updates and retained the vehicle for an extended period, constituting both poor service and unfair trade practices.
In its ruling, the commission instructed the company to replace the scooter with a new one featuring similar specifications. If a replacement is not feasible, the company must refund the entire amount paid by the customer, along with 6% annual interest.
Additionally, the company was ordered to pay ₹20,000 for mental anguish and ₹15,000 for legal expenses. However, the company did not appear before the commission or submit any response, leading to a one-sided decision in the case.
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My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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