A consumer commission in Thane has ruled that Ola Electric Technologies must replace a faulty electric scooter or reimburse a customer for the full amount due to service issues and unfair practices. The commission found that the scooter had multiple defects from the start, and the company failed to address them adequately. The commission criticized the company’s customer service as severely lacking.
The case was brought by an advocate from Navi Mumbai who purchased the scooter in July 2024 for Rs 96,997. Complaints arose just two days after delivery, with the scooter experiencing acceleration problems and breakdowns during a major ride. The customer also raised concerns about a significant battery issue that caused the vehicle to stop abruptly during a ride in August 2024.
Despite attempts to contact the company, the customer received no response until the issue was raised on social media. Even after servicing, there were delays and a lack of updates, with the vehicle not initially reported to the designated garage. Upon its return months later, the scooter was in poor condition, with scratches and cleanliness problems.
The commission noted a pattern of issues from the first ride, indicating a defective vehicle. It criticized the company for failing to provide timely updates and for withholding the vehicle for an extended period, deeming it deficient service and unfair trade practice. The ruling mandates the replacement of the scooter with a new one of the same specifications or a full refund with interest, along with compensation for mental distress and legal expenses.
