A consumer commission in Ahmedabad has directed Ola Electric Mobility Ltd to refund the value of an electric scooter after a complaint that the vehicle could not be repaired and frequently broke down in the middle of the road.
Background of the Case
The case was filed by Shailesh Bharwad, a resident of Nava Vadaj, who purchased an Ola electric scooter in October 2024 from the company's authorized showroom for Rs 1.19 lakh. According to Bharwad's complaint before the Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, Ahmedabad (Main), the scooter suddenly stopped while he was riding in the Akhbarnagar area. He contacted the company's service center multiple times, but the problem was never resolved. He claimed that he often had to restart the vehicle and endure the inconvenience. Eventually, the scooter had to be towed to the service center, but it could not be repaired.
Commission's Findings
The commission issued a notice to the company, but no one appeared in its defense, leading to ex parte proceedings. After reviewing the material submitted by the complainant, the commission noted that the electric scooter frequently broke down, putting the complainant's life at risk as a sudden stoppage could cause an accident. Since the respondent company could not permanently remove the defect, the commission concluded that it was a manufacturing defect.
Refund and Compensation
Regarding the refund amount, the commission considered that the complainant had used the scooter after purchase, resulting in depreciation. Therefore, the commission valued the scooter at Rs 90,000 and ordered Ola Electric to pay this amount with 7% interest from the date the complaint was filed. Additionally, the commission ordered the company to pay Rs 15,000 as compensation for mental harassment, Rs 2,050 for other expenses incurred, and Rs 2,500 as legal costs.
This ruling underscores the importance of consumer rights and the obligation of manufacturers to provide defect-free products.
