District Consumer Commission Holds Ola Electric Liable, Orders Refund Of Rs. 1.63 Lakhs To Scooter Owner

Background Facts

The complainant purchased an Ola S1 Pro electric two-wheeler from Ola Electric (Opposite Party) on 26.06.2022 for a total amount of Rs. 1,63,986/-. Along with the vehicle the complainant also bought an extended warranty for 5 years, an Ola Care Plan for one year and paid Rs. 2,359/- for hyper charger home installation.

From the day of purchase the charger was not functioning properly and it took OLA electric 10 days to replace it. In addition to this the complainant faced multiple issues with the vehicle battery which was not working properly. Despite repeated complaints Ola Electric failed to address issue in timely manner.

Further, complainant continued to experience difficulties and after repeated complaints Ola Electric finally picked up vehicle in August. However, there was no further response or resolution from their side.

Being frustrated with inaction, complainant on 31.10.2023 sent a legal notice to Ola Electric demanding a refund of the amount paid for the vehicle, but no response was received. Hence feeling aggrieved, the complainant filed this complaint before the Commission.

Observation by Commission

Commission observed that the Ola Electric engaged in unfair trade practices by selling a defective vehicle and failing to fix the problems within the warranty period. Additionally Ola neither returned the repaired vehicle nor refunded the amount paid by the complainant.

Commission concluded that the Ola actions caused financial, physical and mental distress to the complainant who had hoped to use the electric vehicle but was unable to do so due to the Ola negligence.

Commission directed Ola to refund the total amount of Rs. 1,63,986/- along with interest @ 9% per annum from August 2023. Besides that, Commission directed Ola to pay Rs. 10,000/- for the harassment suffered and another Rs. 10,000/- as cost.

Case – K. Sunil Chowdary Versus M/s Ola Electronic

Citation - CC 620/2023