In a significant ruling, a consumer court in Bengaluru has ordered OLA Electric to refund Rs 1.54 lakh to Ayesha Siddiqa, an electric scooter user, after she faced persistent malfunctions with her vehicle shortly after purchase. Ayesha had bought the S1 Pro scooter from OLA’s Kalyan Nagar experience center in July 2023, with total monthly payments amounting to Rs 1.87 lakh.
Ayesha’s troubles began within a month when the scooter’s indicators failed to function, and the handle unexpectedly locked up while she was riding. Despite being told these issues were related to software updates, the local service center provided inadequate resolutions over several months. Frustrated with the lack of support, Ayesha filed a complaint with the Bangalore Urban II Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in November 2023.
To support her claims, Ayesha sought an inspection from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Kasturi Nagar. Senior vehicle inspector AT Suresh conducted a test ride and confirmed the malfunctions, noting problems with the display and the handle becoming unexpectedly tight, as well as the scooter stopping abruptly without explanation.
The court, considering the RTO’s findings and a show-cause notice issued to OLA Electric by the Central Consumer Protection Authority earlier this month, concluded that there was a clear deficiency in service. In addition to the refund, the court awarded Ayesha Rs 30,000 for mental agony and harassment, and Rs 10,000 for litigation costs.
Read Also: