Ahmedabad: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Rural) here has ordered Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. to refund ₹1.05 lakh, along with 9% annual interest, to a customer after finding that an electric scooter developed recurring defects shortly after purchase.

In addition, the company, its dealership and service wing have also been directed to jointly pay ₹40,000 as compensation for mental harassment and ₹10,000 towards litigation expenses of the consumer.

The complaint was filed by one Makhija family from the satellite area of the city. According to the complaint, the family purchased an Ola S1 X Plus scooter in January 2024 after a test ride at the company’s Memnagar Experience Centre and after being influenced by an online advertisement offering the vehicle at ₹89,999. Including registration and road tax, they paid ₹102,687 and took delivery of the scooter on January 25, 2024.

However, the vehicle reportedly began experiencing issues within days of delivery. The complainants alleged that an unusual noise developed from the rear side of the vehicle in the same month as the purchase, and when it was taken to the service centre, the brake pads were merely abraded instead of being replaced. Later, on February 25, the scooter’s digital system allegedly failed while it was being ridden near the airport, causing further inconvenience.

The consumer claimed that even after serving legal notices in July 2024, the problems remained unresolved, prompting them to approach the consumer commission.

After examining the case, the bench held Ola Electric responsible for deficiencies in service and criticised the company’s after-sales support. The commission ordered a refund of ₹105,729, covering the vehicle cost and RTO charges, with interest applicable from February 7, 2024, when the defects were first formally reported. The entire amount must be paid within 30 days of the order. DeshGujarat