Ola Electric fined Rs 20,000 for service deficiency in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The district consumer disputes redressal commission-II in Visakhapatnam has directed Ola Electric Technologies to pay Rs 20,000 compensation to a complainant for deficiency in service and causing mental agony. In its order, the commission also instructed the company to rectify defects in the e-scooter to ensure smooth functioning of the vehicle. Additionally, the company was ordered to pay Rs 10,000 towards legal costs.According to the complaint, Bharat Kumar Y, a resident of Madhurawada in Vizag, purchased an electric scooter from the Ola Experience Centre in April 2024. He also paid registration and insurance charges. However, within days of purchase, the scooter developed issues such as starting problems and software glitches.Despite repeated complaints and service requests, the problems persisted. Frustrated, Kumar filed a case before the consumer commission seeking replacement of the vehicle or a full refund, along with action against Ola Electric for negligence and poor service.In its counter, Ola Electric argued that reported issues were promptly attended to by its authorized service center, inspections and software updates were carried out as per procedure, and denied any manufacturing defects. The company also claimed that the demand for replacement or refund was unjustified.The commission, however, observed that the company's inaction and reluctance to rectify defects despite repeated requests amounted to deficiency of service. It further noted that such unfair trade practices caused mental agony to the complainant.The order directed Ola Electric to rectify the defects free of cost, ensure permanent resolution for smooth running of the scooter, and replace malfunctioning software components if necessary.