E-scooter travels ‘just 16 km’ on full charge, not promised 85 km, man wins Rs 1.7 lakh

The ruling noted that the manufacturer had not produced any documents to show that they had provided effective service to the vehicle even though this issue was raised.

Scooter’s ‘mileage fell’ despite servicing

The complainant purchased an electric scooter from the authorised dealer in 2022 for Rs 88,000. The scooter carried a three-year warranty, and the dealer had represented that it could travel 85 km on a six-hour charge. However, the complainant claimed that it initially provided only around 40 km, and its mileage deteriorated despite repeated servicing and battery replacements.

According to the complainant, the batteries were replaced on multiple occasions, including in March and October 2023, but the problem persisted, with the scooter eventually giving only 18–20 km on a full charge.

The complainant also alleged problems with the charger and a loose front-wheel bearing, while the dealer allegedly failed to provide the required spare parts and repairs. He, therefore, approached the consumer commission seeking a refund and compensation.

The manufacturer and dealer denied any manufacturing defect and attributed reduced mileage to factors such as rider weight, terrain, tyre pressure, riding style, temperature and high-speed riding. They also argued that the complaint, filed in December 2024, was barred by limitation.

Poor charge retention: Order

The commission held that the complaint was not barred by limitation. It noted that the dispute concerned the scooter’s mileage, which persisted despite attempts to rectify the problem and replacement of batteries. The cause of action arose when it became clear that the defect could not be fixed.

The commission found that the scooter had three persistent problems: reduced mileage, a loose front-wheel bearing, and charger-related issues, which remained unresolved despite repeated attempts by the complainant to get them rectified.

It relied on the joint report of two experts, who found an inherent defect in the front-wheel shaft bearing system, inadequate battery voltage, poor charge retention, misalignment caused by an oval-shaped shaft hole, and mileage of only 16 km on a full charge.

Although the opposite parties (manufacturer and dealer) attributed the poor mileage to factors such as riding style, tyre pressure, terrain, temperature and rider weight, the commission observed that they failed to produce evidence establishing that these factors were actually responsible for the scooter’s problems.

The commission also noted that the manufacturer and dealer had objected to the expert report but did not produce evidence to back their claims. They had remained absent for nine consecutive postings and were eventually ruled against ex parte (unilaterally).

Takeaway

This judgment emphasised that manufacturers cannot attribute persistent performance issues to general riding conditions without evidence. Where expert findings establish defects and repeated repairs fail to resolve them, consumer commissions can order refunds, compensation and litigation costs for deficient service and manufacturing defects.

Consumers facing similar grievances may contact the consumer helpline in their respective states (Kerala: 1800-425-1550) or dial the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 for assistance.

Don’t miss out on these stories:

Toll plaza ‘double-charges’ him, refuses refund, Haryana man wins Rs 6,800

Insurer denies woman’s death claim over ‘hidden illness’, son secures Rs 5 lakh payout

3 years after insurer rejects fisherman’s drowning death claim, widow gets Rs 5 lakh