The fact that Ola Electric tried to rectify the problem based on customer feedback is welcome but the issue still remains unresolved.

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Since my last update on 27th April 2024, a lot has happened. I will list out the events below:

On 29th April 2024, a service technician from Ola visited my home to get the panel gaps fixed, although he tried his best, he couldn't resolve most of the issues except one, under the touchscreen display.

Then on 15th May 2024, I received multiple calls from top-level Ola Executives from Bangalore including from the Backend team, CRM Head and so on, the Backend team helped me resolve most of the software issues regarding "Scooter Issue, Please restart the Scooter" when reversing, the issue of Hill Hold Control not working most of the times, especially when travelling with pillion, the Proximity Unlock had become better just for a couple of days, but considering it is still in Beta, I guess glitches are expected.

The same day, the CRM and Service team offered to fix all the panel gaps on my scooter if I brought it into service at the next available date. Soon after an executive from Ola Peramangalam called and booked me an appointment on 19th May 2024, he assured me all the panel gaps would be fixed by completely removing all panels and refitting them and the same would be fixed in 4 hours if I were to bring in the scooter by 10:30 am.

I obliged but was not sure how this would be fixed, but still with hope that the issue would be fixed, I dropped off my scooter for service at around 10:10 am, I called the executive who booked my appointment before dropping the scooter off, he was on leave but assured the work would be done. The service centre personnel entered my details in the register and I left my scooter with them hoping for delivery in 4 to 5 hours (by 3 pm at least).

So at around 3 pm, I called the service centre personnel to enquire about the status of my scooter, I was told they tried refitting the panels but the gaps just wouldn't go away. So they are going to try refitting different panels to see whether it is an issue with the panels on my scooter or any issue with the scooter itself. I said fine and asked them to let me know once the work was done. But with no calls or updates from their side on the issue, I decided to go to the service centre to see the work they had done around 5:15 pm.

When I entered the service centre, I found that they had refitted my original panels back again. So I am not sure if they tried refitting other panels. nonetheless, they said the work has been done, and I think considering the time taken they have tried refitting other panels and decided to refit my original panels back again as the issue couldn't be rectified, moreover, they say that they had done so to no avail, so I believe them and they have tried their best on the job, but still, all of the panels gaps remain, especially the one over the left side speaker which is not seen on any other OLA scooter.

When questioned on this all the service centre personnel agreed that it was a manufacturing defect and it is not one seen in any other scooter, the other panel gaps were however visible in a few other scooters as well but not all of them. Anyway, after an entire day of mine lost on this panel gap issue, I had no choice but to come back home without any progress and with the same panel gaps as before. The only thing they were able to slightly improve on was the extent of the gap above the front speaker, the gap has reduced by the slightest of margins but the gap still exists and they agree that it is an issue specific to my scooter only.

So, I have to say that the service centre personnel tried and did their part, but when a scooter has been manufactured with inherent physical defects, what can they do to rectify the same, it is for the company to fix these inherent panel gaps, from the factory side before despatch to the experience centres, with proper Quality Control which I can see Ola is not doing at all.

To conclude, I can just say that I am left with a product with an inherent defect whereby panel gaps just can't be rectified, whereas many others are lucky enough to get ones with none while some with just a couple or less. The fact that Ola tried to rectify the issue based on customer feedback is welcome but the issue remains unresolved still. Moreover, I have to say the service centre experience has improved since the last time I visited in March and the number of scooters waiting for service has reduced to a dozen or so unlike the last time when I could count over 30. The attitude of the staff was welcoming as well.

So, all I have to say is Ola's practice of registering scooters before sending them to the Experience centres where we do not get an option of a PDI, and have no choice but to accept the scooter as it is already registered in our name has left many with scooters with inherent defects, huge panel gaps and issues, I am one of the many with such an inherent issue where panel gaps can't be rectified, and I am sad to say that I am stuck with such a scooter.

The glaring panel gaps are an eyesore and you always get the feeling you are having a substandard product with low standards of Quality Control, it is evident that this is the case as many other scooters also have abnormal panel gaps but none have the one above the left speaker which I have, such is the product I have received where I have abnormal panel gaps which no one else has and it hurts me to say that I regret and feel sad to have bought a scooter with such inherent Quality and panel gap issues, one among those which no other scooter has.

I understand that those in Ola have taken note of the issue, but taking note just doesn't solve the problem. The fact that I obeyed your instructions to send the scooter to the service centre to rectify the defect wasting a whole Sunday with nothing to show for it and the panel gaps remaining an eyesore just like they used to is a testament to the fact that this is not an issue which can be resolved the service centre team and needs something else to be done.

And finally, a word to all potential Ola customers, if you are concerned with the aesthetics of a product like me and would like your scooter to be devoid of panel gaps or at least expect it to be even panels gaps with properly fit panels, please don't go for any Ola product, it is evident they haven't exercised any Quality Control in respect of this matter and there is a limit to what the service centre staff can do to rectify the same, and the fact remains that most of those defects and panel gaps will most likely remain even after you send your scooter to the service centre for rectifying them and you may have to live with these defective products for as long as you own them.

If there is anything that Ola can do on this matter, they should try to proactively address the same and do it as soon as possible or it is the confidence of customers that is getting lost in your poor quality control practices, you may sell 1000 or 2000 scooters a day, but when you sell scooters with these defects, it won't be long before the market understands that there are better alternatives to choose from and moves on.

I sincerely hope that OLA rectifies this matter at the earliest, as in my opinion, this remains a major issue with Ola scooters which otherwise remain a well-rounded option in the fiercely competitive 2-wheeler EV segment.

Hoping for the best.

I have attached a few pictures of the body panels after the refitting just for your reference.

Front panel gap above the tyre (same as before, no change at all)

You can see there are no panel gaps towards the right but keeps on increasing towards the left. Moreover, the panel is a bit inward and not aligned with the other panels properly on the same level (same as earlier, no change at all)

A paint defect which obviously can't be rectified by Panel refitting (same as earlier, no change at all)

The panel gap above the speaker, one which no one else has (remains the same as before). The picture was taken in poor light, so it is not as clear as the earlier one but the issue remains unchanged.

Notice there are no panel gaps at the top but keeps increasing moving further down

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The BMW CE 04 is a futuristic-looking electric scooter that offers a range of 129 km.

BMW Motorrad will launch its CE 04 electric scooter in India on July 24.

The BMW CE 04 is a futuristic-looking electric scooter. It is powered by a liquid-cooled permanent-magnet synchronous motor that develops 41.4 BHP @ 4,900 rpm and 61 Nm @ 1,500 rpm. It can accelerate from 0-50 km/h in 2.6 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 120 km/h.

The electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack offering a maximum range of 129 km (WMTC cycle). It can be recharged to 100% in 4 hours and 20 minutes. A fast charger can charge the battery in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The CE 04 comes with telescopic fork suspension and a side-mounted rear mono-shock while braking duties are handled by discs on both ends supported by ABS.

After going through all this, I will never recommend an Ola electric scooter to anyone.

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I took delivery of my Ola S1 in Sep 2022. Driven it for 32K km so far. Due to many issues, it was at the service centers for more than 70 days in multiple instances. I am an active CarePlus plan subscriber with which they offered free pickup/drop, Home Service, consumable parts replacement, etc. But the fact is, there won't be any slots available for a home service or for a service at the service centres.

Since February 2023, I have been facing a motor noise issue (from 13k km on the odo). Raised the tickets multiple times, but they kept on closing the tickets, saying they were not getting any telematics messages regarding the motor issue. The technician confirmed that the noise comes from the motor bearing and the sound won't go without a motor replacement since they cannot service the motor.

Last time, I got a ticket (# 02661257) on 19th April after a social media war. I went to the service centre on 19th April and they informed me that they are busy with other work and since my vehicle is in a drivable condition. Two mechanics did a test drive and they heard the noise. Then they asked me to bring it on next week and closed the ticket on the same day!

I handed over my scooter to a service centre on 24 April as discussed with the service manager and again did a test drive and listened to the noise, but they didn't create a job card. Again after a lot of social media posts, they created a ticket (# 03149874) to a service centre in the Kollam district which was around 80 kms away from my residence, and the vehicle was with the previous service centre in Thiruvananthapuram District!

During this time, I regularly visited the Service Centre to know the status. But no progress was found other than a rear brake pad change. On every visit, they keep on saying that the video proof of the noise is to be taken and the vehicle should be in their custody till completing the repair works. So I decided to wait till I got a resolution.

My vehicle was parked on the side of the National highway covered with dust and bird droppings. I kept an eye on my scooter's ride journal to see the vehicle usage. On 9th May, I found a midnight drive of 4 Kms with a top speed of 80 km/hr and a ride back to the service centre at 10 am. Again saw two more drives on 10th May and enquired about the same to the service manager. He sent me a fantastic reply stating "I'm on leave. Just go and ask someone."

I went to the service centre again on 11th May and they repeated the same dialogue that they need the vehicle in their custody for a few more days to collect the video proof. I told them that my vehicle was being abused for their daily commute and I insisted on taking the video proof on the same day. I told them that I needed my vehicle back on the same day and that I wouldn't leave their premises if they didn't take the video proof on the same day.

After a long wait of 2 hours, one mechanic came and again asked me to drive the scooter and he shot the video proof and then released my scooter without closing my ticket. They told me that they would update the status through a phone call, but nothing happened yet. I kept on updating the events to the support email provided, but no replies were received. I will never recommend an Ola scooter due to its pathetic after-sales support.

Fortunately, I was able to capture the videos of every conversation and decided to approach the Consumer Redressal Forum with all the proof.

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TVS iQube e-scooters manufactured between July 10, 2023, and September 9, 2023, have been recalled.

TVS has issued a recall for its iQube electric scooter to carry out a “proactive inspection” of the bridge tube.

According to the company, iQube e-scooters manufactured between July 10, 2023, and September 9, 2023, have been recalled. The bridge tube units will be inspected to ensure that the vehicle’s ride and handling aren’t affected over extended usage. The inspection and any rectification, if required, will be done free of cost.

TVS launched the 2024 range of the iQube electric scooter last month. The base variant is available with a 2.2 kWh battery, offering a range of 75 km. The iQube ST comes with two battery options – 3.4 kWh and 5.1 kWh, with a range of 100 km and 150 km, respectively.

Technical details like the battery capacity and range are yet to be revealed.

BGauss has released a teaser of its upcoming RUV350 electric scooter. It will be launched on June 25, 2024.

The BGauss RUV350 has a step-through design with large-diameter wheels, a flat seat and short front fairing. It is equipped with a telescopic fork at the front and a single rear shock absorber. Technical details like the battery capacity and range are yet to be revealed.

BGauss also offers the C12i e-scooter, which comes with three battery options. The base EX variant has a 2 kWh battery offering a range of 85 km, while the Max 2.0 version comes with a 2.7 kWh battery and a range of 123 km. The top-spec Max variant can cover 135 km on a single charge thanks to a 3.2 kWh battery pack.

The electric 2-wheelers were subjected to the standard rigid barrier and side pole tests.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has completed a series of crash tests on electric 2-wheelers. It is said to be the first time such tests have been conducted as they are not mandatory for 2-wheelers.

According to the ARAI, the tests were conducted for specific customers. The agency did not disclose the identity of these OEMs.

The electric 2-wheelers were subjected to the standard rigid barrier and side pole tests. The tests were conducted against standard industry benchmarks, using accelerometers and high-speed cameras.

The latest development is seen as a significant step towards establishing safety standards for electric 2-wheelers in India. Safety norms are already in place for EV batteries, which has helped eliminate many cheap and low-quality batteries and components from the market.

Source: Autocar Pro

If Ola Electric doesn't improve its customer service, I see it dying a slow death and other players like TVS, Ather, Bajaj and even new brands like River becoming people's first choice.

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I received a call yesterday from Ola customer care asking me to close my ticket, I told them "First of all you provided me with a scooter with excessive panel gaps all around, then you made me visit the service centre far away and when I reached there you made me wait three hours and after that, you gave me a reply that it is a manufacturing defect and nothing can be done of it" I told them I couldn't close the ticket as my issue isn't resolved.

They didn't even do an inch of help and I had to resort to X and Team-BHP to get a ticket and appointment raised. Now you want me to close the ticket without any resolution whatsoever, he was speechless and told me after a while to raise a new ticket as social media escalations couldn't be left open for so long. I told them to let it be open until it's resolved. He didn't reply and cut the call.

Today as I see it the ticket has been closed without my consent. This is the kind of customer service that Ola provides you with. Even if I try to re-open the ticket, the App doesn't allow me to do so, therefore, I have requested the re-opening of the ticket through their social media handles and hopefully this time they do something about it, at least some of the major issues.

Ola may sell 50k (like last month) or even lakhs of scooters per month with their aggressive marking and offers and remain number one on the sales charts for a while, but that will get them so far. If they truly want to sustain the momentum and remain the number one choice in the 2W-EV segment, they need to improve their customer service drastically and after-sales as well first including the service centre experience, and secondly their Quality Control Mechanisms (the massive panel gaps, poor fit and finish, build quality are the worst I have seen).

If these don't improve rather quickly, I see them dying a slow death and other players like TVS, Ather, Bajaj or even other up-and-coming brands like River may eclipse them and become the customers' first choice.

Like the lakhs of other Ola customers, I too hope that the service experience and quality issues are ironed out and our voices heard, it is a pity that a product with so much promise is bogged down by poor after-sales and customer care that doesn't even care! You have to beg the service centre staff to get your scooter taken in. That is the kind of environment that Ola has created, they have made customers pay at least a lakh or more for their scooters and have turned them into beggars many of whom relent the day they choose an OLA. They didn't come to Ola with their hard-earned money to have their scooters in the service centre catching dust for months and be served with arrogant customer care and service centre staff who treat these owners like beggars.

I don't see what pride these service centre staff have in having over 50 to 100 scooters outside waiting for service or repair, It is not only the service centre staff to blame here, they are overwhelmed with the number of defects these scooters have, especially the GEN 1 range and some of the Hub motor models. So the only solution is improvement in quality, more service centres (per the sales) with well-trained staff.

With the kind of issues being reported I don't think the 600 service centres planned would be enough. The sales numbers and problems associated with the scooters are so large that even the existing 400+ are filled to the brim with scooters, and getting an appointment is a task in itself.

Hopefully, OLA understands this and improves on these vital aspects.

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The iQube ST is available with two battery options – 3.4 kWh and 5.1 kWh, with prices starting at Rs 1,55,555.

TVS has launched new variants of the iQube electric scooter. The e-scooter is now available in five variants with the most affordable variant being priced at Rs 94,999 (ex-showroom).

The base variant of the TVS iQube is powered by a 2.2 kWh battery. It can cover 75 km on a single charge and the battery can be charged from 0-80% in 2 hours. It has a top speed of 75 km/h.

The base variant of the iQube comes with a 5-inch TFT display with features like turn-by-turn navigation and tow and theft alerts. It weighs 115 kg and offers 30 litres of underseat storage. Next up is the previous base variant which uses a 3.4 kWh battery.

The iQube ST is available with two battery options – 3.4 kWh and 5.1 kWh priced at Rs 1,55,555 and Rs 1,85,373 (ex-showroom).

The iQube ST 3.4 has a maximum range of 100 km. TVS claims the battery can be charged from 0-80% in 2 hours 50 minutes. This variant comes with a 7-inch TFT display with features like Bluetooth, Alexa voice assist, digital document storage and TPMS.

The iQube ST 5.1 has a maximum range of 150 km and a top speed of 82 km/h. The battery can charged in 4 hours and 18 minutes.

The introductory prices are valid till June 30. Customers who had pre-booked the ST variants before July 15, 2022, will be offered an introductory loyalty bonus of Rs 10,000. 

The S1 X is available with an 8-year / 80,000 km extended battery warranty at no extra cost.

Ola Electric has commenced customer deliveries of the S1 X electric scooter across multiple cities in India.

The Ola S1 X was launched in August 2023. It is positioned below the S1 Air in the company’s e-scooter line-up and is available with three battery options – 2 kWh, 3 kWh and 4 kWh, priced at Rs 69,999, Rs 84,999 and Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom), respectively.

The S1 X comes equipped with a 4.3-inch LCD instrument console instead of a touchscreen. It gets features like cruise control and app connectivity. It features a redesigned headlight, a more basic handlebar, circular rear-view mirrors, and a flat floorboard.

The S1 X uses a hub motor setup with a peak output of 6 kW. The 2 kWh version can accelerate from 0-40 km/h in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 85 km/h, while the 3 kWh and 4 kWh version can sprint from 0-40 km/h in 3.3 seconds and have a top speed of 90 km/h. Depending on the size of the battery pack, the scooter can cover between 95-190 km on a single charge.

The S1 X is available with an 8-year / 80,000 km extended battery warranty at no extra cost.

Deliveries of the TVS X e-scooter will begin in the coming weeks.

According to a media report, TVS Motor plans to launch new variants of the iQube electric scooter during the current financial year.

KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company, confirmed that the company will be introducing new variants to provide different battery capacities and price points, based on customer insights. Besides this, new ICE models are also in the works.

Radhakrishnan also revealed that an electric 3-wheeler is currently in an “advanced stage” of development. TVS plans to launch the new electric rickshaw later this year. It will also be exported to overseas markets.

Last year, TVS launched a premium electric scooter called ‘X’ in the Indian market. It has been reported that customer deliveries of the sporty e-scooter will begin in the coming weeks.

The TVS X is based on the ‘Xleton’ architecture. Priced at Rs 2.50 lakh, it is the brand’s most expensive e-scooter in India.

The TVS X is powered by a 4.44 kWh battery and an electric motor that has a peak output of 14.75 BHP. It offers a maximum range of 140 km.

Source: ET Auto