Incident Sparks Debate on Customer Service and Quality in Electric Scooters
A video capturing an enraged customer smashing his Ola electric scooter with a hammer outside a showroom has gone viral on social media, reigniting discussions about customer service and the quality of electric vehicles in India. The incident reportedly occurred after the service center issued the customer a repair bill amounting to ₹90,000.
In the footage, a man in a white T-shirt is seen venting his frustration by repeatedly striking the scooter, which was laid down in front of the showroom. Moments later, another individual joins him, taking turns with the hammer to destroy the vehicle in full view of onlookers.
The video, shared widely on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), came with the caption, “The showroom made a bill of ₹90,000, the customer got upset and broke the scooter in front of the showroom.” The dramatic scene has sparked a range of reactions online, with some users empathizing with the customer’s plight while others criticized his actions.
Ola Faces Backlash Amid Customer Service Concerns
This is not the first time Ola has faced criticism for its after-sales service. Prominent comedian Kunal Kamra recently took to social media to question the quality of Ola’s customer support. Sharing an image of multiple scooters parked at an Ola service center, Kamra captioned his post, “Do Indian consumers have a voice? Do they deserve this? Two-wheelers are many daily wage workers’ lifeline.”
Kamra’s tweet reflected broader concerns about the reliability of electric scooters and the accessibility of repair services. He highlighted the impact of such issues on daily wage earners who rely on two-wheelers for their livelihood.
Responding sharply to Kamra’s post, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal tweeted, “Since you care so much, Kunal Kamra, come and help us out! I’ll even pay more than you earned for this paid tweet or from your failed comedy career. Or else sit quiet and let us focus on fixing the issues for the real customers. We’re expanding the service network fast, and backlogs will be cleared soon.”
Aggarwal’s defensive response drew mixed reactions, with some applauding his candor while others criticized the tone, arguing that it detracted from the seriousness of the concerns raised.
Social Media Reactions: Mixed Views on the Viral Incident
The hammer-wielding customer’s dramatic protest has sparked a heated debate among netizens. Many users expressed frustration over what they perceive as poor service standards in the electric vehicle industry.
One user commented, “All the electric scooter companies are frauds. They need to ensure proper service so that customers don’t feel cheated. Everyone’s service is absolutely poor.”
Another added, “Every time I think of buying an Ola Electric scooter, something like this happens. I really wish there was a company that prioritized quality and customer satisfaction.”
Others suggested more constructive ways to address grievances. “Why not file a case of cheating against Ola instead of doing this nonsense? Demand a full refund and compensation for your mental stress. Giving such companies an easy way out doesn’t solve anything,” a user remarked.
Growing Pains in India’s Electric Vehicle Industry
The incident highlights the growing pains of India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, which has seen a surge in adoption driven by environmental concerns and government incentives. However, the industry faces challenges, including inconsistent after-sales support, limited service networks, and questions about product durability.
Ola Electric, one of the leading players in the market, has frequently been in the spotlight for issues ranging from delivery delays to customer service complaints. While the company has announced plans to expand its service network and address backlogs, incidents like the ₹90,000 repair bill have raised questions about transparency and accountability.
Experts argue that the success of EV adoption in India depends heavily on the quality of after-sales service and the reliability of vehicles. Many consumers remain hesitant to switch to electric scooters due to concerns about maintenance and repair costs.