Panaji, November 6, 2025 — In a major setback for India’s booming electric mobility sector, the Goa government has suspended new registrations of Ola Electric scooters, citing mounting consumer complaints over after-sales service, spare part shortages, and long repair delays.
The decision, announced by the Directorate of Transport, will remain in effect until Ola Electric resolves what officials described as “systemic service and safety issues.”
Why Goa Took the Step
Officials said the decision came after several users reported extended vehicle downtimes — in some cases, up to 60 days — due to unavailability of parts and lack of timely service response from Ola’s authorized centers.
“We have received repeated grievances about vehicle servicing and spare part delays from Ola Electric customers,” a senior transport department official told reporters. “Until these issues are resolved, the state has decided to halt new registrations temporarily.”
This makes Goa the first state in India to officially suspend the registration of a major EV brand due to service-related concerns rather than safety recalls.
Consumer Complaints Mount
Over the past few months, several Ola Electric owners in Goa have taken to social media and consumer forums to highlight persistent issues — from malfunctioning dashboards and battery software glitches to unresponsive service centers.
Owners alleged that spare parts availability has been a recurring problem, often forcing them to wait weeks for basic repairs.
Many also complained about the absence of physical service workshops, with Ola relying heavily on mobile technicians who operate from regional hubs.
“My scooter has been inoperable for over a month,” said Anand D’Souza, an Ola S1 owner from Margao. “Every time I call customer care, they promise a callback that never comes.”
Impact on EV Adoption
The move highlights growing friction points in India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, where sales have surged faster than service infrastructure can keep up.
Goa, which boasts one of the highest EV adoption rates per capita, has been a key market for Ola, thanks to its state-level subsidies and tourism-driven EV rentals.
According to government data, over 11,000 Ola Electric scooters have been registered in Goa since 2022 — accounting for nearly 40% of all electric two-wheelers in the state.
“Goa’s EV transition depends on reliability,” said Alok Prabhu, an auto industry analyst. “While enthusiasm is high, consumer trust will erode quickly if service delivery doesn’t match expectations.”
Ola Electric Responds
In an official statement, Ola Electric said it is engaging with the Goa Transport Department to resolve the issue and improve its service turnaround.
“We take customer satisfaction very seriously and are actively working with the state authorities to address service concerns. Our network expansion and parts logistics upgrades are already underway,” an Ola spokesperson said.
The company also emphasized its growing network of hyperlocal service centers and digital monitoring systems that allow remote diagnostics.
However, industry experts point out that the company’s direct-to-customer (D2C) model, while innovative, has also been a double-edged sword — allowing rapid scale but creating post-sale bottlenecks.
Regulatory Context and EV Policy Implications
Goa’s move could prompt other states to re-evaluate EV registration norms, especially concerning service readiness and consumer protection.
Currently, India’s EV policies largely focus on manufacturing incentives under the FAME II scheme, with limited oversight of after-sales obligations.
“It’s time the government includes service quality benchmarks within EV policy frameworks,” said Rashi Menon, a policy researcher at the Energy and Mobility Forum. “We can’t achieve 2030 EV goals if users lose confidence in the technology.”
The Ministry of Heavy Industries is reportedly reviewing consumer feedback from multiple states as it prepares to launch FAME III, which may include stricter guidelines for EV manufacturers on service timelines, spare parts, and warranty enforcement.
Goa’s EV Future
Despite the setback, Goa remains committed to its Green Mobility Mission, which aims for 30% EV penetration by 2026.
The state is expected to resume registrations once Ola Electric demonstrates improved after-sales infrastructure and provides assurance on spare part availability.
Meanwhile, rival brands such as Ather Energy, TVS iQube, and Bajaj Chetak Electric are expected to benefit from the pause, potentially expanding their market share in the coastal state.
Bottom Line
Goa’s suspension of Ola Electric scooter registrations underscores a critical truth about India’s EV revolution:
sales alone don’t ensure success — service does.
For Ola Electric, this is a wake-up call. For policymakers, it’s a signal that India’s clean mobility transition must go hand in hand with robust customer support and accountability frameworks.
