Hyderabad: Pure EV, ICICI Lombard asked to compensate Kukatpally woman after her EV scooter caught fire
The flames were eventually extinguished using water, but the vehicle suffered extensive damage
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Representational Image
Hyderabad: Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission–1 has directed Pure EV and ICICI Lombard Insurance to compensate a Kukatpally woman whose electric scooter caught fire last year.
Scooter bought in 2022
The complainant, Tagaram Kalamma of Kukatpally, purchased a Pure EV scooter in 2022 for Rs 94,000. She also took an insurance policy with an Insured Declared Value (IDV) of Rs 86,638 to safeguard against potential losses.
Fire accident in August 2023
In August 2023, the scooter suddenly caught fire, causing panic. The flames were eventually extinguished using water, but the vehicle suffered extensive damage.
Assurances given, then withdrawn
Following the incident, the motor dealer initially assured the consumer that the scooter would be replaced and the insurance claim would be settled.
However, the dealer later backtracked on the promise, and the insurance company eventually rejected the claim, leaving the victim stranded.
Battery defect established during inquiry
During the hearings, it emerged that the service book had been destroyed in the fire. More importantly, the inquiry confirmed defects in the battery, pointing towards manufacturing and service-related lapses.
Commission orders compensation
After examining the case, the Consumer Commission ordered Pure EV to pay 45% of the scooter’s sale price of Rs 83,809, and ICICI Lombard Insurance to pay 50% of the insured declared value. In addition, both parties have been directed to pay compensation and legal expenses to the complainant.
