Ola Electric outlines changes with new front suspension. Presses, not a recall

Ola Electric has published a detailed blog explaining what’s changed with the new front suspension, after its recent announcement to replace the front fork for existing customers. The move was made amidst growing concerns about accidents and crashes that have been making the news over the past year. However, the company insists it’s not a “recall" even if its decision to offer the upgraded front suspension seems to be similar to one.

By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor
| Updated on: 18 Mar 2023, 15:11 PM
Follow us on:
Follow us on:
Ola Electric is using a single telescopic front suspension. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/Sanjeev Jain)
Ola Electric is using a single telescopic front suspension. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/Sanjeev Jain)

In its blog, Ola Electric said that the company is facing a “concerted campaign by publishing images of the front fork broken." The company said that it had 218 failures reported out of over 200,000 vehicles sold so far that have cumulatively covered over 700 million kilometres. The company further expanded that out of these 218 cases, 184 were accidents, while 34 are inconclusive. This makes up for a failure rate of 0.015 per cent or 34 out of 200,000 vehicles. Do note that these numbers have been shared by the company and HT Auto has not independently verified the same.

Also Read : Ola Electric to replace front fork of S1 and S1 Pro electric scooters

Ola S1 front fork testing
The new front fork on the Ola S1 range is said to have a safety margin of 250 per cent
Ola S1 front fork testing
The new front fork on the Ola S1 range is said to have a safety margin of 250 per cent

What’s new with the Ola S1 front suspension?

Ola Electric says that the images being circulated on social media impacted some of its customers. That’s why the company decided to offer the upgraded front suspension free of cost. With the new front fork, the manufacturer says it re-engineered the unit in August 2022 after seeing the first inconclusive case in May last year. The unit went completed the tooling, testing and validation process by December and it was in production by January 2023.

Also check these Bikes

Find more Bikes
Ola Electric S1 Air (HT Auto photo)
₹ 1.20 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Ola Electric S1 Pro (HT Auto photo)
₹ 1.40 - 1.47 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Ola Electric S1 X (HT Auto photo)
₹ 89,999 - 1.10 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Hero Splendor Plus (HT Auto photo)
₹ 75,141 - 76,486**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Yamaha Mt-15 (HT Auto photo)
₹ 1.67 - 1.73 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Royal Enfield Classic 350 (HT Auto photo)
₹ 1.93 - 2.25 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers

The company says that the original part by design had a 75 per cent safety margin when compared to the conventional twin fork suspension, whereas the new design has a margin of 250 per cent.

Ola also iterated that while it acquired Amsterdam-based Etergo, which formed the basis of the S1 electric scooter, the model was fully re-engineered to be best suited for India. The manufacturer also said that the vehicle has been tested at three levels - digital simulations, component tests and vehicular lab tests, and vehicular field tests.

Ola Electric digital testing
Ola Electric says its vehicle has been tested at 3 levels – digital simulations, component tests and vehicular lab tests; and vehicular field tests
Ola Electric digital testing
Ola Electric says its vehicle has been tested at 3 levels – digital simulations, component tests and vehicular lab tests; and vehicular field tests

On why it’s not a recall

Furthermore, Ola Electric insists that the front fork replacement is optional and free of charge but does not qualify as a recall. Explaining the same in its blog, the company says, “Typically to order a recall, regulators mandate a ceiling of failures beyond which automakers are mandated to recall. In India that is 10 per cent of all vehicles sold."

“In our case, the failure rate is really low. No OEM at these failure levels will immediately call for a full recall. We would normally study the part for a longer lifespan and maybe decide after a few more months to see if the failure rate is rising and beyond an acceptable threshold," the blog reads.

However, the company says it has “decided to allow all our customers to use the upgraded version if they feel more comfortable with that. The original part has not breached any safety limits by any OEM standards."

First Published Date: 18 Mar 2023, 15:11 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Shopping Bag Shop Now
74% OFF
Microfiber Car Cleaning Soft Brush Ideal as Mop Duster, Washing Brush with Long Handle, Dust Cleaner Car Wash Brush with Handle, Soft Brush Scratch Free, Cleaning Dashboard Curved Design - Grey
Rs. 389 Rs. 1,499
75% OFF
IDELLA Car Duster, Extendable Long Handle Microfiber Car Duster Exterior Scratch Free Car Cleaning Tool, Car Dust Brush for Truck, Pickup, SUV, RV, Motorcycle, Vehicles Cleaning,(Multicolor)
Rs. 227 Rs. 899
64% OFF
Antson Portable High Power 2 in 1 Car Vacuum Cleaner | USB Rechargeable Wireless Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner Traveling, Camping Reusable and Sustainable, Portable,Rechargeable Vacuum (2 in 1)
Rs. 699 Rs. 1,939
1% OFF
GOODAIR Clear Car Windshield Enhancer | Classic |12 Tablets
Rs. 295 Rs. 299

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city
Powered by: Acko Logo
Please be noted that any information provided herein above will be received by Acko General Insurance Limited (“Acko”). By mentioning the above information, you agree to provide these details and information to Acko.
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.