Seeka E Motors - SEEKA S BOLT

Recommendation: Upheld | Medium: Suo Motu - NAMS (TAMS)

In the absence of a written response along with documents for substantiation on or before the prescribed due date, the Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) considered this complaint exparte. Claim, “No. 1 EV Bike”, was not substantiated with verifiable comparative data of the market share by value/volume of the advertiser's EV bike brand versus other similar EV bike brands to prove that their EV bike brand is in leadership position (No.1). The source and date for the claim is not indicated in the advertisement. The claim is misleading by exaggeration. Claim, “Zero Maintenance”, was not substantiated with data showing that the bike runs well for a long time without needing repairs or regular service, and no maintenance. Claim, “Sustainable”, was not substantiated with supporting evidence such as robust data and/ or well-recognised and credible accreditations to prove that their product -`Seeka’s Bolt Bike’ is sustainable. There was no data provided to assess the vehicle's full lifecycle, from production to disposal, to verify its environmental impact. The claims are misleading by exaggeration and are likely to lead to widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers. This advertisement is in contravention of Chapter I, Clauses 1.1, 1.2, 1.4 and 1.5 of the ASCI Code, and Clauses 1 and 3 of the ASCI Guidelines for Advertisements Making Environmental/Green claims. Complaint was Upheld.