WSVN — He was excited when he bought what he called a top-of-the-line electric bicycle, but it kept breaking down. So, the question: If you buy a product that has a warranty and it breaks down, what does the manufacturer have to do, if anything? Let’s bring in Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser for the answer.
Give Jeffrey credit. He is getting his life in order.
Jeffrey Bush: "I am a graduate of a 10-month residential drug and alcohol. It’s a Christian-based regeneration program."
He is now a full-time student and also works in telemarketing selling vacations.
Jeffrey Bush: "I call people up that have had bad experiences in the past and try to offer them a good experience."
Between work and school and home, Jeffrey needed an easy way to get around.
Jeffrey Bush: "I came up with the solution of getting an electric bicycle."
A top-of-the-line electric bike made in Fort Lauderdale.
Jeffrey Bush: "They use superior components. None of their components are cheap overseas."
Jeffrey paid $1,500 for the bike, and since he is on Help Me Howard, you know where this is going.
Jeffrey Bush: "Well, actually, on the way home from buying it, the electrical system just cut out, so I mean, basically went dead."
Jeffrey got it running again, and it stopped. Again and again.
Jeffrey Bush: "But it kept happening. It happened three or four more times that week."
Jeffrey took it back to the bike shop. They tried to fix it.
Jeffrey Bush: "I went and picked it up, literally got less than 50 yards down the street, and it had done the same thing."
The bike shop couldn’t fix the problem and sent it back to the company that made the bicycle and get it repaired, but Jeffrey gave up.
Jeffrey Bush: "I don’t want a bike I’m not comfortable riding anymore."
Jeffrey says the manufacturer told him they would fix the bike and throw in a $300 upgrade. Instead, Jeffrey told the company, "Just give me a different model of the bike," even though it cost $500 more.
Jeffrey Bush: "’Anything having to do with that, you’re going to have to speak to the bike shop about it.’ I said, ‘That is not the bike shop’s problem.’"
Jeffrey called Help Me Howard to find out his legal rights.
Howard Finkelstein: "The law is on Jeffrey’s side. His warranty states that if there is a major defect within the first 30 days and the seller can’t repair it, they must give him a new bike of the same model or a full refund, but legally, they don’t have to give him the bike that costs $500 more."
Jeffrey told us he bought that electric bike because his research showed it was top of the line. Now he can add "made by a quality company" to the list.
We talked to Prodecotech. They told us, once they got the bike from the shop, they were able to fix it within 24 hours, but to make Jeffrey happy, they gave him the more expensive model of the electric bike that cost an extra $500.
Howard Finkelstein: "Legally, they didn’t have to give Jeffrey the more expensive version, but that’s the sign of a good business. The kind you want to deal with."
Jeffrey Bush: "I’m definitely happy that I called Help Me Howard. This has been a great experience."
Jeffrey was happy with us and the electric bicycle company.
Jeffrey Bush: "I’m definitely happy with the new bike that Prodecotech has provided. It’s a better bike; it’s a nicer bike."
Patrick Fraser: "Now, if you buy something that breaks while under warranty, if the shop that sold it can’t fix it, contact the company that made it. It’s that simple. It was in this case."
Taken for a ride that left you broken down? Need a jolt to get things going? Contact us. You might not say we’re electric, but we are charged up to help you, so we got that going for us. With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.
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