Lithium Battery E-Bikes Face Tough New Standards After 54 Fires

An image showing fire after a lithium battery was said to explode at a Sydney hostel. (Courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW)

Lithium-ion battery-powered e-bikes and e-scooters in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) will soon face tough new standards amid a spate of fires.

These new standards are coming in after Fire and Rescue NSW responded to 54 e-scooter, e-bike, e-skateboard, and hoverboard fires, including two deaths in the year to date.

E-bike and e-scooter dealers in NSW will now face fines as high as $825,000 if they do not comply with the new standards.

The government noted that lithium battery fires, including those from e-mobility devices, are the fastest-growing cause of fires in the state.

What Will Happen?

NSW Fair Trading will require that e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, and e-skateboards comply with new product standards by Feb. 1, 2025.

To support this, the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner has classified these lithium-ion battery-powered devices and their chargers as “declared electrical articles” under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017.

As a result, products sold in NSW will need to meet internationally accepted product standards and be tested and certified before they enter the market.

These new testing, certification, and labelling standards will be implemented in stages across the state.

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said the measure will help save lives and protect property.

“We’re acting ahead of other jurisdictions because unregulated products are posing a huge risk to property and, in some cases, lives,” he said.

“NSW Fair Trading has worked with a wide range of stakeholders to get this done as quickly as possible.”

Fire and Rescue NSW has been raising awareness of lithium-ion batteries for some time. Just recently, the fire agency responded to a lithium-ion battery fire in Dee Why.

“A man has narrowly escaped an apartment fire, caused by a faulty lithium-ion battery, at Dee Why on Sydney’s northern beaches,” the fire agency said on Aug. 7.

“The resident was charging a battery pack for a remote-controlled plane in his unit just after 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, when it burst into flames.”

Fire and Rescue NSW shared advice for the public regarding charging lithium-ion batteries and devices, including never leaving them constantly on charge and never sleeping or leaving home with lithium battery-powered devices charging.

“If lithium batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly,” the fire agency said.

“Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted. Beware of cheap, substandard lithium battery-powered devices.”

National Approach Pursued

In response to the growing concerns, the NSW government will request the regulation of e-mobility products be placed on the national agenda for the next federal and state consumer ministers network meeting.

The National Roads and Motorists Association (NRMA) has also expressed concern about the rising number of lithium-battery-related fires.

“The NRMA has been deeply concerned by the increasing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, posing significant risks to users and the public,” Director of Policy and Public Affairs Robert Giltinan said.

The NRMA would like these measures adopted across the country and commended the government for taking “decisive action.”

“It is crucial that these measures be adopted nationally, and we fully support the NSW Government’s initiative to place this regulation on the national agenda to create a unified approach across Australia.”

Meanwhile, NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said they will be “actively monitoring” and undertaking “compliance activities” to get traders and manufacturers on board.

“As the risk of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters continues to rise, these new rules are critical to saving lives and protecting consumers and their property from dangerous products,” she said.

Bicycle Industries Australia: E-Bikes Are Great Fun

Despite the fire risks, Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA) General Manager Peter Bourke highlighted the benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters as excellent mobility solutions for many people in NSW.

Bourke noted that these devices are not only enjoyable to use, but also improve health, and reduce congestion and harmful tailpipe emissions. In many cases, they are a faster option for commuting to work and school.

“The vast majority of products on the market are safe, utilising similar battery cells to laptops and phones,” he said.

“BIA supports the direction of the NSW Minister to ensure that all products meet the required quality standards.”