E-bikes and e-scooters are growing in popularity, and sales are expected to increase once the Lismore to Bentley section of the Rail Trail is completed later this year.

Lithium-ion battery-powered products are the fastest-growing cause of fires in NSW, with Fire and Rescue NSW recording 90 incidents relating to e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, e-skateboards, and other lithium-ion battery-powered products between 2022 and 2023.

In response to the growing risks, the NSW Government is taking steps to ensure these products comply with safety standards and are appropriately tested, certified and marked before they enter the market.

To fast track the process, NSW Fair Trading hosted a roundtable last month that brought together industry members, peak bodies, advocacy groups and Government to discuss the proposed changes.

Stakeholders were asked to provide feedback on the relevant applicable safety standards and an appropriate transition period before the new standards start.

The Government is currently considering feedback from the roundtable which will inform rules made by the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner.

NSW Fair Trading has also started a consumer education campaign explaining how these products should be used, highlighting unsafe charging practices and other factors that may cause fires.  

When the changes come into effect, selling products that don’t meet the prescribed standards could attract penalties of up to $825,000 for corporations and $82,500 for individuals.

The certification consultation follows Environment Minister’s from across the country meeting to accelerate work on model legislation to improve the design, packaging, importation, storage and disposal of batteries.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said, “The rising number of fires related to e-scooters, e-skateboards, e-bikes and ‘hoverboards’ is alarming which is why we have moved quickly on a number of fronts to work out the best way to handle these products safely. 

“The reality is devices like e-bikes are here to stay. Imposing higher standards means that consumers will have access to the products they want with the confidence that they’re safe.

“As the popularity of lithium-ion batteries grows, we can’t afford to let them continue to go unregulated in our community. Failing to act poses a huge risk to lives and property in NSW.

“The NSW Fair Trading Commissioner will take action to mitigate these risks, and I look forward to hearing feedback from industry, peak bodies and consumer advocates as we continue to work with our federal counterparts on the wider issue of imported products available on the internet.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “With higher usage comes greater risk, and there has been a noticeable increase in reported Lithium-Ion-related fires by Fire and Rescue NSW.

“The NSW Government is taking action to respond to the rise in fires caused by these batteries and Fair Trading has an important role to play, as well as the frontline and community engagement work being carried out by FRNSW.”

Acting NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Petrina Casey said, “The ongoing cost to property and potential loss of life from lithium-ion battery fires outweighs any compliance cost imposed on industry by these new standards.

“We are moving to impose new standards and certification requirements for e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards and other lithium-ion powered micromobility devices.”

“In order to maintain consumer safety across Australia, NSW Fair Trading will work with other jurisdictions to encourage certification requirements nationally.”