Product standards for e-bikes and e-scooters proposed to stop fires

A rising number of fires related to e-scooters, e-skateboards, e-bikes and ‘hoverboards’ in New South Wales has led to the Government taking action.

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-bike, e-scooter, hoverboards, e-skateboards and other lithium-ion battery powered products across 2022 and 2023.

Now 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.

“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,” said Minister for Better Regulation and FairTrading, Anoulack Chanthivong.

“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.”