New South Wales’ Crackdown on Substandard Lithium-Ion Batteries

The growing number of fires due to substandard lithium-ion batteries in consumer products has raised serious safety concerns. In response, the New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia has taken decisive action to enhance safety standards for e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, and e-skateboards, which are the primary offenders. The new rules were introduced to tackle the risks associated with these devices, which are commonly powered by lithium-ion batteries that, when not manufactured to appropriate standards, can lead to overheating and fires.

Starting from February 2025, NSW will classify e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar products as “declared electric devices”, requiring them to meet stringent safety and technical standards. Manufacturers and suppliers of these devices must now demonstrate that their products comply with internationally recognised safety norms.

For instance, e-bikes and e-scooters must pass rigorous safety tests on battery handling, charging protocols, and thermal management systems to ensure they do not overheat or cause fires. These tests must be conducted by accredited laboratories, and products will be subject to regular checks to ensure continued compliance.

To enforce these regulations, the government has introduced heavy fines, with penalties of up to $825,000 for manufacturers who fail to comply. This aims to discourage the importation and sale of substandard devices and force companies to improve product safety.

The new regulations are a direct response to the increasing number of lithium-ion battery-related fires. According to recent data, incidents involving these batteries have caused over 275 fires in NSW alone, prompting public outcry. The new measures are designed to reduce these incidents, enhance consumer safety, and protect the environment by ensuring that only safe, compliant products reach the market.

More information:
Anja Jerovsek
E-mail: anja.jerovsek@siq.si
Tel.: +386 1 4778 147