Wednesday, February 12, 2025

NSW Fair Trading sparks Australian-first e-micromobility standards

In an Australian-first, NSW Fair Trading is set to introduce an Information Standard for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility products in a bid to protect consumers from safety risks posed by the increasingly popular devices. 

E-micromobility products include e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, self-balancing hoverboards and their associated chargers.

If retailers in NSW do not provide product guidance mandated by an Information Standard, they could be subject to penalties of up to $5,500 for each breach, said Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong.  

“We need to ensure we have a robust regulatory framework to keep consumers safe from the potential harms posed by some lithium-ion battery-powered products,” said the Minister.

“This Information Standard is another step in building that framework and will provide consumers with the information they need to stay safe when using e-micromobility devices.

“The NSW Government looks forward to working with, and hearing from stakeholders and the public, about what they think consumers need to know before they buy an e-bike or other e-micromobility product.”

NSW Fair Trading’s proposed Information Standard for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility devices will provide consumer advice and warnings on: 

Fire safety and emergency procedures – identifying signs of a fire and procedures to be followed in case of an emergency.  

Electrical safety – warnings for consumers about lithium-ion batteries, battery charging and warnings against modification of the device. 

Product storage – information on safe storage and protection from environmental hazards. 

Use, service and repair – information about safe use practices, what to do if there is any damage to the device, and details about service and repair centres.  

Road rules – information urging consumers to check the road rules applicable to their device.

End of life – best practices for disposal of devices and lithium-ion batteries. 

“NSW Fair Trading has been working closely with consumers, industry, and other Government agencies to ensure people are protected from the risks posed by lithium-ion e-micromobility products,” said Commissioner of NSW Fair Trading, Natasha Mann.

“While new product standards for manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers are set to come into effect from 1 February next year, an Information Standard will give people access to the guidance they need when purchasing one of these products.

“These changes are about empowering consumers to make informed decisions when they first buy a product and knowing how to use it safely through the product’s life,” she said.

Safety standards announced in early August require e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards to meet new testing, certification, and marking requirements, and will be introduced in a staged process from 1 February next year.

The product safety standards are intended to curb the fire-risks associated with lithium-ion e-micromobility devices by ensuring low quality and dangerous versions of these products cannot enter the market and be sold on to unwitting consumers, the Government said in a statement.

“As we move towards legalising the use of e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices on NSW roads, it’s vital we ensure these devices are up to standard and pass strict safety standards,” said Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen.

“Ensuring that high quality lithium-ion battery-powered devices are the only ones available on the shelves will keep people safe.”

Retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will face fines of up to $825,000 for not complying with the new safety standards.

E-micromobility products were the single largest group of lithium-ion battery-powered devices associated with fires in 2022 and 2023, with Fire and Rescue NSW recording 90 incidents related to the products in those years. There have been 72 fire-incidents connected with e-micromobility products in 2024. 

NSW Fair Trading is consulting with industry stakeholders and Government agencies to determine what should be included in the Information Standard. The public can have their say at: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/lithium-ion-battery-powered-micromobility-vehicles until 6 December.

The Information Standard is expected to be introduced in early 2025.

For more information on the new lithium-ion battery powered e-micromobility product standards, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/safety-home/electrical-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety/new-safety-standards-for-lithium-ion-batteries-e-mobility-devices.

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