What's changing?
e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, self-balancing scooters and the lithium-ion batteries used to power these devices are now ‘declared electrical articles’ under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017.
This means that these products need to comply with the prescribed mandatory safety standards before they can be sold in NSW.
From February 2025, e-micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, sold in NSW must comply with the prescribed safety standards. These requirements have been introduced to ensure that only safe and compliant products are available in the market, reducing the risk of fires.
In early 2025, e-micromobility devices sold in NSW must also comply with new information standards.
These standards will be introduced under the Fair Trading Act 1987 and require suppliers to provide clear and accurate safety information at the point of sale. This includes details about safe use, charging, storage, fire prevention, and disposal of devices and their batteries.
Why are these changes important?
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular due to their high energy density and environmental benefits. However, they also pose significant fire risks if not manufactured to strict safety standards.
These new regulations aim to ensure that only safe and compliant products are sold in NSW, protecting consumers and enhancing overall safety.
Information for retailers and traders
As a retailer or trader, you play a vital role in ensuring consumers are equipped with essential safety information. To comply with the new Information Standards, you must provide customers with information at the point of sale.
What information is required
The template below provides suggested wording to assist e-micromobility suppliers meet the requirements of the information standard. Suppliers may use their own layout or wording but must ensure they address all requirements of the information standards that will be set out in the Fair Trading Regulation 2019.
| Category | Details |
| 1. General Product Information | - [Brand], [Product Name], [Model number] - Certificate approval number: [e.g. NSWxxxxx] (Required from 1 August 2025) |
| 2. Road Use | - Before using this product, check the applicable local laws relating to your intended use of the product on public roads. - For e-micromobility vehicles that are permitted for road use in NSW: this device may be used on a public road or road-related areas such as footpaths, shared paths, or bicycle lanes. - For e-micromobility vehicles that are not permitted for road use in NSW: this device can only be used on private property. It is not legal to use this device on a public road, footpath, shared path, or bicycle lane. |
| 3. Electrical Safety | - WARNING! Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, or other injuries, or damage to your device, cables, or other property. Read all safety information before using your device. - WARNING! The use of incompatible batteries or chargers may result in spontaneous combustion. Only use original supplied charger and batteries or a compatible charger and batteries to avoid overheating, overcharging, bursting, or ignition. - Always pay attention to your battery and charger during charging. Keep away from flammable materials, disconnect when fully charged, and avoid exposure to water or heat. - Modifying or tampering with any component of the e-micromobility device is not permitted under any circumstance. |
| 4. Safe Product Storage | - Follow storage instructions carefully. Always store your device and batteries in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. - Store in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. - Do not store with hazardous, corrosive, or flammable substances. - Do not expose batteries to heat or fire. - Store batteries in a fire-proof environment. |
| 5. Service & Repair | - WARNING! Do not attempt to use a battery that has been damaged. If the battery has been, or appears to be damaged, it must not be used or charged. Damage could include swelling, bulging, leaking, overheating, or cracks. - WARNING! Do not attempt to repair or service your device. Always take your damaged device to a qualified repair person. - Provide details of service centers or repair persons, if available. |
| 6. Fire Safety & Emergency Procedures | - WARNING! Your device is powered by a Li-ion battery and carries a fire risk. Fires and thermal runaway events involving Li-ion batteries can occur rapidly, involving toxic smoke, vapors, flames, and molten projectiles. - Warning signs of battery fire: pungent odors, discolouration, blistering, bulging, swelling, leaking electrolyte, overheating, or abnormal sounds like popping or hissing. - If the device or battery starts to smoke or emit flames, evacuate the area and call Triple Zero (000). Close doors if safe to do so to slow the spread of fire. |
| 7. End of Life and Safe Disposal | - WARNING! Do not place in household garbage or recycling bin. Li-ion batteries present a serious fire risk and should be taken to a recycling service. - For products with removable batteries: remove the battery and check local waste and disposal laws. - For products with integrated batteries: check local waste and disposal laws for the whole device. - Tape terminals of undamaged batteries before recycling and dispose of damaged batteries through proper channels like a Community Recycling Centre or Household Chemical CleanOut event. |
| 8. Information Provided By | - <Insert name of business responsible for providing this information standard> |
| 9. Information Current At | - <Insert publication date of document> |
Information for traders and manufacturers
It is essential to understand and comply with the latest requirements. This will help ensure your products are safe and meet regulatory requirements.
Key dates
- August 2024- Announcement and gazettal of the new standards.
- February 2025 - Enforcement of the new standards begins.
- August 2025 - Mandatory testing and certification requirements enforced.
- February 2026 - Mandatory labelling requirement enforced.
Refer to exemption orders under Section 8 (3) of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 for more information about key dates.
Trader and manufacturer common questions
The products must comply with any one of the Standards listed for the product category below.
e-bikes
For e-bikes with a maximum continuous rated output not exceeding 500 watts:
- AS 15194:2016- Cycles - Electrically power assisted cycles - EPAC Bicycles (also known as pedelecs), or
- EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 - Cycles - Electrically power assisted cycles - EPAC Bicycles, or
- UL 2849 - Electrical systems for eBikes
For e-bikes with a maximum continuous rated output exceeding 500 watts:
- UL 2849 - Electrical systems for eBikes
e-bike batteries
- EN 50604-1:2016+A1:2021 - Secondary lithium batteries for light EV (electric vehicle) applications, or
- IEC 62133-2:2017 - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes- Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications- Part 2: Lithium systems, or
- UL 2271 - Batteries for use in light electric vehicle (LEV) applications
e-scooters, e-skateboards and hoverboards
- AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023 - Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety. Part 2.114: Particular requirements for personal e-transporters, or
- EN 17128 - Light motorised vehicles for the transportation of persons and goods and related facilities and not subject to type-approval for on-road use- Personal light electric vehicles (PLEC)- Requirements and test methods, or
- UL 2272 - Electrical systems for personal e-mobility devices
e-scooters, e-skateboards and hoverboards batteries
- AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023 - Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety. Part 2.114: Particular requirements for personal e-transporters, or
- UL 2271 - Batteries for use in light electric vehicle (LEV) applications
- The product must be manufactured in compliance with the prescribed standard. A sample of each product (model) must be tested by an accredited test laboratory.
- The test report for each product (model) must be obtained and submitted along with other relevant documentation (specified by certifying body) to either NSW Fair Trading or any other recognised external certification scheme (REAS) for certification, including any other state base electrical safety regulator.
- The certifying body will verify documentation and issue a certificate of approval for the product with the required product marking.
- Test reports for certification must be to the full relevant standard including any amendments.
- Test laboratories can be Australian based or overseas based.
- Test reports will only be accepted if completed by accredited laboratories.
- All laboratories must be accredited by the relevant national accreditation body. For example, in Australia NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia.), or in China CNAS; or in Europe by the relevant accreditation body etc. The certifier will check accreditation.
- Certificates of approval cost approximately $1,200 from NSW Department of Customer Service
- The Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 (G&E Act) will accept recognised external approval schemes (REAS) (the independent certifiers)
- This is separate from testing which is conducted by accredited test laboratories based in Australia and overseas. Each laboratory sets its own fee structure.
- Either the manufacturer may apply for the certificate or the Australian importer (supplier).
NSW Fair Trading can typically issue a certificate of approval in approximately one week if all correct information is provided.
- Once declared all such declared articles must be marked with the relevant approval mark. This includes the certificate number for the product.
- Marking must be on the product itself and not merely on a packaging.
- Marking must be 'legible and permanent'. This is typically on the label that shows the model reference code of the device.
- Examples of marking:
NSW mark - NSWxxxxxx
REAS mark - ABC-xxxxxx-EA
See more examples of approval marks.
Access to Standards is provided through licence agreements and third party vendors and are subject to strict copyright and distribution conditions. Please check the Standards Australia website for further information.
More information
Visit the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness page to understand more about safe practices and how to handle these devices safely, including charging and disposing of lithium-ion batteries.
Visit the Approval of electrical articles page for detailed information on standards and compliance requirements for electrical items.
NSW Fair Trading is helping traders and manufacturers understand and comply with these new requirements by providing guidance resources, and running workshops and stakeholder engagement activities.
For more information about these information standards or if you'd like to receive updates or get involved in these activities, please contact the Lithium-ion Battery Policy team at: lithiumionbatteries@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
Contact NSW Fair Trading
Online: Complaints and enquiries
Phone: 13 32 20 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm)
In-person: find a service centre
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