A new by-law may soon be implemented in Australia that prohibits apartment residents from charging e-bikes or e-scooters inside their homes due to rising fire risks from lithium batteries. The Owners Corporation Network (OCN), which represents strata owners in the country, is leading the push for this new regulation, developed through collaboration with local authorities and electric vehicle (EV) experts. The by-law could also ban the storage of cheaper imported, modified, or damaged e-bikes in apartments.
OCN board chair Fred Tuckwell supports the adoption of e-bikes and e-scooters but insists that safety measures must be in place to mitigate the risks associated with these products, particularly those related to battery-related fires. He cautions against the use of cheap imports, modified devices, or damaged products in indoor spaces within apartments, urging residents to exercise caution and sensibility.
Tuckwell’s stance is based on recent battery-related fires, emphasizing the dangers posed by high-risk devices and the inappropriate use of fast chargers. He encourages apartment residents to charge their electric devices in outdoor areas, such as balconies, to minimize fire risks. However, Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean raises doubts about the enforceability of the proposed by-law, warning against the implementation of rules that cannot be effectively enforced.
The emergence of battery-related fires, such as a large blaze at an e-bike factory in Sydney and an explosion of a lithium-ion battery at a hostel, has prompted authorities to issue warnings to consumers about the fire risks associated with using mobility devices with built-in lithium batteries. This significant rise in battery-related fires has led to insurers and authorities issuing warnings to consumers about the potential hazards of using mobility devices with built-in lithium batteries.