NAT: If a lithium-ion battery fire causes damage is the owner liable?

Question: If a battery fire causes damage to common property or other lots from an authorised or unauthorised e-bike, e-scooter or e-skateboard, is the owner liable for the damage?

Answer: Whether it’s unauthorised or not or banned within a bylaw, it’s going to be covered under the policy unless there’s a specific exclusion.

I haven’t seen or encountered a specific exclusion in a policy related to e-scooters, e-bikes, or batteries. If there’s a claim, at this stage, it’s covered. It’s an unforeseen and fortuitous loss without any exclusions in the policy.

Whether it’s unauthorised or not or banned within a bylaw, it’s going to be covered under the policy unless there’s a specific exclusion.

This post appears in the July 2024 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.

Sean Callan
Sedgwick
E: Sean.Callan@sedgwick.com