From 1 February 2026, the New South Wales Government fully implemented a landmark safety and certification framework for e-micromobility products.
These regulations—targeting e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, and hoverboards—are designed to combat the rising number of strata building fires (and house fires) caused by substandard lithium-ion batteries.
For residents and committees in strata schemes, these changes mark a critical turning point in how shared living spaces manage the risks associated with e-mobility devices.
The New Rules: Testing, Tagging and Certification
The transition to these standards began in early 2025, but the 1 February 2026 deadline marked the official commencement of strict enforcement.
- Mandatory Certification: All e-micromobility devices and their standalone lithium-ion batteries sold in NSW must now be tested by an accredited lab and receive a Certificate of Approval.
- Safety Marking: Compliant products must display a valid electrical safety approval mark (a certification number) on the device or battery.
- Information Standard: Since late 2025, retailers have been required to provide consumers with clear safety information at the point of sale, covering safe charging, storage, and disposal.
Note for Buyers: It is now illegal for retailers to sell uncertified e-micromobility products in NSW. Penalties for corporations breaching these standards can reach up to $825,000.
Why This Matters for Strata Communities
Strata schemes are uniquely vulnerable to lithium-ion battery fires due to high-density living and shared charging infrastructure. The 2026 requirements provide a clear benchmark for owners corporations to manage safety:
- By-Law Enforcement: Many strata schemes are now introducing by-laws that mandate only certified and marked devices be stored or charged on common property.
- Second-Hand Risks: The new laws apply to second-hand sales. Strata residents should be wary of purchasing used e-bikes that do not feature the required safety markings, as these may be older, non-compliant models.
- Insurance Compliance: Ensuring that residents only use certified devices can be a key factor in maintaining valid building insurance and potentially mitigating rising premiums.
Safe Practices for Residents
Even with Certified Products Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) recommends the following ‘gold rules’ for e-microbility safety:
- Never charge unattended: Do not leave devices charging overnight or while you are away from home.
- Use compatible chargers: Only use the charger supplied with the device or a certified replacement recommended by the manufacturer.
- Charge in safe zones: Avoid charging near exits or on flammable surfaces like carpet or beds.
- Monitor for ‘Thermal Runaway’: If a battery is swelling, leaking, or emitting a strange smell, stop using it immediately and move it outdoors if safe to do so.
Official NSW Government Resources
For the full list of certified products, detailed technical standards, and the official Information standard template, visit the NSW Government’s dedicated portal New safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices now.
Mitigating Fire Risks and Protecting Residents
Protect your scheme from lithium-ion risks. E-bikes and e-scooters are convenient, but improper charging poses a significant fire hazard to high-density buildings.
Don’t wait for an incident to occur. Contact a specialist strata lawyer today to draft a robust by-law that regulates the storage and charging of micro-mobility devices, ensuring your building remains a safe place to live.
This post appears in Strata News #790.
Adrian Mueller JS Mueller & Co Lawyers E: adrianmueller@muellers.com.au P: 02 9562 1266
This article has been republished with permission from the author and first appeared on the JS Mueller & Co Lawyers website.