E-Transport Devices And Batteries Now High Risk Articles in NSW
A range of electric powered personal transport devices and their replacement batteries have been designated Declared High Risk Battery Articles (section 6) and Declared Electrical Articles (section 12) by New South Wales state government.
The range of devices that now fall under these Standards include:
- E-bikes equipped with one or more auxiliary propulsion motors, powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, including the battery and its charger.
- Electric scooters propelled by one or more electric motors, powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, including any batteries and their chargers.
- Self-balancing scooters powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, including the battery and charger. This category encompasses hoverboards, gliders, smart boards, sky walkers, monoboards and mod boards.
- Electric skateboards propelled by an electric motor, powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, including the battery and its charger.
- Rechargeable lithium e-bike batteries.
- Rechargeable lithium micromobility batteries.
NSW Fair Trading will be applying the new rules in three key stages over the next 18 months.
Under stage 1, from 1 February 2025 all of the personal transport devices named above, plus their batteries and chargers must comply with the Standards, although there will be no requirement for tests, certification or product markings.
Under stage 2, from 1 August 2025 all devices must be tested and certified before sale, but no product marking will be required.
At the final stage from 1 February 2026, product marking also becomes mandatory.
A copy of the NSW gazette can be downloaded here.
The new rules are an answer to the many dangerous fires that have been caused to date by defective or poorly engineered battery-powered products. It’s hoped that with full Standards compliance there will be a huge improvement in the safety of consumers in New South Wales.
CCS is ready to start certifying in January 2025. If you are aware of any manufacturer of such products currently being sold into Australia, please share this important information. For any questions or concerns over products that your company manufactures, supplies or sells, please contact us.