Changes Ahead For E-micromobility Products

NSW Fair Trading is introducing an information standard for lithium-ion-powered e-micromobility products to ensure consumers know the risks associated with their use

In an Australian first, NSW Fair Trading is introducing an information standard for lithium-ion-powered e-micromobility products to ensure consumers know the risks associated with their use.

This initiative is also one of the 58 actions listed in the NSW Government's Micro Mobility Action Plan, which is a pathway to legalising e-scooters and fostering safer use of other micro-mobility devices. 

Effective as of 1 February 2025, the new standard will provide: 

• Consumer advice and warnings on fire and electrical safety. 

• Product storage. 

• Use, service, and repair. 

• Road rules. 

• Best practices for disposal. 

Retailers could face significant penalties for not complying with the product guidance mandated by the information standard.  

According to NSW Fair Trading, 72 fires have been connected to e-micromobility products this year. They have been working closely with consumers, industry, and other government agencies to ensure people are protected from the risks posed by lithium-ion-powered e-micromobility products such as e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, self-balancing hoverboards, and associated chargers.  

Action Plan Pathway 

One key issue of the NSW Government's e-micromobility Action Plan in helping to realise the benefits of increased e-micromobility use is addressing a regulatory blind spot that means e-scooters can be purchased in stores but can't be ridden on NSW streets.   

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said: "There are already 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW. Almost 460,0000 of these are e-scooters. But only 22 per cent of people across the state know it's illegal to ride e-scooters on our roads and streets. It's a strange regulatory blind spot, and it has to change."   

Community engagement on potential changes to rules for e-scooters is ongoing. The aim is to establish the right regulatory framework, making future riding of e-scooters on streets safe for all road users and pedestrians.   

An E-micromobility Interagency Group, set up in May 2024 and comprised of 15 NSW Government agencies, is coordinating the delivery of actions across NSW.  

For more information on the potential changes to e-scooter use, see the NSW Transport website.