What's changed?
E-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, self-balancing scooters and the lithium-ion batteries used to power these devices are now ‘declared electrical articles’ under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017.
This means that these products need to comply with the prescribed mandatory safety standards before they can be sold in NSW.
From 1 February 2025, lithium-ion e-micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, sold in NSW must comply with the prescribed safety standards. These requirements have been introduced to ensure that only safe and compliant products are available in the market, reducing the risk of fires.
From 23 May 2025, the product safety standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices have been updated and are available on the NSW Government Gazette website. This Order now limits the clauses of the prescribed Standards to electrical safety and prescribes the mandatory safety requirements that products must meet to be sold in NSW.
Testing and certification requirements under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 have been postponed from 1 August 2025 until 1 February 2026, in response to industry feedback. NSW Fair Trading will continue to conduct educational inspections to ensure businesses understand their legal obligations with regards to the product safety requirements.
From 1 February 2026, e-micromobility devices and their associated lithium-ion batteries must be tested, certified and marked prior to sale in NSW. From 1 February 2026, NSW Fair Trading may take enforcement action against non-compliance and penalties of up to $825,000 may apply for breach of the Product Safety Standards.
The NSW Government has also introduced a new Information Standard for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices sold in NSW. From 19 February 2025, suppliers must provide clear and accurate safety information at the point of supply. This includes details about safe use, charging, storage, fire prevention, and disposal of devices and their batteries.
On 1 August 2025, enforcement will come into effect and penalties of up to $5,500 may apply for each breach of the Information Standard.
Why are these changes important?
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular due to their high energy density and environmental benefits. However, they also pose significant fire risks if not manufactured to strict safety standards.
The new product safety regulations aim to ensure that only safe and compliant products are sold in NSW, protecting consumers and enhancing overall safety.
Information for traders and manufacturers
It is essential to understand and comply with the latest requirements. This will help ensure your products are safe and meet regulatory requirements.
Key dates
- August 2024 - Announcement and gazettal of the new standards.
- February 2025 - New product criteria and information requirements.
- August 2025 - Enforcement of mandatory information requirements.
- February 2026 - Enforcement of mandatory testing, certification and marking requirements.
Refer to exemption orders (PDF 63.68KB) under Section 8 (3) of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 for more information about key dates.
Trader and manufacturer common questions
The products must comply with any one of the Standards listed for the product category below.
e-bikes
For e-bikes with a maximum continuous rated output not exceeding 500 watts
- AS 15194:2016 - Cycles - Electrically power assisted cycles - EPAC Bicycles (also known as pedelecs): Limited to Clauses 4.2 (all - except requirements of Electro Magnetic Compatibility), Clause 5 (all - except requirements of AS/NZS 1927) and Clause 6 (all - except requirements of AS/NZS 1927), or
- EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 - Cycles - Electrically power assisted cycles - EPAC Bicycles: Limited to Clauses 4.2 (all - except requirements of Electro Magnetic Compatibility), Clause 5 and Clause 6. References to EN 60335-2-29 (battery chargers) have been replaced by AS/NZS 60335.2.29, or
- UL 2849:2022 - Electrical systems for eBikes
For e-bikes with a maximum continuous rated output exceeding 500 watts
- UL 2849:2022 - Electrical systems for eBikes
e-bike batteries
- EN 50604-1:2016+A1:2021 - Secondary lithium batteries for light EV (electric vehicle) applications, or
- IEC 62133-2:2017 - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes- Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications- Part 2: Lithium systems, or
- UL 2271:2018 - Batteries for use in light electric vehicle (LEV) applications (until 1 February 2027) or UL 2271:2023
Note: References to “EN 50604-1” in clause 4.2 of EN 15194:2017 + A1:2023 or AS 15194:2016 are replaced by “EN 50604-1:2016 +A1:2021 or IEC 62133-2:2017 or UL 2271”.
The specifications for AS 15194:2016 and EN 15194:2017 +A1:2023, compliance to the relevant clauses for batteries and battery chargers may be shown by submission of existing test reports and does not require additional retesting.
Compliance to clauses 5 and 6 of EN 15194:2017 +A1:2023 or AS 15194:2016 may be verified by inspection of photographs and does not require further assessment.
e-scooters, e-skateboards and hoverboards
- AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023 - Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety. Part 2.114: Particular requirements for personal e-transporters, or
- EN 17128:2020 - Light motorised vehicles for the transportation of persons and goods and related facilities and not subject to type-approval for on-road use- Personal light electric vehicles (PLEC)- Requirements and test methods, or
- UL 2272:2016 - Electrical systems for personal e-mobility devices (until 1 February 2027) or UL 2272:2014
e-scooters, e-skateboards and hoverboards batteries
- AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023 - Household and similar electrical appliances- Safety. Part 2.114: Particular requirements for personal e-transporters, or
- UL 2271:2018 - Batteries for use in light electric vehicle (LEV) applications (until 1 February 2027) or UL 2271:2023.
Electrical safety requirements
E-micromobility power supplies and chargers require certification and approval under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act.
- Under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017, section 8, e-micromobility batteries and chargers must meet the AS/NZS 61558 series or AS/NZS 60335.2.29, as appropriate.
- Under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2018, section 6, e-micromobility batteries and chargers must carry the appropriate approval mark according to the requirements of the certificate.
If you have any questions, please email the NSW Fair Trading Gas and Electrical Compliance Team at electricalsafety@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
NSW Fair Trading as well as a number of private organisations are authorised to approve declared electrical articles. Either the manufacturer or supplier may apply for a Certificate of Approval.
NSW Fair Trading Certificate of Approval
Follow the approval application process below:
- Complete Form EEA1.
- Provide test reports with comprehensive colour photographs.
- Include instruction manuals.
- Transfer the application fee ($1,200 per certification) with your business name as a reference and include a copy of the remittance advice.
- Bank name: Westpac
Address: Level 1, 275 Kent Street, Sydney 2000
Account name: OFT Electrical Remitting Account
BSB number: 032-001
Account number: 168071
Swift code: WPACAU2S
- Bank name: Westpac
- Email your application and any questions to energyapprovals@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
For more information, visit the Approval of electrical articles page.
Recognised External Approval Schemes (REAS)
NSW Fair Trading also recognises the external certification bodies below.
- Conformity Certification Services Pty Ltd
- Global-Mark Pty Ltd
- Certification Body Australia
- SAA Approvals Pty Ltd
- SGS Australia Pty Ltd
- TÜV Rheinland Australia Pty Ltd
- UL International NZ Ltd
Test reports
Declared electrical articles must be manufactured in compliance with the prescribed standards. Compliance must be demonstrated by a full test report, in preparation for a certificate. While testing is usually requested by the manufacturer, it can also be requested by a retailer or importer.
Test reports must:
- demonstrate that the article complies with the standards, including any amendments and modifications
- have comprehensive colour photographs of the interior and exterior of the article, and
- be issued by an accredited testing laboratory.
Testing laboratories
Test reports will only be accepted if they’re completed by accredited laboratories. Testing laboratories must be accredited by the relevant national accreditation body, e.g. in Australia by NATA, in China by CNAS, etc. The certifier will check accreditation.
Models
A ‘model’ describes electrical articles with similar characteristics in design, material, and construction, that if changed, would alter compliance with the relevant standards. Examples include chargers and batteries, as a change in would require retesting.
A family of models can often be grouped together to simplify testing. A ‘family’ is a series of models with similar characteristics that only differ slightly.
A NSW Fair Trading Certificate of Approval costs approximately $1,200.
A Certificate of Approval can also be issued by Recognised External Approval Schemes (REAS), which determine their own fees.
NSW Fair Trading can typically issue a certificate of approval in less than one week if all information provided is correct.
For any enquiries, email energyapprovals@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
Declared electrical articles must carry the appropriate approval mark. The certifier will verify documentation and issue a Certificate of Approval with the required product marking. This includes the certificate number for the product.
Below are examples of legally acceptable electrical safety approval marks:
- NSW mark - NSWxxxxxx
- REAS mark - ABC-xxxxxx-EA
From February 2026, marking must be placed in a legible and permanent manner on the product itself, not merely on packaging. This is typically on the label that shows the model reference code of the device.
It is an offence to sell a declared article if the article has not been approved for sale and marked with that approval. The current maximum penalty under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2007 is $825,000 or 2-years imprisonment.
Access to Standards is provided through licence agreements and third party vendors and are subject to strict copyright and distribution conditions. Please check the Standards Australia website for further information.
More information
Visit the Lithium-ion battery safety awareness page to understand more about safe practices and how to handle these devices safely, including charging and disposing of lithium-ion batteries.
Visit the Approval of electrical articles page for detailed information on standards and compliance requirements for electrical items.
NSW Fair Trading is supporting traders and manufacturers to adapt to the changes.
For more information about the standards, please email the Lithium-ion Battery Policy Team at: lithiumionbatteries@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
Related links
- Declared Articles
- Exemption order under section 8(3) (PDF 63.68KB)
- Lithium-ion battery safety
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Traditional Chinese
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Simplified Chinese
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Italian
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Vietnamese
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Korean
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Portuguese
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Indonesian
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Spanish
- New standards for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices fact sheet in Thai
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