Electrical safety requirements for e-transport devices
We are consulting on a proposal to introduce certification requirements for e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards to reduce battery fire risk
Lithium-ion battery powered e-transport devices – such as e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards and self-balancing scooters – are increasingly popular in Victoria. While they offer a convenient, low-emissions transport option, they also pose a growing fire risk. These fires start suddenly, are hard to extinguish, and can cause serious harm.
E-transport devices sold in Victoria must currently meet electrical safety standards, but there is no independent testing or proof required before sale. This increases the risk of unsafe or poorly made devices entering the market.
We propose to declare these devices as “controlled electrical equipment” under section 55 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998. This would mean they must be certified to safety standards and clearly marked before they can be sold in Victoria.
We invite feedback from manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, transport and safety experts, local government, community organisations and the public. Your views will help us assess the risks, test the practicality of the proposal, and understand impacts on e-transport users and industry.
Submissions close Monday 13 October 2025 at 12:00 pm (noon)
We will treat submissions as public and publish them on our website unless otherwise requested. Any information that is commercially sensitive or confidential should be clearly marked. Names and other personal information will be removed from submissions before publication
All questions about the consultation process must be submitted in writing to consultation@energysafe.vic.gov.au. Questions will be deidentified and published on this web page with an official answer. This is to ensure all potential submissions have access to the same information.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
During the consultation period two information sessions were held. Questions asked at those sessions, along with others we have received during the consultation, are answered below.
A: We have been engaging with NSW Fair Trading and keeping up to date with implementation of their new certification and marking requirements for e-transport devices.
The NSW changes have informed our initial thinking about the type of electrical equipment that may be subject to new requirements, the application of available safety standards, and the timing of implementation.
A: The Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic) and the Electricity Safety Equipment Safety Scheme Regulations 2019 (Vic) require “controlled electrical equipment” to be marked with the certificate number. We will consider whether this requirement can be met through a “digital fingerprint” or any other suggestions made in submissions.
A: We are currently focused on addressing fire risks associated with e-transport devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. The definition we are consulting on (see page 10 of our consultation paper) is intended to exclude golf buggies, motorised trolleys and utility carts which, based on the information we have, do not have the same increasing electrical safety incident rates as e-transport devices.
A: We cannot comment on what other states or territories may do. As noted in our consultation paper, there are initiatives underway to support national harmonisation long term. However, given the increasing number of electricity safety incidents involving e-transport devices, we are considering what actions can be taken in Victoria to reduce harm now.
Under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic) and the Electricity Safety Equipment Safety Scheme Regulations 2019 (Vic), “controlled electrical equipment” must be marked with the certificate number. This may differ from marking requirements in other states and territories.
A: We have been engaging with the Department of Transport and Planning about the road legal requirements for e-transport devices and how this may interact with electrical safety concerns. We will consider this issue alongside any other feedback we receive about the definition in our consultation paper.
A: We directly shared our consultation paper with e-bike manufacturers and suppliers as it is important we hear feedback from these key stakeholders. While we have worked to distribute information about our consultation widely, we encourage you to share it with your industry contacts.
A: Section 2.3 of our consultation paper (see page 10) explains the meaning of “relevant standard”, which is an AS, AS/NZS or IEC standard for the equipment type. Australia is represented on the standard-making committees for AS, AS/NZS and IEC standards. Other standards, like EN and UL standards, do not meet the definition of “relevant standard”.
A: Our role as Victoria’s safety regulator is to ensure the safe generation, supply and use of electricity, gas and pipelines, while Consumer Affairs Victoria is Victoria’s consumer rights regulator. Consumer guarantees such as right of repair, are provided for under consumer rights legislation (the Australian Consumer Law).
A: We hold some information about brands/models of e-transport devices involved in lithium-ion battery fires that have been reported to us. However, in many cases it is difficult to obtain this information as the fires are all consuming and destroy the device, and the owner of the device does not always recall or retain evidence of the brand/model.
A: Energy Safe Victoria is a statutory authority established under the Energy Safe Victoria Act 2005, operating within the existing legislative framework. The current consultation is focused on actions Energy Safe can take within current laws to improve safety outcomes.
Decisions about legislative amendments, including increasing penalties under the Electricity Safety Act, rest with government and Parliament. Energy Safe does, however, regularly share stakeholder feedback with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, which is responsible for legislative policy.
A: “Controlled electrical equipment" declared under section 55 of the Electricity Safety Act is certified by Energy Safe. As part of our next stage of work following consultation, we will consider whether certificates issued by other bodies/jurisdictions could be accepted for Energy Safe certification. We encourage you to make a submission to share your views on the matter.
During our online information sessions, several questions and issues were raised that require further consideration based on consultation feedback. This includes:
The standards that will be accepted, including whether EN 15194 or UL 2849 will be accepted for e-bikes and IEC 62133 for batteries, and whether certificates issued in New South Wales will be accepted in Victoria
Whether new certification requirements will apply to existing stock, including to e-transport devices supplied by hire companies
The implementation timeframes and certification processes
How we will manage compliance, including for devices sold through online marketplaces.
We welcome submissions on these matters which we will inform further work and engagement.
Date: 21/10/2025 1:33
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