The Queensland Government has released its Report following its Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland.
The Report contains some sobering facts for property owners.
- e-mobility devices are the leading cause of lithium-ion battery related fires in Queensland.
- the majority of these fires are caused by e-scooters.
- many thermal runaway incidents stem from unsafe charging practices, particularly the use of incorrect chargers.
- many users attempt to boost battery capacity or power by installing larger, non-standard batteries, often from unreliable sources.
- lower quality products present higher risks, particularly when charged in bedrooms or near soft furnishings.
- in a typical house fire in a modern home, a room will transition to 'flashover' – i.e. be fully involved in fire within 3 to 5 minutes. An e-scooter fire can reach flashover in under one minute.
- the rapid onset of fire reduces the warning period provided by smoke alarms before a potentially catastrophic explosion or spread of fire occurs.
- e-mobility devices and lithium-ion batteries are not currently regulated under Queensland’s electrical safety framework.
Among the Report’s recommendations, the Committee proposes that “the Queensland Government advocate to the Federal Government for the implementation of mandatory national safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices and regulation, to enhance consumer safety and reduce the risk of fires.”
The Report notes that the NSW Government already requires all lithium-ion e-micromobility devices sold in the state to be tested, certified and marked before they can be sold. Rather than following the NSW Government’s lead, the Report recommends waiting for a national-led approach.
The Report does however recommend the Queensland Government “introduce anti-tampering laws that prohibit the sale and use of modification kits or assistance by retailers to increase the power and speed of e-mobility devices”.
The Committee also recommends the Queensland Government “continue to advocate with national counterparts for stronger mandatory import controls in order to prevent illegal and dangerous devices entering Queensland”.
The Report can be accessed here - Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland
March 2026
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