As e-bikes and other e-mobility devices grow in popularity, especially among apartment dwellers in our city suburbs and regional towns, safety concerns, particularly fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, have risen.

Between 2017 and 2022, sales ballooned from 9,000 to more than 100,000 each year to make e-bikes the most popular electric vehicle in the country[i]. 

That said, recent incidents have highlighted the fire risk, with the NSW EPA reporting 193 battery-related fires in New South Wales between January and August 2024 – an 18% increase from the previous year[ii].

Of course, e-bikes and e-scooters are not responsible for all fires, with the majority traced back to small devices containing embedded batteries. An embedded battery is a small battery that is placed permanently within a device. They are often buried deep within the device, and they have no easy way of being removed. These devices can include wireless household products, light-up toys and even disposable vapes!

That said, pressure is mounting on strata committees across Australia to address concerns and mitigate risks associated with e-bikes. 

The facts are that the e-bike lifestyle is particularly attractive for tenants living in medium- to high-density areas – and who are keen to reduce their environmental impact.

Moreover, while e-bikes are often viewed as a cost-effective, space-efficient alternative to cars for getting around our suburbs and towns, they can be more difficult to store than a standard bike.

As such, landlords increasingly report damage, such as chipped door frames, smudges on walls from handlebars, and scratched front doors. These repairs are typically the responsibility of tenants.

So, tenants need to inform their property managers if they own an e-bike or similar device. Property managers will relay this information to your landlord to ensure they know the potential risks.

It’s also recommended that landlords consult their insurance companies to determine if their policy covers a fire caused by an e-bike.

To learn more about issues relating to storing an e-bike in your rental home, talk to your local Raine & Horne Property Manager. 

[i] https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/our-advocacy/e-bikes/

[ii] https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2024/epamedia241107-central-west-residents-urged-to-dispose-of-batteries-safely-following-landfill-fires#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20the%20number%20of,traced%20back%20to%20small%20devices.