Key Takeaways:
- An inquest is being held to investigate the causes of lithium-ion battery fires in micro-mobility vehicles, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards.
- The inquest is focused on four specific fires, two of which were fatal, and aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the fires and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Lithium-ion battery fires can reach temperatures of up to 900 degrees Celsius within minutes and can release toxic, explosive, and flammable gases.
- The inquest has highlighted the importance of proper battery maintenance, charging, and storage, as well as the need for compliant equipment and safe usage practices.
Introduction to the Inquest
The inquest into the causes of lithium-ion battery fires in micro-mobility vehicles is currently underway in Sydney, with Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce overseeing the proceedings. The inquest is focused on four specific fires, two of which were fatal, and aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the fires and how to prevent similar incidents in the future. Counsel Assisting David Kell provided an overview of each fire, highlighting the volatile and complex nature of lithium-ion battery fires, which can reach temperatures of up to 900 degrees Celsius within minutes.
The First Fire: A Narrow Escape
The first fire occurred in September 2023, at a short-stay accommodation in Cabarita Beach, Northern NSW. A man had picked up his repaired e-bike battery the day before, and a fire ignited in his room, causing severe burns to 40% of his body. Fortunately, a neighbor rescued him, and he was placed in an induced coma. The man survived the incident, but it highlights the potential dangers of lithium-ion battery fires. The inquest is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the repair of the e-bike battery and the events leading up to the incident.
Subsequent Fires: Injuries and Fatalities
The inquest also heard about a food delivery driver who was injured in December 2023, when his second-hand e-bike battery exploded in his Annandale bedroom in Sydney. The driver sustained significant burns, and another flatmate had burns to 20% of his body. The inquest also examined two fatal fires, one of which occurred in February 2024, at a two-storey townhouse in Teralba, south of Newcastle, where two women died. The fire was caused by a compromised e-bike battery, which had been repaired but not properly reassembled. The inquest heard that a screw used to fix the battery was too long and compromised the battery, leading to several explosions and a fire.
The Fourth Fire: A Fatal Incident
The fourth fire occurred in February 2025, at a freestanding rental home in Guildford, Sydney, and resulted in the death of a food delivery driver. The driver’s e-bike battery was charging 30 centimeters from the foot of his bed when it exploded, causing extensive burns and incineration injuries. The inquest is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the charging of the battery and the events leading up to the incident.
The Risks of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
The inquest highlighted the risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires, which can release large volumes of toxic, explosive, and flammable gases. The latest data from Fire and Rescue NSW suggests that lithium-ion batteries are causing approximately six fires in NSW per week. The inquest also noted that overcharging, dropping, crushing, piercing, and vibration can all cause lithium-ion battery fires. Additionally, using non-compliant equipment can put people at risk, and a common misconception is that if a charger fits in a device and can charge it, then it is appropriate for use.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The inquest is set to resume in August next year and will continue to investigate the causes of lithium-ion battery fires in micro-mobility vehicles. The proceedings aim to provide a better understanding of the risks associated with these fires and to identify measures that can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The inquest’s findings will be crucial in informing policies and regulations related to the use and maintenance of lithium-ion batteries in micro-mobility vehicles. By highlighting the importance of proper battery maintenance, charging, and storage, as well as the need for compliant equipment and safe usage practices, the inquest hopes to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and prevent further injuries and fatalities.
