By-law: Storage and Charging of Electric Bikes and Scooters

Preamble

Background and Safety Considerations

Fire and Rescue NSW has issued warnings regarding the significant fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, scooters, and similar personal mobility devices. Fires involving these batteries can:

  • Ignite rapidly and spread intensely, emitting toxic fumes and causing severe property damage.
  • Not be extinguished by water alone, requiring specialised firefighting resources.
  • Be caused by overcharging, damage to battery cells, use of non-compliant chargers, or charging in confined areas without ventilation.

Fire and Rescue NSW recommends that:

  1. Batteries be charged in well-ventilated, non-combustible areas, away from exits and combustible materials.
  2. Damaged or swollen batteries be disposed of immediately and not charged.
  3. Residents avoid charging batteries overnight while unattended.
  4. Only manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries are used to reduce risk.

In line with these expert safety recommendations, this by-law is established to protect residents, visitors, and common property at The Pines.

1. Purpose

This by-law is established to:

  • Protect the safety of residents and property.
  • Minimise fire risks associated with lithium-ion battery storage and charging.
  • Ensure responsible use and storage of electric bikes, scooters, and similar devices within the strata scheme.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this by-law:

  • Electric Bike or Scooter means any device powered by a rechargeable battery that is used for personal transport and stored or charged on the premises.
  • Battery refers to the lithium-ion battery powering the device, whether attached or removed.

3. Prohibition on Charging in Common Property Areas

(a) The charging of electric bike or scooter batteries is prohibited in all common property areas, including but not limited to:

  • Carparks (B1 and B2)
  • Foyers
  • Storage rooms
  • Stairwells and corridors(b) Batteries must be charged within the lot of the owner or occupier in accordance with manufacturer safety guidelines and Fire and Rescue NSW recommendations.

4. Battery Removal Requirement

Where an electric bike or scooter is parked or stored in a permitted common property area (e.g. designated bike storage area if provided), the battery must be removed and stored or charged within the owner or occupier’s lot unless otherwise approved in writing by the Owners Corporation.

5. Safety and Compliance Requirements

Owners and occupiers must:

(a) Follow manufacturer guidelines for safe battery charging and storage.

(b) Charge batteries in ventilated areas, avoid overnight charging while unattended, and ensure chargers and batteries are undamaged and certified.

(c) Ensure charging is done on non-flammable surfaces away from combustible materials, consistent with Fire and Rescue NSW recommendations.

6. Registration of Devices

Owners and occupiers must register their electric bike, scooter, or similar device with the Owners Corporation or Strata Committee, including details of:

  • Make and model
  • Battery specifications
  • Usual storage location within the premises

7. Indemnity

The owner and/or occupier of any lot who stores or charges an electric bike or scooter indemnifies the Owners Corporation against all claims, damage, loss, or liability arising out of or in connection with the storage or charging of such devices, including any fire or electrical incidents.

8. Insurance Notification

The Owners Corporation will notify its insurer of this by-law and review insurance coverage to ensure appropriate risk protection related to electric bike or scooter battery storage and charging.

9. Non-compliance

Failure to comply with this by-law may result in:

(a) The Owners Corporation issuing a notice to comply; and/or

(b) The matter being referred to NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for enforcement.

Approved Pines AGM
Aug25