FRNSW & Fair Trading investigation identifies 40 faulty e-scooters sold in online auction - Narrabeen
Published: 10 Feb 2023 02:46pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has helped prevent dozens of potential fires and serious injuries by quickly following up on an electric scooter blaze on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
A North Narrabeen father and son left their e-scooter to charge as they went to bed on Tuesday night, waking a short time later to find the device had ignited in their living room.
The quick-thinking pair moved the e-scooter to their front yard, and doused the floor, before calling in FRNSW who extinguished the blaze.
Investigations revealed the owners of the e-scooter had purchased it from an online auction house at a discounted price because the device had previously sustained water damage.
FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit immediately engaged Fair Trading NSW, which identified another 40 people had purchased water-damaged e-scooters from the same company.
The auction house cooperated with both government agencies, contacting the owners of the damaged e-scooters, alerting them to the safety risks, and offering full refunds, despite their limited returns policy.
FRNSW Assistant Commissioner Trent Curtin said cooperation between fire investigators and Fair Trading NSW has produced a positive community safety outcome.
“These damaged e-scooters were effectively ticking time-bombs, ready to explode into flames inside family homes across New South Wales,” said Asst Commissioner Curtin.
“Our investigation and follow-up work has helped prevent possible further incidents.
“This case should serve as a reminder about the dangers posed by lithium-ion battery devices, especially when they’re damaged by water or other means.”
FRNSW reminds people to only purchase e-bikes and e-scooters from reputable brands and proven retailers, always buy equipment that meets Australian Standards, and always use and charge in accordance with the manufacturer's specification.
Updated: 10 Feb 2023 02:50pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
9 Ocean Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101
38 Fisher Road, Dee Why NSW 2099
6 Harkeith Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103