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Products the mandatory standard applies to
A self-balancing scooter is a ride-on device that meets all the following:
- it has 1 or 2 wheels
- it has no steering grips, seat or handlebars
- it is powered by a lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable from the mains power supply.
Self-balancing scooters are also called:
- hoverboards
- monoboards
- gliders
- smart boards
- sky walkers
- mod boards.
Complying with the mandatory standard
This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.
View the full detail of the mandatory standard.
House fires have occurred from self-balancing scooters overheating when charged via a mains power supply. House fires are most likely caused by self-balancing scooters that:
- contain substandard lithium-ion batteries
- are designed and manufactured with substandard mechanical protection for the batteries
- are designed and manufactured with substandard electrical circuitry
- have non-compliant electrical chargers.
Design and construction
The cells and batteries should be designed and constructed so that they are safe when being used.
Lithium-ion batteries
Low quality lithium-ion batteries are prone to ‘thermal runaway’. This is a complex combination of chemical reactions or electrical shorting inside the battery cell that is initiated by excessive heat. This can cause an electrical fire.
Self-balancing scooters must be designed to prevent overcharging, overheating or excessive battery current flow.
Mechanical protection of batteries
Mechanical protection for cells, cell connections and control circuits within the battery should be provided to prevent damage.
Electrical circuitry
The components and electrical circuitry in self-balancing scooters must safely manage:
- battery charging
- battery discharging
- battery temperature controls
- unbalanced charge in multiple lithium-ion battery cells.
Testing
The mandatory standard specifies testing to make sure self-balancing scooters comply with the requirements. Self-balancing scooter suppliers should organise product testing through specialist testing laboratories.
Mandatory standard details
The Consumer Goods (Self-balancing Scooters) Safety Standard 2018 sets out the mandatory requirements for the supply of self-balancing scooters.
A self-balancing scooter must comply with any one of the following 3 options:
- relevant sections of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and voluntary Australian standards
- relevant sections of the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. standard UL 2272
- the Consumer Goods (Self-balancing Scooters) Safety Standard 2016 (with variations).
Further information about these options is contained in the Consumer Goods (Self-balancing Scooters) Safety Standard 2018.
You can buy the Australian, IEC and UL standards from Intertek Inform, Accuris, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Underwriters Laboratories.
We can make a copy of these standards available for viewing at one of our offices, subject to licensing conditions.
When a product does not comply
Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.
Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.
