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About lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery. They are available in different sizes.
Most laptops, mobile phones, e-bikes, e-scooters, power banks and power tools contain lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common batteries used in rechargeable devices. This is because of their:
- small size
- high energy density
- better power efficiency than other battery types.
We are reviewing e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-micromobility devices and considering developing regulations to address safety concerns.
Risks and injuries from the product
Lithium-ion batteries can be highly flammable.
The number of product safety reports to the ACCC about lithium-ion batteries and products containing lithium-ion batteries increased by almost 600% between 2020 and 2025.
If a lithium-ion battery is not correctly manufactured, handled, stored or disposed of, it can catch fire, explode or vent toxic gas.
Things to look for when buying the product
There isn’t a mandatory safety standard for lithium-ion batteries or products containing lithium-ion batteries.
The following are features you should look for when buying and using a product containing a lithium-ion battery.
- Buy products that contain lithium-ion batteries from a reputable supplier.
- Check if the product contains a lithium-ion battery by looking for labels such as lithium ion, li-ion, li-po and lithium-polymer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to use the product safely
Handling and storing a lithium-ion battery product
What to do
Store lithium-ion batteries and products in cool, dry places and out of direct sunlight.
Allow the lithium-ion battery to cool after use and before recharging.
Buy replacement batteries from the original supplier or a reputable supplier where possible.
Keep lithium-ion batteries separate from each other when removed from products.
Store batteries away from exits, especially in apartment buildings.
What not to do
Never use lithium-ion batteries, products or chargers that show signs of failure such as:
- denting, crushing or other damage
- overheating
- swelling
- leaking
- venting gas.
Don’t leave lithium-ion batteries or products in hot places such as in parked vehicles.
Don’t modify a lithium-ion battery or use it in the incorrect product.
Never use batteries designed for one product in another product.
Charging a lithium-ion battery
What to do
Monitor device charging times and disconnect products from chargers when fully charged. Consider setting timers as a reminder to unplug devices.
Charge lithium-ion batteries or products on non-flammable surfaces such as concrete, ceramic or steel.
Use the charger that came with your product, or a reputable brand recommended by the manufacturer. A compatible charger means a charger designed to go with your battery, not any charger that fits the battery.
What not to do
Never charge lithium-ion batteries or products on flammable materials such as beds, sofas or carpet.
Never use damaged chargers or charging cables.
Disposing of a lithium-ion battery product
What to do
Check safe disposal options at Recycle Mate or B-Cycle to safely get rid of lithium-ion batteries or products.
If your battery is damaged, put it in a fireproof container or wrap in a blanket and take to a council depot or transfer station.
What not to do
Don’t throw away lithium-ion batteries or products in household rubbish, recycling bins or hard waste collections. This can cause fires in bins, garbage trucks and waste facilities.
Responding to a lithium-ion battery fire
A lithium-ion battery fire can be very difficult to put out and it may reignite. Depending on the battery size, it sometimes takes days to burn.
While fire extinguishers intended for use on lithium-ion battery fires are available for sale in Australia, there is currently no mandatory standard covering use of extinguishers on lithium-ion battery fires.
Fire extinguishers intended for use on lithium-ion battery fires should only be used by trained professionals and are not safe for the general public to use.
What to do
Call Triple Zero (000) and evacuate to a safe place.
What not to do
Do not try to put out a lithium-ion battery fire using a fire extinguisher.
Related recalls
Lithium-ion batteries product safety report
We have 6 recommendations on lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety for government, regulators and industry.
- Standardise data collection and share information about the hazards of lithium-ion batteries.
- Provide clear and accessible education resources to consumers on lithium-ion battery safety.
- Develop infrastructure, regulation and supporting policies for safe collection and recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
- Build a fit-for-purpose, nationally consistent regulatory framework for electrical consumer products.
- Introduce, administer and enforce clear testing, labelling and storage for lithium-ion batteries and products containing them.
- Continue working with online platforms to make selling lithium-ion batteries safer.
As part of our report, the ACCC received expert views from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on the product safety risks and mitigation measures for lithium-ion batteries. The report was also informed by stakeholder consultation.
Read the CSIRO lithium-ion battery report ( PDF 2.71 MB ) .
See also
For further information about lithium-ion battery safety contact your state fire department.