"Toronto's fire chief is asking the federal government to increase regulation around lithium-ion batteries, calling battery fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters "the largest growing fire safety risk in the city." The batteries are commonly found in electric cars, laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices, but Chief Jim Jessop says their use in e-bikes and e-scooters is Toronto Fire's main concern."
"Both California and New York have introduced extensive legislation limiting what kinds of batteries can be sold, and how they must be used. Jessop says Toronto Fire has written the federal government, offering its expertise on the matter and asking that Canada follow suit with similar certification and standardization as in the states. Transport Canada did not return CBC Toronto's request for comment."
Toronto Fire is urging the federal government to increase regulation and certification for lithium-ion batteries, identifying e-bike and e-scooter batteries as the city's fastest-growing fire safety risk. The city recorded 29 battery fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters this year, up from 25 in 2024 and three in 2023. Toronto Fire has focused on public education but lacks authority over battery standards for mobility devices. Both California and New York have enacted stricter battery legislation, and Toronto Fire has offered expertise to push similar Canadian standards. The TTC has imposed seasonal bans on e-bikes and e-scooters on transit after a high-profile subway battery fire.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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