An inquiry into the dangers of lithium-ion batteries is under way before NSW coroner Kasey Pearce following three fatal incidents in the state and countless fires attributed to exploding batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in e-bikes, e-scooters, cordless vacuum cleaners and tools, electric toothbrushes, shavers, toys, cameras, phones and household energy storage systems.
The investigation would stress the lethal dangers of exploding batteries, the bad practices leading to their malfunction and the need for public education campaigns to reduce the risks, counsel assisting David Kell SC said on Monday.
"In the interests of public safety it is critical that people understand the risks and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones," he said.
He cited the case of a fire in the Newcastle suburb of Teralba in February 2024 that killed grandmothers Patricia Kerr and Therese Harris after an e-bike's lithium-ion battery exploded.
The wrong screws had been used to put on the battery cap, resulting in the battery being pierced, starting a fast-moving and intense fire, the inquiry heard.
In February 2025, Haider Ali, a 21-year-old student and food-delivery driver, died in the Sydney suburb of Guildford when a lithium-ion battery charging beside his bed exploded and started an intense fire.
It was determined an incompatible charger was being used, the coroner heard.
Lithium-ion battery fires were the fastest growing fire risk in NSW, with firefighters increasingly called out to such blazes, Dr Kell said.
In 2024, at least 83 such fires in the state involved e-bikes and e-scooters.
If a lithium-ion battery fails it can go into "thermal runaway", releasing heat energy from a battery cell to create a self-sustaining fire and emitting toxic gases.
Such fires could rapidly elevate to high temperatures and create a catastrophic blaze that was more volatile than other types of fire, with "jet-like flames" that were hard to suppress, Dr Kell said.
Lithium-ion fires could also eject various toxic gases and vapours that were a danger to people, including firefighters responding to the blaze.
Dr Kell said unsafe charging practices were often the cause of battery fires, with overcharging leading to heat build-up and thermal runaway.
Using an incorrect charger and using worn or damaged batteries were high-risk exercises, as was disposing of batteries in household waste, he said.
Consumers should only buy batteries and chargers from reputable suppliers, not second-hand, take batteries off chargers when they are fully charged and dispose of batteries at accredited recycling centres.
Under new rules, a business selling e-bikes or e-scooters must inform buyers of safety procedures for them.
Dr Kell said food-delivery riders were particularly vulnerable given their constant need to recharge their bikes and keep them secure indoors.
Fire and Safety NSW, Safe Work NSW and NSW Fair Trading had all launched education campaigns to warn of the risks of lithium-ion batteries, the inquiry heard.
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