Guidance for public on storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries in personal mobility devices

Question:

Ms Joan Pereira: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether SCDF has specific safety guidelines or an advisory to guide the public on the storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries in personal mobility devices, e-bikes and power banks in HDB flats; and (b) if not, whether SCDF plans to have such guidelines or an advisory.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. As higher voltage lithium-ion batteries become more commonplace in our everyday lives, we must recognise the potential risks they may pose if they are not used safely. Improper charging and illegal modifications, for example, may cause such batteries to overheat uncontrollably and catch fire.

2. In 2023, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Land Transport Authority launched the Be Device-Safe Programme to educate users of Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) on the risk of AMD-related fires and on how to safely use and maintain these devices safely.

3. SCDF has also worked with relevant stakeholders, such as the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council, Enterprise Singapore and the People’s Association, to publish advisories on the safe use and charging of AMD batteries, including the risks of modifying AMDs with higher-powered or additional battery packs. Other fire safety-related guidelines have also been published, and these materials are publicly available in the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook on SCDF’s website.

4. Members of the public may also refer to safety advisories on power banks available on the Consumer Product Safety Office’s website.