Ford government to change laws in response to lithium ion battery fires
Toronto fire officials have been sounding the alarm over the hazards of lithium-ion batteries and now the Ford government is making changes to two laws aimed at cracking down on those whose actions help spark those fires
The Ontario government plans to revise two laws in response to a surge in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, which power e-scooters and e-bikes in the city of Toronto. Chief Jim Jessop of Toronto Fire Services has declared these battery-related fires to be the "greatest public safety risk" facing the city. In 2025, he reported a 214% increase in such incidents over the past three years, with more than 100 fires reported in Toronto alone.
Toronto's fire chief has cited inadequate regulation and improper storage as contributing factors to these alarming statistics. During a search inside an apartment, firefighters have faced dangerous situations as these batteries, known to enter a state of thermal runaway, can suddenly explode, causing rapid overheating, unpredictable projectiles, and fatalities.
The Ford government announced on Thursday that they will amend the fire code to prevent battery modifications that could alter the intended speed of bikes and scooters, and essentially ban owners from storing e-bikes and e-scooters in apartment hallways. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner emphasized the importance of using certified batteries for their intended purpose to ensure safety.
The Ontario fire marshal's office predicts that the number of lithium-ion battery-related fires will continue to rise across the province, as they become more prevalent in powering household devices such as electric bikes, laptops, phones, and portable chargers. These new laws are set to come into effect in 2027.
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