When electric scooters and bicycles first appeared on the streets of major cities, they were hailed as symbols of an eco-friendly future and a solution to traffic jams. But in a short time, these devices have become a source of concern for authorities and residents. Australia, known for its tough stance on safety, has taken radical measures that are now being discussed worldwide.
The country has launched a large-scale campaign to seize and destroy electric vehicles that fail to meet safety standards. This is not about formalities, but a real threat: cheap lithium batteries installed in thousands of devices can cause uncontrollable fires. Authorities decided not to wait for another tragedy and acted proactively.
Danger beneath the wheels
The reason for such tough measures is a phenomenon known as ‘thermal runaway.’ If a defect or damage occurs in the battery, the temperature inside rapidly rises, which can lead to an explosion or fire. Traditional firefighting methods are powerless here: flames spread instantly, and the consequences can be catastrophic.
In recent years, Australia has seen a sharp increase in fire incidents in apartments and stores. Inspections revealed that most of the hazardous devices come from abroad, often through online platforms where no one controls battery quality. The lack of charge management and protection systems makes these scooters and bicycles true ticking time bombs.
Tough crackdown
By destroying dangerous devices, Australian authorities are sending a clear message to manufacturers and importers: safety comes first. It’s no longer just about speed or having a helmet—the reliability of the battery and electronics themselves is now in focus. Many of the confiscated scooters had been modified in makeshift ways to increase range or speed but without considering the risks.
Tampering with the design, using uncertified components, and a lack of heat resistance tests have all led to widespread mistrust of the market. Authorities have decided not to limit themselves to fines and warnings: dangerous devices are destroyed before reaching buyers or after being discovered in warehouses.
The Spanish scenario
The situation in Spain is strikingly similar. In recent years, a huge number of questionable electric scooters and bikes have appeared on the streets. Despite tighter regulations and mandatory certifications, the flow of cheap equipment from abroad continues. Purchases from the secondary market and foreign websites are especially risky.
Spanish laws are becoming increasingly strict, but if the number of fires keeps growing, authorities may follow Australia’s lead. The problem is, many users don’t even realize that a charger or battery bought online could lead to tragedy. Now, the issue is not about convenience, but the safety of homes and people’s lives.
Is the country ready for change
The prospect of mass inspections and destruction of hazardous devices in Spain is not science fiction, but a logical next step. Priorities are shifting: now, preventing fires is more important than ensuring fast travel through the city. Authorities are discussing stricter controls at customs and warehouses to keep uncertified equipment off the market.
While Australia is implementing its cleanup plan, Europe is watching developments unfold. What started as an engineering issue has quickly grown into a public safety concern. The question is not whether Spain will take similar measures, but when this will happen and how decisively officials will act.
Australia is a country known for its uncompromising approach to safety and consumer protection. In recent years, it has become a global leader in introducing strict standards for electric transport. The mass destruction of dangerous electric scooters and bikes has been not only a response to real threats, but also a model for other countries. This step underscores that when it comes to safety, authorities are ready to go all the way, even if it sparks controversy and opposition from manufacturers. The Australian experience is already being discussed in Europe and could become the starting point for new rules in the global market.
