Ontario proposes ban on modifying lithium-ion batteries as Toronto fires hit record

Toronto has had 124 lithium-ion battery fires this year, up from 97 two months earlier, a record that Ontario's proposed rules are meant to address. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner announced the plan Thursday at Queen's Park.

The plan would ban people from modifying lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters and most mobile devices, amending the Ontario Fire Code. Kerzner said the goal is to make sure people do not modify batteries for an unintended purpose or juice them up, and that a certified battery is used for the purpose it was designed for.

Toronto fire inspectors would gain power to issue orders or penalties, including for modified batteries. A second change would bar e-bikes and e-scooters from being kept in apartment hallways.

The regulations would be finalized early next year. They are not yet in force.

Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop called the proposed amendments "absolutely a good first step" in reducing the probability and consequences of these fires. He said Toronto Fire and city council have been raising the concern for several years. HighOnCity reported in July that Jessop had called battery fires the greatest public safety risk facing the city, citing a well-north-of-200-per-cent increase in incidents over three years.

Toronto's record of 124 fires this year already exceeds the 91 set in 2025, and the city has seen a well-north-of-200-per-cent increase in these fires since 2023.

Toronto Fire advises using only safety-tested and certified devices, following manufacturer charging and storage instructions, and keeping batteries away from flammable materials.

The regulations are expected to be finalized early next year.