The Federal Government has introduced a mandatory safety standard for self-balancing scooters amid fears defective batteries, charging devices and circuitry pose a fire risk.

The popular toys, more commonly called hoverboards, have been linked to six house fires in Australia, including two destroyed properties.

Kelly O’Dwyer, in her former role as minister for small business, took the action following advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

“The ACCC’s investigation found there are fire safety risks from defective charging devices, electrical circuitry and substandard lithium-ion batteries,” Ms O’Dwyer said.

The new standard was developed in consultation with suppliers and electrical safety experts, and extends controls that were in place under an interim ban introduced in March.

It will be in force until July 2018, while the ACCC consults with states and territories on a long-term solution.