'Ruining it for everyone': Aussies fuming over public transport act

“At this point why are you bothering with the train, surely it’s quicker to just ride it.”

Cassidy Pearce

2 min read

October 13, 2025 - 11:28AM

Lifestyle

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Brisbane residents are up in arms after an e-scooter user was spotted on a local train.

But, this wasn’t just any e-scooter, leading people to question what is and isn’t allowed.

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Image: Reddit.

Is this an e-scooter?

A Brisbane Reddit user has taken to the platform to share a photo from one of the city’s trains.

The photo, captured on the middle platform, shows a woman riding on an e-scooter. But, it doesn’t look like any normal e-scooter - instead with much larger wheels, reminiscent of a motorbike.

“Pushing the definition of e-scooter,” the poster wrote.

“That is a motorcycle”

And, commenters agreed - not only was this not an e-scooter, but the train was also no place for it.

“That is a motorcycle,” said one person simply.

“At this point why are you bothering with the train, surely it’s quicker to just ride it,” another stated.

“Can’t stand when people bring these things, at this size, on the train. Just ride the damn thing,” a third agreed.

Others criticised the rider for taking advantage of rules which do allow for e-bikes and e-scooters to be on public transport.

“And that is why we're not allowed nice things. Inconsiderate f*cks like this ruining it for everyone. It's this kind of shithead that is going to force QR to ban e-bikes and e-scooters from trains,” one commenter said.

“The trouble is, these sort of gronks, including the wee grubs on the GC, will spoil it for everyone else doing the right thing. Inconsiderate f*ckwits,” said another.

Is it actually allowed?

As for whether or not vehicles like this are allowed on public transport in Queensland, the rules are… murky.

According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), personal e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on trains like this one.

“Translink allows personal e-bikes and personal e-scooters to be carried on train services at any time under certain conditions, and on ferry services subject to availability of space and staff discretion,” a spokesperson told Kidspot.

“They are not permitted on Translink bus and tram services due to the suitability of the onboard environment where there is limited availability of space and storage and higher safety risks. There are currently no plans to amend this policy.”

If you’re looking to travel with an e-bike or e-scooter on the train, Queensland Rail asks customer to consider whether space permits, ensuring that other customers are able to move around and access priority seats if needed.

However, this may be short lived, with Translink set to potentially amend the rules at the end of the Queensland Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry on these devices.

“The Queensland Government is currently undertaking a Parliamentary Inquiry on e-mobility devices including e-scooters and e-bikes. While the focus of this inquiry will be wide ranging and include the benefits of e-mobility devices along with their broader safety risks, current use rules, and enforcement approaches, it will also look at importation laws and fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

“Following the completion of the inquiry, Translink will work with our stakeholders and delivery partners to consider the outcomes and whether any changes to the e-bike and e-scooter policy are necessary for public transport services in Queensland.”