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Confusion grows over what can safely be brought on public transport

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Confusion grows over what can safely be brought on public transport

1760413445954.png Confusion grows over what can safely be brought on public transport
A photo taken on a train has reignited debate over transport safety. Credit: Reddit

When a Brisbane commuter photographed what appeared to be a small motorcycle parked casually on their local train, they probably didn't expect to spark a debate that goes to the heart of Queensland's growing transport safety crisis.



The image, shared on social media, shows a woman with what the poster described as 'pushing the definition of e-scooter' - a device with motorcycle-sized wheels that looks nothing like the familiar lightweight scooters most of us recognise.



'That is a motorcycle,' one commenter declared bluntly, while another questioned why anyone would bother taking the train with such a device: 'At this point why are you bothering with the train, surely it's quicker to just ride it.'



But this incident represents more than just one person's questionable transport choices. It highlights a perfect storm of unclear regulations, inadequate enforcement, and a worrying surge in injuries that has prompted the Queensland Government to launch its most comprehensive review of e-mobility devices in years.








'The community's input is vital to helping the Committee make informed recommendations to the Government that reflect the needs and concerns of everyday Queenslanders'

Minister Brent Mickelberg, Queensland Government



These aren't just statistics—they represent families dealing with serious injuries, increased pressure on our healthcare system, and growing concerns among regular commuters about sharing space with increasingly powerful devices.









What's actually allowed on Queensland trains?



The confusion around the Brisbane train incident reflects broader misunderstanding about what's permitted on public transport.



Laws regarding taking e-scooters and e-bikes on public transport differ from state to state.



There are currently no limitations in NSW, Victoria, the ACT, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, but in Queensland they are not permitted on trams or buses, and in South Australia they are not allowed on any type of public transport.



In Queensland, the rules are specific: personal e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on trains, but not on buses or trams.



This distinction often surprises people who assume the rules apply equally across all public transport.




Legal vs illegal e-mobility devices in Queensland


Legal devices must have:


- Electric motor that cuts out at 25km/h maximum


- Maximum 250W power output for e-bikes


- Functional pedals (for e-bikes)


- No petrol engine


Illegal devices include:


- Motors exceeding 25km/h without cutting out


- Power output above legal limits


- Non-functioning pedals on e-bikes


- Petrol-powered engines




But as the social media commenters pointed out, there's a world of difference between a compliant e-scooter and whatever that person brought onto the train.



If your bike's electric motor can help up to speeds in excess of 25km/h without cutting off, it is non-compliant.









Government takes action amid community frustration



The growing frustration expressed in that social media thread mirrors concerns being heard across Queensland.



On 1 May 2025 the Legislative Assembly agreed to a motion that the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee inquire into and report to the Legislative Assembly no later than 30 March 2026 on e-mobility safety and use.



The committee will be conducting public hearings during August, September and October 2025. These hearings are giving communities across Queensland the chance to share their experiences and help shape future policy.



The inquiry comes after years of community pressure. Minister Mickelberg noted that 'Labor failed to tackle dangerous and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use and left our police service woefully understaffed to enforce the regulations' and that 'Labor failed to meet community expectations with inadequate laws and ignored the availability and use of illegal e-scooter and e-bikes, some with high-powered motors and throttle-control.'









The enforcement challenge



One of the most telling comments on that Brisbane train post captured the broader frustration: '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.'



This sentiment reflects a genuine concern. Communities across Queensland understandably continue calling for increased action before more injuries and deaths occur.



The challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate users following the rules and those pushing boundaries with non-compliant devices.



The Queensland Government's department is currently preparing educational materials for distribution to schools to promote the road rules for e-mobility devices and clarify the confusion about the legality of e-bikes.



Encouragingly, several Queensland school principals have already taken action to ban some e-mobility devices from being parked on school property.










What the parliamentary inquiry will examine



  • Benefits of e-mobility devices for Queensland

  • Safety risks and current enforcement approaches

  • Importation laws and fire risks from lithium-ion batteries

  • Infrastructure and parking solutions

  • Broad stakeholder perspectives from community, health experts, and industry

  • Report due: 30 March 2026




What this means for regular commuters



For older Queenslanders who rely on public transport, the implications go beyond just sharing space with these devices.



The safety concerns are real—emergency departments are seeing more severe injuries, and pedestrians are increasingly at risk from reckless operators.



The good news is that the parliamentary inquiry is taking a comprehensive approach. It will consider broad stakeholder perspectives, including from community members, road user groups, disability advocates, health and trauma experts, academia, the e-mobility industry, and all levels of government.



RACQ has been advocating for full-faced helmets to be mandatory for people using private stand-up e-scooters and for hired scooters to transition to more stable sit-down scooters that have a lower centre of gravity. These practical safety improvements could make a real difference.









Looking ahead



Did you know?


Did you know? Queensland's e-mobility rules differ significantly from other states. While you can take e-scooters on trains in Queensland, they're banned from buses and trams—a restriction that doesn't exist in most other Australian states.



The Brisbane train incident may have started as one person's questionable transport choice, but it's become a symbol of broader challenges facing Queensland's transport network.



With injury rates climbing and community patience wearing thin, the parliamentary inquiry represents a crucial opportunity to find solutions that balance innovation with safety.



The inquiry's report, due in March 2026, will likely reshape how Queensland approaches e-mobility devices. Whether that leads to stricter rules, better enforcement, or clearer guidelines remains to be seen.



For now, regular commuters can take some comfort knowing their concerns are being heard at the highest levels of government. The challenge will be ensuring any changes protect public safety while preserving legitimate transport options.



What are your thoughts on e-mobility devices on public transport? Have you encountered similar incidents on your local trains or witnessed unsafe behaviour that concerns you? We'd love to hear about your experiences and what solutions you think would work best for keeping everyone safe.




  • Primary Source


    https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...t/news-story/d1785d212d0f8457b6d70c04bb3137f1





  • RACQ welcomes e-mobility safety inquiry | RACQ

    Cited text: In 2024, there were 1,504 presentations to participating Emergency Departments in Queensland* as a result of an e-scooter crash, an increase of 231 fr...


    Excerpt: In 2024, there were 1,504 presentations to participating Emergency Departments in Queensland as a result of an e-scooter crash, an increase of 231 from 2023.



    https://www.racq.com.au/latest-news/news/2025/05/racq-welcomes-inquiry-into-e-mobility-safety





  • Public hearing into e-mobility safety gets underway on the Gold Coast—Ministerial Media Statements

    Cited text: The former Labor Government failed to keep pace with the rapid growth of e-mobility in Queensland by failing to update laws and turned a blind eye to ...


    Excerpt: between 2021 and 2024, there was a 112 per cent increase in injuries to PMD riders and passengers and pedestrians, and, tragically, there have been five fatalities so far this year.



    https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/103159





  • RACQ welcomes e-mobility safety inquiry | RACQ

    Cited text: On top of the almost 30 Queenslanders per week being seriously injured last year, eight people were killed while riding Personal Mobility Devices in Q...


    Excerpt: On top of the almost 30 Queenslanders per week being seriously injured last year, eight people were killed while riding Personal Mobility Devices in Queensland.



    https://www.racq.com.au/latest-news/news/2025/05/racq-welcomes-inquiry-into-e-mobility-safety





  • Rules for e-scooters and e-bikes | Advice and how-to | Open Road

    Cited text: Laws regarding taking e-scooters and e-bikes on public transport differ from state to state. There are currently no limitations in NSW, Victoria, the ...


    Excerpt: Laws regarding taking e-scooters and e-bikes on public transport differ from state to state.



    https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road/advice-and-how-to/road-safety/rules-for-e-scooters-and-e-bikes





  • Electric bicycle rules | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government

    Cited text: If your bike’s electric motor can help up to speeds in excess of 25km/h without cutting off, it is non-compliant.


    Excerpt: If your bike's electric motor can help up to speeds in excess of 25km/h without cutting off, it is non-compliant.



    https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/electric-bicycle-rules





  • Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland

    Cited text: On 1 May 2025 the Legislative Assembly agreed to a motion that the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee inquire into and report on e-...


    Excerpt: On 1 May 2025 the Legislative Assembly agreed to a motion that the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee inquire into and report to the Legislative Assembly no later than 30 March 2026 on



    https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=0&id=4522





  • Committee Details | Queensland Parliament

    Cited text: That the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee inquire into and report to the Legislative Assembly no later than 30 March 2026 on: · ...


    Excerpt: On 1 May 2025 the Legislative Assembly agreed to a motion that the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee inquire into and report to the Legislative Assembly no later than 30 March 2026 on



    https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=272&id=4522





  • MEDIA STATEMENT: Crisafulli Government launches inquiry into E-scooter and E-bike safety—Ministerial Media Statements

    Cited text: Labor failed to meet community expectations with inadequate laws and ignored the availability and use of illegal e-scooter and e-bikes, some with high...


    Excerpt: Minister Mickelberg noted that 'Labor failed to tackle dangerous and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use and left our police service woefully understaffed to enforce the regulations' and that 'Labor failed to meet community expectations with…



    https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102485





  • MEDIA STATEMENT: Crisafulli Government launches inquiry into E-scooter and E-bike safety—Ministerial Media Statements

    Cited text: “Labor failed to tackle dangerous and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use and left our police service woefully understaffed to enforce the regulations.


    Excerpt: Minister Mickelberg noted that 'Labor failed to tackle dangerous and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use and left our police service woefully understaffed to enforce the regulations' and that 'Labor failed to meet community expectations with…



    https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102485





  • ELECTRIC BIKES AND SCOOTERS UPDATE JULY 2025—Sandy Bolton MP

    Cited text: The announcement of the Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility safety, mentioned in our May 2025 Noosa 360 update was welcomed, however, with the commi...


    Excerpt: Communities across Queensland understandably continue to calling for increased action before more injuries and deaths occur.



    https://www.sandybolton.com/electric-bikes-and-scooters-update-july-2025/





  • ELECTRIC BIKES AND SCOOTERS UPDATE JULY 2025—Sandy Bolton MP

    Cited text: My department is currently preparing educational materials for distribution to schools to promote the road rules for e-mobility devices and clarify th...


    Excerpt: The Queensland Government's department is currently preparing educational materials for distribution to schools to promote the road rules for e-mobility devices and clarify the confusion about the legality of e-bikes.



    https://www.sandybolton.com/electric-bikes-and-scooters-update-july-2025/





  • Committee Details | Queensland Parliament

    Cited text: Broad stakeholder perspectives, including from community members, road user groups, disability advocates, health and trauma experts, academia, the e-m...


    Excerpt: It will consider broad stakeholder perspectives, including from community members, road user groups, disability advocates, health and trauma experts, academia, the e-mobility industry, and all levels of government.



    https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=272&id=4522





  • RACQ welcomes e-mobility safety inquiry | RACQ

    Cited text: RACQ has been advocating for full-faced helmets to be mandatory for people using private stand-up e-scooters and for hired scooters to transition to m...


    Excerpt: RACQ has been advocating for full-faced helmets to be mandatory for people using private stand-up e-scooters and for hired scooters to transition to more stable sit-down scooters that have a lower centre of gravity.



    https://www.racq.com.au/latest-news/news/2025/05/racq-welcomes-inquiry-into-e-mobility-safety



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