Draisine

A draisine is a light rail vehicle used for inspection, maintenance, and survey of railway lines. It can be human-powered or motorized and is distinct from conventional locomotives and passenger or freight cars. Draisines are typically small, simple vehicles that operate directly on standard or narrow gauge tracks and are designed to reach track sections quickly without a full-sized train.

The name derives from Karl Drais, the German inventor of the Laufmaschine (early bicycle) in 1817. The term draisine was later adopted for small, on-track vehicles used by railway staff. In its early form, a draisine was a manually powered vehicle propelled by the operator, but the concept evolved to include motorized versions that use light internal-combustion or electric drives.

Design and operation vary. Manual draisines are usually lightweight and have two or four axles with a simple cab or platform for the operator to ride or push. Motorized draisines add a small engine and controls, allowing higher speeds and longer range while remaining on the rails. They are employed to inspect track geometry, switches, signaling installations, and ballast, and to transport tools and crew to locations that are difficult to reach by conventional rolling stock.

Regional usage and context. The term is common in German-speaking regions such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where Eisenbahn-Draisine is used in maintenance and inspection roles. Similar vehicles are known in other countries as rail bikes or railcars, often used on tourist or heritage lines. Today, draisines remain in active service for maintenance and are also popular on railways and museum sites as hobbyist or educational vehicles.