A minimum age limit of 15 to be introduced for electric scooter use. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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Finland’s updated micro-mobility law will take effect on Tuesday, introducing tighter rules for electric scooter use, including an age limit and fines for parents if children break the rules.
From 18 June, anyone riding an electric scooter capable of speeds over 15 km/h must be at least 15 years old. The rule applies to both privately owned and rented scooters.
If police stop a rider under the age limit, their parent or guardian can receive a traffic violation fine of €60, up from the previous €40.
Rental companies can also be fined if they knowingly provide scooters to underage users.
The law, approved by Parliament in May and signed today by President Alexander Stubb, is designed to improve road safety and clarify accountability in micro-mobility use.
Alcohol limits and safety enforcement
The new law also sets clear penalties for intoxicated riding. E-scooter users found with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 per mille or under the influence of drugs may receive a €200 fine. The same rules apply to other vehicles, including bicycles, if the rider’s condition poses a safety risk.
Refusal to take a breathalyser test will be treated as disobedience under the law.
Municipal control over rental operators
The legislation also introduces a micro-mobility permit system, giving municipalities greater control over rental companies. Local authorities can now regulate speed limits, parking rules, operating areas and hours for rented scooters and similar devices.
Use of helmets will remain strongly recommended for all riders of e-scooters, hoverboards and other light electric vehicles. The helmet recommendation is now officially aligned with that for cyclists, in hopes of boosting usage rates.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
