In Finland, new regulations regarding the use of electric scooters have been introduced: adults who are sober and wear helmets are now the only ones permitted to operate them
The Finnish government has enacted important legislative amendments aimed at enhancing road safety and regulating the use of popular electric scooters. The new rules establish not only a minimum age limit but also set blood alcohol content restrictions and require all drivers of this type of transport to wear a helmet. This information was reported by the country's parliamentary press service, citing the "European Pravda" news portal. What exactly has Finland banned and introduced? The main innovation is an increase in the minimum age for operating electric scooters — now only individuals aged 15 and above are allowed to use them. This means that minors and adolescents younger than this age are now prohibited from riding electric scooters, and their parents or legal guardians will be held responsible for any violations. Additionally, even an adult found driving a scooter with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 per mille or higher will face criminal liability. This is a significant step toward minimizing accidents and risks on the roads. Equally important is the mandatory helmet requirement for all electric scooter riders — this safety measure aligns with those already in place for cyclists, as the growing popularity of electric scooters in the country has led to an increase in accidents involving them. Local authorities now have broader powers to interfere with and regulate the movement of these vehicles. The law allows for the intentional introduction of speed limits, zoning, and other measures to ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers. In the context of the wider European trend toward stricter controls over electric scooter use, Western European countries aim to reduce the number of accidents and conflicts on the roads. For example, in Lithuania, electric scooter rental services are now prohibited from providing scooters without helmets — every user is required to wear protective gear on their head. Barcelona, on its part, has imposed a €500 fine on riders traveling on sidewalks, while police in Chișinău actively evacuate improperly parked scooters to prevent obstructions to pedestrian traffic and ensure order on the streets. These measures are part of a broader strategy to improve road safety and create a more comfortable, barrier-free urban environment for all road users. It is clear that as the popularity of electric scooters grows across Europe, regulations are being adjusted to protect citizens from potential injuries and accidents, and authorities are striving to make this mode of transport more responsible and safer for everyone.