Finland enacted a major overhaul of e-scooter and e-micromobility road safety rules.
As of 17 June 2025, significant amendments to Finland’s Road Traffic Act and Vehicles Act have officially come into force, following the approval of the Government bill by the Finnish Parliament. These changes aim to improve road safety and update regulations surrounding the use of electric scooters and similar light electric vehicles. Additional amendments to the Act on Transport Services and the Act on the Transfer of Vehicles will take effect on 1 August 2025.
Age
Under the updated Road Traffic Act, the use of light electric vehicles such as most electric scooters is now restricted to individuals aged 15 and over. It is prohibited to hand over such a vehicle to someone under the age limit, and doing so may result in a 60-euro traffic penalty fee. This rule does not apply to bicycles equipped with a motor that provides assistance without pedalling and does not exceed 1 kW in power or 25 km/h in speed. Electric scooters with a maximum design speed of 15 km/h are still to be considered pedestrian-assistive devices and are also exempt from the age restriction.
DUI
Driving under the influence rules have also been extended. It is now prohibited to operate a motorised bicycle or a light electric vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 per mil or higher, or with narcotics present in the bloodstream. Police, border guard or customs officers are authorised to conduct alcohol or drug tests on riders aged 15 or older. While this authority previously applied only to drivers of motor vehicles or trams, it now covers users of micromobility devices as well.
Penalties
Penalties have also increased. The traffic penalty fee for certain offences committed by non-motorised vehicle operators has risen from 40 to 60 euros. Those caught operating light electric vehicles or motorised bicycles while intoxicated may face a 200-euro penalty. Offenders can now receive penalty decisions by mail or via suomi.fi messages within two weeks, provided their identity is immediately confirmed. This notification method will be expanded once updates to the relevant information systems are completed. Changes to the Vehicles Act introduce a 40-euro penalty fee for structural, equipment or condition violations related to light electric vehicles or motorised bicycles, if committed intentionally or through negligence.
Shared
Looking ahead to 1 August 2025, further changes will affect shared vehicle services. Operators will need a dedicated micromobility licence to rent out shared light vehicles. Renting these vehicles without the proper licence will be considered unauthorised professional transport. If a company knowingly hands over a light electric vehicle to a person under 15, it may face a 60-euro traffic penalty fee once system updates allow for enforcement against legal persons. Municipalities will also gain the authority to remove or relocate shared vehicles that violate licence terms or are left in areas managed by the municipality without a valid micromobility licence. Such vehicles may be transferred immediately to storage or another location.
Significance
„The legislative changes mark a major step in regulating micromobility in Finland, aiming to ensure safer and more responsible use of electric scooters and other light vehicles across the country. Now that we have unambiguous legislation concerning these light vehicles, we can also monitor them and intervene in violations,” says Heikki Ihalainen from the Finnish National Police Board.