Tier Mobility appeals Turku’s e-scooter operating licence terms – city rejects changes

The German e-scooter operator Tier Mobility Finland has failed in its bid to overturn restrictions imposed by the city of Turku on shared electric scooters, after local authorities rejected all four of its formal appeals, Yle Varsinais-Suomi reports.

The company had demanded the removal of weekend and public holiday nighttime bans, the elimination of reduced speed limits during weekday evenings, an end to the fixed seasonal operating period, and equal treatment for city bikes under the same licence terms. Turku’s Urban Environment Board dismissed the appeals in a decision announced Tuesday.

In its justification, the city cited safety concerns, noting that a significant share of scooter accidents occur at night and involve intoxicated riders. The 15 km/h nighttime speed limit on weekdays was deemed necessary to mitigate risks, while the current April–October operating season was maintained despite Tier’s proposal for a weather-dependent system instead.

Turku also rejected the call for uniform rules for e-scooters and city bikes, arguing that the two modes of transport differ in usage patterns and technical specifications. Officials added that scooter firms—including Tier—had accepted the original licence terms in November 2025 without objection, rendering them legally binding.

Separately, the city confirmed that operators Ryde and VOI had successfully applied for early-season permits this year, launching services on March 18. Tier did not submit a similar request.