Cyber interference disrupts Kuopio city bikes

About 50 to 100 of Kuopio’s Vilkku city bikes experience daily malfunctions after Finland’s 3G network shutdown, with connectivity issues likely linked to cyber interference tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The disruptions affect both bike rentals and electric assist functions, according to Jouni Huhtinen, head of mobility services development for the city of Kuopio. He cited the proximity of Rissala Airport as a factor in the vulnerability to interference.

To resolve the issue, the city will install 4G modems in 275 bikes, replacing the current 3G units that have also failed to operate reliably when forced onto 2G networks. The new modems, supplied by Czech firm Freebike s.r.o.—the provider of Kuopio’s bike-sharing system—will be fitted starting in June.

The approximately €23,000 cost will be split evenly between the city and Freebike. While Kuopio maintains it procured a functional service, Freebike argues it is not responsible for carriers’ decisions to decommission 3G networks.