Riksas see demand surge at Ilosaarirock as e-scooter curbs clear path for new trade

Demand for rickshaw taxis, or riksas, has surged at Finland’s Ilosaarirock festival in Joensuu this year after city authorities tightened night-time curbs on shared e-scooters.

Riksa operator Tero Vänttinen said he had 14 bicycles on the road during the festival weekend, up from a previous peak of nine. By early Sunday evening his fleet had completed more than 1,000 rides, slightly above last year’s total.

“The busiest hours are after midnight, when e-scooter rentals are no longer an option,” Vänttinen said. “That’s when people really need an alternative.”

Joensuu city council banned shared e-scooter rentals on weekend nights in 2025 after reports of reckless riding and intoxicated use during the festival.

Ilosaarirock production manager Niina Hattunen said the festival had also restricted e-scooter access for safety reasons. “The situation is better than a couple of years ago,” she said. “Dangerous incidents have decreased.”

The festival has welcomed riksas as a safe and reliable transport option during peak demand.