Electric scooter rider sentenced for reckless driving after speeding against traffic and through red lights in Tampere

A man in Tampere has been convicted of grossly endangering road safety after riding an electric bicycle at 60 km/h on a busy street, weaving into oncoming traffic and running red lights, Yle Pirkanmaa reports.

The incident occurred in broad daylight on Kalevantie, a major thoroughfare in Tampere, in July 2025. The Pirkanmaa District Court ruled that the man’s behaviour posed a serious risk to others, as the street was crowded with vehicles and pedestrians at the time.

The rider admitted during the pre-trial investigation to speeding at 60 km/h—well above the street’s 40–50 km/h limit—driving through red lights, and entering the opposing lane to overtake cars. His electric bicycle, equipped with a motor exceeding legal power limits, could reach speeds far beyond the 25 km/h cutoff for standard e-bikes in Finland.

The court sentenced the man to 60 day-fines, totalling €420 based on his income. He did not attend the hearing, but the verdict can be appealed.

Under Finnish regulations, electric bicycles must not exceed 250 watts of motor power, with assistance cutting off at 25 km/h. The defendant’s bike significantly surpassed these limits.