Nighttime e-scooter restrictions cut brain injuries in Helsinki

A nighttime ban on e-scooters in Helsinki has reduced the number of brain injuries linked to their use, according to a study by HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the University of Helsinki.

The restrictions were introduced in autumn 2021. Since then, the incidence of brain injuries has dropped significantly.

The study examined 184 patients treated for e-scooter-related brain injuries in Helsinki between 2021 and 2023. Of these, 29 had suffered intracranial injuries. Seventy percent of the patients were male.

Most accidents occurred on weekend nights. Among patients whose intoxication status was known, 82% were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. For those with intracranial injuries, the figure was 88%.

The most severe cases required intensive care and neurosurgery. Only one in ten of the injured were wearing a helmet.

Finland updated its e-scooter legislation in June 2025, setting the minimum age at 15 and the alcohol limit at 0.5 per mille. Helmet recommendations were also clarified. The impact of these legal changes on accidents has not yet been studied.