Mayors from Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku call for government action on electric scooter regulations

Mayors from Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku have united in urging the government to address issues arising from the use of electric scooters. According to the mayors, the cities require effective measures to regulate age limits, parking, total numbers, and usage times of the scooters. They also advocate for a blood alcohol limit for riders.

Helsinki’s Mayor Juhana Vartiainen appreciates the role of electric scooters in urban life but emphasizes the need for clear laws to manage the situation effectively. “There should be the possibility of imposing penalties for not adhering to shared rules,” he stated in a joint announcement from the mayors.

Currently, the cities lack adequate tools to address recurring problems, according to the mayors. Turku’s Mayor Minna Arve believes it is essential to support electric scooter use without compromising the safety of other road users. “This past summer has once again demonstrated that only robust regulation of speed limits, nighttime usage, age restrictions, and parking can ensure safety and smooth mobility for all residents,” Arve noted.

A working group established by the Ministry of Transport and Communications has been preparing measures to improve scooter safety since last autumn. Among the proposals is a blood alcohol limit that would empower the police to intervene with intoxicated riders.

The government’s proposal is expected to be presented to parliament this autumn, with the aim of implementing changes by the summer of 2025. Tampere’s Mayor Kalervo Kummola hopes the government will take ambitious steps to address the ongoing safety concerns. “Currently, the situation is not under control for any party involved, which is unfortunately evident in all major cities,” Kummola remarked.