Fact Check: E-Scooter Regulations in Finland
What We Know
In Finland, recent legislation has established new rules for e-scooter riders, particularly concerning age and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits. As of 2025, individuals under the age of 15 will be prohibited from operating e-scooters, aligning this rule with existing regulations for moped riders (source-1, source-2). Additionally, e-scooter users will be subject to a BAC limit of 0.5 grams per liter, which is the same limit that applies to automobile drivers in Finland (source-4, source-7).
Moreover, the legislation includes recommendations for helmet use, although wearing a helmet is not mandatory (source-2). The maximum speed limit for e-scooters is set at 25 kilometers per hour, which is consistent with regulations for other light electric vehicles (source-6).
Analysis
The claim that e-scooter users in Finland are subject to the same blood alcohol limits as automobile drivers is accurate, as both are set at 0.5 g/l. This alignment is intended to enhance road safety, particularly given that studies have shown a significant number of e-scooter accidents involve intoxicated riders (source-2, source-4).
However, while the legislation does establish a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h, it is important to note that local authorities have the power to implement additional regulations regarding speed limits and other operational aspects of e-scooter use (source-5). This means that while the national law sets a baseline, actual speed limits may vary depending on local regulations.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, including government announcements and reputable news outlets. They provide a comprehensive overview of the legislative changes and their implications for e-scooter users in Finland.
Conclusion
The claim that "E-scooter users in Finland are subject to the same blood alcohol limits as automobile drivers and face a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h" is Partially True. The BAC limit of 0.5 g/l is indeed the same for both e-scooter users and automobile drivers, confirming that aspect of the claim. However, while the maximum speed limit of 25 km/h is established, local jurisdictions may impose different regulations, which means the claim could be misleading if interpreted as a uniform rule across all areas.
Sources
- Finland sets age and alcohol limits for e-scooter riders
- Finland Introduces Stricter E-Scooter Laws in 2025: What You Need to Know
- Finland bans e-scooters for children, requires licences for rental companies
- Finland introduces new e-scooter minimum age, blood alcohol limit
- Finland to fine parents if their underage child drives an e-scooter
- Finland bans e-scooter use for children under 15
- Finland Bans E-Scooters for Children, Requires Licences for Rental Companies
- Legislative amendments to improve micromobility safety into force in summer