A new law regulating the use of electric scooters is set to take effect in Finland, prohibiting children under 15 from driving these vehicles. The legislation also introduces stricter regulations on drunk driving and rental practices for electric scooters.
Starting next week, on June 17, the Finnish micro-mobility law will come into force, imposing significant changes on the operation of electric scooters and other light electric vehicles. Among the key provisions of the law are restrictions on age, alcohol consumption, and licensing requirements for micromobile vehicles.
One of the primary changes is the establishment of a minimum age of 15 for operating electric scooters with a top speed exceeding 15 km/h. This age restriction applies to both personal and rented electric scooters, with fines imposed on parents if underage individuals are caught violating traffic laws while using these vehicles.
Furthermore, the law prohibits driving electric scooters under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Individuals found with 0.5 ppm of alcohol in their blood while operating these vehicles may face a fine of 200 euros for impaired driving. The legislation also considers intoxicated driving a threat to road safety, with penalties for refusal to undergo alcohol testing.
Another significant aspect of the new law is the requirement for municipalities to issue licenses to electric scooter rental companies. This regulatory change grants local authorities more control over rental services, enabling them to oversee speed limits, parking regulations, designated zones, and operating hours for electric scooters.
Additionally, the law now mandates the use of helmets for electric scooter riders, aligning with existing regulations for cyclists. By formalizing the helmet requirement, policymakers aim to promote safety and encourage greater helmet usage among electric scooter users.
In Ukraine, the rise in electric scooter-related incidents has prompted calls for enhanced regulations in the absence of specific legislation governing these vehicles. As the global trend towards micro-mobility continues to expand, countries like Finland are taking proactive measures to ensure the safe and responsible use of electric scooters.
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