Finland has taken a firm stance on electric scooters, initiating a crackdown to enforce new rules aimed at enhancing road safety. Effective immediately, individuals under the age of 15 are prohibited from operating electric scooters, whether owned privately or rented from sharing services.
This regulation is part of a comprehensive set of guidelines governing micro-mobility, encompassing bicycles, e-bikes, and other small electric vehicles. Notably, riding an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol is now expressly forbidden, with a strict blood alcohol limit of 0.5‰ or higher leading to a ban on riding, enforceable by law enforcement checks.
Looking ahead, starting from August, Finnish municipalities will be granted authority to regulate the usage of shared electric scooters in public spaces. They will have the mandate to establish regulations concerning speed limits, designated parking zones, and permissible areas for scooter operation within city limits. Companies offering scooter rentals will be required to obtain official permits for operation, with potential fines for non-compliance.
By January 2026, all municipalities in Finland must have implemented these permit systems to oversee electric scooter usage effectively.
Comparatively, in Spain, regulations pertaining to electric scooters differ slightly across regions, though national laws are also in place. For instance, the minimum age for electric scooter riders in most Spanish cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, is typically set at 15 or 16, with exceptions for supervised riders or private property use.
Helmet usage is strongly encouraged and sometimes mandated for underage riders, depending on the specific city regulations. Additionally, Spain prohibits riding electric scooters under the influence of alcohol, with fines applicable for violations. Speed limits for scooters are capped at 25 km/h, and they are generally not permitted on sidewalks, instead restricted to bike lanes or roads with speed limits under 30 km/h.
While Spain already enforces many of these rules, Finland’s recent regulatory framework empowers local councils to oversee scooter operations more effectively, particularly in determining operational zones and regulating rental services.
Across Europe, there is a growing trend towards tightening regulations on electric scooters to enhance safety for riders, pedestrians, and other road users. Measures such as prohibiting drunk riding, setting clear age restrictions, and granting cities greater control over scooter operations are all part of this broader effort.
For residents in Spain, observing how other countries like Finland are addressing electric scooter regulations provides valuable insights. With electric scooters gaining popularity rapidly, further changes in Spain’s regulatory landscape are anticipated as cities seek to ensure safe and orderly streets amidst the increasing adoption of electric scooters.
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