Ride right – tips for safe e-scooter use
When using an e-scooter, you must know and comply with a number of road rules. In Finland the driver of an electric scooter must be at least 15 years old. When the maximum design speed of the electric scooter is 25 kph, riders of e-scooters must essentially follow the same rules as cyclists. Ride an e-scooter on paths and lanes intended for bicycles, not on footpaths. Adjust your speed appropriately, be considerate towards other road users and don’t ride under the influence. The legal limit is 0.5 g/l also for e-scooter users.
How to use an e-scooter safely
1. Remember: An e-scooter is a vehicle
An electric scooter with a maximum design speed of 25 km/h is classified as a light electric vehicle. Temporary speed restrictions do not change the classification. The rider of an e-scooter is thus the driver of the vehicle.
2. The age limit is 15
In Finland the driver of an electric scooter must be at least 15 years old. It is not allowed to hand an e-scooter over to anyone under the age of 15.
3. Scoot on cycle paths
Riders of e-scooters must essentially follow the same rules and paths as cyclists. If there is no cycle path, an e-scooter user must ride on the street not on the pavement.
Cycle paths are always indicated with a road sign. If there’s no sign, the path is intended only for pedestrians. Note that pedestrians may use both sides of the pedestrian and cycle path, while vehicle riders must ride on the right side.
Take note of the direction you are riding. For instance it is not permitted to ride in both directions in the same cycle lane, and thus you may only use the cycle lane on the right side of the road. A one-way rule on streets and roads applies to all vehicle drivers, both cyclists and motorists.
4. Scoot sober
In Finland the BAC limit is 0.5 g/l and zero for drugs also for e-scooter riders. The limit applies whether you drive your own or a rented e-scooter. The penalty is a traffic violation fine of 200 euros. The smart choice is to drive sober.
5. No passengers
It is not allowed to ride an e-scooter with a passenger.
6. Park smart
Show consideration when parking your e-scooter. Park the scooter so that it does not obstruct the road, tip over easily or inconvenience other road users. Carelessly left scooters can cause problems for other road users – especially for people with special needs, such as wheelchair users and people with impaired vision.
7. Wear a helmet and use lights when riding in the dark
In Finland by law, you must generally wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. If you fall or have an accident whilst riding an e-scooter, wearing a helmet substantially reduces the risk and severity of head injuries.
When riding in the night or in other low-light situations, it is required by law to have lights – a white light in the front and a red in the back.
8. Focus while riding – do not use a mobile phone
If you need to use your phone, stop the scooter first.
9. Follow the rules of the road
As an e-scooter rider you are a driver of a vehicle and essentially you follow the same rules as cyclists. This means, for example, that you:
- must give way to traffic from the right
- must give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings
- must stop at red light
- must signal when you are turning.
Remember that as the rider of a vehicle, you have a particular responsibility for paying attention to pedestrians.
The Road Traffic Act requires all road users to act as safely as possible whether they walk, cycle or drive. Choose a speed appropriate for the road and traffic conditions. Even though the maximum speed of e-scooters is up to 25 kph, often in cities and urban areas the safe speed is much lower than this.
