Is it permitted to ride an electric kick scooter on the sidewalk?
As a general rule, electric kick scooters are not allowed on sidewalks in Finland. Electric kick scooters are classified as light electric vehicles and must be ridden on bike paths or on the right-hand side of the road. The exception to this rule is devices that travel at less than 15 km/h, which are treated as pedestrians. The use of electric kick scooters is governed by specific traffic regulations concerning age limits, speed limits, and insurance. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the regulations governing electric scooters.
Is it permitted to ride an electric kick scooter on sidewalks in Finland?
According to Finnish law, electric kick scooters may not be ridden on sidewalks if the device's structural speed exceeds 15 km/h. Electric kick scooters are usually classified as light electric vehicles with a maximum speed limited to 25 km/h, and they must be ridden on bike paths or on the right-hand side of the road.
Only devices that assist or replace walking, with a maximum structural speed of 15 km/h, are considered equivalent to pedestrians and may be used on sidewalks. This applies, for example, to balance scooters and other similar light electric vehicles that are primarily intended as devices to assist walking.
Typical e-go electric scooters travel at a speed of 25 km/h, so riding them on the sidewalk is not permitted. This rule has been established to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
What are the official traffic rules for electric kick scooters?
Electric kick scooters belong to the category of light electric vehicles, and their use is subject to the following official traffic regulations:
- The driver must be at least 15 years old.
- Electric scooters must not be given to children under the age of 15 to ride.
- The maximum structural speed must not exceed 25 km/h.
- The maximum power of the motor must not exceed 1000 W.
- In darkness or twilight, a white or light yellow light must be used at the front and a red light at the rear.
- The device must have a red rear reflector and an audible warning device.
- From June 17, 2025, drivers will be subject to a blood alcohol limit of 0.5.
You don't need a driver's license to ride an electric kick scooter, and you don't need to register or inspect the device if it meets the definition of a light electric vehicle. The same rules apply as for bicycles – riding on bike paths and at the edge of lanes is permitted.
A change in the law on June 1, 2024, introduced an insurance obligation for electric mobility devices weighing more than 25 kg or traveling at speeds exceeding 25 km/h. All rental electric kick scooters must also have traffic insurance, regardless of their weight and speed.
What are the penalties for riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk?
Riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk in violation of regulations may result in a traffic fine. This is a traffic violation that can result in a fine. The severity of the violation and any penalties depend on the circumstances of the situation, such as the speed of travel and whether the action caused danger to others.
If riding an electric kickboard on the sidewalk causes an accident, insurance considerations also come into play. Traffic insurance covers damage caused to third parties, regardless of who owns the electric kickboard. The driver of a privately owned board will be compensated for all costs incurred from personal injury, but compensation for the driver of a rented board will be more limited.
It should also be noted that, as of June 17, 2025, drivers of light electric vehicles equipped with engines will be subject to a blood alcohol limit of 0.5, with a traffic fine of €200 for violations. This applies to both rented and privately owned vehicles.
How should you ride an electric kick scooter safely in urban areas?
Safe travel in urban areas on an electric kick scooter requires knowledge of and compliance with traffic rules. Here are the most important safety instructions:
- Use bike lanes or the right side of the road
- Wear a helmet and other protective gear
- Ensure visibility: use reflectors and lights
- Observe speed limits and always adjust your speed to the traffic environment.
- Always give pedestrians unobstructed passage
- Do not use an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol.
- Park the device so that it does not cause inconvenience or danger to other road users.
It is particularly important to pay attention to other road users and show consideration, especially towards pedestrians. According to Section 3(1) of the Road Traffic Act, road users must comply with traffic regulations and exercise the care and caution required by the circumstances in order to avoid danger and damage.
We offer high-quality electric scooters designed for safe and responsible urban mobility. Our selection also includes safety accessories such as helmets and reflectors.
How do the rules for electric scooters differ from those for regular bicycles?
Electric scooters and bicycles share many of the same traffic rules, but there are also significant differences between them:
| Feature | Electric kick scooter | Bicycle |
|---|---|---|
| Age limit | 15 years | No age limit |
| Driving on the sidewalk | Not permitted (except for vehicles traveling at less than 15 km/h) | Not permitted (except for children under 12 years of age) |
| Maximum speed | 25 km/h | No restriction (25 km/h for electric-assisted bikes) |
| Insurance obligation | If the weight exceeds 25 kg or the speed exceeds 25 km/h | No insurance obligation for ordinary bicycles |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.5 per mille (effective June 17, 2025) | No exact limit, but drunk driving is possible |
Both bicycles and electric scooters must be ridden on bike paths or on the right-hand side of the road. Neither may be parked in such a way that they cause obstruction to other traffic. Both must also be equipped with lights when riding in the dark.
Compared to bicycles, the use of electric scooters is restricted by stricter age limits and a blood alcohol limit that will soon come into force. On the other hand, transporting and storing an electric scooter is often more practical in urban conditions, making it a convenient option for short journeys.
If you have any questions about using electric scooters or would like to know more about our selection, please contact our expert staff. We offer high-quality e-go electric scooters and accessories for safe and responsible travel.