Three individuals die in electric scooter accidents in Finland this summer

This summer, three individuals have died in accidents involving electric scooters in Finland, with smaller incidents occurring regularly. Last week, police intensified monitoring of scooter users, issuing over 700 fines within four days. Heikki Kallio, a police inspector from the Police Board, stated on social media that electric scootering would not be problematic if road users followed traffic regulations.

Recent video footage requested by Yle from the Helsinki police highlights the dangers posed by electric scooter riders, showcasing reckless behavior, such as riding on the wrong side of the road and on sidewalks. The most common violation during this enforcement period was riding on sidewalks.

The fatalities this summer predominantly involved young people, with two incidents claiming the lives of minors. In a third case, a collision between two scooters has led to speculation about potential charges of negligent homicide against a young rider. Dennis Pasterstein from the Helsinki police confirmed that the issues surrounding electric scootering significantly affect adolescents and young adults. Another frequent violation is carrying passengers on the scooters.

Concerns about the safety of public spaces are particularly pronounced in urban centers. Pasterstein noted that much of the feedback received during summer months is related to electric scooters, highlighting a growing fear among the public regarding their safety while navigating the streets.

Additionally, Transportation and Communications Minister Lulu Ranne announced plans to introduce a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 percent for electric scooter use by the summer of 2025, with widespread support for such measures among the Finnish population. Currently, riding under the influence is already considered a crime if it endangers others.