HELSINKI, June 17: Finland on Tuesday implemented a ban on electric scooter use by children under the age of 15, as part of new legislation aimed at tightening regulations on micromobility. The new rules also require e-scooter rental companies to obtain municipal licences to continue their operations.

The legislation, passed by Finland's parliament last month, aligns with a broader European trend of increasing oversight on e-scooters, whose rapid rise in popularity has led to safety concerns. Countries such as Italy now require e-scooter riders to wear helmets and carry insurance, while cities like Paris and Madrid have banned e-scooter rentals altogether.

"This is a situation that has got completely out of hand, and now it just needs to be brought under control," said Transport and Communications Minister Lulu Ranne in an interview with Reuters. "I hope that in this way we can enjoy scootering safely and according to the rules, and at the same time save lives," she added.

According to Finnish authorities, approximately 1,600 people suffer serious injuries in e-scooter accidents annually. Over the past five years, at least six fatalities have occurred, and around 600 children have required hospital care for scooter-related injuries.

The updated legislation also introduces new safety measures. E-scooter riders will now be subject to the same blood alcohol limits as drivers of motor vehicles and are banned from riding under the influence of drugs. Additionally, a maximum speed limit of 25 kilometers per hour (15.5 miles per hour) has been set, according to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom).

Several international e-scooter rental firms currently operate in Finland, including U.S.-based Lime (a subsidiary of Neutron Holdings), Sweden’s Voi Technology, Norway’s Ryde Technology, and Germany’s Tier Mobility. It remains unclear how the new licensing requirement will impact their operations in Finnish cities.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications stated that companies failing to comply with the new age restrictions could face fines. Parents may also be held responsible if they knowingly allow underage children to operate e-scooters.