They are becoming more common but also more dangerous. The rules for electrical kick bikes are now tightened, with a restraint, age requirements and extended powers for the police.
After a series of serious accidents with electrical kick bikes, Finland sharpens the rules. As of June 17, drivers must be at least 15 years old and stay below 0.5 per thousand alcohol in order to drive, which is the same limit that applies to motorists, it writes Today’s Ps.
The background to the change in the law is the increasing number of accidents. Last year, more than 1,600 people were cared for in hospitals after accidents with an electrical kick bike and three people died in accidents where electrical kick bikes were involved. President Alexander Stubb Approved the bill on June 13, and just days later, on June 17, it comes into force.
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Can result in fines
With the new rules, fines await the person who violates the law. Driving affected can lead to a cure of 200 euros. Parents who allow children under 15 years to drive run the risk of paying 60 euros in fines. For minors, direct penalties do not apply, but parents are held responsible in most cases.
– This will be investigated on a case -by -case basis, but it is probably the child’s parents who are seen as responsible, says the police Tuomo Katajisto to today’s ps.
At the same time, the police are given extended opportunities to control drivers. A new law makes it easier to demand exhalation samples from people traveling on an electrical kick bike. Anyone who refuses can have additional consequences.
The rules apply to all types of electrical kick bikes and electric scooters with a power up to 1,000 watts and maximum speed of 25 km/h.
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No stricter rules up to date in Sweden
In Sweden, the number of accidents with electrical kick bike also increases. According to the Swedish Transport Agency, 4,599 people were injured in 2024, which was an increase of 30 percent from 2023. Five people were killed and almost half of the injured are under 25 years. Most accidents often happen on weekend nights and nights.
Despite this, no stricter rules are relevant in Sweden. But research points to clear risk behaviors. A study from Chalmers shows that the risk of accidents is six times higher if you drive with only one hand on the board, even mobile use and entertainment in groups increase the risk significantly.