Finland empowers municipalities with new micromobility licensing

Finland is shifting regulatory power to municipalities with a new legislative proposal that would grant local authorities greater control over electric scooters and other micromobility vehicles.

The proposal introduces a micromobility licence, allowing cities to set their own rules on operating hours, speed limits, and parking restrictions.

The move is part of a broader effort to improve safety and curb reckless riding, including a new 0.5 blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for riders and increased enforcement measures. In addition, traffic controllers would be given the opportunity to breathalyse cyclists and riders of light electric vehicles or motorised bicycles in traffic. For Finland the changes as essential for its goal of eliminating road traffic fatalities by 2050.

Speaking to Cities Today, Sofia Johansson, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, underscored the importance of local decision-making.

“The micromobility licence provides municipalities with an effective way of guiding services while considering local conditions,” she explained. “The need for regulation varies between municipalities, and licence conditions must reflect those differences.”

The proposed 0.5 BAC limit aligns micromobility regulations with motor vehicle laws, with traffic controllers gaining the authority to administer breathalyser tests to riders. Johansson pointed to the role of technology in supporting compliance.

“Technology plays an important role in improving safety, especially through solutions like geofencing and speed limiting,” she said. “The micromobility licence conditions will enable service providers to implement these measures effectively.”

Finland’s approach includes new traffic control devices and the use of geofencing to enforce designated parking areas.

Johansson noted that by allowing municipalities to regulate fleet sizes and designate parking zones, the new framework could serve as a model for other cities. “These measures ensure better organisation and reduce clutter, which has been a common issue elsewhere.”

Given the rapidly evolving micromobility sector, flexibility is a key consideration in the proposed legislation.

“The legislation does not restrict the introduction of new technologies,” Johansson assured. “All innovations that enhance safety are warmly welcomed.”

A referral debate on the proposal will take place in Parliament before proceeding to committee review. If approved, the statutory amendments are expected to take effect on 1 May 2025.

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