Micro traffic permit governs electric scooter rental in Riihimäki

In Riihimäki, the professional rental of electric scooters became subject to a permit on January 1, 2026. The new micro-transport permit is based on national law, and its goal is to improve traffic safety.

The micro-traffic permit applies to companies that rent out electric scooters. Instead, the law and traffic rules apply to the activities of individual city residents. The legislation sets, among other things, a minimum age of 15 years for electric scooters, a 0,5 per mille limit for intoxicants, and other safety rules.

Conditions set for parking and driving speeds

With the micro traffic permit, the city has adapted the use of electric scooters to the conditions of Riihimäki. In practice, this means that the city has set conditions, for example:

• for equipment parking
• for driving speeds and operating times
• areas where devices can be used (no-driving zones)
• for communication: electric scooters must have contact information, from which feedback goes directly to the service provider.

Electric scooters should generally be parked on the side of the street. Parking must not obstruct pedestrians, cyclists or other traffic.

Companies that rent electric scooters are required to set a reduced maximum speed of 15 kilometers per hour on weekend nights, on May Day and Midsummer Eve, and during school start and end times between 23 p.m. and 06 a.m.

Areas where driving is completely prohibited include schoolyards, sports fields, and other legally defined no-driving areas, such as sidewalks.

The goal is to reduce illegal parking, improve safety, and ensure that streets and walkways remain accessible to everyone. The Technical Committee approved the city's micro-traffic permit conditions at its meeting on November 21, 2025.

Clear division of labor in supervision

It is the responsibility of those using the road to follow traffic rules, and this is monitored by the police. The city, in turn, monitors that companies offering electric scooters operate in accordance with the terms of their permit from the city.

Feedback directly to companies

If the e-scooter is parked incorrectly or has a fault with the device, feedback should be provided directly to the rental company in question. Issues related to trips, payments and possible damage will also be handled with the companies.

Reminder about safe movement

The same traffic rules apply to electric scooters as to bicycles. The device must be parked in a way that does not obstruct the passage of others or make it difficult to move around. The use of a helmet is recommended for all scooter riders.

Riihimäki's goal is to ensure that electric scooters are a functional and safe part of getting around the city.

Additional information

Permit conditions for the City of Riihimäki's micro-traffic permit from 1 January 2026 (pdf)

City Permits page

Traffic rules for electric scooter riders (liikenneturva.fi)