Nighttime scooter restrictions reduce brain injuries in Helsinki
A study conducted by HUS and the University of Helsinki has found that nighttime restrictions on electric scooter use in Helsinki have significantly reduced the number of brain injuries related to the vehicles. The restrictions were introduced in autumn 2021.
The study examined 184 patients treated for electric scooter-related injuries between 2021 and 2023. Of these, 29 sustained intracranial injuries. The majority of accidents occurred on weekend nights, with 70 percent of the injured being men (Yle).
According to the study, 82 percent of the patients whose intoxication status was known were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. For those who had sustained an intracranial injury, the figure was 88 percent. Only one in ten of the injured wore a helmet (Yle, Ilta-Sanomat).
Doctor of Medicine Pihla Tommiska noted that while most injuries were mild, such as concussions, some cases were life-threatening or caused long-term harm. The most severe accidents required intensive care and neurosurgery (Ilta-Sanomat).
Legislative changes
Finland reformed its electric scooter legislation in June 2025. The changes included setting the minimum age for electric scooter use at 15 years, introducing a 0.5 per mille alcohol limit, and clarifying the helmet recommendation. Prior to this, speed limits for electric scooters had also been lowered (Yle, Ilta-Sanomat).
The effects of these legislative changes on accidents have not yet been studied.
