Source: Forum Virium

The Finnish capital city of Helsinki has launched a three-month pilot project to improve the organisation of shared e-scooters, using centimetre-level precise parking technology. The initiative forms part of Forum Virium Helsinki’s ELABORATOR project and is being implemented in partnership with Norwegian technology company Sparkpark AS.

The rapid growth of e-scooters as a sustainable last-mile transport option has brought noticeable benefits, but it has also raised challenges. Sidewalk clutter, improper parking, and accessibility issues for pedestrians and cyclists remain pressing concerns in urban spaces. Helsinki has already responded to these issues by designating specific parking areas for e-scooters, and this latest pilot seeks to refine these measures further through the application of innovative technology.

Four districts to test smart parking solutions

Since mid-August, Sparkpark’s system has been deployed across four districts in central Helsinki: Pasila, Kalasatama, Kallio, and Esplanadi, with approximately twenty sensors being installed near key parking zones, including at Tripla and Redi shopping centers.

Unlike conventional GPS-based systems, which often struggle in dense urban environments or underground locations, Sparkpark’s patented Bluetooth positioning technology delivers centimetre-level accuracy. This ensures that scooters are placed within their designated zones, even in areas where GPS signals are unreliable.

Benefits for pedestrians and urban accessibility

The technology is designed not only to improve operational efficiency but also to enhance urban safety and accessibility. By preventing scooters from spilling beyond capacity in parking areas, the system reduces clutter on sidewalks and cycle paths. This contributes to a safer environment for pedestrians and a more orderly urban landscape overall.

“Prioritizing the perspective of non-riders by introducing proactive parking solutions – rather than reacting with punitive parking fees for the riders and operators – will be a game-changer for the future of micromobility,” said Sparkpark co-founders Igor Pancevski and Thomas Bråten.

A step towards smarter, safer mobility

According to Project Manager Noora Reittu of Forum Virium Helsinki, the pilot highlights the city’s commitment to addressing mobility challenges with forward-looking solutions. “Through this pilot, we aim to assist the City of Helsinki in developing future traffic safety measures. We also seek to test the technology’s functionality in challenging locations, such as areas with a weak GPS signal or other zones where e-scooters accumulate in large numbers,” she explained.

The project will provide Helsinki with valuable insights into the feasibility of centimetre-precise parking systems in a real-world environment. If successful, the pilot could pave the way for broader adoption of smart parking technologies by improver safe e-scooter usage in other cities across the world.