Tag Archive: finland

  1. Finland’s e-bike and bike sales drop dramatically as tax break is removed

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    Source: Helsinki Times, Bike Europe

    According to Finland’s Fashion and Sports Commerce Association, the country’s bike sector has seen a sharp decline in sales, after the government announced the end of a scheme that allowed employees to purchase bikes through their employer with a tax exemption of up to €1,200 annually.

    The Association states that, in spring of 2025, e-bike sales have fallen by around 70% and traditional bike sales by 25% year-on-year, and total bicycle sales are down by as much as 40%. Although the tax incentive scheme is not due to end until 2026, the decision has already caused a ripple effect in Finland’s bike industry.

    Since the introduction of the tax exemption scheme in 2021, over 100,000 employees are estimated to have enjoyed its benefits. E-bikes constitute a substantial portion of the bike sales linked to the scheme, with sharp sales drops noted by Juho Kahra, CEO of Electric Bicycle Center, and Jani Lundberg, CEO of Velosport, following the government’s announcement of the scheme’s end.

    A lack of clarity about the decision and its implementation has also been noted. Jukka-Pekka Hellman, tax expert at the Confederation of Finnish Enterprises, stated, “The decision to remove the tax exemption without a transition period will come as a big surprise not only to the users of the benefit, but also to the employer companies offering the benefit and to the bicycle shops.”

    Industry groups are lobbying for Finland’s government to reconsider the decision, or launch alternative initiatives which would support cycling and green mobility.

  2. Finland introduces national e-scooter minimum age and safety measures

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    Source: Helsinki Times

    The Finnish Parliament’s Transport and Communications Committee has proposed new nationwide regulations for electric scooter use, including a minimum age requirement of 15 years. The recommendation is part of a broader micromobility policy framework approved on Friday 16 May.

    The proposed age limit follows a series of accidents involving minors, some resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. If enacted, the rule would apply to both shared and privately owned e-scooters. Electric bicycles would not be subject to the age restriction.

    Previously, local authorities were responsible for setting age limits, but the Constitutional Affairs Committee advised that such measures should be standardised across the country. The Finnish Road Safety Council had recommended the adoption of a national age limit in 2024.

    The draft legislation also introduces a ban on operating e-scooters while intoxicated. A legal blood alcohol content limit of 0.05 percent, mirroring that for motor vehicle drivers, would apply to users of light electric vehicles, including both e-scooters and e-bikes.

    While the use of helmets will not be mandated, the legislation includes a strong recommendation encouraging their use in an effort to reduce head injuries and improve overall safety.

    Additional provisions would require micromobility rental companies to obtain operating permits from individual municipalities. This measure aims to address concerns related to parking practices and congestion on sidewalks in urban areas.

    The proposal will now proceed to the full Parliament for consideration in a plenary session.

  3. Finland switches micromobility licensing powers over to municipalities

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    Source: Cities Today

    The Finnish government is introducing a new legislative proposal which would grant local authorities more control over shared micromobility vehicles such as electric scooters.

    The move is part of a wider effort by Finland to enhance road safety and clamp down on reckless riding, with the ultimate aim of eliminating road traffic fatalities by 2050. Measures include a new blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.5 for riders which will be accompanied by increased enforcement measures. Traffic controllers will be able to breathalyse cyclists (including riders of e-bikes) and riders of light electric vehicles.

    The proposal introduces a micromobility licence, which would allow city authorities to set their own rules on operating hours, speed limits, and parking restrictions.

    Sofia Johansson, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, emphasised the importance of local decision-making when speaking to Cities Today. “The micromobility licence provides municipalities with an effective way of guiding services while considering local conditions. The need for regulation varies between municipalities, and licence conditions must reflect those differences.”

    The proposed introduction of the 0.5 BAC limit, and the enabling of traffic controllers to administer breathalyser tests, would align micromobility regulations with motor vehicle laws. The proposal also details new traffic control devices, and using geofencing to ensure that use of designated parking areas is adhered to.

    Johansson also highlighted the role of technology, and flexibility, in supporting compliance. “Technology plays an important role in improving safety, especially through solutions like geofencing and speed limiting. The micromobility licence conditions will enable service providers to implement these measures effectively.” She added, “The legislation does not restrict the introduction of new technologies. All innovations that enhance safety are warmly welcomed.”

    Johansson went on to note that, by allowing municipalities to make crucial decisions on fleet sizes and designated parking zones, the new framework could serve as a working model for other cities. “These measures ensure better organisation and reduce clutter, which has been a common issue elsewhere.”

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

  4. Finnish proposals to improve micromobility saftey legislation circulated for comments

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    Source: Finish Government

    Ministry of Transport and Communications requests feedback on micromobility legislation

    The Ministry of Transport and Communications is seeking public comments on a draft proposal for legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of electric scooters and other micromobility vehicles. The deadline for submitting feedback is 1 November 2024.

    The government of Prime Minister Orpo has committed to introducing legislation on electric scooters and micromobility during its term. This includes providing towns and municipalities with tools to better manage micromobility services.

    Key Measures to Improve Road Safety: Alcohol Limit and Municipal Micromobility Licence

    The draft proposal suggests several changes to national laws, aimed at regulating micromobility and significantly improving road safety.

    Key proposals:
    • A blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per ml for riders of light electric vehicles and motorised bicycles.
    • A micromobility licence, which municipalities can use to regulate service providers.
    • An increase in traffic penalty fees for non-motorised vehicle riders.
    • New penalty fees for vehicle condition, structure, and equipment violations.
    • Harmonisation of traffic rules.

    The proposed legislation includes a maximum blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.5 per ml for riding light electric vehicles and motorised bicycles. Additionally, municipalities could issue a micromobility licence for operators of electric scooters and similar vehicles. In practice, this means professional rental services for electric scooters would require a licence, which would allow municipalities to manage the number of rental vehicles and ensure safety, accessibility, and road maintenance.

    The alcohol limit and the micromobility licence are expected to have the most significant positive impacts on road safety.

    Reducing Risks with Compliance and Responsible Driving

    Several existing laws already apply to electric scooters and other micromobility devices, such as the Road Traffic Act, the Vehicles Act, the Consumer Protection Act, the Consumer Safety Act, and the Motor Liability Insurance Act. Electric scooter riders must follow the same traffic rules as cyclists, including observing traffic signs and using appropriate paths.

    Electric scooters should be used on cycle paths or lanes. In their absence, they may be used on the road or verge, but not on pavements. Passengers are only permitted if the scooter is equipped with a passenger seat. Riders must not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or in any condition that impairs their ability to safely control the vehicle.

    Next Steps

    Comments on the draft proposal can be submitted by 1 November 2024 through www.lausuntopalvelu.fi. After the consultation period, public officials will continue drafting the law. The proposed changes are expected to come into effect by summer 2025.

  5. Interview – Tampere, Finland. Winner of the 10th Award for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning

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    Source: European Mobility Week

    EuropeanMobilityWeek catches up with Deputy Mayor Aleksi Jäntti of Tampere, Finland, to discuss the award’s meaning for the city and its future sustainable endeavors.

    “As a rapidly growing urban area, Tampere is working to create a liveable, inclusive city for all. Its multidisciplinary approach to sustainable urban mobility planning empowers its residents to make healthier mobility choices that are active, safe, and environmentally friendly. The City’s winning sustainable urban mobility plan includes an impact assessment of the effect that mobility campaigns have on the local population. The plan also spotlights low-carbon mobility, road safety, vulnerable groups, smart mobility solutions, physical and mental well-being, accessibility, and low pollution levels to ensure a holistic approach to mobility.”

    “What does winning the Award for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) Award mean for Tampere?

    Winning the SUMP Award is a great pride and joy! Our City’s development and work to promote sustainable mobility has really been recognized. The Tampere City Strategy introduces Tampere as ‘the city of action.’ Last year, 2021, is more than excellent proof of this: Our SUMP was accepted, and both new and improved possibilities for sustainable mobility were introduced.

    The award, for its part, shows that we are on the right track and encourages us to go on with the implementation of measures and sustainability.”

    “How does sustainable mobility fit into Tampere’s vision for a sustainable, resilient city?

    “It fits very well! The goal of carbon neutrality sets the target for the future modal split in Tampere. But sustainability goes far beyond only reducing emissions. The shift from individual motorized transport towards public and active mobility modes takes Tampere’s goals forward from the perspective of climate and environment, as well as safety, well-being, equality, and economy. Sustainable transport, both for people and freight, is also space-efficient, which is an import aspect for a growing city like Tampere.”

    “EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK recently launched a new slogan: #MixandMove. How does Tampere encourage multimodal approaches to transport? Why is this important?

    Integrating different forms of mobility is crucial when we want to decrease emissions, shorter individual motorized trips, and offer people more flexible access to mobility. Additionally, multimodality can also improve the cost-effectiveness of public transport, especially in sparsely populated areas.

    In Tampere, multimodality can take the form of city bikes, robos or e-scooters used to reach tram stops easily; a demand-based taxi brings someone to take a local train or a network of Park&Rides by truck line routes.

    In addition to infrastructure and new services, mobility management is needed to change the mindset for new possibilities. Also, digital technologies and smart traffic management can play a significant role. Therefore, improving multimodality needs cooperation between the public sector and private providers.”

  6. Finnish Transport Ministry proposes €400 electric bike subsidy

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    Source Yle – Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications is proposing a subsidy of up to 400 euros annually for anyone who buys an electric bicycle.

    An electric bicycle or e-bike has a built-in electric motor and rechargeable battery that helps with propulsion. They typically sell for 1400-3,000 euros in Finland, with some simpler models beginning around 700 euros.

    If approved, the rebates would be handed out by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi). The plan is to open an online application system on 1 July 2018. Subsidies could be obtained retroactively for any e-bike bought after 1 April.

    Funds from ‘bioeconomy and clean solutions’ programme

    The money would be paid out of budget funds earmarked to support the acquisition of electric cars and the conversion of gas and ethanol cars between 2018 and 2021. Thus the plan would require a revision of legislation aimed at supporting the purchase of low-emission cars.

    The proposal is part of a government plan to encourage walking and cycling, which is to be unveiled on Friday.

    That, in turn, falls under the centre-right coalition’s overall programme to boost what it calls ‘bioeconomy and clean solutions’. Environmental groups such as the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation have expressed sustainability concerns about the programme, which calls for expanded use of renewable natural resources.

    The Finnish e-bike market

    Electric bikes are becoming more popular across Europe, but Finland has lagged behind the trend. That could change if the proposed subsidies are introduced.

    That price issue is a key factor in the relatively slow adoption of electric bikes in Finland. Whereas in Germany e-bikes make up 15 percent of bike sales, in Finland the figure for 2016 was less than one percent.

    According to Matti Koistinen of the Finnish cycling association, e-bikes are slowly becoming more common.

    “We are reaching a point where everyone will know somebody with an e-bike,” said Koistinen. “When you can ask an acquaintance for tips, and there are more e-bikes about, the market will take off.”