Proposal: Micromobility permit to regulate e-scooter rentals to be introduced in Vaasa from 1 January 2026

The Urban Environment Board will meet on 20 August 2025.

The micromobility permit is based on the amended Act on Transport Services. The amendment entered into force on 1 August 2025. The use of the permit will become mandatory in municipalities one month after the amendment takes effect, but a municipality may decide to postpone its introduction until 1 January 2026.

In Vaasa, the introduction of the micromobility permit will be postponed to allow time to prepare the permit’s terms and conditions during the autumn. The permit terms and conditions will be published for public consultation before a decision is made, and official opinions will be sought.

The permit provides the city with tools to regulate the service

The aim of the legislative changes is to improve the safety of e-scooter use and other modes of micromobility. The change is expected to reduce costs arising from injuries and ease the burden on healthcare services.

The permit terms and conditions will allow the city to regulate aspects such as operating hours, parking, and the speed limits of rental vehicles, when necessary to ensure traffic safety, accessibility, or road maintenance.

At present, e-scooter rentals in Vaasa are provided by Dott and Ryde.

The amendment to the Road Traffic Act that came into effect early this summer also applies to e-scooter users. Riders must be at least 15 years old, and e-scooters must not be used if the rider’s blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.5‰. The law applies equally to riders of both privately owned and rental e-scooters.