Mopeds and motorcycles
Moped safety
- Since mopeds are driven in traffic, moped riders must know traffic rules and their equipment must be in good condition and safe.
- It is forbidden to upgrade mopeds, and an upgraded moped cannot be driven in traffic.
- When riding a moped, you must use an undamaged helmet which has been approved for road use in Finland.
- Mopeds are ridden on the roadbed shoulder or the right side of the road.
- Cycle paths can only be used if it is specifically permitted and indicated by a traffic sign.
Source: The Finnish Road Safety Council
Mandatory moped equipment:
- well-functioning front and rear brakes
- intact tyres as specified in the registration certificate with a tread of at least 1.6mm
- studded or non-studded winter tyres in winter conditions
- regulatory lights and reflectors
- handles for the passenger
- a device to prevent unauthorised use
- standing supports
- a safe fuel system
- a regulatory silencer
- speedometer
- audible warning device
- rear registration plate
- a rear-view mirror at least on the left side
Source: Finnish Road Safety Council
Road safety is primarily monitored and maintained by the police.
Correct speed for the situation is key also when motorcycling
Anticipation is particularly important for a motorcyclist, and it significantly reduces the risk of accidents. If you are riding a motorcycle, constantly assess other traffic and ride in such a way that it’s easy for others to anticipate your actions.
- Correct speed for the situation is essential in order to avoid accidents. Be prepared for other road users’ errors of judgement by riding at a sufficiently low speed.
- More than half of motorcycle accidents involve skidding. In these situations, the speeds are usually too high. For example, when you accelerate rapidly, even a small mistake can backfire.
- As a motorcyclist make sure that others can see you.
- Wear bright gear, maintain a safe distance and don’t ride in blind spots. That way, you will have time to react to other road users’ perception errors.
Make sure to keep a safe distance!
- In urban areas, the distance in metres must be at least half of the speed used, which is approximately two seconds.
- On the motorway, the distance in metres should be the same as the vehicle speed, that is, approximately four seconds.
- Too short a distance can lead to a collision or a multiple pile-up. Also, riding too close to the vehicle in front of you is uneconomical and stressful for everyone.
In recent years, one in three of all motorcycle accident victims has been between the ages of 15 and 24.
We all have an obligation to help
- The Road Traffic Act (in Finnish) stipulates that road users must remain at the scene of a traffic accident and, to the best of their ability, assist the injured and otherwise participate in the measures necessitated by the accident.
- Road users are defined as anyone who is on the road or driving a vehicle or tram on it.