KEARNEY, Neb. - Kearney passed new rules last week defining where and how e-bikes, scooters and ATVs can operate within the city.

The updates give police authority they didn’t have before to enforce traffic laws for those on electric vehicles.

This comes after a scooter crash Sunday night that sent one child to the hospital in a neck brace.

Two children on a scooter collided with a car near H Avenue and 13th Street, and police said the driver of the car was not at fault.

Authorities added that the children did not stop at the intersection or wear helmets.

Under the new ordinance e-bikes are classified into three types: Class 1 (pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assist, up to 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph).

City staff said Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may use sidewalks and trails, but riders must yield to pedestrians and obey stop signs.

Class 3 e-bikes are restricted from city trails but may operate on streets.

Scooters can be ridden on streets with speed limits under 35 mph.

Downtown sidewalks are off-limits, and riders must use hand signals and stay as far to the right as possible.

ATV's and UTV's are allowed for snow removal, and vehicles must have lights, carry liability insurance and display safety flags.

City officials said the changes give officers a clear reference to educate riders and enforce rules.

“Our officers couldn’t really enforce anything. There wasn’t anything in the city code to point to. This gives us something to reference and helps keep riders safe,” said Assistant to the City Manager Bradley DeMers.

DeMers said the focus is on education, not punishment. “We’re not looking to handcuff kids and take their scooters away. We just need a way to talk about safety and make sure everyone understands the rules,” he said.

Police are planning a safety campaign in the spring to educate riders, and in the meantime, officers can issue citations if people ignore the rules.

The ordinance passed unanimously at last week's city council meeting and was immediately taken into effect.