KEARNEY, Mo. (KCTV) – Police want parents to know the rules regarding e-bikes before their children get seriously injured.
The Kearney, Missouri, Police Department says a 5-week streak of e-bike crashes has pushed it to launch what they call a “critical response.” The effort focuses on education about safety risks and city ordinances that many may not know.
Investigators noted that the latest incident involved a 14-year-old who fell from an e-bike into traffic and was hit by a car. The teen suffered minor injuries but was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Kearney Police have reported a surge in e-bike crashes across the metro in recent months. Many crashes involve young riders who ignore or may not know the traffic laws. They also lack proper licensing.
KPD said here is what many parents and kids do not realize: E-Bikes are legally considered motor vehicles in Kearney.
City ordinances require anyone who rides an e-bike on local streets or public roadways to have a valid driver’s license.
FILE(Hawaii News Now)
“If it has any type of motor, either gas or electric, you must have a valid driver’s license to operate it on a city street,” a department spokesperson said.
Police reminded residents that motorized e-bikes are barred on:
SidewalksKearney School District propertyPark trail systems
However, there are two different types of e-bike categories with different rules:
Throttle e-bikes: Provide instant power without pedaling. Require a driver’s license on all city streets.
Pedal-assist e-bikes: Enhance pedaling efforts. They can be ridden on trails if operated safely.
FILE(KCTV5/Gabbi Lumma)
“To be clear, we are focusing on educating the public about the concerns for child safety when they drive either gas-powered motorcycles/mini-bikes or e-bikes with no pedals, known as ‘throttle e-bikes’,” said Chief Mark Thomas.
Chief Thomas highlighted another major safety concern: “Also, riding these bikes after dark with little or no lighting is extremely dangerous.”
The problem extends beyond Kearney. Police say they are part of a metro-wide effort to keep riders, drivers and pedestrians safe as e-bike popularity grows.
Police have asked parents to:
Review city ordinances with their childrenEnsure kids understand e-bike laws before ridingCheck if their child has proper licensing for street ridingEmphasize the importance of following traffic rules
To address where residents can ride e-bikes, Chief Thomas said he confirmed with the City’s prosecuting attorney:
If you have a throttle e-bike, you can ride outside the city limits on private property with the permission of the owner. Without the pedals, it is considered an electric motorcycle and is subject to the same restrictions.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
