An increase in the popularity of small electric and gas-powered scooters prompted the City Council Monday to approve an upgrade to the city ordinance governing the vehicles.

One of the changes to the ordinance allows motorized scooters to be ridden on streets and sidewalks in the city. That had previously been prohibited.

The ordinance requires that scooters have lights on the front and rear if they’re ridden after dark. The  use of sirens on the scooters is banned.

If the operator of a scooter is carrying anything, they must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. And only one person is allowed on a scooter at a time.

Scooters may not be operated on a street where the speed limit is higher than 35 mph.

The council voted to include language in the ordinance that Kewanee will comply with state law when it comes to the legal age for riding a scooter on the street.

State law requires that riders be at least 18, but council members said 16 might be a more appropriate age.

“You can ride a motorcycle at 16, but not an electric scooter,” Mayor Gary Moore said.

Also Monday:

— The council approved requests to block off an alley for a hot dog eating contest Aug. 29 at Doghouse on Beach, 611 Beach St.; and to close the 200 block of North Burr Boulevard for a few hours on Sept. 21 for a bags tournament sponsored by Cookie’s, to raise funds for Yeta, an organization that helps young people.

— Increases in city utility bills were increased, to raise money for state-mandated improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, and for ongoing improvements such as water main and valve replacements.

After an increase in the bills payable Sept. 20, there will be four-percent annual increases.

— The council tabled a request from Gustafson Ford and Lewis Auto Body for city Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds for street, curb and sidewalk improvements in the 100 block of North Lexington Avenue.

Council members said they wanted more information on plans for the improvements, before voting on the TIF funds.