'Party Bikes' Could Soon Hit The Streets Of Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — A new type of vehicle could soon hit the streets of Rhode Island: party bikes. The four-wheeled vehicles, pedaled by multiple passengers and steered by an operator, are a popular tourist activity in other destinations.

On Tuesday, the Rhode Island House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow the bikes in any city or town that wants them. Rep. Arthur Handy, who sponsored the legislation, said party bikes would be a boon to the state's economy.

"Quadricycle passenger vehicles are a tourism opportunity in many other popular tourist destinations, and Rhode Island’s tourism industry should benefit from them too," Handy said. "They offer a fun, moderately active way to experience a city up close, and I would expect that they’d become income generators wherever they operate, because they’d give our visitors a good look at the restaurants, shops and attractions that they can patronize when they get out."

While such bikes often serve as mobile bars, the bill does not allow for alcohol on quadricycles in Rhode Island.

The bill came about after a Westerly business purchased a party bike capable of seating 12 people. Although it was cleared with the local police, the business was unable to clear the bike with the Division of Motor Vehicles, since it did not fit any category of vehicle.

Westerly Rep. Samuel Azzinaro voiced his support for the bill.

"We are always looking for ways to boost Rhode Island’s appeal as a destination, so we should be making sure we don’t stand in the way of entrepreneurs offering amenities like these," he said. "This is the kind of experience that can add to charm and convenience to a place like Westerly, as well as our other tourism destinations around the state."

Under the legislation, the bikes could seat up to 16 people and have a motor, provided they do not exceed 20 mph and the vehicles would be limited to roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or lower. The bikes would not need to be registered with the DMV, only gain approval from their local city or town. Communities would need to pass an ordinance allowing them and gain approval from the police chief.

Quadricycle drivers would need to have a chauffeur's license or a commercial license with an endorsement for 16-person vehicles. Owners would need to carry liability insurance for at least $1 million.

The bill now heads to the Senate.