Block Island Adopts Moped Restrictions Ahead Of Summer Season

NEW SHOREHAM, RI — Tourists hoping to rent mopeds on Block Island this summer will still be able to do so, but there will be some new restrictions in place. The New Shoreham Town Council on Thursday voted to limit the hours that moped rentals will be allowed, and also required that people renting mopeds watch an educational safety video and pass a proficiency test.

Last summer there was a moped fatality on Block Island as well as numerous moped accidents. Back in August town officials announced that Rhode Island State Police would be brought in to help with enforcement after a 22-year-old Cranston man was killed when the moped he was riding collided head-on with an SUV. Some emergency rules were put in place.

On Thursday the council took action ahead of the 2021 summer season, New Shoreham Town Clerk Molly Fitzpatrick told Patch. Acting as the licensing board, the council renewed a slew of moped rental licenses, then later amended several local ordinances that cover the lease or rental of motorized bicycles, motorized tricycles, and motorized scooters. The new rules go into effect immediately.

Moving forward, motorized bikes, mopeds and scooters can only be rented or operated between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. No passengers will be allowed to sit in front of any driver. Passengers must have their own rear seat, foot rests, and handlebar grips. Children under the age of 12 riding as passengers must have a properly secured back rest.

Additionally, each person renting a moped, motorized bike or scooter must watch a comprehensive training video and pass a supervised proficiency test administered on-site or at a site procured just for that purpose. Riders must then complete a questionnaire on best operational practices and relevant town rules.

On Block Island, licensees must make eye protection and helmets available, and state helmet laws must be followed. A licensee may not rent a moped, motorized bike or scooter to any person who appears to be intoxicated, and that goes for passengers, too. Violators could see their licenses suspended or revoked.

The New Shoreham Town Council is also requiring that licensees submit a site plan to local authorities, including a legal plan for off-season storage, the amended ordinance states.

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