You step off the ferry at Old Harbor and the first thing that hits you—besides the salt air and the screaming gulls—is the sound. It’s a high-pitched, weed-wacker whine. That is the sound of an island moped Block Island style, and honestly, it’s the most polarizing thing on the rock.
People love them. People hate them.
The locals usually fall into the latter camp, mostly because every summer brings a fresh wave of tourists who have never touched a motorized bike in their lives trying to navigate Corn Neck Road while looking at the ocean instead of the asphalt. But if you want to see the whole island in four hours without melting into a puddle of sweat on a hilly bike ride, a moped is basically your only choice. It's fast. It’s breezy.
It’s also surprisingly tricky.
Block Island isn't flat. It’s a glacial moraine, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a giant pile of dirt and rocks dropped by a melting ice sheet 10,000 years ago. That means hills. Steep ones. If you’re pushing 200 pounds and trying to get a 49cc rental engine up the Mohegan Bluffs, you’re going to learn about torque real fast.
The Reality of Renting an Island Moped on Block Island
Most rentals happen right there in Old Harbor. You’ve got places like Aldo’s, Old Harbor Mopeds, and Island Mopeds. They’re all clustered together. You walk up, show a driver’s license, sign a waiver that basically says "if I crash this, it's on me," and they give you a five-minute crash course.
That five-minute talk is the most important part of your day. Pay attention.
They’ll show you the hand brakes. Usually, the left is the rear and the right is the front. Pro tip: do not slam the front brake while turning on sand. You will eat dirt. I’ve seen it happen dozens of times near the North Light. The roads on Block Island are narrow, often shoulderless, and frequently covered in a fine layer of "island grit" that acts like ball bearings under your tires.
Why the 49cc Limit Matters
You might wonder why you don't see massive Harleys or sportbikes for rent. It’s a legal thing. Under Rhode Island Law, motorized bicycles (mopeds) must be under 50cc to be operated with a standard driver's license. If they were bigger, you’d need a motorcycle endorsement.
This means these bikes are limited. They usually top out around 25 or 30 miles per hour. That sounds slow until you’re buzzing down a hill with a sheer drop on one side and a tour bus squeezing past you on the other. Speed isn't the goal here; mobility is.
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The "Moped Ban" Rumors and Local Politics
If you spend more than an hour at The Oar or Poor People’s Pub, you’ll probably hear someone complaining about mopeds. There has been a decades-long war between the Town Council and the rental agencies.
Basically, the town wants them gone. Or at least, they want fewer of them.
In 2020 and 2021, the tension hit a breaking point. The town tried to implement strict new ordinances citing safety concerns. There were accidents—some really bad ones. The rental companies fought back in court, arguing that mopeds are a vital part of the island's tourism economy. As of 2026, the mopeds are still here, but the rules are tighter.
You can't just ride double on any bike. If the moped isn't specifically rated for two people (with extra footpegs), the police will pull you over. And they do. The New Shoreham Police Department doesn't play around during the high season.
Where to Actually Ride (And Where to Avoid)
Most people instinctively head north toward the Great Salt Pond. It’s a solid move.
Corn Neck Road is the "main drag." It’s paved, relatively wide for the island, and leads you straight to the North Light. The view of the Atlantic on your right and the pond on your left is world-class. You can’t beat it.
But if you want the real experience, you head south toward the Mohegan Bluffs.
The ride out to Southeast Light is hilly and winding. This is where the island moped Block Island experience gets real. You’ll pass the Spring House Hotel—that massive white building with the red roof—and the road starts to twist.
- Spring Street/Southeast Light Road: Beautiful, but watch for pedestrians.
- Lakeside Drive: Quiet, inland, feels like you've traveled back 50 years.
- Cooneymus Road: This is where the "wild" side of the island is. Very few houses, lots of stone walls.
One place you should be careful? The intersection by the Statue of Rebecca in the center of town. It’s a chaotic mess of pedestrians, delivery trucks, and confused bikers. If you’re feeling shaky on the moped, just walk the bike through the main intersection. No one will judge you. Or maybe they will, but at least you won't fall over.
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Common Mistakes That Ruin the Trip
Sand is the enemy.
Block Island is basically a giant sandbar with grass on it. When you pull off to the side of the road to take a photo of a random cow (and you will), be careful. The transition from asphalt to sand is where most people lose their balance.
Then there’s the "whiskey throttle." That’s when a beginner gets nervous, grips the handlebars too tight, and accidentally twists the throttle. The bike jerks forward, the rider panics and twists more, and suddenly they’re in a privet hedge.
Relax your hands.
Also, check the gas. These tanks are tiny. Most rental places give you a full tank that'll last the day, but if you’re doing laps around the island, keep an eye on the gauge. There is exactly one gas station on the island. It’s over by Old Harbor, and it’s expensive.
Practical Logistics for Your Rental
You need to be at least 18. Some places might require you to be 21, but 18 is the standard legal baseline for the rental contract.
Bring sunglasses. Even if it's cloudy. Getting a rogue beetle in the eye at 25 mph is a great way to end up in the ditch. Also, wear actual shoes. I see people in flip-flops all the time and it makes my skin crawl. If you have to put a foot down to steady yourself, you want leather or canvas between you and the road, not a thin piece of foam and a rubber strap.
The Cost Factor
Expect to pay somewhere between $70 and $120 for a day rental. It varies by season. If you’re coming on the 4th of July, expect peak pricing and limited availability. If you’re here in the "shoulder season" (May or September), you can usually haggle a bit or find mid-week specials.
What About Rain?
If the weather turns, give the bike back.
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Riding a moped in the rain on Block Island is miserable. The roads get slick, the salt spray makes everything greasy, and the wind on the bluffs can actually push a light moped sideways. Most rental shops have a policy about weather, so ask before you head out if a storm is brewing.
Better Alternatives?
If you’re reading this and thinking, "Actually, I’m terrified of motorized two-wheelers," you have options.
Electric bikes have exploded in popularity on the island recently. They’re quieter, you can ride them on paths where mopeds aren't allowed, and they feel more "natural" to most people. They still handle the hills like a champ.
Or, just take a taxi. The island taxi drivers are legendary. They know every turn, every history fact, and they can fit six people in a van. It’s $15-$25 for most trips, and you don’t have to worry about parking.
The Expert Verdict on Island Moped Block Island
Renting a moped is the fastest way to feel like you’ve actually "seen" the island. You can hit the North Light, the Bluffs, and the inland farms all before lunch.
But you have to respect the machine. Treat it like a vehicle, not a toy. The locals will appreciate it, your skin will stay on your body, and you’ll actually enjoy the view instead of staring at your front tire in terror.
Actionable Steps for Your Ride:
- Arrive Early: The best, newest bikes go first. If you show up at 1:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re getting the one that rattles.
- The "Slow Circle" Test: Before leaving the rental lot, do three tight circles. If you can’t handle the bike at 5 mph, you won’t handle it at 25 mph.
- Map it Out: Don't just wander. Head south first to beat the crowds at the Bluffs, then swing back north for the sunset at the North Light.
- Lock it Up: Use the steering lock or the chain provided. While bike theft is rare, "drunken moped swapping" is a weirdly real phenomenon on holiday weekends.
- Sunscreen on the Thighs: This sounds weird, but when you’re sitting on a moped, your thighs are perfectly flat to the sun for hours. You will burn in the shape of the seat if you aren't careful.
Don't overthink it too much. Just keep your eyes on the road, watch out for the deer (yes, there are tons of them), and don't try to take a selfie while moving. If you do those things, the moped will be the highlight of your trip.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To ensure a smooth rental experience, you should check the local weather forecast specifically for New Shoreham, RI. High wind warnings can sometimes suspend ferry service and make moped riding dangerous. Additionally, verify if your personal auto insurance covers moped rentals; many policies exclude two-wheeled motorized vehicles, which might make the rental shop's optional insurance a smart buy for peace of mind. Finally, download an offline map of the island, as cell service can be spotty once you get behind the hills of the southern interior.