Where to rent a moped on Block Island
Block Island has three main rental shops, all located in Old Harbor near the ferry terminal. Oden's Rental, Island Moped & Auto, and Rustic Rentals are the established operators. All three rent mopeds by the day, half-day, or week, and all require a valid driver's license and a credit card for the security deposit.
Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when rental availability tightens and prices rise. If you arrive during summer weekends without a reservation, you may find the popular 50cc models already rented out. Off-season (September through May) has lower prices and more availability, though some shops reduce hours or close for winter maintenance.
Each shop maintains its own fleet and pricing, so calling ahead to confirm availability and current rates is worth the five minutes. Shops typically open around 8 or 9 a.m. and close by 5 or 6 p.m., though hours shift with ferry schedules and season.
Key Takeaways
- Block Island's three rental shops are all within walking distance of Old Harbor ferry terminal, and all require a valid driver's license and credit card.
- Moped rentals cost between $40 and $80 per day depending on engine size and season, with weekly rates offering better value if you are staying longer.
- Summer weekends often run out of 50cc models, so booking ahead during peak season prevents arriving to find nothing available.
- Rhode Island law requires a valid driver's license to operate a moped; no separate moped endorsement is needed for 50cc models.
- Helmets are provided with every rental and are legally required; most shops also offer locks, maps, and basic repair kits at no extra charge.
What documents and information you need to bring
You must bring a valid driver's license — a state ID or passport alone will not work. The rental shop will photocopy it or record the number. You also need a credit card in your own name; the shop will place a hold (usually $100 to $300) as a security deposit, which is released when you return the moped undamaged.
If you are renting under a different name than the credit card holder, call the shop first. Some allow it with written permission from the cardholder; others do not. Bringing proof of insurance is not required by law in Rhode Island for 50cc mopeds, but some rental shops ask for it anyway — check when you book.
Have your phone number and hotel or lodging address ready. The shop will record where you are staying so they can contact you if there is a problem with the moped or if you do not return it on time.
Moped size, cost, and what to expect on the road
Block Island rental shops stock mostly 50cc mopeds, which are the legal maximum you can ride with a regular driver's license in Rhode Island. A 50cc moped reaches about 30 to 35 mph and gets roughly 80 to 100 miles per gallon. Daily rates for a 50cc typically run $40 to $60 in off-season and $60 to $80 in summer. Weekly rates are usually 4 to 5 times the daily rate, so renting for a full week costs less per day than renting day-by-day.
Some shops also rent 150cc scooters, which are faster and more stable on longer rides but require a motorcycle endorsement on your license in Rhode Island. If you do not have that endorsement, you are limited to 50cc models. Larger scooters cost $80 to $120 per day.
Block Island's roads are narrow, hilly, and often unpaved outside Old Harbor. Mopeds handle the terrain, but speed is limited by road conditions and the island's 35 mph speed limit in most areas. Expect to spend 10 to 15 minutes traveling between Old Harbor and the island's far points. Fuel is available at the Block Island Power Company or at shops in Old Harbor; most mopeds will run 2 to 3 days on a tank.
Insurance, damage, and what happens if something goes wrong
The security deposit covers minor wear and tear, but you are responsible for damage beyond that. Damage charges vary by shop but typically start at $50 for scratches or dents and go higher for mechanical damage or theft. If you damage the moped, the shop will charge your credit card after you return it and provide an itemized receipt.
Rental shops do not include liability insurance in the rental price. If you cause an accident and injure someone or damage property, your personal auto insurance may or may not cover it — mopeds are sometimes excluded. Before renting, call your auto insurance company and ask whether your policy covers moped rental. If it does not, some shops offer optional damage waiver coverage for $10 to $15 per day, which limits your liability for accidents.
If the moped breaks down while you are riding, call the rental shop when ready. They will either send someone to pick you up or walk you through a straightforward fix. Most breakdowns on Block Island are minor — a flat tire, a loose chain, or a clogged fuel filter — and shops are used to handling them over the phone or with a quick pickup.
Helmet, safety gear, and local rules
Rhode Island law requires you to wear a helmet while operating a moped, and every rental shop provides one. The helmet is included in your rental; you do not pay extra. Helmets are checked for fit before you leave, and shops will swap you for a different size if yours does not sit snugly.
Beyond the helmet, no other safety gear is legally required, but wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes reduces road rash if you fall. Block Island's roads are shared with pedestrians, cyclists, and cars, especially in Old Harbor. Mopeds are not allowed on the island's beaches or on private property, and parking is limited — most shops provide a lock and will tell you where parking is legal.
The island has no traffic lights and few stop signs. Yield to pedestrians, watch for potholes and gravel on unpaved roads, and remember that mopeds are slow enough that drivers behind you may not expect you. Riding at night is possible but not recommended unless you are very familiar with the roads; street lighting is sparse outside Old Harbor.
Booking, pickup, and return procedures
You can walk into a rental shop without a reservation during off-season, but calling or booking online ahead of time is safer during summer. Most shops have straightforward online booking systems on their websites, or you can call directly. Booking takes five minutes and holds a moped in your name until you arrive.
Pickup happens at the shop, usually within 30 minutes of your arrival. The staff will walk you through the moped's controls, show you how to start it, explain the fuel gauge and odometer, and point out any existing damage on a form you both sign. This form protects you — it documents the moped's condition before you ride it, so you are not charged for damage that was already there.
Return is straightforward: bring the moped back with a full tank of fuel (or pay a refueling charge of $10 to $20), and the staff will inspect it for damage. If there is none, your security deposit is released back to your credit card within 1 to 3 business days. Late returns are charged at a daily rate, so plan to return by the time you booked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle license to rent a 50cc moped on Block Island?
No. Rhode Island allows you to ride a 50cc moped with a regular driver's license. If you want to rent a larger scooter (150cc or above), you need a motorcycle endorsement on your license. All rental shops on Block Island stock 50cc models and will ask to see your license before handing over keys.
What if I have never ridden a moped before?
Rental staff will give you a brief orientation on how to start the moped, use the brakes, and shift gears. If you are nervous, ask the staff to walk you through it a second time or to let you practice in the parking lot before you leave. Most people pick up the basics in 10 minutes, and Block Island's slow speeds and light traffic make it a forgiving place to learn.
Can I rent a moped if I am visiting for just a few hours?
Yes. Most shops offer half-day rentals (usually 4 hours) for about 60 percent of the daily rate. Half-day rentals are good if you want to explore the island's beaches or lighthouses without committing to a full day. Book ahead if you are arriving on a summer weekend, since half-day slots fill up quickly.
What happens if I return the moped late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rental rate, prorated by the hour. If you rent for a day and return it 2 hours late, you will be charged for an extra half-day or full day depending on the shop's policy. Call the shop if you think you will be late; some shops are flexible if you give notice.
Is there anywhere on Block Island I cannot ride a moped?
Mopeds are not allowed on beaches, hiking trails, or private property. They are legal on all public roads and in most parking areas. The island's main roads are paved and moped-friendly, but some side roads are unpaved or very narrow — use common sense and walk the moped if the road looks unsafe.