Moped rentals are the most common way to get around Block Island, and you'll find rental shops in Old Harbor near the ferry terminal
Block Island has no car rental agencies and limited taxi service, so mopeds (also called scooters or mopeds) are how most visitors move between the ferry, hotels, and beaches. Rental shops cluster in Old Harbor, the main town, within walking distance of where the ferry arrives. You can rent by the hour, day, or week, and most shops are open from late spring through early fall.
You do not need to reserve in advance during shoulder seasons, but July and August often fill up by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Walk-up rentals are possible but riskier during peak summer. Most shops will hold a moped for a few hours if you call ahead, and some offer online booking through their own websites.
Key Takeaways
- Moped rental shops in Old Harbor are within a five-minute walk of the ferry terminal, and daily rates typically range from $50 to $80 depending on the season and moped size.
- You will need a valid driver's license (any state or country) and a credit card for the security deposit, which is usually returned when you return the moped undamaged.
- Rhode Island law requires you to wear a helmet, and rental shops provide them; riding without one can result in a fine.
- Peak season (July–August) fills up quickly, so calling ahead or booking online the day before your visit increases your chances of getting a moped.
- Mopeds are not insured by the rental shop, so check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental scooters before you rent.
What you need to bring and what rental shops require
Bring your valid driver's license—Block Island rental shops accept licenses from any U.S. state or country. You will also need a credit card in your name for the security deposit. Deposits typically range from $100 to $300 and are refunded when you return the moped in the same condition you rented it. Some shops may accept cash for the rental fee itself, but the deposit almost always requires a card.
Rental shops do not require a motorcycle endorsement or special license class in Rhode Island, even though mopeds are motorized. A regular driver's license is sufficient. If you do not have a license, you cannot rent a moped legally on Block Island.
Daily rates and what affects the price
Moped rental rates vary by season and moped type. A standard 50cc moped typically costs $50 to $70 per day in shoulder season (May, June, September, October) and $70 to $80 per day in peak summer. Larger 150cc scooters cost more, usually $80 to $100 per day. Hourly rates are available at some shops—typically $15 to $25 for two to four hours—but daily rates are the better value if you plan to stay more than a few hours.
Weekly rates offer a discount: a week of rental may cost $300 to $450, which works out to less per day than daily rates. Fuel is usually included in the rental price, though you should confirm this when you book. Some shops charge extra for GPS units or phone holders, and late returns (after the agreed drop-off time) incur hourly overage fees.
Helmet laws and safety requirements
Rhode Island law requires all moped riders to wear a helmet, regardless of age. Rental shops provide helmets with every rental, and you must wear it while riding. Riding without a helmet can result in a fine of up to $85 and is a traffic violation. The helmet provided by the rental shop meets state safety standards, though you can bring your own if you prefer.
Mopeds on Block Island are ridden on public roads with cars and bicycles, and traffic moves faster than you might expect on narrow island roads. Ride defensively, stay in your lane, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially near town and beaches. If you have never ridden a moped before, ask the rental shop for a brief orientation on the controls and braking before you leave.
Insurance and damage liability
Moped rentals on Block Island are not covered by the rental shop's insurance. If you damage the moped, you are responsible for repair costs, which can range from a few hundred dollars for minor damage to several thousand for major accidents. Before you rent, check whether your personal auto insurance covers rental scooters—some policies do, and some do not. Call your insurance company before your trip to confirm.
Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage that extends to mopeds, though this varies by card and issuer. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to ask. If neither your auto insurance nor your credit card covers rental mopeds, the rental shop may offer damage waiver insurance for an additional daily fee (usually $10 to $20 per day). This waiver limits your liability to the security deposit in case of damage.
Where to rent and how to book
The main rental shops on Block Island are Island Moped Rental, Odysey Moped Rental, and Blake's Moped Rental, all located in or near Old Harbor. Island Moped Rental is closest to the ferry terminal (about a two-minute walk) and is often the busiest. Odysey and Blake's are also within five minutes' walk. Each shop maintains its own website and phone number, and you can call ahead to check availability or book online.
During peak season, call the day before you arrive or book online to reserve a moped. If you arrive without a reservation, walk to the shops in Old Harbor and ask about same-day availability. Shops typically open around 8 or 9 a.m. and close by 5 or 6 p.m., though hours extend during summer. If you need a moped early in the morning or late in the evening, confirm hours before you book.
Rules of the road on Block Island
Block Island has no highways, and most roads are narrow, winding, and shared with cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. The speed limit in town is 25 mph, and 35 to 45 mph on rural roads. Mopeds are subject to the same traffic laws as cars: stop at stop signs, obey traffic lights, and do not ride on sidewalks. Riding under the influence of alcohol is illegal and carries the same penalties as driving a car.
Parking is free and available throughout Old Harbor and near beaches, though spaces fill up during peak summer days. Some beaches have designated parking areas; check with the rental shop or your hotel for guidance. Mopeds are small enough to park almost anywhere, but lock yours when you leave it unattended to prevent theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle license to rent a moped on Block Island?
No. Rhode Island does not require a motorcycle endorsement or special license class for mopeds. A valid driver's license from any state or country is sufficient. The rental shop will check your license to confirm it is valid and matches your name on the credit card.
What happens if I damage the moped?
You are responsible for repair costs, which come out of your security deposit or are charged to your credit card if damage exceeds the deposit amount. Damage waiver insurance (usually $10 to $20 per day) limits your liability to the deposit. Check your personal auto insurance or credit card benefits first, as they may cover rental mopeds at no extra cost.
Can I rent a moped if I've never ridden one before?
Yes. Rental shops expect first-time riders and will show you how to start, brake, and shift gears before you leave. Ask for a brief orientation if you are nervous. Block Island roads are busy during summer, so if you are uncomfortable after a short ride, return the moped and use a taxi or ride-share instead.
What if the rental shop is full when I arrive?
Call ahead the day before to reserve, or book online through the shop's website. If you arrive without a reservation and all shops are full, ask whether any shop can hold a moped for you later that day. Taxis and ride-share services are available but limited and more expensive than moped rentals.
Are helmets really required, or is it just a suggestion?
Helmets are required by Rhode Island law for all riders. The rental shop provides one, and you must wear it while riding. Riding without a helmet is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. Wear it every time you ride, even for short trips.