Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-2-4 and 31-5-2, the Rhode Island Department of Revenue adopts rules and regulations in reference to the rental of Motorized Bicycles, Motorized Tricycles and Mopeds in the State of Rhode Island.

This regulation states rental agency requirements for rentals of Motorized bicycles, Motorized tricycles, and Mopeds in order to promote highway safety and protect the lives and property of both residents and non-residents of the State of Rhode Island.

These regulations shall apply to every licensed rental agency of Motorized bicycles, Motorized tricycles and Mopeds in the State of Rhode Island.

A. “Licensed rental agency” means any agency licensed to do business in the State of Rhode Island under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-33 and engaged in the business of renting Motorized bicycles, Motorized tricycles and Mopeds.

B. “Moped” means a popular name for vehicle designated as Motorized bicycle, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-3.

C. “Motorized bicycle” means a two wheel (2) vehicle which may be propelled by human power or helper motor, or by both, with a motor rated not more than four (4) and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimetres, that are capable of maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-3(n).

D. “Motorized tricycle” means a tricycle which may be propelled by human power or helper motor, or by both, with a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.

E. “Qualified operator” means any person operating a Motorized bicycle, Motorized tricycle or Moped who is at least sixteen years of age and who possesses a valid license as an operator under the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 31-10.

F. “Renter” means any renter of a Motorized bicycle, Motorized tricycles or Moped who must, in fact, be the operator of that vehicle, and have been certified under these rules and regulations.

A. On renting a Motorized bicycle, Motorized tricycle, or Moped, all operators and passengers of said vehicles must be offered a safety helmet and eye protection by the licensed rental agency.

B. At the time of rental, all operators and passengers must be wearing shoes and shirts or rental shall be refused.