New Shoreham renews multiple moped rental licenses amid questions about training spots, storage and enforcement; Miles Unlimited continued

New Shoreham — The Town Council on Dec. 2 approved renewals for multiple moped and rental licenses for the 2025 season but continued the Miles Unlimited application to a Dec. 5 work session after questions about historical operating locations, training areas and enforcement.

The council voted to renew Aldo’s and Finnimore & Fisher licenses (each for up to 34 mopeds) and to approve Ocean State Bikes’ renewal, all subject to standard conditions including state registration numbers, vehicle identification numbers and proof of insurance. Council members repeatedly pressed applicants on where gasoline is stored, how spare mopeds are handled and where proficiency training (test drives) takes place. Outside counsel and operators said limited gasoline is kept in fire-department-approved containers and that spare vehicles may be owned but only a capped number may be out for rent at any one time.

Why it matters: Councilors, business owners and residents said training activity and storage that spills onto public streets has created congestion and safety concerns, especially on Weldon’s Way, and that inconsistent enforcement undermines businesses that follow the rules.

Councilors and competitors asked whether several operators were effectively renting from the Harborside lot while listing a different lot on their license applications. Josh Parks, outside counsel for some applicants, told the council that ticketing and business operations occur at Lot 111 (Chapel Street) while proficiency exams have historically taken place across the street on Lot 106; he said a 2022 temporary restraining order entered by Justice Taft Carter preserved the status quo for historically operating applicants while litigation continued.

“Proficiency exams happen directly across the street on 106,” Parks said, adding that many of the operational details trace to historical practice and prior court orders.

Several competing operators argued the practical outcome last year was 68 mopeds being rented from the Harborside area and urged stricter enforcement and penalties for noncompliance. One operator said that, if enforcement is required, the council should clarify fines and remedies and ensure the licensing process and lot restrictions are followed.

The council also pushed applicants on insurance. The town’s licensing application references minimum coverage thresholds (for example, the application language lists minimum property and personal-injury coverage amounts), and councilors asked whether renters are told they are covered by an operator’s liability policy or must rely on their own insurance. Solicitor Nick (last name not specified in the transcript) said he would research state law and prior court rulings and report back to the council on insurer responsibilities and enforcement options.

After extended questioning about historical practice, the council voted to continue the Miles Unlimited application to a scheduled Dec. 5 work session so staff and counsel could provide background on prior court orders, the extent of any temporary restraining order, and the precise lot-based restrictions for 2025 licensing.

What the votes did: The council approved renewals for Aldo’s and Finnimore & Fisher (34-moped licenses with standard conditions) and Ocean State Bikes (34-moped license) by voice vote. The council approved Ocean State Bikes’ and other renewals after applicants confirmed gasoline is stored in approved containers and described their proficiency procedures; the Miles Unlimited application was continued to Dec. 5 for added legal review.

Next steps: Town counsel and trust counsel will be asked to provide written background on prior litigation and the TRO that preserved historical operations; the solicitor will also provide clarification on the town’s ordinance and the minimum insurance provisions. Miles Unlimited’s application will be revisited at the Dec. 5 work session.

Quotes that capture the debate: "We're taking this issue very seriously," a council member said, urging legal review. Martin Milner, an operator, said council scrutiny felt personal: "We are being dragged over the coals… I think this is targeted harassment personally." A competitor urged the council to enforce the ordinance so businesses that followed the rules would not be disadvantaged.

The council also agreed to follow up on enforcement mechanics, possible show-cause hearings for unlicensed operations, and whether the town can require that proficiency testing occur exclusively on designated lots to reduce street test-drives and congestion.

Provenance: Topic appears in council discussion and license agenda Item 7, beginning SEG 384 and running through SEG 2145. Topicintro/topfinish provenance provided below.