As Oak Bluffs selectmen prepare to hold hearings to review licenses of three rental moped companies, their town counsel has advised that effectively banning moped rentals would violate state law.

Debate about moped rentals and town enforcement flared up again in Oak Bluffs after the owner of a moped rental company asked for a waiver of the town’s requirement for a test track on his properties.

Tisbury selectmen have agreed to bulk up safety requirements for moped rentals in response to a complaint filed this week.

Recent efforts to restrict moped rentals on the Island follow 40 years of moped debate on the Island, with serious moped accidents often followed by public outcry and attempts to reform bylaws or curb rentals, with varying degrees of success.

Results from a Vineyard Gazette community survey about mopeds on Martha’s Vineyard show year-round and seasonal residents share strong opposition to moped rentals on the Island.

Retired Chilmark police chief Timothy Rich is back on the job again, serving as acting chief and continuing a long battle against moped rentals on the Island.

The Vineyard Gazette’s Community Surveys project is launching an online survey about public attitudes toward mopeds and moped rentals.

A group of Islanders who have mobilized against moped rentals on the Island came before the Oak Bluffs selectmen this week with a formal complaint against the town.

During a long discussion Tuesday, Oak Bluffs selectmen vowed to take steps to improve moped safety, including revising and enforcing town bylaws.

Oak Bluffs selectmen are examining whether the Island’s largest moped rental dealer is operating on town property.