Some Islanders may have noticed a strange breed of three-wheeled mini-cars stationed along Lake avenue in the heart of Oak Bluffs this summer. They may have also noticed that the vehicles haven’t budged much from their current parking spaces. And Oak Bluffs town officials say it is likely to stay that way.

Jason Leone, owner and part-owner of three Island moped rental companies, Ride-on Mopeds, Island Hoppers and Kings Rental, brought the unusual vehicles to the Island earlier this summer; some curious observers have described them as resembling bumper cars. Technically they’re “limited use vehicles” and they’re street legal. But Oak Bluffs town administrator Michael Dutton said this week that he expects the town not to allow them to be put into use.

“We thought that they would be licensed under moped rules, but it turns out we do have a licensing role since these aren’t technically mopeds,” Mr. Dutton said.

He said the town would have to develop new bylaws or regulations before the vehicles could putter around Oak Bluffs. He also noted that the selectmen have invited Mr. Leone to attend their meeting on August 24 to discuss the issue. Until then, Mr. Dutton said, Mr. Leone will not be able to rent the vehicles. The town has sent a letter to Mr. Leone advising him not to rent the vehicles until the licensing issues are resolved.

“He came to us at the beginning of the season and was very up-front and honest about what he wanted to do,” Mr. Dutton said, “but just having them parked downtown the board has already received some complaints about how they look.”

The vehicles, known as Scoot Coupes, are built by Panther Motors of Tamarac, Fla. Last year the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles began licensing “limited use vehicles” after a state law passed promoting alternative, so-called green vehicles. According to Panther Motors, Scoot Coupes have a fuel efficiency of 70 to 80 miles per gallon.

While mopeds and other motorized bicycles by law cannot exceed 30 miles per hour, limited use vehicles occupy a slightly higher range of 30 to 40 miles per hour, and given the rancorous debate over the safety of mopeds on the Island, Scoot Coupes likely face an uphill battle.

Mr. Leone had no comment about the issue.