The Oak Bluffs select board renewed licenses for two moped rental companies Tuesday amid conversations about how to increase safety for riders.

Board chair Dion Alley announced that the board plans to hold a public hearing to discuss the possibility of restricting mopeds to only allow single riders.

Islanders have argued against mopeds for years following deaths and injuries incurred by the riders. The idea to limit mopeds to single riders was introduced by select board member Tom Hallahan at a select board meeting last month, when the discussion to renew the licenses for Ride-On Mopeds and Island Hoppers began.

“Having another individual on not a very large seat, that extra weight I think really puts both individuals, and anybody else in the community, at risk,” Mr. Hallahan said.

Mr. Hallahan cited the town’s bylaw, which says that the board can create additional rules deemed to be in the best interest of public safety, as a way to introduce the restriction.

At the meeting on Tuesday, select board member Mark Leonard urged Aguimar Carlos, who owns Ride-On Mopeds and Island Hoppers, to voluntarily take up the restriction.

Todd Rebello, a former selectman who came to the meeting with Mr. Carlos, told the board that restricting mopeds to single riders may have unintended consequences and put people less comfortable driving a moped on the road.

“You’re going to put people on the moped that may pass the initial test…but they may be better on the back of the moped,” he said.

He added that he and the owners both welcome further discussion.

The vote to renew the licenses was reached after a discussion that spanned two meetings. Mr. Alley said at the first meeting that he had asked town counsel if there were options to not renew the licenses, given the past crashes on the Island. 

“We understand it is a business, somebody’s business and their livelihood, but it still, I think, puts the town at risk, puts our visitors at risk,” he said at the meeting last month. “The board is required to approve the license.”