Part One:
As of Summertime 2026, the troubling comments about certain pedicab experiences in NYC remain a common occurrence. So much so in fact that NYC City Council is addressing certain behaviors with current legislation. (More on this topic to follow). Indeed, we would often field complaints that came in to the best practices email account about these experiences, and even though they were not our pedicabs or drivers, we would try to assist (which we did famously in one incident where a Texas family of four was grossly overcharged…and it made major headlines in the NY Post). Hence, this page is a guide to how to hire a pedicab properly and have a great experience. Practice some basic pre-trip pedicab and pedicab driver vetting before setting off. So see below, hire smartly, and have fun.
Part Two: What to Look For
Just as you inspect the freshness date on a food purchase, or verify that your for hire car has a TLC plate, take the following steps in the future:
- verify that the pedicab has a city issued registration sticker (at the front of the pedicab on the steerer tube — currently 4 numbers on a light blue sticker);
- verify that the pedicab has rate cards displayed conspicuously (required by city law) expressed as per minute per trip (not per person);
- note that per minute rates can vary greatly — the city only requires that the per minute rate be clearly posted in 3 places;
- verify that there is a stopwatch to track the time, and watch that the driver engages it when starting the trip;
- verify that the pedicab driver is wearing a city issued pedicab driver license and it’s not expired. Don’t see it — ask to see it;
- take a photo of the driver as you begin your trip, in case you need this in the future. Be nice about it.
- ask for a business card or other identifying information about the owner of the pedicab and the person operating it;
- verify the rate per minute with the driver before starting your trip, or arrange for a flat fee, not a per person fee.
- Of course, you can agree on a set price for the trip, but it must not be for an amount that is higher than that indicated by the trip expressed in a per minute charge (rates must be stated in dollar amounts per minute). So a ten minute trip at $3.00 per minute can only be $30.00 for the entire group aboard, although it can also be discounted.
- When pedicabs are good, however, they can be amazing. Choose wisely, and have fun!
HOW TO CONTACT US:
While we continue to revise the website and update all of our legacy pages, feel free to email us at info[at]manhattanrickshaw[dot]com or click EMAIL US at
https://www.manhattanrickshaw.com/contact/
