A pedicab is a modern day rickshaw. Whereas as a rickshaw is cart like carriage powered by a human, either on foot or cycling seating or or two passengers, a pedicab is specifically a cycle powered carriage. London has seen pedicabs used for ferrying fare paying passengers since 1998 when introduced by a company called Bugbugs and have continued to increase in numbers ever since (250-400 by 2005). They are normally used only for very short distances of a couple of blocks. Drawing a range of opinions from a great sight and idea to a total nuisance causing traffic problems and blocking emergency exits. There is also the problem of the cycle rickshaws having nothing to identify them and so they are not covered by the same rules as other motor vehicles who are liable to fines for illegal parking or use of the roads.
They are also a focus of controversy. Legislation prevents anyone other than a licensed Taxi from plying for hire within London. However the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 had a loophole that was exploited by the pedicab operators who spotted that the legislation did not cover 'stage carriages'. A legal challenge to their right to ply for fare paying passengers failed in 2002.

Currently you will only see them in central London around Soho and theatreland mostly (Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street). In Canary Wharf they have been used to give free rides and funded by advertising.  For some they are a practical form of short haul transport and for others simply a fun thing to ride on see London at the same time. While you can own and operate your pedicab, most of the riders in London hire their vehicle from a fleet operator, normally on a weekly basis (can be daily and monthly too), and then keep the fares they collect. Its not unusual for fares to differ wildly between riders who often will match fares to the type of passenger they have on board. In 2004 the London Pedicab Operators Association (LPOA) was formed to try and bring some uniformity and accepted code of practice to the riders and companies hiring the vehicles. This is a voluntary organisation and not all operators belong to it. One of the changes the LPOA brought about among their members was that the riders agree the fare before setting off on the ride and thus not springing a nasty large fare surprise on their passengers when it was to late to complain. Their riders also are required to carry ID. Therefore, feel free anyone try to overcharge you.

As we all know these are bikes are due to follow electric cycle and cycle rules, all our riders follow these rules. Please contact us if you have any unpleasant journey or for any recommendations or feedback.