Category: News

Here are five strategies to avoid being scammed by pedicab drivers in New York City, especially given the recent regulations requiring clear posting of per-minute rates:

1. Educate Yourself on Local Laws: Before taking a pedicab, familiarize yourself with the city’s regulations, which mandate that pedicabs can only charge a per-minute rate with no hidden fees. Print out and carry the Department of Consumer Affairs guidelines to show to the driver if necessary.
2. Choose Experienced Drivers: While this advice could be seen as problematic, some suggest opting for older, more experienced drivers who may be less likely to overcharge. However, this advice should be approached with caution to avoid discriminatory practices.
3. Record the Driver’s ID: Make a note of the driver’s identification number or name. Letting the driver know you have this information might deter them from attempting to overcharge you.
4. Be Vocal If Scammed: If you suspect you’re being overcharged, don’t hesitate to confront the driver loudly or call for police assistance. Making a scene might prompt the driver to relent rather than risk a public confrontation.
5. Consider Alternatives to Pedicabs: Given the potential for scams and the general inconvenience and discomfort of pedicabs, consider other forms of transportation around the city, such as walking, taking a bus, or a subway, which might offer a more reliable and pleasant experience.

These tips aim to protect tourists and residents from falling victim to overcharging practices that have been a significant issue with some unscrupulous pedicab drivers in New York City.

For more information:

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2013/07/new-york-city-pedicab-scam-how-not-to-get-scammed-by-a-pedicab-driver.html

New pedicab regulations designed to prevent scams and enhance rider transparency have taken effect in New York City. Under these rules, pedicab drivers are required to prominently display their rates on their carriages and time rides using stopwatches calibrated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The law mandates that charges be calculated by the minute, eliminating per-passenger surcharges and other additional fees. Each operator must also provide information cards that act as receipts, detailing the driver’s name, rate, and contact information. These measures, supported by the NYC Pedicab Owners Association, were introduced following numerous complaints about excessive charges, including rides costing up to $400 for just 14 blocks, and the addition of unjustified surcharges. On the first day of implementation, rates observed in areas like Times Square and Central Park ranged from $2.50 to $4.75 per minute. Pedicab driver Irving Ferreira expressed support for the new rules, noting that they would curb the exploitation prevalent among a minority within the profession.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/07/13/city-rolls-out-no-cam-pedicab-rules/

New pedicab regulations have taken effect in New York City to prevent riders from being overcharged. These rules require pedicab drivers to clearly display their prices, use stopwatches calibrated by the Department of Consumer Affairs to time rides, and charge solely by the minute without any per-passenger surcharges or additional fees. These measures were introduced following numerous incidents where tourists faced exorbitant charges for short rides, including a case where Japanese tourists were charged $720 for a 20-minute ride, a gross overcharge from the displayed $5 rate.

The NYC Pedicab Owners Association supports these changes, emphasizing that they will make it harder for unscrupulous drivers to exploit riders with “phantom charges” on top of already high fees. The city’s new law also requires that each pedicab driver carry information cards that act as receipts, providing transparency about the driver’s identity and rates. The city will enforce these rules strictly, with penalties reaching up to $1,000 for repeated offenses. These regulations aim to restore fairness and transparency to the pedicab industry, which has been plagued by deceitful pricing practices.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-pedicab-rules-to-prevent-riders-from-getting-ripped-off-take-effect/

In Midtown Manhattan, pedicab pricing can feel like the Wild West due to its unregulated nature. A striking example occurred last August when a tourist was charged $442 for a 15-minute ride that spanned less than a mile. Initially, the pedicab driver quoted a dollar per block, only to reveal a $100 minimum per person at the trip’s end, then requested a tip. This incident underscores the unpredictability and potential for exploitation in pedicab fares.

To address these issues, New York City, collaborating with pedicab representatives like Laramie Flick, president of the pedicab owners association, has devised new regulations. Set to take effect next week, these rules mandate that drivers post their rates clearly and charge consistently per minute, applying uniformly to all customers. While Flick supports these changes, not all drivers are pleased. Ibrahim Donmez, a veteran driver, argues for rate flexibility based on factors like route difficulty, weather conditions, or passenger count, emphasizing the bespoke nature of a human-powered service like pedicabs. These new regulations aim to protect tourists and ensure a fairer transaction process.

For more information:

https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2013/07/09/199048226/how-to-spend-442-on-a-15-minute-cab-ride

Pedicabs in Midtown Manhattan offer an alternative to taxis during rush hour, but their pricing is often unpredictable, leading to cases where tourists are overcharged. For example, one passenger was charged $442 for a 15-minute ride that covered less than a mile. Pedicab drivers in New York City currently set their own rates, which can lead to confusion or exploitation. To address this, new regulations set to take effect will require drivers to post clear, per-minute rates that apply uniformly to all customers. While some, like Laramie Flick, president of the pedicab owners association, support the changes, others, like driver Ibrahim Donmez, believe fares should remain negotiable based on factors like terrain, weather, and passenger load.

For more information:

https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2013/07/09/199048226/how-to-spend-442-on-a-15-minute-cab-ride

Pedicab drivers in New York City who have been overcharging riders with deceptive fares are now under strict scrutiny due to a new law that takes effect on July 12. This law requires all pedicab drivers to use official stopwatches to time rides, charge by the minute or set a flat rate, and clearly display prices on visible signs. These measures aim to curb the rampant overcharging practices, where some drivers charged hundreds of dollars for short rides. The NYC Pedicab Owners’ Association supports the law, with many drivers already complying by installing meters and preparing official receipts. However, some drivers resist the new regulations, expressing doubt about enforcement. The law was passed after reports of extreme overcharging, such as a Texas family being billed $442 for a 12-minute ride.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/07/01/pedicab-drivers-will-have-to-follow-strict-new-rules-when-it-comes-to-charging-customers/

A crackdown on rogue pedicab drivers in New York City is set to take effect with new rules aimed at preventing passengers from being overcharged. These new regulations, which begin on July 12, will require pedicab drivers to post clear signs with rates charged by the minute and use stopwatches calibrated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The move comes in response to numerous complaints of extreme overcharging, including one instance where a Japanese tourist was charged $720 for a 20-minute ride. Legitimate pedicab drivers support these changes, acknowledging that some drivers have been taking advantage of customers with confusing pricing. They warn passengers to be cautious until the new rules are enforced, as rogue drivers may try to exploit people while they still can.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-rules-will-soon-bring-rogue-pedicab-drivers-ridiculous-fares-to-a-screeching-halt/

Avci, a pedicab driver facing 27 charges, admitted to violating a regulation by loading four passengers into his cab when the limit is three but denied other allegations, including illegally adding sales tax to fares. One notable instance involved a Texas family whose $406 fare was inflated to $442.54 due to the unauthorized tax. Avci claimed the tax was automatically added by his credit card processor and insisted he didn’t realize it was illegal until it was reported by The Post. He also blamed his poor English skills for failing to properly report six summonses on his license renewal application. Despite the numerous charges, his lawyer argued they were not severe enough to justify revoking his license. A decision on his case is expected within 30 days.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/06/18/a-hail-of-a-nerve-442-rip-off-pedicabby-whine/

Savas Avci, a pedicab driver accused of scamming tourists by charging exorbitant fares, is facing an administrative court hearing that could result in the loss of his pedicab license. Although he wasn’t initially breaking any laws with his high prices, new city regulations now restrict what pedicabs can charge. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is pursuing action against Avci for allegedly overloading his pedicab, falsifying receipts, and unlawfully charging sales tax—practices that are illegal for pedicab operators. One notable incident involved Avci charging a Texas family $442.54 for a 12-minute ride, which included hidden fees and an unauthorized sales tax. The DCA aims to revoke his license due to these violations.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/04/15/ny-brake-pedi-con/

Osman Zenk, a pedicab operator who previously had his license revoked for allegedly controlling more than 100 pedicabs—well over the city’s limit of 30—can regain his license after a Manhattan judge ruled in his favor. The court decision hinged on the definition of “immediate family,” as Zenk argued that his mother-in-law, Elda Pastor, who runs Cycle Cab Inc. from his garage, should not count as part of his immediate family. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Joan Lobis agreed, allowing Zenk to reclaim his license. However, city officials still suspect that Zenk is finding ways to bypass the fleet size limit.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/04/10/pedicab-honcho-scores-kin-win/