An illegal motor hidden in a pedicab overheated and caught fire in Central Park, leading to the vehicle being completely destroyed. The incident occurred as the driver, carrying passengers, attempted to ascend a hill. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the occupants managed to exit before the pedicab was engulfed in flames. The FDNY responded and extinguished the fire, while the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs continues its investigation.
This event underscores the ongoing issue of pedicab drivers illegally using motors to enhance their performance, a practice that was first widely reported nearly a year ago. Such motors were banned by the City Council in 2008, but enforcement has been lax, allowing the practice to persist and even grow. Honest pedicab drivers express frustration over the unfair advantage these motors provide, as they allow some to work less strenuously while servicing more customers. Penalties for using such motors include fines up to $4,000 for repeated offenses. Despite efforts to regulate this behavior, enforcement challenges remain, with drivers quickly alerting each other to avoid detection during inspections.
For more information:
https://nypost.com/2014/09/02/pedicab-with-illegal-motor-catches-fire/