New York Pedicab Services Blog & News

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

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/

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/

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/