New York Pedicab Services Blog & News

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/

Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a new law aimed at regulating pedicab fares in New York City to prevent confusing and exorbitant charges, such as a Texas family being charged over $400 for a 14-block ride. The new rules, effective next summer, will require pedicabs to charge by the minute, with visible timers, instead of the current system of charging by block and per passenger, which often includes hidden fees. The law, sponsored by City Councilor Daniel Garodnick, is intended to protect passengers from unexpected or illegal charges. About 700 pedicabs operate in the city, mainly serving tourists.

For more information:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2012/12/15/nyc-mayor-signs-law-restricting-pedicab-fares/qoxJFcfosnk6UasJY0QORJ/story.html

Mayor Michael Bloomberg postponed signing a proposal aimed at regulating pedicab rates, citing concerns about potential discrimination against pedicab drivers. The proposal, which had unanimous City Council support, would require pedicabs to charge by the minute with a visible timer to prevent price-gouging. This comes after incidents like a Texas family being charged $442 for a 14-block ride. Pedicab owner Ibrahim Donmez argued that the rate system is unfair and discriminatory, suggesting that drivers should provide written fare estimates instead. Pedicabs have been under scrutiny since 2007, leading to licensing, safety standards, and fleet caps, with continued efforts to regulate the industry. Bloomberg, an advocate for pedicabs as eco-friendly, said he would decide on the measure by Friday.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mayor-bloomberg-halts-proposal-on-nyc-pedicab-charges/