New York Pedicab Services Blog & News

The NYPD seized 77 unlicensed pedicabs in Midtown Manhattan, including near major landmarks, as part of a crackdown on illegal operations. The operation also resulted in 100 summonses and the confiscation of a moped and two speakers. City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, representing Midtown, praised the enforcement action in response to numerous complaints about noise and overcharging by pedicabs. The crackdown highlights issues with pedicab regulations, particularly around the use of motorized pedicabs, which are currently illegal despite their popularity among drivers and customers for easing the physical strain of pedaling. Pedicab operators are calling for changes to allow motor-assisted pedicabs, similar to the legalization of e-bikes for delivery workers, to improve the sustainability of their business and reduce the risk of overcharging scams by unlicensed drivers.

For more information:

https://gothamist.com/news/nypd-cracks-down-on-dozens-of-illegal-pedicabs-in-midtown-manhattan

Council Member Erik Bottcher is calling for increased oversight and regulation of pedicabs in New York City, particularly in the Theater District, Hell’s Kitchen, and Times Square, after receiving numerous complaints about their disruptive noise and unfair pricing practices. According to Bottcher, pedicabs are not only causing a nuisance by playing music loudly enough to interfere with Broadway shows but are also engaging in price gouging, with reports of tourists being significantly overcharged, including an instance where a couple was charged over $500 for a mere 20-minute ride. Pedicabs are legally required to display their pricing clearly, similar to taxis, yet there have been persistent issues with riders being overcharged. Bottcher has addressed a letter to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, the NYPD, and the Department of Environmental Protection, urging them to enforce existing regulations more effectively and to consider introducing new rules to combat these problems.

For more information:

https://patch.com/new-york/midtown-nyc/bottcher-takes-dead-aim-loud-scammy-pedicabs-hells-kitchen

In Midtown NYC, a pedicab driver spat in a woman’s face and used a transphobic slur against her. The incident occurred at 5:55 p.m. on May 31 near Saks Fifth Avenue on East 50th Street. The driver, while transporting passengers, derogatorily referred to the 27-year-old victim as a “tranny.” Following an exchange of words between the two, the driver spat in the woman’s face and fled the scene, although the victim managed to record him on her smartphone. The Hate Crimes Task Force is actively searching for the suspect, and the public is urged to contact Crime Stoppers with any relevant information.

For more information:

Glass House Tavern, a popular restaurant in the theatre district, faced a flood of negative Google reviews due to a dispute with local pedicab drivers. The conflict arose after the restaurant posted a sign detailing the pedicabs’ high pricing to deter their congregation outside the nearby Lena Horne Theatre, which led to aggressive behavior towards the restaurant’s staff. In retaliation, pedicab drivers seemingly coordinated to leave negative reviews on the restaurant’s Google listing, with many being flagged and removed for fraudulence. In response, Glass House Tavern called on its patrons for support, leading to an influx of positive reviews from fans and Broadway personalities, praising the restaurant for its ambiance and offerings, helping to counteract the impact of the negative campaign.

For more information:

https://playbill.com/article/broadway-eatery-glass-house-tavern-targeted-with-negative-reviews-following-dispute-with-pedicab-drivers