Pedicab (Rickshaw):
Taxis Without An Attitude

Directory of Pedicab Transportation Service (Taxi) Companies An attempt at a worldwide directory of human powered taxi services.

Pedicab/Rickshaw Manufacturers Go here if you want to buy one or a fleet.

Starting a Pedicab Taxi Company We have collected a few leads if you want to get into the business.

Pedicab Links: Regulatory Resources, History, Styles, Code of Conduct, etc.

Forming a Pedicab Association.

Chasing Rickshaws (Lonely Planet Pictorial Series), by Tony Wheeler and Richard I'anson, contains interesting history and lovely images of pedicabs in Agra, Calcutta, Hanoi, Macau, Penang, Singapore, Beijing, Dhaka, Hong Kong, Manila, Rangoon and Yogykarta.

Starting a Pedicab Taxi Company

There is quite a bite of variation in the structure of pedicab companies. We don't know of any study that has catalogued the variations.  In generally, the company owners generate revenue by selling advertising space on the vehicles and renting them to drivers. The owners advertise the business and administer/coordinate any central dispatching.  A common structure is for the drivers to pay a daily fee (rent) for the use of the pedicab. The drivers generate income by selling their transportation and supplemental services (concierge, city guide, entertainment, etc.)  In some communities licenses are required for the vehicles and/or the drivers.  Business licenses and insurance coverage can also be required.  Check with the local jurisdictions for the specifics of local ordinances.

The following might be helpful (if you know of others please let us know):

• Big Tree Pedicab Management provide training and consulting for the pedicab industry.
• Bridge Insurance Associates and ISU Insurance have experience with pedicab companies.
• Pedicab/Rickshaw Manufacturers
• Pops Pedicabs, Ramona, CA. Email: pops @popspedicabs.com *.  Tel: 760-799-4416. Website has "Info" and "Links" section that will be helpful to people interested in getting into the business.

• Rickshaw Forum Buy, sell, jobs, etc. This site has a lot of links and information.

• Skyline Pedicabs, Ontario CA, at one time they included on their web site a business models and some interesting examples of how it has been able to expand its market.  You might ask if it is still available. Email: info @ skylinepedicab.com *. Tel: 909-702-5322.
• Some company owners, who are not in your area and feel like you would be a competitor, are willing to share their experiences.  You will have to contact them and see.