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 and Getting Insurance We have collected a few leads if you want to get into the business.

Pedicab Forum Discussions relating to the hardware and business of  rickshaws and pedicabs.

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

Pedicab Operators Associations.

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

Rickshaw and Pedicab Bans Unfortunately there have been numerous bans on rickshaws and Pedicab.  Some of the major bans have been in Dhaka, Bangladesh, several cities in India and Jakarta, Indonesia.  Each has a severe impact on the livelihoods they destroy and the environments the force to be more carbon dependent.  An Internet search will lead to more information on these atrocities.  It has been a long and heat issue in Dhaka.  A couple of posting are:

• Syed Saiful Alam Blog (Dhaka rickshaw ban)
• Kathryn Hummels Article (Dhaka rickshaw ban)

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.

When selecting a pedicab manufacture for purchasing pedicabs there is more to consider than just price; such as safety, weight, warranty, gearing, durability, ride smoothness, passenger comfort (space, sitting surface, sun/rain protection, etc), advertising space, ease of maintenance, curb appeal, delivery, etc.

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

• Insurance: Bridge Insurance Associates, ISU Insurance and Nielsen Insurance have experience with pedicab companies.
• Big Tree Pedicab Management provide training and consulting for the pedicab industry.
• 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.
• Many pedicab company owners, outside of your market (non-competitor) are often willing to freely share their experiences.  Contact them directly and see.