Rickshaws in the United States
Novelty transport with environmental benefits in U.S. cities.
Rickshaws, also known as pedicabs, operate in numerous cities across the United States, valued mainly for their novelty as an entertaining transport option for tourists and locals. They offer environmental benefits and can be quicker than other modes during heavy traffic. Their use is subject to varying local regulations.
Overview
The first known commercial pedicab use in North America was at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. San Diego and New York City each host hundreds of pedicabs, with dozens of other U.S. cities also offering services. In New York, pedicabs are marketed as environmentally friendly, but locals often view them as tourist vehicles due to high fares and aggressive driver sales pitches. A 20-block ride for two costs $50, compared to under $10 by taxicab. Peter Meitzler of Manhattan Rickshaw Company notes that passengers get a different urban experience in a rickshaw, and he uses the word "rickshaw" because it is internationally recognized.
Pedicab availability
Pedicabs are available in numerous cities including Albuquerque, Austin, Baltimore, Bellingham, Burlington, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Chico, Cincinnati, Columbus, Corvallis, Denver, Detroit, El Paso, Eugene, Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Harrisburg, Houston, Indianapolis, Lawrence, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Newport, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland (Maine), Portland (Oregon), Provincetown, Raleigh, Rochester, Saint Paul, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Monica, Savannah, Seattle, Tempe, Virginia Beach, and Washington, DC. In Austin, drivers must be licensed by the city Ground Transportation department, with driving and criminal background checks; companies must register and carry liability insurance, and pedicabs must be registered and inspected. Boston's Police Department regulates pedicab proliferation, requiring companies and drivers to register with the city. Denver requires companies to hold business, tax licenses, and insurance, subject to Traffic Engineer inspections; drivers need a pedal cab operator's license from the Office of Excise and License, and pedicabs may operate anywhere in Denver County except during certain daytime restrictions, with sport venues like Invesco Field and the Pepsi Center setting their own access rules. Kansas City requires companies to hold and annually renew business, tax licenses, and insurance; rickshaws undergo annual city inspection and must display a carriage license with vehicle capacity; drivers need a carriage driver's license from the city department of licensing and registration, verified through a driving history check, criminal background check, and physical.
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