New York mulls stricter rules for tourist pedicabs

Pedicabs wait for customers in Central Park in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016. A city plan to improve working conditions for Central Park's carriage horses also contains a provision that would protect their turf by banning pedicabs from the parts of the park frequented by tourists.

New York lawmakers mulled a bill Wednesday to regulate pedicabs, which swarm touristy areas like Times Square and Central Park and have drawn criticism for overcrowding, excessive noise and extortionate pricing.

The city council is considering a series of measures designed to regulate the three-wheeled vehicles, often adorned in neon lights and blasting music as they shuttle visitors around Manhattan.

The number of pedicabs authorized in New York is capped at 840 but, according to figures shared at a council hearing, around 1,500 are currently operating -- only 330 of which are licensed.

Meanwhile, price gouging can mean unsuspecting tourists can be charged upward of US$1,000 for rides that last just 20 minutes.

City Council Member Gale Brewer, who is behind a large part of the proposed measures, said the city received 172 complaints in 2025 related to pedicabs.

“Half, 86, involved overcharging, and another 35 involved unlicensed operators, and there were probably more because often tourists don’t complain,” she said.

Brewer is pushing for “clearer rules” on the sector and wants to place it under the oversight of the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission.

“Passengers need to know what they are being charged and who is responsible for the pedicab they are riding in,” she said, adding that vehicles should be equipped with meters displaying the cost of rides.

Another proposed regulation would introduce a fixed per-minute rate.

Brewer is also calling for driver training focused on current regulations and safety.

Meanwhile, council member Harvey Epstein relayed noise complaints from theater companies.

“It’s not working for the Broadway productions that are interrupted by loud noise blaring from pedicabs outside their theaters,” he said.

Among the new rules proposed is a ban on stopping within 15 meters of the entrances and exits of these venues.