Cycle rickshaw

A bicycle taxi, also pedicab is a bicycle that is used for the transport of passengers or goods by bike couriers. In contrast to the traditional rickshaw bicycle rickshaw is not pulled by the driver, but driven by his pedaling. Whether the passenger with bicycle taxis in Germany is allowed without further ado, is still controversial. After only previous Supreme Court decision on this issue, the decision of the Higher Regional Court Dresden of 11 October 2004, the carriage of passengers on bicycle taxis without prior permission is allowed. At the same assessment came a nationwide case -noticed from Augsburg, in a pedicab business owners between 2004 and 2006 fought with the Land Transport Authority and was awarded the Werner - Bonhoff Prize 2007.

Dissemination

Most popular is the bicycle taxi in East Africa, where it is called Bodaboda. The passenger sits behind the driver on an upholstered back seat on the luggage rack. In most countries, this standard bicycle taxi (two adults on a bicycle ) is not permitted. Nowadays, in the larger cities Motorcycle taxis are used, however, almost exclusively.

In many larger cities, there are bicycle taxis for tourist purposes, often times there are however a winter break. The bicycle taxis are usually used for sightseeing tours or short to medium target trips. Each of them can cover a distance of about 10,000 kilometers per year. Furthermore, cycle-rickshaws can be hired in some places, which is used for special occasions, such as weddings.

Technology

The modern form of rickshaw often has an auxiliary electric motor to assist in start-up and on inclines. The rickshaws of European and American manufacturers are now technically so far advanced that they are fundamentally different from the usually stiff rickshaws from the Far East. Lightweight construction, gears and auxiliary engines characterize the modern bicycle taxis.

Business models

Thanks to its presence in busy city centers Book Advertisers often surfaces on the vehicles. Some bicycle rickshaw entrepreneurs make their money mainly with these line items. They guarantee for a taxi operation of rickshaws at fixed times. The drives are done usually by self employed drivers who drive on their own account and pay to the holder of a lease to cover the maintenance costs.