Choosing the BEST possible Eco-Taxi

How did I choose the model of pedicab that I wish to use?

I got recommendations from practical and smart friends such as Chad and Kim, who have a wonderful tandem bike rental business at the Forks in Winnipeg. Chad found Main Street Pedicabs on the Internet, out of Colorado, and recommended them. They have a very safe, well designed and rugged pedicab. It is also very aesthetically appealing and has a very nice "heritage" horse and buggy type of look, (minus the horse!) I also found the VeloTaxi recumbent on the Internet, and had some very helpful documents, background materials and hints for purchase and operation forwarded to me by the manufacturers. Beyond technical information, both companies really believe in forwarding the ecological cause of moving people by human power.


So with my initial basic research done, I rigged up a regular rickshaw to an inexpensive recumbent bike, and I learned by doing for several months last year.

I learned that even small hills are really tough on a recumbent bike with 400 pounds of people behind it! I learned that 8 to 10 minutes gets you just about anywhere in downtown Winnipeg with a pedicab. I learned that kids and seniors and every age in between enjoy riding in a bicycle rickshaw. I learned that people with mobility impairments and impaired vision REALLY appreciate the mobility that a pedicab can bring to them. I learned that it is very rewarding to take visitors on tours, and to help them get to know a new city and its heritage and natural wonders.

So now I am going to spend 4 months learning a lot more about what transportation and hospitality services people will really appreciate through the use of a pedicab. I will be trying out 2 models... the Main Street Pedicab with a conventional mountain bike in front, and a German model, the VeloTaxi... which has a roof, smaller seating area, but a really innovative recumbent bike design on the front. I will let you know how they both perform... The reaction to both designs by those I have surveyed has been unanimously positive and exciting and very supportive...

I intend on making my pedicabs available to owner operators for $20 per 4 hour shift, but only to operators who have a valid driver's license, and who have taken a 2 day hospitality and safety training program to become eligible to become independent contractors, serving the public with pedicab service. I look forward to feedback from my readers and from my customers as to what works the best for them...

My first Main Street Pedicab should be running on the streets and pathways of Winnipeg within 2 weeks. I will post some pictures of our amazing scenery, and the first ecological and happy customers that go traveling and exploring the downtown with me!

In the mean time, take a look at the pictures at the end of the blog postings, for one more glimpse of the "Eco-Taxis" that are on the way to Winnipeg Manitoba!

I am going to try and post active transportation, cycling and pedicab comments daily throughout the summer, (excluding Sunday, so that my fingers have one day off!)

See you tomorrow...