City and tourist-area cycle rickshaw

Tourists, groups on a night out, couples and families who want a short, fun ride.

A fare per ride or per trip, or a short sightseeing loop at a set price. Busy evenings, weekends, holidays and event days earn the most.

• Good fitness, or comfort riding an electric-assist bike
• Friendly and confident with strangers
• Local knowledge of sights and routes
• Safe, careful riding in traffic and crowds

• Council permits or approvals for carrying passengers for hire, which differ by state and council and may not be available in some areas
• Whether your state treats a pedicab as a bicycle, or has rules on registration, motor power limits or passenger numbers
• Public liability and passenger injury cover, so check what insurers will offer
• Weather, seasonal swings and the physical demands of long shifts
• Competition for good spots and safe riding around late-night crowds

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you buy a pedal or electric-assist rickshaw, new or second-hand, and the insurance and permits you need.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the hours you ride, your location and the season. Weather and the physical demands of long shifts can limit your hours.

Check council permits or approvals for carrying passengers for hire, which differ by state and council and may not be available in some areas. Also check whether your state treats a pedicab as a bicycle, plus rules on registration, motor power and passenger numbers, and insurance.