Pedicab Rider at a Busy Tourist Spot

Tourists, groups on a night out, couples, event-goers and people who want a short ride through a busy downtown.

Fares or tips per ride, or a set price per trip or per time block. Longer sightseeing rides and evening or event shifts usually bring in the most. Income is strongest in warm months and on busy weekends.

• Good fitness and stamina
• Friendly, chatty and confident with strangers
• Safe riding in traffic and crowds
• Local knowledge of sights and routes

• Some municipalities restrict, cap or ban pedicabs, or limit where you can stand, so check before you buy
• Commercial general liability insurance covering passengers; some insurers may not cover pedicabs, so shop around
• Electric-assist rules differ by province and may affect licensing, so check your provincial rules
• Passenger safety: lights, brakes, seat belts or other equipment may be required locally
• Seasonal income and weather: plan for little or no work in winter in many areas
• Register as a sole proprietor and check whether you need GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated around $4,000 to $12,000, depending on the pedicab you choose, whether it has electric assist, and your insurance and equipment. Check local rules before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your location, the hours you work and the season. Income is seasonal, so plan for little or no work in winter in many areas.

Check whether your municipality restricts, caps or bans pedicabs or limits where you can stand. Also check passenger liability insurance, provincial electric-assist rules, local equipment requirements, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.