Transport for London (TfL) is pressing ahead with plans to regulate pedicabs in London for the first time, to protect customers from extortionate over-charging and remove dangerous, unsafe vehicles from the streets.
New detailed proposals, launched today as part of a six-week consultation open to Londoners, businesses and pedicab operators, follow overwhelming support for regulation of the industry from Londoners during an initial consultation earlier this year, particularly for regulating driver and safety standards.
The proposals include:
Enhanced criminal record checks and medical checks for drivers, as well as driver assessments
Introducing annual licensing inspections for pedicabs, which would include checking items such as brakes, tyres, appropriate lighting and other mechanical parts as well as batteries for any pedicabs that are electrically assisted
Regulated fares to be based on journey time with a per minute rate and a minimum fare
Prohibiting the use of externally amplified audio on pedicabs, reducing noise disruption
Driver ID badges to be issued and licence plates to be fixed on the pedicab
Pedicab drivers to only stop to pick up or drop off where it is safe to do so for the passengers, driver and other road users and where stopping is permitted
The second consultation, announced today, will seek views on detailed proposals for licensing pedicab drivers, vehicles and operators in London, including safety standards, fair fare structures and insurance requirements. It marks a key step towards introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework for pedicabs at the earliest possible time, which is early 2026.
The proposals have been carefully informed by the feedback received from TfL’s first consultation in June 2025 [1], alongside other key factors including the potential impacts on the pedicab industry, local residents, businesses and passengers and the challenges of implementing licensing regulations.
TfL’s proposals aim to ensure that pedicabs are driven, maintained and operated in a safe and professional manner, while preserving their role as a sustainable and enjoyable way to experience the city.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Pedicabs should be a fun and green way to see the sights of our city, but without regulation some drivers are behaving unsafely and anti-socially. That’s why I’ll be pressing ahead with new measures to ensure pedicabs are safe and the industry can continue to thrive in the future.
“I’ve always been clear that regulation and licensing for the pedicabs industry in London is needed so that we can significantly improve safety, drive-up standards and bring an end to tourists and Londoners being over-charged.
“TfL has already received overwhelming support for regulation of the industry, and I encourage Londoners, businesses, and operators to have their say on the new proposals so that we can continue building a fairer and safer London for everyone.”
