TfL and the Mayor of London put their foot down on rickshaws.
Last year, we reported on intentions from the powers that be to say ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to rickshaws (or pedicabs, to use the proper term). They are often unlicensed, cause noise pollution, and can charge extortionate fees for relatively short trips.
As of today (18 February), TfL’s new regulations are beginning to drop — with various pieces of legislation falling into place over the coming year:
🛺 Licences: Drivers will require an enhanced DBS check, a full driving licence or valid theory test certificate, meeting English language requirements, passing an assessment of their safety, equality and regulatory understanding — and meeting minimum medical standards. Licences will be mandatory for drivers and operators from 30 October 2026, and for vehicles from February 2027.
🛺 Fees: TfL wants to enforce maximum journey fares, and plans to implement a base fare of up to £5, and a per-minute charge of up to £1. There’ll be an additional charge of up to £3 for every extra passenger. This structure is expected to come into force on 30 October 2026.
🛺 Noise: External audio (i.e. Dancing Queen/Last Christmas played on loop through crappy speakers) is to be outlawed. This is also expected to be enacted on 30 October 2026.
The idea of all this is not to demonise pedicabs — which, after all, provide an environmentally friendly way of getting around the city. TfL has also pointed out that the new fee structure would mean that drivers could still earn in excess of the London Living Wage.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan — who this week has hinted he could run for a fourth term — said: “After years of campaigning, I’m pleased that TfL will be regulating pedicabs across the capital to ensure they meet proper operational standards.
“Pedicabs should be a fun way to explore London — but too often people face rip-off fares, blaring music and unsafe behaviour. We’re bringing in these new rules so that both customers and drivers can benefit from an industry that is more safe, reliable and professional.”
