TfL to press ahead with pedicab regulation in London following consultation

Pedicabs in the capital are currently unregulated and new regulation could come into force in 2026.

TfL was given the power to regulate pedicabs in public places in London through the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024.

According to TfL’s consultation report, 75% of respondents said they did not feel safe when using a pedicab in London, and 95% agreed that pedicab drivers should be required to pass UK criminal background checks, bringing them into line with taxi and private hire vehicle drivers.

Other results included:

• 97% of respondents felt that pedicabs should have appropriate insurance in place to carry passengers; 
• 92% agreed that the minimum age of a pedicab driver should be 18 years old;
• 96% felt that music and other audio from pedicabs should be controlled (more than 2,400 comments in response to the consultation were about music in the vehicles); 
• 84% selected that pedicabs should not be permitted to use major roads and tunnels like other cycles;
• 85% felt that pedicab fares are too expensive. 

TfL said the consultation responses are now being used to develop detailed policy proposals, which will be subject to a further consultation later this year. 

It added: “This further consultation is necessary to ensure that the pedicab industry and Londoners are able to have their say on TfL's specific proposals for regulations, including details on safety regulations and a potential fare structure, this is with a view to regulations coming into force in early 2026.”

Helen Chapman, TfL's Director of Licensing & Regulation, said: “Pedicabs can provide a unique and green way to see the capital. However, pedicabs have an impact on the safety of the road network and are currently unregulated. Following this first consultation on pedicabs, we are using the responses and comments provided to ensure that the changes work for everyone.

“We look forward to working with the pedicab industry to ensure it is run fairly and safely and continues to be a sustainable mode of transport in the capital." 

Lottie Winson