AUSTIN, Texas -- Austin Transportation Department officials are recommending to turn a pilot program with pedicabs into a more permanent initiative. For the past 18 months, some downtown pedicab drivers have been getting a big boost, thanks to electric-assist motors.
- Electric-assist motors currently a pilot program
- Pedicab operators say they improve performance and safety
- Austin City Council to consider issue September 19
There are more than 400 licensed pedicabs on the streets of Austin, and since early 2018, nearly 70 have been equipped with these motors. Jacob Culberson, ATD’s mobility services division manager, said drivers on their own will typically travel 12 to 15 miles in a shift, but one that is operating a pedicab with a motor installed will go 20 to 30 miles.
“It really enables them to expand their boundaries. It also enables those who may not be interested in piloting a regular pedicab, to get into the pedicab business and make some extra money,” Culberson said.
David Knipp, the owner and operator of Movemint Bike Cab, said pushing with a motor helps one to travel farther distances and to easily go up steep hills. Riding north on Congress Avenue, Knipp said he feels he is able to devote more energy to connecting with his customers.
“It’s a game changer if you ask me. In a big way, it’s helping us increase our accessibility to the public, to the marketplace. It’s increasing our circulation in and around town,” Knipp said.
Another pedicab business owner and operator, Patricia Schaub, of Firefly Class Transport, said she noticed that because of the electric-assist motors it is easier to get more rides done in a shift, as well as get up the next day to start up again.
“I used to do triathlons. Especially, an event like Austin City Limits or SXSW, I would wake up the Monday after and felt like I had just done the Ironman (Triathlon),” Schaub said.
Schaub also noted how by nature pedicabs are slow moving. As of August 12, city officials said there were 48 traffic-related fatalities, this year, compared to 41 fatalities in the year before.
“If we have more vehicles like (pedicabs) on the road, it makes it safer for everyone,” she said.
Transportation officials said since the pilot program started, there were no reported crashes or complaints regarding the electric-assisted pedicabs.
“Any kind of mobility option that we can open up and explore in the city of Austin is what we’re looking for. Any alternative, any safe alternatives, any low-carbon, low-footprint alternatives to single occupancy vehicles is a great thing,” Culberson said.
Engineers are also looking at other places outside of downtown Austin, where pedicab drivers can safely operate. Knipp said the potential of doing business in a larger area combined with using the electric-assist motors, will allow drivers to accept more requests from riders.
“The more we can say ‘yes’ to people, the more they’ll say ‘yes’ to us,” Knipp said.
ATD leaders will be presenting their recommendations to Austin City Council on September 19.