Transport for London (TfL) has introduced the first regulations governing pedicabs in the capital, bringing new licensing requirements for drivers, vehicles and operators, alongside a ban on external audio and — for the first time — maximum journey fares.
The regulations, introduced today under powers granted by the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024, will be enforced in stages over the coming year. Pedicabs are not banned under the legislation, but TfL now has the authority to regulate the industry and set minimum operating standards.
Licensing requirements
Drivers will be able to apply for licences from 9 March 2026. Licensing will become mandatory for drivers and operators from 30 October 2026, with vehicle licences required from February 2027.
Under the new framework, drivers must obtain an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, hold a full driving licence or valid theory test certificate, meet English language requirements, pass a safety, equality and regulatory assessment, and meet minimum medical standards.
Vehicles must be road legal, display a valid pedicab licence identifier and undergo regular safety checks. External audio from pedicabs will be banned.
Operators must have a London premises with fire risk assessments in place, maintain proper records and carry out a basic DBS check on staff.
The proposed licensing fees, subject to approval, are £114 for a driver licence and £100 for a vehicle licence, both valid for one year.
Fare caps
Subject to approval by TfL’s Finance Committee at its meeting on 25 February, maximum fares are planned to come into force from 30 October 2026. The proposed structure sets a base fare of up to £5, a per-minute charge of up to £1, and an additional charge of up to £3 for each passenger beyond the first. Fares have been set at a level intended to allow drivers to earn above the London Living Wage.
“We’ve made significant progress in regulating the pedicab industry for the first time,” says Chris Plummer, TfL’s general manager for regulation and policy. “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 we want to ensure that passengers are charged reasonable fares. We’d encourage drivers to take steps to ensure they are ready to apply for licences as soon as possible, so they are ready for when transitional arrangements come to an end.”
Political backing
The regulations follow two public consultations and have drawn broad support.
“Pedicabs offer an alternative and green way to get around, but passengers have endured eye-watering fares and inconsistent safety standards for too long,” says Lilian Greenwood, minister for local transport. “These strong new regulations will put an end to rip-off prices and ensure everyone can safely enjoy some of London’s best sights including Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and Big Ben.”
Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, adds: “For far too long, residents in the centre of London have had to put up with the noise and disruption that pedicabs bring. Residents across the Cities of London and Westminster will welcome the regulations coming in today as a first step to clamping down on rogue pedicab operators, with most importantly a ban on amplified noise. Local communities and businesses should be respected, and today’s new rules show significant progress being made.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says: “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.”
TfL says the regulations will be kept under review as the industry evolves.
