By: Rob Otto

A growing chorus of licensed New York City pedicab drivers is sounding the alarm over what they call a “hostile takeover” of their industry by unlicensed migrants operating illegally — ripping off tourists, blasting Broadway performances, and forcing longtime drivers to the financial brink, The New York Post first reported.

Members of the New York Pedicab Alliance (NYPA), a coalition of over 200 legal operators, say business has plummeted by as much as 60% since the pandemic due to the explosion of illegal pedicab activity — much of it reportedly by migrants from countries like Turkey and Tajikistan who arrived during the COVID crisis.

“They’re hijacking our industry,” said Makan Camara, NYPA president and a 16-year veteran of the trade, in an interview with The Post. “We need pricing regulations that work for honest operators so tourists can trust us again.”

Camara and dozens of fellow pedicab operators rallied at City Hall last week, demanding city action on what they describe as a rising “criminal culture” that’s undercutting licensed drivers and tarnishing the industry’s image.

The city has officially issued roughly 850 pedicab licenses. But NYPA estimates that more than 1,500 pedicabs — many operating without permits — now crowd Midtown streets, luring in tourists with flashy signs, deceptive pricing, and unauthorized electric boosts.

“It’s the new gold rush,” said Kenneth Winter, a 21-year pedicab driver and NYPA spokesperson. “They scam as many tourists as possible, and nothing is being done. I used to work four days a week. Now it’s six or seven, 8 to 12 hours a day, just to make ends meet.” Winter says he earns about $200 daily, charging a flat $35 per ride.

According to The Post, some of the worst offenders have charged tourists up to $1,000 for a single ride. In one case, a visitor was billed an outrageous $968. Winter insists the city has been too lax in prosecuting these bad actors, even when reports are made directly to local NYPD precincts.

The problem isn’t just about price-gouging. Rogue operators — many using illegal sound systems — are disrupting Midtown’s famed theater district. NYPA members say speakers blasting pop music have become so common that Broadway performers have started improvising lines to compete with the noise.

“These speakers are already illegal,” said Winter. “Confiscate them — especially if the driver doesn’t even have a license.”

In response to mounting pressure, the NYPD told The Post it has issued 1,851 pedicab-related summonses and seized 165 illegal pedicabs in Midtown North and South this year. A department spokesperson said enforcement remains a priority, both through precinct-level action and the citywide Community Link Initiative, which targets chronic quality-of-life issues.

City Hall also responded, with a representative for Mayor Eric Adams telling The Post, “Illegally operated pedicabs have no place on our streets — particularly in Central Park, where it has been a persistent issue.”

To combat the problem, the mayor’s office announced a new quality-of-life initiative this spring. The plan includes 1,500 officers focused on illegal vending, excessive noise, and unlicensed pedicabs. A specialized task force is also working with the Midtown Community Justice Center to address repeat offenders.

In addition to enforcement, City Hall says it will soon distribute informational flyers in Central Park to help unsuspecting tourists avoid scams.

Still, NYPA says much more needs to be done. Drivers are calling on the city to legalize electric-assist pedicabs.