...and then there were three.

There are three primary pedicab styles that can be classified by the number of wheels they have two, three or four: Trailers, Tri-Cycles (Trikes), and Quadra-Cycles (Quads). Depending on where you go, one style may be more prevalent than the others. This page will explore some of the differences between the styles as well as touch on a few key issues regarding each. This is not meant to be an exhaustive technical review, nor is it meant to advocate on style cab over another, but rather to serve as an introduction to the different cab styles.

Trailers

Trailers attach to a standard bicycle by means of a coupler that clamps to the seat post of the bicycle. By design, they are the least complicated pedicab design which translates into easier (and perhaps less) maintenance, lower manufacturing cost and corresponding lower purchase price and their smaller foot print makes it easier to transport them without the need for special equipment (a single trailer could easily fit in the back of a standard pickup truck).

The trailer itself doesn't have any special gearing or braking specific to the unit, maintenance is limited to normal bicycle maintenance for the bike pulling the trailer and the capability to change tires on the trailer in the event of a puncture. The cab body may be manufactured from a variety of materials which may directly influence the ultimate cost of the unit.

Trikes

The trike is perhaps one of the most recognizable pedicab styles, the three wheel construction with a rigid one-piece frame offers increased stability. Within the trike class there are further classifications based on design, the primary two are cab forward vs. cab centered over the rear wheels and upright driver seating vs. recumbent seating.

The most common trike design features the the passenger cab located over the rear axle with the driver positioned in front of the passengers. The cab forward design is reminiscent of the Becaks found in Indonesia; this style places the passengers "front and center" on the ride. The driver is seated behind and slightly higher than the passenger cab giving the passengers an unobstructed view during their trip, and the driver an unobstructed view of the road ahead.

While the upright design is more prevalent, the obvious advantage to the recumbent style is comfort for the driver, particularly during long days. Recumbent seating has always been preferred as a means to reduce stress on the low back and neck as well as to comfort the rear end on extended rides. Recumbent cycles call upon different muscle groups which may take a little to get used to, but in the long run they make more sense for the driver as they promote use of the larger muscles in the glutes and hamstrings over the working just the quadriceps.

Quads

Quadra-cycles offer the greatest stability of the various pedicab styles. By design they offer recumbent seating for the driver, many models have deluxe seating options that go well beyond the traditional hammock style recumbent seat.

 

Why Stroll...When you can Roll? ^SM