Cycle Rickshaw - Configurations

Configurations

The vehicle is pedal-driven by a driver, though some configurations are equipped with an electric motor to assist the driver. Electric-assist pedicabs were banned in New York City in January 2008, along with all other forms of electric vehicles; the city council decided to allow pedicabs propelled only by muscle power. The city of Toronto, Canada decided not to issue permits to electric-assist pedicabs.

The vehicle is usually a tricycle, though some quadracycle models exist, and some bicycles with trailers are configured as cycle rickshaws. The configuration of driver and passenger seats vary by design, though passenger seats are usually located above the span of the longest axle. For example, in most of South Asia, the passenger seat is located behind the driver on a "delta" tricycle, while in Indonesia and Vietnam the driver sits behind the passenger seat on a "tadpole" tricycle. In the Philippines, the passenger seats are usually located beside the driver. there are also recumbent tricycles like the "R-eco trike" that operate in london.