Rickshaw driving is great fun, and can be profitable as well (though there are no guarantees), but it isn't for everyone. If you are thinking about becoming a pedicab driver, there are a few things to take into consideration before you decide to invest the time and money into becoming a driver. The most successful drivers have some common traits:

Strength and Endurance: Driving a pedal cab requires the sustained effort to pull 700+ lb. around for 6 to 8 hours in an evening (with red lights and rests between fares, of course). It's not as hard as it sounds - any strong rider can do it for a shorter period of time, and over the course of a few weeks of riding, endurance increases dramatically. A successful driver needs to be tough - the kind of person who will hang in there, even if the weather turns rough. Inclement weather is great pedal cab weather and actually helps the pedicab business, particularly in the fall and winter seasons.

Knowledge of the City: It's important to be able to tell people how far it is between their current location and their destination, because fares are generally based on the number of city blocks traveled. It's a good idea to quote the fare before taking the ride. Also, knowing the location of hotels helps to get tourists into the cab and makes you a "rolling concierge" -- a resource for recommendations on dining, dancing, music, and other entertainment.

Self-Motivation: As independent contractors, drivers choose when and for how long to ride. This makes self-motivation essential. Pedicabs are reserved in advance, so If you find that you are a procrastinator, it is less likely that you will be a successful driver. If you are motivated, energetic, and punctual, you will likely do well.

Outgoing / Positive Attitude: Potential passengers usually take less than 15 seconds to decide whether or not to take a ride. Their decision is often based more on a driver's perceived energy, personality, and mood, than on whether they need a ride. A rickshaw driver should be both a salesperson and an entertainer. People from the service industry - waiters, bartenders, etc. - tend to do very well driving a pedal cab because it requires the same kind of interaction with complete strangers. It's important that riders maintain an up, energetic mood. You can't afford to allow one bad ride to ruin your mood for the evening. The good bike cab driver will "brush off" any unpleasant distraction, keep his or her temper in check, and choose to maintain a good, positive mental attitude (and have more fun, and make more money!)

Night Schedule: In general, the busiest time for pedicabs is after dark, so most drivers choose to operate primarily in the evening and at sporting events. Most drivers will stay up to ride the Lush Rush on Friday and Saturday night, staying out on the street until 2:30 or 3:00 a.m., often making a good percentage of their income in that last hour or so. Night business ends earlier for sporting events, but even then, to ride the rush at the end, drivers usually stay out until at least 11:00 or 11:30 p.m. for a typical Rockies or Avalanche game.

Does this sound like you? If so (or if you have any questions), text your name, phone number and email address to 720 629 2599, or contact us by phone or e-mail to reserve your spot in the next New Driver Class.