Bicycle Taxis

[wswhiting]

Hi,

I own a pedicab business in the U.S. and I would like to bring them to Mexico. I envison a place like Cabo where the tourist trade is heavy. Ideally, these bicycle taxis can take tourists from a cruise ship to the main shopping areas of the their destination. I could see this working in Cabo, but I have not visited many other areas of Mexico.

Being close to the US/Mexican border is a plus for ease of transport, but I can probably drive further for the ideal location. A cruise ship destination is not necessary as these bikes are popular anywhere where the pedestrian tourist trade is heavy. I have no intention of competing with locals, but rather using residents as independent contractors.

Any thoughts or suggestioins are greatly welcomed. I know next to nothing about living or working in Mexico. Just a dream trying to become reality.

Wayne

[RVGRINGO]

1. You would have to have INM permission to work in Mexico.
2. You would have to have a license to import the trikes.
3. You would have to have business licenses, an accountant, tax registration, etc.
4. You might have to survive the wrath of the local 'sindicatos'. Are you prepared to leave at midnight????? That happened to a friend. He survived, the business didn't.

Besides, who wants Mexico to look like China?

[Trailrunner]

Or Waikiki!

Yes, Wayne, listen to RVGringo, ESPECIALLY #4. That was the first thing I thought of when reading your post.

[sparks]

Even in Waikiki where I was a pedi-taxista for a few months they didn't have enough to handle a cruise ship. They were eventually baned for being a street hazard. Mexico does not mind street hazards but competition with the local transport will be frowned upon.

Instead of the horse drawn carriages so popular in the US .... maybe an Oxcart?

[wswhiting]

Thanks for your replies. I will take them to heart.

As far as Mexico looking like China, you should probably ask the Mexican pedicab operators in Cabo San Lucas. They seem to be thriving.

Concerning pedicabs in Waikiki, Honolulu Pedicabs is operating now and quite successful. Horse drawn carriages may be popular in the US, but not compared to pedicabs. There are over 1000 pedicabs registered in Manhattan. Doubt you'll see that many horses walking around Manhattan.

Having enough pedicabs to service a cruise ship is not the point. I have five pedicabs to work a college football game in my town and there are 80,000 people in attendance. Certainly not enough to service everyone, but we are considered a valuable service to the university.

All that being said, I understand that what works in the US may not work in Mexico, which is why I asked you experts.

Thanks again!

[RVGRINGO]

Originally Posted by wswhiting

............... the Mexican pedicab operators in Cabo San Lucas.

That might make a big difference, as well as the fact that it is a very seasonal business; six months on, six months off.

[sparks55]

I just returned from Tapachula, Chiapas. They have lots of pedicabs there already. It is not a tourist town. Most people buy bikes or small motorcycles and modify them to 3 wheeled cabs. It is a very good business. The locals use them all the time as a cheaper alternative to taxis.

[wswhiting]

Nice!

[sparks]

Originally Posted by wswhiting

Concerning pedicabs in Waikiki, Honolulu Pedicabs is operating now and quite successful.

Of topic I know but there was no lineup at the International Market a few years ago like when I worked. International Market was the main and almost only Pedi Stand. Assumed they were gone and read a few articles about the issues they were having

[wswhiting]

New operator. Google Honolulu Pedicabs.