High tech rickshaws arrive in Liverpool
Scouse News!
PEDAL power is hitting the streets of Liverpool with the introduction of three high-tech rickshaws.
Christmas shoppers and pedestrians will be able to hitch a free ride in the pedal-powered rickshaws across the city centre.
Each Eco-cab – about the size of a small car – can carry two passengers with power generated through pedalling. They are also fitted with a silent emission-free electric motor and two batteries to help the driver carry a heavy load or start on a hill.
Owner Philip Collier, 39, from Kirkby, said: “Back in June I visited Manchester, and wasn’t sure of the way to my hotel so hailed a taxi.
“We travelled across the city but when we arrived I realised we hadn’t travelled that far and had paid a fare for a short distance.
“I thought there must be an environmentally-friendly way of transporting people around the city and decided on the Eco-Cab.”
Mr Collier started his business in Manchester and has introduced three to Liverpool with all costs covered by sponsorship.
Mr Collier said: “The free service is covered by leasing sponsorship on the cabs to companies who want to interact with their customers in a new and interesting way.
“There seems to be a buzz about them in the city and they’re quite safe having three wheels.
“Some people ask how much it is for a ride and stand back in disbelief when you say it’s free, but the response has been great so far.”
If the three are successful, Mr Collier hopes to expand to five and is currently exploring introducing the Eco-Cabs in Sheffield.
Donna Cooney, director of Bluerow residential property agency, who are among the first to sponsor an Eco-Cab said: “They were first designed in Berlin, where we saw them and quickly took them to our hearts.
“We acknowledged that, as a relatively new agency, the pedal-operated vehicles could help us with our branding activity.
“They are also kind on the environment and while they do have electric power, the only time it kicks in is up a hill.”
Due to Hackney laws, passengers can not pay the rider but can offer tips. Merseyside taxi drivers have welcomed the introduction of the Eco-Cabs, but have expressed concern over safety.
Paul McGlaughlin, company secretary of Delta Taxis, said: “Anything that makes an extra happy memory for someone visiting the city should be welcomed.
“There have been concerns in the past over the safety of rickshaw-type vehicles.
“But as long as the local authority’s licensing is happy with the safety of the cabs, then I can’t see any commercial concerns.”
Kevin Maguire, a member of the National Taxi Drivers Association, said: “If the local authority is happy and they meet safety criteria and are licensed in the strict manner we are, that is fine.”
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