Rickshaw Rider

 

Richard is a regular b-spokes pedicabber who also helps out on the maintenance and training side. So how about an insider’s view of rickshaw riding?

 

‘It feels a bit strange at first,’ he explains. ‘It doesn’t tip or lean – it’s stable. And you certainly need to be fit. It takes a couple of weeks before you wake up on a Sunday morning without feeling stiff.’

 

Like most of the riders, Richard rents the rickshaw from b-spokes, and attracts his own customers. ‘About half the fares come from people approaching you. The rest of the time, you’ve got to sell yourself and engage with people, give a bit of friendly chat.’ Most pedicabbers work Friday and Saturday nights until early in the morning. Customers are a mix of tourists, locals and weekend groups such as hen parties.

So what’s the attraction of rickshaws? ‘I think it’s more than just a mode of transport,’ he says. ‘It’s a chance to see the city at a different pace. Say you’re a couple coming back from a meal or the theatre - it can make a night out much more memorable. Sometimes we get bigger groups – stag parties and so on – and you have a procession of four or five cabs in a row, which is fun.’

 

But it can’t all be fun, surely? With a rickshaw weighing the best part of 100kg, and up to three passengers in the back, some of Edinburgh’s hills must be a bit of a slog!

‘It can be slow going up hills like West Port, Candlemaker Row, North Bridge... especially if you’ve got three hefty blokes in the back,’ he admits. ‘But sometimes they take pity, and get out and push!’ There’s also a strong sense of camaraderie among the riders. ‘It’s a good scene. You get lots of interesting people, all ages, people from overseas – over 50% are students. We rank the bikes up together and you get talking to people, sometimes go out for a drink afterwards.’

 

B-spokes helps the riders apply for a street trader’s licence, and provides safety and technical training. Newbies spend three hours riding the streets under supervision, to build their confidence. Most of the riders appreciate the flexibility of the hours, and the fact you’re being paid to stay fit! b-spokes also provides a chill-out area with internet access, play station, and free tea and coffee, where riders can rest in between times.

 

If you’re interested in becoming a rickshaw rider, get in touch with b-spokes direct, or look out for vacancies on Gumtree or Edinburgh University website.