The Origin and Meaning Behind the Term “Pedicab”

Why is it called a pedicab?
The legend goes that it was invented in Japan (the name is based on the word ‘jinrikisha’ which means ‘human powered vehicle’) by a European missionary who needed a way to carry his invalid wife around. By the start of the 20th century, the rickshaw was in India and China and it became very popular.
Read more on bicycleuniverse.com

A human-powered vehicle that is typically employed for transportation services in metropolitan areas is referred to as a “pedicab.” The words “pedal” and “cab” are combined to form the term “pedicab”. When bicycle rickshaws were initially brought to the country in the early 20th century, this name was first used in the United States.

A pedicab is essentially a form of tricycle with a driver’s seat in the front and passenger seating in the back. The vehicle, which typically has a canopy to provide shade for passengers and a storage compartment for baggage or other objects, is pedaled by the driver. Pedicabs are frequently employed for short-distance transportation in urban centers as well as in tourist destinations.

Despite being frequently referred to as “bicycle rickshaws,” pedicabs are not bicycles. Pedicabs feature three wheels, compared to a bicycle’s two. They become more stable and maneuverable as a result, especially while carrying people. Pedicabs can carry more passengers and freight than bicycles because of their larger and longer structure.

Trisikads or trishaws are the names given to pedicabs in several regions of the world, including the Philippines. A pedicab that is frequently used in both urban and rural areas of the nation is known as a “trisikad.” It is a well-liked form of transportation for both locals and visitors who wish to get a true sense of Filipino culture. In several Southeast Asian nations, like Malaysia and Singapore, the word “trishaw” is used to refer to a similar kind of vehicle.

As a result, pedicabs are a distinctive and useful mode of transportation that are frequently utilized in urban places all over the world. A form of tricycle with a seating place for passengers at the back is referred to as a “pedicab” since the words “pedal” and “cab” are the origins of the phrase. Pedicabs, despite being frequently referred to as “bicycle rickshaws,” are not technically bicycles because they have three wheels and a broader chassis. They are a preferred means of transportation for both locals and visitors and are also referred to as trisikads or trishaws in some regions of the world.

Leave a Comment