Orange County seeks feedback to update I-Drive pedicab ordinance
ORLANDO, Fla. —
After eight years, Orange County’s pedicab ordinance will be getting a revision at Wednesday night’s commission meeting.
The meeting is meant to collect feedback from pedicab drivers, owners, and the public before changing regulations for pedicab companies on International Drive.
According to Orange County Ordinance No. 2017-17, a pedicab is classified as a “Non-Motorized Vehicle.” This technicality has faced questioning by pedicab companies as e-bikes and e-scooters continue to rise in popularity.
Catherine Ojeda has been in the pedicab business for 20 years, but she said this ordinance is outdated and a change will be the best thing for her company.
“I mean, we have e-scooters out here, we have e-bikes, so it’s just a matter of time we need to update our ordinance,” she said.
Now, she’s up against motorized pedicabs and other electric vehicles.
“At the time didn’t think we needed motors or any kind of pedal assist,” Catherine Ojeda, owner of Redi Pedi Cab Company, said. “But now, you know, technology is here. The motors are available, and I think it provides a better customer experience if we had them.”
She feels that allowing there to be motorized pedicabs will keep her viable into the future. She said she feels these changes will keep her company competitive.
According to Orange County, there are about a dozen pedicab companies and more independent drivers operating in the I-Drive District.
Ojeda isn’t the first to voice this concern.
Disctrict 6 Commissioner Michael Scott said he’s heard about this need before from other pedicab companies.
“But without (motors), they’re kind of at a disadvantage,” Scott said of pedicab companies.
He said there still must be a balance between business interest and public safety.
“The other flip side of that is making sure we have safeguards in place for those who are on foot, walking,” Scott said.
Ojeda said she will be attending the meeting to make sure she has a chance to help bring this change about.