Epstein cites unlicensed pedicabs and low registration numbers
Epstein says pedicabs are heavily regulated by DCWP but most operating cabs are unlicensed or unregistered. He notes an 850-plate cap, estimates 1,200–1,500 pedicabs on the street, and says only 275 valid plates appear in open data.
Pedicabs are the most heavily regulated industry by DCWP, but these regulations mean very little when the vast majority of pedicabs operating in New York City are unlicensed, unregistered.
Despite the cap of 850 pedicab registered plates, there are estimated between 1,200 and 1,500 pedicabs operating in the city.
An analysis on open data indicates there's just 275 valid pedicab registration plates, meaning that individuals who are choosing to operate unregistered pedicabs, even though they're available for pedicab plates.