A couple decided to hop onto a pedicab with a driver dressed as Santa in New York City. However, the 9-minute ride ended in confusion when the driver told them how much it costs to be pedaled around.
TikToker Ava Roybal (@ava_roybal) rode in a pedicab decked out in Christmas lights and red velvet cloth with her husband. The unsuspecting pair cozied up underneath blankets as Santa pedaled them down the road.
Then she shows a clip of her husband, mouth agape in disbelief, speaking to the driver.
“This is your sign to NEVER fall for this tourist trap in NYC,” on-screen text reads. “We were truly in disbelief when this man drove us for 9 min and charged us $160 not including a tip!!! My husband thought he was being pranked at first.”
How Much Does A Pedicab Ride Cost In New York City?
Pedicabs, small carriages pulled by a driver on a bike, are a common tourist attraction in New York City. However, many customers say they’ve felt blindsided by the high cost of the service.
While each driver may charge differently, other tourists report charges of up to $10 per minute for the ride. So, the couple may have actually received a standard deal for the Christmas-themed ride.
After many complaints from tourists, the New York City government released a list of guidelines for visitors to consider before hopping in a pedicab.
The guidelines note that the law requires pedicabs to display their prices on the carriage and have a digital timer with an official seal. Pedicabs also can’t charge a different rate for multiple people, tax the rides, or ask for a “mandatory tip.”
Still, the city government urges visitors to confirm the price ahead of their ride.
Have Other Visitors Fallen For The Tourist Trap?
In the comments on Roybal’s video, other tourists shared what they paid for pedicabs in New York City.
“Omg same!!!!! We had 4 people, two bikes!!!! $320 for a 10 minute ride. Then he asked for a tip. I said “I can’t afford one!” Lolol,” one said.
“Same lol there charged me 135 but the police tld me dnt pay him,” a second wrote.
“It happens to the best of us…$180 for us to go literally 5 mins told us it would be $50 total when we started,” another commenter shared.
Other New Yorkers shared a warning for tourists visiting the city.
“#1 rule of NYC do not trust anyone trying to sell you something in Times Square they’re all scammers,” a commenter wrote.
Another suggested, “Don’t take a picture with any characters in Times Square either. Ignore the monk. Don’t take the CD.”
“#1 rule for tourists should be learning to say no and/or ignore people,” a third said.
@ava_roybal it’s ok I’m just crying #nyc #newyork #touristtrap #warning #christmas
BroBible reached out to Roybal via email for comment.