PDX Pedicab power pushes people around Pearl

Tuesday, July 31, 2007
By JOE SMITH, Special to kgw.com

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Portland is a city of transportation alternatives.

Always trying eco-friendly ways to get people from here to there. Add a new one. The Pedicab, it's gearing up to create a chain reaction through the streets of the Pearl District and beyond using pure pedal power.

"I thought a rickshaw would be cool", said Jonathan Magnus.

He got the idea for PDX Pedicab after spending a night downtown with his wife. He knew there had to be a fun way to get around downtown.

His idea is serving two purposes. Take people for a ride and help the environment at the same time.

"It's a form of transportation with no carbon footprint" said Magnus from outside his small garage in Northwest Portland. The cabs are three-wheeled bikes with a passenger seat bench.

The bikes are turn signals and brake lights. The bikes are made in Colorado and cost $5,000 each. They come equipped with a canopy for those rainy Portland days.

Just nine weeks ago, he started his company with two cabs. It wasn't long before he added four more. Magnus plans to have a total of 20 by years end.

"I've seen them around, like New York and stuff", said Amanda Crane. She and her brother are in Portland visiting from Sandy, Oregon. She was happy to get her first ride in a Pedicab.

"Just get on this thing and float down the street", she said.

Some companies in the Pearl are happy to have the Pedicabs. Hoyt Realty Group will use the cabs to take prospective condo buyers on upclose personal tours during this month's First Thursday.

PDX Pedicabs travel around Pearl District to downtown, to Portland State University. Owner Magnus says they will be happy to hike the West Hills, but for a price.

The Pedicabs are leased to the drivers. They set the fees. Most of the 20 drivers count on the goodness of strangers to give them a fair price for their hard work.

"People have been very generous,and they appreciate what I'm doing for them. So it's working out", said Anthony King. He's been on the job for just about nine days and loves it. He says he's making money and is enjoying being outside. And for some of the customers they're getting an interesting view from the passengers seat.

"I had some lady say I had nice drum sticks. I didn't know what that meant. She said 'legs.' I imagine so, " said King with a laugh.