The pedicabs in SLC are a definite "know before you go," so I hope this review will help people…read moreunderstand how to get the most out of their service.
WHAT
If the name didn't give it away, I guess I should say up front that these are the bicycle taxis--bicycles with little carts attached to the back. You can fit three people on them, though usually I see folks going by the twos.
I guess they offer tours of the city during the day, but I've never done one and I have no idea what that entails. So, you're on your own as the tour goes. But as far as hailing one like a cab, that's what they do at night, and that's how I've used them.
WHO
Each driver (pedaler, really) is independently contracted. That means your experience can be vastly different, and your pricing may be a bit variable as well (more on that below). I've noticed that the drivers tend to be younger dudes (though not exclusively), usually with a good attitude, pretty laid back, and they like to interact. Not saying that they are all like that, or that they have to be like that, but that's what I've seen in my experience.
HAILING
Just holler as they bike by. If they're empty, they're listening for you. You can also call, or contact ahead of time online at their website.
PRICE
Here's where it gets dicey. As many others have noted, pricing varies. You can probably figure around $3 per block, but that's pretty flexible. What you should do is this: as you hail the driver, ask them ahead of time how much they're going to charge by telling them the address of where you want to go. Then there's no surprise or no obligation. This part of it does actually drive me a little crazy--some folks just like the comfort of fixed pricing. But absent that or any real taxi-like meter, it's really just between you and the driver. Think of it as seeing somebody you don't know driving down the street, getting them to come over to you, and asking how much they would charge to take you somewhere. Switch out the car for a bike-and-cart, and that's the exact concept.
They're not the cheapest mode of transportation around town. They're great for taking folks from the hotel to the restaurant, or from bar to bar. SLC blocks are big, and grabbing a sub-$10 ride to avoid a few blocks can help your night go smoothly. But if it's going to be a long ride, it's definitely much cheaper to grab a regular cab, Uber, etc.
THE RIDE
There ain't no seat belt (wait, is there?) and it's probably not for the faint of heart. It's not particularly fast, or really dangerous, but you're out there in the elements, in the open air, and your looking up at your driver pump his legs. Overall, it's not uncomfortable. But it ain't no backseat of a Towncar.
All things said, these guys and gals are a great addition to the downtown scene. Know before you go, and you'll have a nice ride.