Local Startup to Launch App for On-Demand Pedicab Service in Orlando Dec. 18
ORLANDO — Unicycle Technology, a Central Florida-based startup company, is set to launch a free smart phone app that provides on-demand access to pedicab services in Orlando beginning Dec. 18. Rydes Pedicab App, which will be available on iOS and Android devices, uses GPS technology to summon the nearest available pedicab driver and also provides prospective passenger(s) with the estimated fare for their trip based on a cost per mile model.
Pedicabs, also known as bike taxis or cycle rickshaws, are pedal-powered vehicles that carry passengers on a for hire basis. Pedicabs can access areas that are closed off to gas-powered vehicles, making them a quick and fun way to avoid the street closures and traffic jams associated with concerts, sporting events, and other nightlife and weekend activities in downtown metro areas.
Jeremy Martin, founder of Unicycle Technology, LLC, was inspired to develop the app while moonlighting as a pedicab driver himself in downtown Orlando. According to Martin, people generally appreciate pedicab rides, but either can’t find them when they need them or are discouraged by the uncertainty of the fare.
“When people are rushing to get to their event on time, or just don’t feel like walking back to their car after a long night out, they get excited when they spot a pedicab,” Martin explained. “Unfortunately, until now, if you weren’t within shouting distance of a pedicab, you weren’t going to find a ride.”
Martin added, “Also, some people assume that pedicab drivers arbitrarily make up their own fares, so some customers won’t accept a ride to avoid potentially being scammed. Rydes Pedicab App helps solve or at least reduce those problems for passengers.”
Passengers can use Rydes Pedicab App to pay their fare via credit card and also rate their pedicab experience.
All drivers in the Rydes Pedicab App network are vetted through a process that includes a background check, confirmation of a valid driver’s license and a pedicab license in applicable markets. All drivers will also be required to carry a $500,000 minimum insurance policy.
Martin plans to quickly expand the app’s network to other major U.S. metropolitan markets after initially launching in Orlando. The public is invited to celebrate the launch of Rydes Pedicab App at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18 at Sideshow Bar & Grill at Wall Street Plaza, located at 15 N. Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando.
The launch party will feature live music and more than $1,000 in giveaways, including free bar tabs and pedicab ride vouchers through the app.
The launch of Rydes Pedicab App comes right before New Year’s Eve – one of the busiest and most demanding nights of the year for pedicabs.
Unicycle Technology, LLC is a client company of the UCF Business Incubation Program in Orlando.
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For more information about this release, please contact:
Jeremy Martin, President/CEO, Unicycle Technology, LLC, 407-409-2497; Jeremy@rydespedicab.com
Michael Weiss, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program-Orlando, 321-281-8384; michael.weiss@ucf.edu
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-461-3781 or 407-644-4142 or Lvershelco@aol.com
About Rydes Pedicab App:
Rydes Pedicab App is the brainchild of Unicycle Technology – a limited liability corporation founded in 2015 in Winter Garden, Fla. Get picked up within minutes through Rydes Pedicab App. On-demand service means no reservations required and no waiting around to hail a driver. Simply set your pick up location, connect with a driver, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. For more information, visit rydespedicab.com.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth / impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has helped hundreds of local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources.
With seven facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Apopka, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. Participating companies sustain more than 3,600 local jobs and have had a total impact of $1.51 Billion on regional sales and $2.48 Billion on regional economic output. During the last fiscal year, the program has returned $7.95 for every $1.00 invested in the program. For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.
