Pedicabs might look like a fun way to get around the city, especially after a big event when parking garages feel miles away. But one Cleveland concertgoer says her short ride turned into a shocking expense.
TikTok user Haylee (@haylee.aller) shared her experience after leaving a Morgan Wallen show in Cleveland.
In her clip, she’s all smiles, seated in the back of a glowing pedicab as it cruises through downtown.
Things quickly changed.
“Little did I know I was about to get told that the 4 minute pedicab back to the parking garage after Morgan Wallen was gonna be $500,” she wrote in the video’s text overlay.
In her caption, she added, “Time to buy a pedicab.”
For those unfamiliar, pedicabs are small, pedal-powered vehicles that can carry a few passengers at a time. The drivers—sometimes called chauffeurs—set the pace and steer the cart through crowded streets.
Why the prices of pedicabs can get out of hand
Unlike taxis or rideshares, pedicabs don’t always have fixed fares. Because they’re human-powered and drivers usually own their own vehicles, they often set their own rates.
In some places, this has led to extreme overcharging.
In New York City, for example, tourists have reported being quoted $200, $300, and even $600 for rides that lasted only a few minutes. To prevent scams, the city requires pedicabs to clearly display prices before passengers get in.
Cleveland’s system is different. Local pedicab operators must submit their rates to the city council for approval. If those rates change, they’re required to file an update within three days.
Riders who get scammed, however, can report the incident to the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad or the Federal Trade Commission.
Commenters share their own encounters
In Haylee’s comments section, people said the story didn’t surprise them. Some claimed they’ve seen similar tactics before.
One person asked, “Didn’t you ask the price before you got in?? They told us $20 per person per minute!!!”
Another said, “They tried to pull that on me. I paid with Apple Card and told them that they scammed me and got it all back!”
Others recalled more dramatic outcomes. “Watched one of these get arrested and have his lil pedicab towed in Indy after the Eras tour,” a commenter wrote.
And one person summed up the disbelief: “Ok but tf they gonna if you don’t have $500?? Cause that’s insane to assume ppl can afford that on their part too.”
@haylee.aller time to buy a pedicab??#cleveland #morganwallen #imtheproblem #concert ♬ Cowgirls – Morgan Wallen
The Mary Sue has reached out to Haylee via TikTok direct messaging for comment.
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