ASBURY PARK, NJ – Roads in shore towns and downtown areas across New Jersey could soon see more pedicabs peddling through towns with drinking and merry patrons. That’s because a new law sponsored by Monmouth County Democrat Vin Gopal has been signed into law.

Common in Europe and many tourist destinations in America, pedicabs are bars on wheels were patrons drink and peddle themselves around town.

The bill was signed into law this week by acting New Jersey Governor Nick Scutari. The pedacycle is a bar on wheels essentially, but it’s BYOB. Operators are not allowed to serve alcohol on board.

There is currently one operator that offers tours in Asbury Park and Long Beach Island.

“Pedicabs offer the opportunity to create a new business sector that will breathe added life into local economies,” said Acting Governor Scutari. “This will give pedicab operators every chance to succeed under a safe, well-regulated environment.” 


Pedicabs come at a great time because they won’t cost you a fortune on gasoline and beer hasn’t really skyrocketed in price like basic food necessities under Democrat President Joe Biden.

“This new law will allow our local small businesses such as pedicabs to compete and continue to prosper within the hospitality industry,” said Senator Gopal. “Pedicabs are mom-and-pop small businesses and our support for this growing small-business sector is important.”

“The law is designed to help pedicab operators thrive and to give New Jersey residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor, small group leisure activity that is well-regulated. Until now, New Jersey law did not allow passengers to drink alcohol while riding in pedicabs,” state Democrats said.

“Pedicabs are a fresh and new way to help our local businesses thrive, to support and alleviate some of the impacts New Jersey business owners still face from the Covid-19 Pandemic,” said Senator Greenstein. “Permitting alcoholic consumption for passengers on pedicabs is a great way to promote downtown nightspots and other businesses safely.”  

Under the law, pedicabs will be able to operate under the following conditions:

  • the pedicab has been authorized to operate by ordinance of its municipality;
  • the operator must be 21 years old and possess a driver’s license;
  • the vehicle must be equipped with seatbelts, brakes, reflectors, headlights, and grab rails;
  • the operator of the pedicab cannot drive on roadways with speed limits in excess of 30 miles per hour. 

Under the law, the actual operator of the pedicab will not be allowed to consume alcoholic beverages while operating the vehicle, nor could the owner or operator sell passengers food, alcoholic beverages or any other liquid refreshments. 

Alcoholic beverages allowed on the pedicab will be limited to single-serving, sealed containers of: beer; wine; hard cider; mead, other malt beverages; other fermented beverages, such as hard seltzer and hard tea; and prepared mixed beverages made with spirits. Each passenger of a pedicab will be required to be least 21 years old.  

“As our economy continues to recover from the pandemic, it’s critical to give small business owners like pedicab operators every opportunity to grow their businesses and succeed,” said Assemblyman Joe Danielsen. “This new law will provide much needed guidance for their operations to protect both the driver and passengers.” 

The law defines a “pedicab” as a wheeled device that contains three or more wheels, operates manually with pedals, transports passengers for hire, and accommodates no more than 15 passengers. 

You appear to be using an ad blocker

Shore News Network is a free website that does not use paywalls or charge for access to original, breaking news content. In order to provide this free service, we rely on advertisements. Please support our journalism by disabling your ad blocker for this website.