“Cheaper to Hire a Rolls Royce”: Tourists Stunned by London Rickshaw Scam Near Oxford Street
In a city already infamous for its sky-high living costs, London has now added a new layer to its reputation—an unregulated pedicab racket that’s charging tourists exorbitant fares. A viral TikTok video posted by @leccyboy captured a jaw-dropping moment near Oxford Street where a rickshaw driver demanded £90 for a two-minute ride—a rate that some said is “cheaper than a Rolls Royce hire.”
The brief clip, filmed in one of London’s busiest tourist zones, shows bewildered visitors reacting to the price in disbelief. One tourist, clearly shocked, is heard asking, “£90 for a 2-minute journey?” The video quickly snowballed across social platforms, racking up views and fury in equal measure.
Social Media Reacts: From Humour to Horror
Outrage poured in as the video spread. One viewer quipped, “Could go to Heathrow in an E-class for £90,” while another wrote, “Me and my pal just ran off and got on a boat.” Another user suggested a sting operation, saying, “You need undercover police to catch them out on fare prices and see who is legally working.”
The consensus online? This wasn’t an isolated case—it’s part of a growing pattern of predatory pricing in areas flooded with tourists. Locals and frequent visitors are now warning travelers to avoid unlicensed rickshaws at all costs.
The Bigger Problem: No Caps, No Licenses, No Accountability
What’s truly alarming isn’t just the fare—it’s how these operators are allowed to get away with it. Unlike traditional taxis or Uber, London’s cycle rickshaws—often called pedicabs—aren’t subject to regulated fare structures, nor do most drivers hold official licenses. In essence, riders are at the mercy of the person behind the pedals.
This lack of regulation has turned central London into a wild west for rickshaw drivers—particularly in hotspots like Oxford Street, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden, where unsuspecting tourists are easy prey.
Despite years of complaints, neither local councils nor Transport for London (TfL) have implemented meaningful reforms. This regulatory vacuum has allowed rogue operators to thrive, while tarnishing the city's image as a tourist-friendly destination.
A Call for Crackdown: Are Authorities Turning a Blind Eye?
The incident has reignited calls for government intervention. Many are now urging for:
-
Mandatory licenses for all pedicab drivers
-
GPS-based fare caps similar to ride-share apps
-
Undercover stings to catch fare gougers in action
-
Clear signage indicating estimated pricing per minute or mile
Critics argue that the inaction from both local government and transport authorities enables these predatory practices, creating an ecosystem where scamming tourists has become normalized.
Tourist Traps Like This Hurt London’s Global Image
As one user noted, “This isn’t just a scam. It’s a national embarrassment.” In a post-Brexit era where the UK is trying to attract tourists and soften its international image, stories like these only reinforce negative stereotypes—of British hospitality being transactional at best, and exploitative at worst.
This is more than a viral TikTok moment. It's a symptom of a system where greed outpaces governance, and where tourists pay the price—literally and figuratively.
Final Thought: When a Rickshaw Costs More Than a Flight, Something’s Gone Horribly Wrong
When a two-minute ride in a pedal-powered cart costs the same as a night in a mid-range hotel—or more than a day’s car hire—London’s tourism regulators need to wake up. Until real rules are enforced, videos like this will continue to circulate. And with them, so will the narrative that in London, even a short ride can become a long con.