Before you begin
Pedicab businesses have additional requirements. For more information, see the pedicab rules and regulations.
Service overview
Special permits are required for:
- Tour buses.
- Pedicabs.
- Segways.
- Bike tours.
- Running tours.
Requirements
You must apply for your permit at least 60 days in advance.
Cost
There are two types of fees for tour bus, Segway, running tour, bike tour, and pedicab permits.
Application fees
To operate a tour bus or pedicab, you must pay a $100 non-refundable application fee when applying for the permit. There is no application fee for Segway, running tour, or bike tour permits.
Permit fees
If your application is approved, you will need to pay the following fees for the permits:
- $40 for Segway, running tours, and bike tours.
- $200 for the first pedicab and $100 for each additional pedicab.
- $5,000 for tour buses.
How
Complete the required forms and gather support documentation, as outlined.
Tour buses, Segways, running tours, and bike tours need to provide:
- A completed tour, tour bus, and zone license/permit application.
- A Pennsylvania sales tax identification number.
- A Philadelphia commercial activity license (formerly called a business privilege license).
- Insurance certificates.
- Tour routes with maps.
- Vehicle roster.
- Operator’s roster with copies of valid state driver’s license, CDL license, and U.S. Coast Guard certificates (as needed).
- Current schedule of rates.
- Safety records.
- A check for the application fee, made out to City of Philadelphia.
Pedicabs need to provide:
- A completed pedicab license/permit application.
- A Pennsylvania sales tax identification number.
- A Philadelphia commercial activity license (formerly called a business privilege license).
- The applicant’s Social Security number.
- Vehicle roster.
- Technical drawings of the vehicles.
- Operator’s roster with copies of valid state driver’s license, CDL license, and U.S. Coast Guard certificates (as needed).
- Copy of training certificate.
- Current schedule of rates.
- Safety records.
- Certificate of liability insurance.
- Certificate of workers’ compensation insurance.
- A check for the application fee, made out to City of Philadelphia.
Submit your application, along with all support documentation, to kasim.ali@phila.gov. You’ll receive a response either by email or mail.
Renewal requirements
You must submit a renewal application and any fees at least 60 days before your current permit expires.