How is a bicycle taxi different from an ordinary bicycle?

When the bicycles (which are usually imported) are originally bought, they don't have a strong enough support for carrying people. They are therefore modified locally by the many bicycle repair businesses throughout Kisumu. The original bicycle can be bought for between 2600 and 6000Ksh. They can be modified for a further 850-1000Ksh, including fitting.

The front and back wheels are strengthened with additional supporting struts (see photographs) and a stronger replacement carrier is fitted above the rear wheel. The front support costs about 150Ksh and the rear support 250Ksh. A padded seat (which can be removed) costs around 350Ksh whilst an adjustment to the seat, which enables it to be moved forward to accommodate some luggage as well as a passenger, will cost another 100Ksh. As part of the additional rear support, a footrest is fitted to each side. All this additional work is done locally. The additional products are also made locally, using local materials.