We were lucky to catch up with Pavielle Babai-Pirouz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pavielle, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At High Tech Hippie Pedicabs, our mission is to move people — through the streets of Austin, through memorable experiences, and through the kind of connection that only happens when you slow down and share a ride.

I started in this industry in 2008, pedaling through the nightlife of downtown Austin while juggling four jobs. But it was pedicabbing that showed me how far my natural sales skills could really go — not just closing deals, but building relationships, reading people, and creating joy on the fly.

Now, as a shop owner, I carry that experience into how I run this business. I remember what it felt like to be young, ambitious, a little lost, and hungry for possibility. That’s why High Tech Hippie Pedicabs isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s about building something that supports the people powering the ride.

I’ve built a company that leaves room for growth — for me, for the drivers, and for the creative ideas that come from listening. I believe our strength lies in our flexibility, our humanity, and our willingness to adapt based on what our team needs — something I didn’t see in the pedicab businesses that came before.

We’re here to reflect the city’s spirit: artistic, entrepreneurial, a little chaotic, and endlessly creative. From the riders to the wrench-turners to the dreamers on the handlebars — this business is for all of us who are growing, pedaling, and figuring it out as we go.

Whether you’re looking for a ride, a place to work, or a way to bring your brand to life, we invite you to join us — and be part of the movement.

Pavielle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Pavielle — owner and operator of High Tech Hippie Pedicabs based in the heart of Austin, Texas. I’ve been in the pedicab industry since 2008, hustling — juggling four jobs at once: working in sales, operating photo booths at weddings, valet parking at downtown hotels, and dog sitting. I was always working, always moving, and always looking for something that could hold both my energy and my entrepreneurial spirit.

That’s when I found pedicabbing. I always enjoyed riding my bike for exercise and I always loved taking pedicab rides. One day I had the thought to give others the experience that I always enjoyed. It was this wild, artistic, gritty, high-energy world where I got to meet people, be outside, build community, and use my natural sales skills in a whole new way. No motors back then — just muscle, hustle, and heart. That experience lit something in me, and I never looked back.

Today, I run High Tech Hippie Pedciabs, a full-service pedicab company offering:

>Pedicab rentals for licensed drivers
>Guided city tours through Austin’s most iconic districts
>Mobile advertising for brands looking to stand out in the busiest corners of the city
>We also support an app called PedVL — a pedicab-focused platform (think Uber, but for bikes) that helps passengers hail pedicabs in real time.

What sets us apart isn’t just our service — it’s our structure. I’ve built HTHP to be flexible, thoughtful, and people-centered. I know what it’s like to be a young person trying to figure things out, because I lived it. That’s why I offer structured support and training for new drivers, clear pathways to growth, and open lines of communication. I don’t run this business top-down — I listen, and I adapt. Many of the other shops in this industry have been around for 15+ years and never ask drivers what they need. I do. That’s one of our biggest differentiators.

I’m most proud of the culture we’re building — one that honors effort, encourages creativity, and makes space for people to grow into their best selves. I want clients, brands, and community members to know that DOB Pedicabs isn’t just about getting from one bar to the next — it’s about impact, visibility, storytelling, and human connection.

We’re part of the living fabric of Austin — pedaling through the music, the murals, the late-night conversations, and the energy that makes this city one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re looking for a unique tour, a new way to advertise, or a supportive space to ride and earn, you’ll find a home here with us.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Absolutely. One of my biggest pivots came when I shifted from being a pedicab driver to becoming the owner and operator of a 32 pedicabs fleet. For years, I was out there riding every weekend, building relationships, learning the rhythm of the city, and making it work. I loved it — the freedom, the hustle, the community.

But after over a decade in the saddle, I started to see where the industry was lacking. There were things I wished existed — more driver support, clearer communication, better systems, more opportunity to grow. And then I realized: maybe I was the one who needed to build that space.

So, in 2022, I became an owner. That pivot wasn’t easy. My original plan was to travel as a pedicab driver in a truck and trailer. I had to learn a new side of the business: contracts, mechanics, driver dynamics, advertising logistics, and keeping everything running behind the scenes. It went from being about my ride to everyone’s ride — and that shift in perspective was huge.

Now, I’m not just navigating downtown streets — I’m navigating big decisions, big responsibilities, and big growth. But every hard turn I took led me here. And I’m grateful for it.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my reputation was built by showing up — consistently, authentically, and with a willingness to do the work no matter how big or small. For years, I was out there pedaling just like everyone else, rain or shine. I built trust through action: being reliable, helping other drivers, fixing cabs, and staying grounded in the community.

People saw that I wasn’t just in this for profit — I cared about the craft, the culture, and the people behind the handlebars. Even now, as an owner, I still get my hands dirty. I repair cabs. I help drivers find their rhythm. I listen when they talk about their challenges. That kind of presence builds credibility over time.

Also, my background in sales helped me naturally connect with people — whether it’s riders, clients, advertisers, or fellow business owners. I don’t push; I relate. I tell stories. I create experiences. I think that human-first approach is what makes people remember me and return.

At the end of the day, people trust you when they know you’re not trying to be above them — you’re beside them, in it with them. That’s the reputation I’ve built, and I protect it with care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hightechhippie.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedicabatx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babaipirouz
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavielle-babai-pirouz-770b1b318/
• Twitter: https://x.com/pedicabtroll
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hightechhippieatx

Image Credits

I took all these pictures