150 Types of Unusual Investments – The List

96. Pedicab Permits – cities are increasingly capping the number of pedicabs allowed to operate on the streets.

It may serve some public purpose like increasing safety or decreasing congestion, but for the permit holder, it serves the more important purpose of limiting competition.

Pedicab permits are most valuable when they can be renewed and transferred (sold or leased) to others.  While Uber and Lyft have decimated the value of taxicab permits, the same cannot be said for pedicab permits.