SAN DIEGO -- A 10News I-Team investigation reveals how some pedicab drivers are making a living at their passenger's expense.

In downtown San Diego, the sight of a sea of pedicabs on a mission is a daily occurrence.

The goal of the pedicab drivers is to get passengers onboard at any cost, the I-Team learned.

The drivers come from all over the world, pedaling to get what is in their passenger's pocket.

The I-Team discovered that the only thing consistent about the pedicab prices is that they're inconsistent.

I-Team reporter Mitch Blacher said, "A pedicab seems to be just like a taxi cab -- it gets you around town. But the main difference is a taxi is regulated, so the driver will have regulated rates he can charge you. A pedicab, you'll be lucky if the driver posts his rates on the seat behind him"

The I-Team's undercover video captured eight trips from the Embarcadero to Seaport Village -- about a 5 minute to 10 minute ride.

The ride cost anywhere from $5 to $20, depending on the pedicab driver.

"What do you normally get for that ride?" asked an I-Team researcher.

"Fifteen dollars, but if you don't have it, I understand," said one driver.

Off camera, another driver explained his prices.

"And how much do I owe you?" asked one I-Team researcher.

"Generally $5 to $10; whatever it's worth to you," the driver said.

"When I first started riding pedicabs rate sheets read $3 to $6 per person and we would do five rides an hour," said Alex Atkin, of Alley Cabs.

However, those rates won't pay the bill anymore, as many drivers have to rent their bike. Renting bikes cost some more than $200 a week. It is the reason many pedicab drivers admit their fares are unfair.

"They set up circumstances. They game the circumstances to get the most out of people," said Atkin.

During the I-Team's trips from the Gaslamp up Fifth Avenue to Broadway, there were fares ranging from $6 to $15.

The difference in price meant if a driver worked that 10 minute ride for an hour, that driver could make $36 while another could possibly pull in $90.

It is one of the reasons why the San Diego City Council is talking about further regulating the pedicab industry, and that includes a uniform fare schedule that must be posted in every pedicab.

In the meantime, the I-Team learned that the best thing to do is to negotiate a price before hopping into a pedicab for a ride.

Also, the I-Team suggests making sure the driver drops you off in a well-lit public place.