Originally Posted by
StephenH
I think part of the trick of using one would be good gearing, but part of it is just going to be a good set of legs and lungs to make it go. And if a mountain bike has adequate gearing to get the bike and rider up a 30% grade, then it could get a pretty good load up a 10% grade.
^This.
Pedicabs have very low gearing designed for hauling weight. In addition, the operator spends many hours a day pedaling this weight around and is generally in pretty good shape.