Birmingham resident Christopher Saulsberry is hoping to bring a fun and eco-friendly mode of transportation to the Magic City.

He is seeking approval from the city of Birmingham to launch Magic City Pedicab that will operate in the city's hotspots, including downtown and Railroad Park, Uptown, Southside, Avondale and the Lakeview District.

"I am just excited to have Magic City Pedicab coming to the city of Birmingham," Saulsberry said. "I am ready."

Saulsberry, who works as an electrical inspector for the city of Birmingham, received initial approval for the business from the city council's transportation committee on Monday afternoon. Councilors Darrell O'Quinn and John Hilliard spoke in favor of the business.

Magic City Pedicab is expected to go before the full city council for approval next week.

Pedicabs are small pedal-operated vehicles that seat two or three passengers.

With the city's approval of horse-drawn carriages and other low-speed vehicles, Saulsberry said it was the perfect time to launch his business.

"I just think Birmingham is at its age and its peak where I thought it would accept something like this," he said.

He said he hopes visitors and residents will ride for entertainment and as a small-scale means of transportation.

Saulsberry said he's never ran a pedicab company before, but he's enjoyed riding in them in Mobile, New Orleans, Washington D.C. and Baltimore.

Saulsberry will serve as the only driver to start, he said. To get ready, he's been training by riding his bicycle up hills for the last few weeks. He said it's possible that he will lease pedicabs to drivers in the future.

If everything goes smoothly, Saulsberry said Magic City Pedicab will be up-and-running in June. It is expected to operate Thursday through Sunday.

A phone number, website and merchandise are forthcoming, he said.