NEW YORK — The New York City Council approved new regulations on Tuesday for pedicabs, intended to prevent tourists from being taken for a ride.

The council unanimously voted to require that pedicab drivers charge by the minute, with the timer clearly visible.

The current pricing system for the adult tricycles with room for three passengers is confusing and can lead to sticker shock at the end of a ride. Most pedicab drivers charge by the city block and per passenger, and some add fees and surcharges. In one case during the summer, a family from Texas paid more than $400 for a 14-block ride.

‘‘We are committed to taming what we call midtown’s Wild West,’’ said City Councilman Daniel Garodnick.

Under the legislation, which Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said he will sign, pedicab drivers will charge the same amount per minute for one, two, or three passengers.