There have been two comments about adjusting brakes, including one advising that the shoes need to be adjusted very close. I agree with this and would suggest that before you do anything else, try adjusting them so the wheels barely turn and see if you have a better pedal. This will only take you a few minutes and you can back them off if it doesn't work or seems too tight and might overheat. I have found the pedal responds to very close adjustment. Good luck,
Kent