Pennsylvania is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. It brims with sophisticated cities, magnificent outdoor attractions, and parks and trails that you can access by electric bike. Fortunately, many of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania offer e-bike tours.
My top 3 favorite places to take an eBike tour in Pennsylvania are the City Center, Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath, and the Grand Canyon Of Pennsylvania.
If you plan a one-of-a-kind trip to Pennsylvania, an e-bike tour is the best way. Let me share some of my favorite places in Pennsylvania to which you can take an e-bike tour.
1. City Center – Big City Tour
The City Center is one of the major tourist destinations in Pennsylvania. This area is a perfect tour location for people who want to experience big city life, thanks to the big hotels, high-end restaurants, vibrant bars, and cafes that line its streets.
When To Go
March to May are the best times to tour the City Center. These times are the late spring to the early summer season in Pennsylvania, so the weather is mild.
What To Bring
The best things to bring during your electric bike tour to the City Center are:
- sunscreen
- comfortable and moisture-wicking biking clothes
- closed toe shoes
- snacks and water
- a biking pack to carry your belongings
- pocket money
Check out the tours in City Center offered by 👉 Wheel Fun Rentals
Costs
An e-bike tour to City Center costs $49. It will last about three to four hours, giving you enough time to visit many great spots in the area. You may also need to prepare extra money for your lunch or in case you want to visit one of the City Center’s shops. (source)
Tour Highlights
There are many attractions in the City Center. One of the best places you will visit during the tour is the Liberty Bell Center, which is home to the historic Liberty Bell. Created in 1751, the bell is famous as the symbol of freedom and independence.
After the Liberty Bell visit, you will head to the 18th-century Betsy Ross House. This house is where the first American Flag was made. Today, the house has various displays, including the items owned by Betsy Ross.
Finally, the last stop will be The Philadelphia Mint – the first US Mint built after the constitution’s ratification. The place produces and mints circulating, numismatic, medals, and commemorative coins as authorized by the US Congress. (source)
2. Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath
The Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath brims with incredible scenery, trail networks, and outdoor activities. This fact makes the place an excellent area for electric bike tours.
When To Go
The Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath is open all year round, from sunrise to sunset. For this reason, you can choose the best time to visit it. Just make sure to visit when the weather is nice to ensure no rain will ruin your trip.
What To Bring
The best things to bring during a tour of the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath are:
- insect repellant
- sunscreen
- knee and elbow pads (optional)
- sufficient snacks and water
- proper and comfortable biking clothes and shoes
- a biking pack where you can put your personal belongings
- a camera
Costs
A two-and-a-half-hour tour to D&R Canal Towpath costs $125. This price includes the rental electric bike you will use, a helmet, and a tour guide to tell you everything you need to know about the tour. (source)
Tour Highlights
The Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath stretches for 70 miles and offers fantastic attractions. One of the highlights of the path is its historic areas. For instance, you will pass by 19th-century bridges, cobblestone spillways, rail depots, and historical railroad markers. There is also an 18th-century gristmill that you will pass by when you take the path to Stockton.
In addition, there are picnic areas around the trail where you will see your fellow trail explorers sitting and munching over their snacks.
You can view wildlife on your electric bike if you are a nature lover. Chances are you will see birds, deer, and other animals everywhere. (source)
Want to rent an eBike? Let me show you where with this article 👉 Where to Rent an eBike in Pennsylvania
3. Grand Canyon Of Pennsylvania
If a few hours of e-bike tour is not enough, you can embark on a two-day cycling and camping tour to the Grand Canyon Of Pennsylvania. This tour will give you an entire weekend of peace, or you can embark on various outdoor adventures.
When To Go
The best months to visit the Grand Canyon Of Pennsylvania are June to September. These are the summer months in Pennsylvania, so you will see flora and fauna around the Grand Canyon in full bloom. These are also the months when the Grand Canyon is full of visitors.
RIDE eMTB Tour Tip: Grab this FREE PDF Checklist containing a list of items to consider before an eBike Tour. 👉 eBike Tour Accessories Checklist
What To Bring
These are the things you need to bring when visiting the PA Grand Canyon:
- sunscreen
- proper biking attire
- closed toe shoes
- additional biking protective equipment
- pocket money
- a camera
- snacks
- water or energy drink
- extra clothes
Costs
A four-day Grand Canyon Of Pennsylvania tour costs $639, including the food and accommodation. You may also want to bring pocket money if your tour group agrees to check the shopping centers and eateries near the Grand Canyon. (source)
Tour Highlights
One of the trails you will explore when you embark on an adventure to the Grand Canyon Of Pennsylvania is the Pine Creek Rail Trail. This almost 60-mile trail is relatively flat, making it easy to ride. Once you reach the Blackwell Access and Ansonia Access areas, you will see the best scenery Pine Creek Trail offers.
Pine Creek Trail earned a spot as one of the “10 Great Places To Take A Bike Tour” from an article in USA Today. For this reason, you can expect no less during your tour. Apart from biking, you can also go boating and fish in the waterways at Pine Creek. The waters are also available for canoeing, so you can try it if your tour operator can squeeze it into your itinerary. (source)
4. Lititz – History Tour
Popular for its rich history, Lititz is one of the Pennsylvania cities that receive countless visitors every year. This town is a fantastic electric bike tour location for people who seek an adventure away from their busy city life.
When To Go
It is ideal to visit the town of Lititz when the weather is dry or when there is a low chance of rain. The months of January, February, and November are the best options.
Check out the tours in Lititz offered by 👉 Lititz Bikeworks
What To Bring
When visiting Lititz, you need to bring the following:
- a camera to capture the best spots of the town
- proper biking shoes and clothes
- pocket money
- a small first-aid kit
- a backpack to carry your personal belongings
- protective biking equipment (tour operators will provide the helmet)
Costs
Suppose you are visiting Pennsylvania in a group of at least five people. In that case, you can schedule a private tour to Lititz. The tour costs $100 per person and will take you to the places you want to explore. You can also include full meals on your tour but may include additional costs. (source)
Tour Highlights
When joining a private tour of Lititz, you can decide where you want the tour guide to take you. However, if you have yet to learn the best spots in this charming small town, let me give a few recommendations.
The first attraction you can visit while in the town is Lititz Springs Park. The Lititz Moravian Congregation owns this private park, but it is available to the public. This wonderful park is abundant in trees and calming scenery. A natural spring runs throughout the park, which you can visit while riding your e-bike.
The Lititz Springs Park Welcome Center, which you will see immediately once you reach the place, serves as a mini-museum. It provides you with all the information you need to know about the park. (source)
Another attraction you can visit in Lititz is the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. The sanctuary has more than 80 acres of natural woodland, which serves as a home to the wolves in the area. Today, the sanctuary takes care of more than 50 wolf-dogs and gray wolves, which you can see when you visit the sanctuary. (source)
5. Pittsburgh Golden Triangle
Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle offers tourists city life, views, and amenities. It is also famous for its steel-making heritage, making it popular as Pennsylvania’s Steel City.
When To Go
Summer and fall are the best seasons to visit the Golden Triangle. During these seasons, the weather in the city is pleasant, allowing you to find loads of activities to do.
What To Bring
Make sure to bring the following items when visiting Pittsburgh:
- comfortable and breathable biking clothes
- closed-toe biking shoes
- snacks and water
- sunscreen
- protective biking equipment
- a camera
Costs
The e-bike tour costs $59, including the rental electric bike and helmet you will use. A tour guide will also come with you to explain everything you need to know about the place you are exploring. It would be best to account for additional costs like food; biking can make you hungry. (source)
Check out the tours in Pittsburgh offered by 👉 Golden Triangle Bike
Tour Highlights
The highlight of your tour of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a ride along the river while the sun is setting. This part of the tour allows you to appreciate the breathtaking scenery around the town. In addition, you will be able to witness Pittsburgh as its vibrant nightlife takes place.
You will also see the remnants of the old Pittsburgh while exploring the Golden Triangle. You will notice that some of the buildings in the area have cast bronze sculptures and artworks carved on stones. Some houses even have terracotta roofs that make them exceptionally elegant.
The Golden Triangle of Pittsburgh is a great place for electric bike enthusiasts.
6. Fairmount Park – RiVer Views
Fairmount Park is home to the Fairmount Park Conservancy. This expansive park system features forest-shaded trails, waterfront, scenery, and an escape from the busy life.
When To Go
It is best to visit Fairmount Park in the early summer when the sun is not yet unrelenting. You can also visit in the fall to witness the dense trees in the park change colors.
What To Bring
Exploring Fairmount Park can take hours. For this reason, you will need to bring the following:
- a camera
- insect repellent
- comfortable and moisture-wicking biking clothes
- closed-toes sports shoes
- snacks and water
- first-aid kit
- a biking pack where you can place your belongings
Costs
Touring Fairmount Park costs $49. The tour operator will provide you with a rental electric bike and helmet for this price. It is ideal to bring extra money for food or in case you pass by a shop you want to visit. (source)
Check out the tours in Fairmount Park offered by 👉 Wheel Fun Rentals
Tour Highlights
An electric bike tour of Fairmount Park will cover trails and nature areas and take you to some of Philadelphia’s best attractions. One of these attractions is the JFK Plaza.
The John F. Kennedy or JFK Plaza is also famous as Love Park. The reason is that a large, red LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana sits at the heart of the park. This place is an excellent area for taking photos.
You will also visit the Rocky Steps and The Rocky Bronze Statue. The Rocky Steps is a stone stair with 72 steps and sits in front of the Philadelphia Museum Of Arts’ entrance. The stairs got their name from the movie “Rocky.” There is also a bronze statue of Rocky Balboa at the Rocky Steps.
Lastly, you will take a tour of the Schuylkill Bike Trail. This 120-mile trail is rich in history. It is also the rural and industrial area of Philadelphia. (source)
7. Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Home to the beautiful Monongahela River and majestic scenery, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a worthy place to visit for e-bike tour-goers.
When To Go
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is open throughout the year. So, you can pick the best time for you to join a tour of this place.
What To Bring
During the tour, it is ideal to have the following:
- proper biking clothes and shoes
- snacks and water
- first-aid kit
- a camera
- a biking pack or backpack to carry your belongings.
Costs
The tour costs $9 and includes the rental fee for the electric bike and helmet you will use. You may also need extra cash for your lunch or snacks. (source)
Check out the tours in Pittsburgh offered by 👉 ASR
Tour Highlights
One of the highlights of your tour of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is the ride along the Monongahela River. You can view wildlife while exploring the trail by this river. Chances are you will spot bald eagles, various other birds, and other animals.
You will also pass by the South Side Works and South Side Marina, where you can take some photos or observe boats while they drive on the waters. (source)
Frequently Asked Questions About eBike Tours
What kind of eBikes are provided?
Almost every electric bike tour operator in Pennsylvania provides their tour-goers with pedal-assist electric bikes. Such bikes have a motor that helps you propel the pedals, thus requiring you to use less leg power when maneuvering your e-bike.
How long does an eBike tour take?
Most electric bike tours in Pennsylvania last at least one to a half to three hours. These tours explore a few of the best places in the state, giving tour-goers various sights to see.
On the other hand, some tours last for up to four days. While these multiple-day e-bike tours are expensive, they already include the tour’s itinerary, food, and accommodation.
Are eBike tours safe?
Electric bike tours are safe for several reasons. First, the tour operators check their rental e-bikes before letting tour-goers use them. They also provide biking helmets and require you to always use them.
If you are on a guided tour, the tour guide who will join you is knowledgeable about e-bikes and the places you will visit. I wouldn’t worry too much about safety. Just use your common sense and you’ll be fine.
Hi David Humphries here the guy doing all the pedaling behind the scenes with this blog. I’ve been in the MTB world for a while and recently started getting into eMTBs. You can check out more about me HERE and on my other passion project – DIYMountainBike.com
Sources
- Boathouse Row Philadelphia. Self-Guided Tour: City Center Of Philadelphia. https://wheelfunrentals.com/pa/philadelphia/boathouse-row/tours/self-guided-bike-tours-city-center-e-bike-tour-of-philadelphia/ Accessed January 11, 2023.
- E-Bike Rental And Tours New Hope. D&R Canal Towpath eBike Tour. https://book.peek.com/s/0635e98f-3d3d-4cac-a5a5-1d31ed5e355e/dd6mq. Accessed January 11, 2023.
- TrailLink By Rails-To-Trails. Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. https://www.traillink.com/trail/delaware-and-raritan-canal-state-park-trail/ Accessed January 11, 2023.
- Adventure Cycling Association. Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania: Ride the Pine Creek Gorge. https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/self-contained-tours/grand-canyon-of-pennsylvania/ Accessed January 11, 2023.
- Pennsylvania Wilds. Pine Creek Rail Trail. https://pawilds.com/asset/pine-creek-rail-trail/ Accessed January 11, 2023.
- Lititz Bikeworks. Private Electric Bike Tour. https://lititzbikeworks.com/tour/private-electric-bike-tour/ Accessed January 11, 2023.
- Lititz Springs Park: Lititz, Pennsylvania. https://www.lititzspringspark.org/ Accessed January 11, 2023.
- Wolf Sanctuary Of PA. https://wolfsanctuarypa.org/ Accessed January 11, 2023.
- Adam Solar Rides. The Sunset Tour. https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/adamsolarresources/items/44515/calendar/2023/01/?full-items=yes&flow=6743. Accessed January 11, 2023.
- Boathouse Row Philadelphia. Self-Guided Tour: Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park Electric Bike Tour. https://wheelfunrentals.com/pa/philadelphia/boathouse-row/tours/self-guided-bike-tours-philadelphias-fairmount-park-electric-bike-tour/ Accessed January 11, 2023.
- Adam Solar Rides. The Waterfront Ride. https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/adamsolarresources/items/44517/calendar/2023/01/?flow=6743&full-items=yes. Accessed January 11, 2023.