Melbourne is a good city to see by bike, and this guided electric bike tour takes the effort out of it. The tour lasts about four hours, starts at 10am at 20 Rebecca Walk in the city and ends back at the same spot, with a group of up to ten riders. Electric assistance means that most travellers can take part, including those who do not usually cycle long distances, and the pace is relaxed enough for conversation. The route is around ninety-five per cent off-road, using bike paths and parks, which keeps traffic stress to a minimum. Highlights listed for the ride include Southbank, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Fitzroy Gardens, the Parliament of Victoria, the Royal Exhibition Building, North Fitzroy, Chinatown, Hosier Lane, Federation Square and the Immigration Museum. A lunch stop at a cafe in Fitzroy breaks up the ride, and the tour includes the e-bike, a helmet and a guide. It is rated 4.9 from around 300 reviews, which suggests a well-run operation and an experience that suits first-time visitors who want to see a lot of the city in one morning.
Plan for the lunch stop
Food and drinks are included unless otherwise specified, and guests are advised to bring extra cash for lunch, so check what is covered when you book and carry a little money. Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes, bring sunscreen and a water bottle in summer, and a light waterproof for showers. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. One past rider reported a group larger than the stated limit, so if group size matters to you, ask the operator when you book.
The e-bike format is the main appeal. Melbourne is largely flat, but the ride across the city, up through Fitzroy and along the river adds up to a long morning, and electric assistance makes the distance comfortable. It is a good choice for couples and friends who like a bit of activity but not a sweat, and for travellers who would rather see the Shrine, the MCG and the gardens in a single sweep than visit each on foot.
A full refund is offered if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start. Relax into the pace: the guide leads and the group stops at key points, so there is no need to navigate or worry about traffic. Wear layers you can add or remove, put your valuables in a small bag on the bike, and let the guide know if you would like to adjust the saddle or the level of assistance so the ride stays comfortable for the full four hours.
Be realistic about the experience. This is a sightseeing ride, not a deep dive into any one place: you will stop at key points for explanation and photographs, but you will not enter museums or the MCG. If you want to explore a particular attraction in depth, use the ride as an orientation and return later. It works particularly well on your first morning in the city, when it gives you a sense of the layout, and pairs well with an afternoon in the laneways or a visit to the Queen Victoria Market.
What to expect
The experience
A guided e-bike ride of about four hours through Southbank, the Shrine, MCG precinct, Fitzroy Gardens and the laneways, mostly on bike paths and in parks.
Best time
The tour starts at 10am. Dry, mild days are best.
How long
About four hours.
Tips
Bring cash for lunch and a water bottle. The e-bike, helmet and guide are included. Not wheelchair accessible. Full refund if cancelled 24 hours ahead.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors and active couples who want to cover a lot of ground without the effort.
- Families
- Check age and size requirements for riders when you book.
- Couples
- A fun, sociable way to see the city on your first morning.
- Pair with
- An afternoon in the laneways or a visit to Queen Victoria Market.
- Time needed
- Four hours.
Good questions
Where does the Electric Bike Tour of Melbourne start?+
At 20 Rebecca Walk in Melbourne, and it finishes back at the same point.
How long is the tour?+
About four hours, starting at 10am.
Is the route on roads?+
The route is around ninety-five per cent off-road, using bike paths and parks.
What is included?+
The e-bike, a helmet and a guide. A lunch stop at a Fitzroy cafe is part of the route, so confirm what food and drink is covered when you book and bring some cash.
How large are the groups?+
Groups are limited to ten travellers.
