Not everyone wants to walk, cycle or ride a Segway to see a city, and Nice has an easy answer for them: the electrically assisted bike taxi. A driver pedals a covered or open seat for you and a companion, with an electric motor taking the work out of the climbs, and talks you through the city as you roll along. This one-hour tour covers the main sights of central Nice, taking in the old town, the seafront and the Promenade des Anglais and the port, at the speed of a leisurely bicycle and with the freedom to stop for photographs. It has a 4.9 average from about two hundred reviews, which puts it among the best-liked ways to see the city. The great advantage of this format is flexibility: because the vehicle is small, it can use lanes and quays that buses cannot, and the driver is a local who can answer questions about everything from the Carnival floats to the history of the Russian community. It is also remarkably good for visitors with limited stamina, older travellers and families, as well as couples who want a romantic, easy hour. The one limit is capacity, since the vehicles are small, so larger groups should book more than one or ask the operator.
What to expect
You are collected or meet at the start point, climb aboard and set off along a route that your driver tailors to the group within the hour. Expect the narrative to cover the major landmarks, with stops where there is something worth seeing, such as the bay, the market streets and the harbour.
Practical details
The experience runs for one hour. The route, the meeting point, the capacity of each vehicle and the operating days are set by the operator and should be checked when you book. Because you ride in the open air, dress for the weather, with a hat in summer and a jacket in winter, and keep valuables close, as you would in any city seat.
Who it suits
Grandparents and grandchildren, couples with limited time, and anyone who finds the Promenade's length tiring. Pair it with a long lunch, then walk back through the places that caught your eye. If you prefer more active touring, the Segway and e-bike options are the next step up.
One of the pleasures of a bike taxi is the conversation. Because your driver is also your guide, you can steer the hour toward your interests: the Belle Époque seafront, the Baroque churches and colourful façades of the old town, the Russian presence in Nice, the Carnival or simply where locals eat. Tell the driver at the start what you most want to see, and mention anything you want to skip.
The vehicle is open to the air, so the experience changes with the weather, and a calm spring morning or late afternoon is hard to beat. Tipping is a personal matter and not obligatory, though many visitors reward a driver who has been generous with stories. As a first activity in Nice it works well, because it shows you where to return on foot.
What to expect
The experience
A one-hour guided sightseeing ride in an electrically assisted bike taxi, with commentary from your driver.
Best time
Dry, mild mornings or late afternoons; it works year round in good weather.
How long
1 hour.
Tips
Dress for the open air, check how many passengers each vehicle takes and agree your must-sees with the driver.
Quick picks
- Best for
- An effortless one-hour overview for anyone who would rather not walk or pedal.
- Families
- Good for mixed ages; check capacity for larger families.
- Couples
- A romantic, relaxed hour with a local driver.
- Pair with
- A seafront lunch and the Cours Saleya.
- Time needed
- 1 hour.
Good questions
How long is the bike taxi tour?+
One hour.
Is it electric?+
Yes, the bike taxi is electrically assisted, so the driver can manage hills and long stretches easily.
How many people can ride?+
Capacity depends on the vehicle, so check when you book.
What does it cover?+
The old town, the seafront and Promenade des Anglais and the port, with commentary from a local driver.
How is it rated?+
It holds a 4.9 average from about two hundred reviews.
