Pittsburgh is a city of hills and bridges, which makes it a surprisingly good place to see on a Segway. This two-hour guided tour covers far more ground than a walking tour, rolling along the riverfront paths, across the famous yellow bridges and through the downtown streets and parks, with a guide who stops often to explain what you are looking at. It is rated 4.7 from 788 reviews, which makes it one of the most reviewed experiences in the city. Segway tours in Pittsburgh typically follow the rivers past Point State Park, the stadiums on the North Shore and the Cultural District, with views of Mount Washington across the water. The ride is less strenuous than cycling, so it suits people who want to see a lot without arriving hot and tired, and it is a fun way to enjoy the flat riverside trails that the city has built along its shores. A short training session comes first, and most riders are comfortable within a few minutes. The tour is mostly outdoors and runs in good weather, so it is best from spring through autumn. Because rules on minimum age and weight apply to Segway tours, check the requirements on the booking page before you plan to bring teenagers.
What to expect
You will check in a little before the start, receive a helmet and a short lesson in how to start, steer and stop, then set out in a single file with your guide. Stops are timed around photographs and short explanations of the architecture, the rivers and the industrial story that shaped the city. Routes can vary with events and conditions, so treat the landmarks as a likely sample rather than a fixed itinerary.
Practical points
Segway operators set their own minimum age and weight, so check the booking page, and wear closed shoes and clothing suited to the weather. Bring a light layer even in summer, as it is breezy beside the rivers, and carry as little as possible. Tours are weather dependent and may be rescheduled, so read the cancellation terms and keep your plans flexible on the day. The surfaces along the rivers are paved, but the route includes ramps and bridges, so listen to your guide on speed.
Making it count
Book this early in your trip, since it gives you an overview of the city that makes the rest of the visit easier to plan. If you prefer to walk, the Best of the Burgh walking tour covers the downtown story at a slower pace; if you like to cover more ground and enjoy a bit of novelty, this is the better choice.
Take it in the morning for softer light and quieter paths, and plan lunch in the Strip District afterwards. If you are weighing it against other ways of seeing the rivers, the sightseeing cruise gives you the view from the water and the walking tour gives you the stories at street level, while the Segway adds speed and range, so the three complement one another.
It is an especially good option for visitors with limited time, who want to see downtown, the riverfront and the stadiums in a single outing, and for groups of friends who like an activity rather than a lecture. Ask your guide for restaurant tips at the end, since local guides know the best places for lunch nearby.
What to expect
The experience
A guided two-hour Segway ride with a training session first, covering downtown and the riverfront trails.
Best time
A dry morning from spring to autumn, when the riverside paths are quiet and the light is soft.
How long
Two hours including the training session.
Tips
Check the minimum age and weight on the booking page, wear closed shoes, bring a light layer for the river breeze and keep your belongings to a minimum.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to cover a lot of ground and have fun doing it.
- Families
- Suits teenagers who meet the age and weight rules; younger children cannot ride.
- Couples
- A lively, different way to see the rivers and bridges together.
- Pair with
- Lunch in the Strip District or a late afternoon ride up the Duquesne Incline.
- Time needed
- Two hours, plus time to check in beforehand.
Good questions
How long is the Pittsburgh Segway tour?+
It lasts about two hours, including a short training session before you set out.
Do I need experience riding a Segway?+
No. A training session comes first and most riders are comfortable within a few minutes.
Is there an age or weight limit?+
Segway operators set minimum age and weight rules, so check the requirements on the booking page before you book for teenagers.
What does the tour see?+
Routes typically follow the riverfronts and downtown, taking in places like Point State Park, the stadiums and the Cultural District, though the exact route can vary.
What if the weather is bad?+
Segway tours are weather dependent, so read the cancellation and rescheduling terms when you book.
