You’ll hop aboard an electric-assisted trolley in Columbus with a local guide and your own drinks in tow. Pedal through lively neighborhoods, stop at partner bars for exclusive deals, and share laughs with new friends—all while music plays and city life buzzes around you.
I didn’t really know what to expect when we first climbed onto the Trolley Pub in Columbus. The seats were kind of shiny from the morning drizzle, and everyone was laughing about who’d end up pedaling the hardest. Our captain—Marcus, I think?—handed out ice for our drinks and showed us where to stash our cans (no glass allowed). There was this mix of anticipation and awkwardness at first, like a bunch of strangers at a wedding table. But then someone put on Prince and suddenly it felt like we’d known each other longer.
The city looked different from that low, open seat—closer somehow. We passed by old brick buildings and caught whiffs of coffee drifting out from a corner café. At one stoplight, a group of college kids cheered us on (I waved back with my half-empty cup). Marcus pointed out some mural I’d never noticed before even though I’ve lived nearby for years. He told us stories about the neighborhoods—the kind you don’t get just walking around alone—and made sure nobody got left behind when we stopped for drink specials at one of their partner bars. I tried to pronounce “Schmidt’s Sausage Haus” right; pretty sure I failed.
Honestly, the pedaling wasn’t as hard as I thought thanks to the electric assist. Some folks barely touched the pedals and just soaked in the ride, which was fine too. When it started drizzling again, nobody really cared—we just pulled down our hoods and kept singing along to whatever song came next. There’s something about moving slow through your own city with a group of people (some friends, some strangers) that makes everything feel lighter for a while. I still think about that view down High Street with all those neon signs flickering in the wet pavement.
The tour lasts about 2 hours from start to finish.
Yes, you can bring up to 36oz of beer or 18oz of wine per person—no liquor or glass bottles allowed.
You must be over 21 to drink; under-21s can join if accompanied by an adult but cannot drink alcohol.
Yes, you’ll stop at partner bars or spots chosen by your group for breaks and special discounts.
The trolley has five non-pedal seats available for guests who prefer not to pedal or need extra comfort.
Yes, there’s a stereo system so you can play music during your ride.
The trolleys are enclosed from mid-November through mid-March; otherwise bring rain gear just in case.
Yes, each rider must fill out a liability waiver prior to joining the tour.
Your day includes an electric-assisted trolley ride led by a sober captain, optional helmets if you want them, plenty of ice in coolers for your drinks (BYOB rules apply), access to exclusive discounts at partner bars during stops, and music playing throughout—plus five comfy non-pedal seats if you want to take it easy along the way.
Do you need help planning your next activity?