5 Electric Vehicle Tours Revolutionizing Sightseeing in the United States

The electric revolution extends beyond the cars we drive (including rentals): it's transforming how we fly, sail, and even camp. Now, it's time for the sightseeing scene to get electrified. Across the United States, innovative, eco-friendly vehicles are reshaping tours, allowing exploration without the noise of traditional engines or a hefty carbon footprint.

Say goodbye to cramped tour buses with their idling engines: from the nation’s inaugural electric tour boat to a fairy-tale-inspired e-carriage, these five environmentally-friendly EV sightseeing tours promise guilt-free adventures.

Electric 'storytelling cars' in San Francisco

San Francisco’s GoCar Tours features compact, vibrant yellow GoCar EV Sport vehicles that offer a modern twist on a three-wheeled motorcycle. Available for rent from Fisherman’s Wharf since 2019, these tandem two-seater 'storytelling cars' are perfect for independent exploration, equipped with GPS-guided tours and lively audio commentary. Produced by Oregon-based Arcimoto, they can reach speeds of up to 75 mph, ready to take you across the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond. While you can drive them anywhere in the city, audio is limited to 11 specific tour routes. (Pro tip: Gocar’s Arcimoto tours are also now offered in Las Vegas and San Diego.)

Electric carriages in Philadelphia

While horse-drawn carriages were never powered by engines, they weren't necessarily eco-friendly either. This contentious industry has faced backlash from animal rights advocates due to concerns over animal welfare. Philadelphia, once famous for its horse-drawn carriages (though the last stables closed in 2023), is now experimenting with a modern alternative: e-carriages. The local animal advocacy group, Carriage Horse Freedom, introduced its first electric carriage, named 'Caroline,' in 2023, offering a more ethical option to horse-drawn vehicles—'all the charm, none of the harm,' as stated on their website.

This sophisticated e-carriage replaces horsepower with battery power and has quickly become a highlight at city parades and events. Scheduled public tours are set to launch in spring, in partnership with the American Vegan Center, focusing on the history of vegetarianism and veganism in Philadelphia. Additional general sightseeing tours of the Old City are anticipated to commence this summer, subject to city permit approvals.

Electric tour boats at Niagara Falls

The Maid of the Mist boats have been a hallmark of the Niagara Falls experience since 1846, whisking poncho-wearing visitors close to the breathtaking falls in the misty Niagara Gorge. While the boats have retained their charm over the years, their technology is now cutting-edge: in 2020, the company upgraded from diesel vessels to twin battery-powered, fully electric catamarans—the first of their kind in the U.S.

Passengers aboard the 600-capacity, double-decker boats, departing from New York’s Niagara Falls State Park, can look forward to a tranquil, silent, and eco-friendly 25-minute journey, powered by hydroelectric energy sourced from the falls themselves.

E-Carts in Washington, D.C.

D.C.’s National Mall, home to numerous memorials, monuments, and museums, spans over a thousand acres and stretches two miles long. Navigating this vast area can be overwhelming, especially with young children or older adults—enter WeVenture’s fleet of eye-catching red electric cart tours.

Select between an open-air roadster model with a retractable roof or a glass-enclosed version for any weather. These private tours feature a driver/guide who will whisk you to numerous picturesque spots with insightful commentary, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, memorials for Lincoln, FDR, and MLK, the Washington Monument, and more, along with opportunities to hop off and explore on foot.

Electric hot tub boats in Chicago

The Chicago Electric Boat Company is committed to sustainability on the Chicago River, introducing a fun twist with its 'hot tub boats' in 2023. These soak-ready, leisurely boats, which cruise at a maximum speed of one mile per hour, depart from the docks at Marina City, offering a unique perspective of the Chicago skyline.

Reserve the charming blue, circular boats for 90-minute excursions accommodating up to six guests; any licensed driver aged 21 or older can take the helm. Each boat is equipped with all the essentials: coolers, floating cup holders, stylish underwater lights, and waterproof Bluetooth speakers. Additionally, you can bring your own beverages (except for the driver, of course)—just keep in mind that there are no bathrooms onboard. These boats are only available from November to March due to the heavy crowds during the peak season.