Here’s How—and Why—You Should Book a Bar on Wheels for Your Bachelorette Party
For a fun bachelorette party idea that's sure to impress everyone in the bride tribe, consider booking a bar on wheels. Also known as pedal pub party bikes, this activity has become an increasingly popular bachelorette party trend. As part of the action-packed experience, you'll ride—ehr, pedal—around town with your nearest and dearest while indulging in libations and making stops along the way. Below, we've outlined everything you need to know about booking a bar on wheels, including a step-by-step planning guide and expert vendor recommendations courtesy of The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Just be sure to drink and pedal responsibly!
- What Is a Bar on Wheels?
- Alternate Names for Bar on Wheels
- How to Find a Pedal Bar Near Me
-
Our Favorite Bars on Wheels in the U.S.
What Is a Bar on Wheels?
Simply put, a bar on wheels is a multi-passenger vehicle—or, in layperson's terms, a giant bicycle—powered solely by the passengers' legs. The passengers are positioned around the bar, facing each other, while simultaneously sipping drinks and pedaling. Think of this popular bachelorette party activity as one-part city tour, one-part workout class and one-part bar crawl, offering something for everyone in the group!
Alternate Names for Bar on Wheels
It's worth noting that there is no one-size-fits-all name for bars on wheels. In fact, you may also see them being referred to as one of the below:
- Pedal bars
- Bicycle bars
- Trolley bars
- Trolley pubs
- Pedal pubs
- Party bicycle bars
- Pedaling bars
How to Find a Pedal Bar Near Me
Whether you call it a pedal bar, bicycle bar or bar on wheels, finding one near you is easier than ever: Simply head to the bar/bartender and party sections of The Knot Vendor Marketplace and scroll away! Think of it as your one-stop-shop for all things wedding and bachelorette party planning. In this case, you'll be able to search for specific pedal bar vendors in your desired location and price point.
Our Favorite Bars on Wheels in the U.S.
The U.S. is teeming with dozens of fantastic pedal bars—so consider this your sign to book one for your bachelorette party. To inspire your bachelorette party planning, we've rounded up a few of our favorite bars on wheels across the country.
Trolley Pub in Charlotte, NC
Known for its up-and-coming culinary scene, Charlotte is a seriously underrated bachelorette party destination for foodies. Explore the city via bike with Trolley Pub, which offers pedal-powered bars to accommodate all your nearest and dearest. It's also BYOB, which is a plus for budget-conscious bachelorette groups. Along with imbibing and pedaling, you'll also visit some of Charlotte's most popular sites, attractions, bars and nightlife offerings.
Pedal Pub in Miami, FL
Miami is a beloved bachelorette party destination for beach lovers and party-goers alike thanks to its idyllic oceanfront locale and abundance of bars, lounges and clubs. Make your trip all the more memorable with Pedal Pub. Each bike—which is beautifully handcrafted in The Netherlands, no less—can hold up to 15 people. You'll stop at some of the city's best bars along the way. While custom tours are available, the 90-minute Wynwood Graffiti Bar Tour is a must for art enthusiasts.
The Pedal Boat Pub in Lake Orion, MI
As you can guess by its name, The Pedal Boat Pub in Lake Orion, MI isn't your typical bar on wheels. Moreover, this company utilizes 25-foot-cycle boats that go out on the water. Each can fit up to 16 people and features a sleek built-in bar serving killer cocktails and light bites.
Trolley Pub in Madison, WI
Explore Madison, Wisconsin in style—all while pedaling and sipping your favorite alcoholic beverages—with Trolley Pub, which offers, you guessed it, pedal-operated bike tours. Each multi-passenger bike can accommodate up to 14 guests and is operated by a conductor to ensure a safe and memorable experience. The two-hour tour includes stops at some of the city's best bars, along with the historic Terrace at Memorial Union.
Chesapeake Bay Pedal Club in Virginia Beach, VA
Open seasonally from April through October, the Chesapeake Bay Pedal Club in Virginia Beach offers cycle boat cruises on their 37-foot-long vessel. The two-hour-long BYOB tours—which take place either during the day or at sunset—are operated by a captain and first mate, and the boat offers 10 cycle stations facing a bar with built-in coolers and surround sound. Bonus: There's a restroom on board.
How to Plan a Bar on Wheels Bachelorette Activity
Planning a bar on wheels bachelorette activity is pretty seamless, which means you can breathe easy.
Research Vendors in Your Desired Location
As previously mentioned, you can (and should!) use The Knot Vendor Marketplace to research bars on wheels vendors. The tool also allows you to narrow down options based on location and price point.
Make Sure the Cost Fits in Your Budget
Before going ahead and reserving your pedal bar tour, check in with the group to make sure you're all on the same page regarding price. Remember, communication is key when it comes to bachelorette party planning!
Book!
Once you get the go-ahead from the rest of the group, go ahead and finalize your booking!
Bring Drinks and Snacks if Allowed
It's always a good idea to double-check with your specific bars on wheels vendor, but it is worth noting that most are BYOB (snacks, too, in some cases). With that in mind, make a plan with the rest of the group to gather your desired drinks and snacks ahead of time so that you're not scrambling around the day of.