This is an organized, roughly two‑hour ride on electric scooters led by a licensed or experienced tour guide — in this article presented as a guided experience by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). The route typically links parts of the Old Town, Wawel and the Vistula boulevards with the Podgórze district and its heart — Rynek Podgórski (Podgórze Market). In practice this means: a short vehicle briefing and safety instructions, followed by stories about the history of places you pass and short stops at the most interesting viewpoints and monuments.
Tours of this kind are both sightseeing and recreational — they let you see more than a walking tour and reach places along the Vistula without needing a car or public transport. For many participants it’s an attractive way to spend an afternoon while hearing a local’s stories about the city.
This article includes: a description of a typical two‑hour route focused on Podgórze and Rynek Podgórski, practical information (equipment, typical prices, participant requirements), safety rules in Kraków and tips on how to choose a tour that fits your expectations. Everything is explained in plain language and based on typical offers and common local guidelines for scooters.
Note: specific terms (prices, meeting point, minimum age) may vary between operators — before booking it’s a good idea to confirm details with the specific provider.
1. Meeting and short briefing - meet at the agreed place (usually in the centre or at one of the rental locations), check the scooters, put on helmets and go over safety rules. The briefing covers vehicle handling, rules for riding on bike lanes and places where you must dismount.
2. Ride through the Old Town or its edge - depending on the route the group may pass by the Main Market and through St. Florian’s Gate or avoid the busiest sections to get more quickly toward Wawel and the Vistula boulevards. The tour guide shares highlights and local anecdotes.
3. Vistula bank and Wawel panorama - a stop on the riverfront gives a short pause to talk about the role of the river in the city’s history with views of Wawel Castle and the Wawel Dragon.
4. Crossing or riding along the Vistula toward Podgórze - the route leads to the other side of the river or follows its banks, depending on the variant. Here the guide will discuss the industrial past of the area, the history of the Jewish community and examples of modernist and post‑war architecture.
5. Rynek Podgórski and Podgórze highlights - the central point of the route: Rynek Podgórski with its distinctive buildings, memorial sites and local stories. Good moment for photos and a short break for a local drink.
6. Short visits to memorial points and hidden corners - depending on the group and time, the guide may stop at the Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta), point out Oskar Schindler’s Factory (if the route goes that way) or take a short detour through lesser‑known Podgórze streets.
7. Return to the meeting point and finish - summary of the tour, tips for further visits and assistance returning scooters if they were rented from the operator.
- Context and history: the tour guide adds narratives to the places you see and explains connections between landmarks, which deepens the sightseeing experience.
- Routes planned for safety: the guide knows the safest and most interesting bike lanes and which areas to avoid during peak tourist times.
- Local perspective: the guide can recommend nearby cafés, galleries and ways to continue exploring the city after the tour.
- Equipment and logistics: organizers often provide scooters, helmets and basic protection as well as a short training session, so you don’t need to worry about rental or practical arrangements.
Equipment: organizers usually provide an electric scooter (e‑scooter) and a helmet. Some offers include a rain poncho in case of bad weather. If you prefer to use your own helmet, bring it with you.
Typical prices: rental models vary. Hourly scooter rentals in local shops often start around 25–30 PLN per hour; organized two‑hour guided tours in commercial offers typically begin at about 150 PLN per person and increase with added extras (for example a tasting, entrance fee or higher comfort). Final price depends on the operator, language of the tour and group size.
Age and limitations: many organizers set a minimum age (for example 8–12 years) and require a minimum height and weight to use scooters safely. Children are often required to be accompanied by an adult. Check the operator’s terms before booking.
Booking and group size: tours are offered for both small and larger groups; smaller groups give a more personal experience while larger ones can be cheaper per person. Book in advance during the tourist season and on weekends.
Speed limits and where to ride: in Kraków there are rules for electric scooters — the maximum allowed speed on such vehicles is limited to 20 km/h, and in many places you must use a bike lane or the carriageway. If there is no bike lane, riding on the carriageway is allowed when the speed limit there is up to 30 km/h; in exceptional and signposted situations you may use the sidewalk, but always give priority to pedestrians and exercise caution.
Duty to be cautious: scooter riders are treated as unprotected road users, so wearing a helmet and making safe judgments on the road reduce risk. Follow traffic signals and yield to pedestrians. Crossing pedestrian crossings usually requires walking the scooter across.
Parking scooters: the city designates mobility zones and points where rental scooters may be parked legally; abandoned vehicles outside those points are relocated. Tour operators usually handle scooter return, but confirm the return procedure when booking.
Health and alcohol restrictions: people under the influence of alcohol should not use scooters. In heavy fog, ice or storms it is wiser to cancel the tour for safety reasons.
Rynek Podgórski - the heart of historic Podgórze, featuring intimate buildings, a town hall and several characteristic tenement houses. It has a calmer atmosphere compared to the crowded Main Market, making it a perfect stop on a shorter tour.
Ghetto Heroes Square and memorial sites - Podgórze contains important places commemorating World War II and the fate of the Jewish community. A brief stop at these sites helps understand Kraków’s modern history and changes.
Vistula banks and the Wawel panorama - the route often runs along the river, offering one of Kraków’s most recognizable views. It’s also a chance to discuss the city’s relationship with the river through the centuries.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory and Podgórze’s industrial fragments - if time allows, the guide may point out the industrial past and examples of how old factories have been adapted for cultural uses.
Check the route and its pace - pick an offer that in two hours covers the places you most want to see. Some tours emphasize the Old Town, others focus on Podgórze or Kazimierz.
Ask about equipment and safety - make sure the organizer provides well‑maintained scooters and helmets and that groups are not overly large, which affects comfort and safety.
Compare tour language and group size - if you need commentary in Polish, check the listing specifies Polish; small groups usually mean more time for questions and personalised tips.
Check reviews and cancellation policy - during the season look at other participants’ reviews and the refund policy in case of bad weather or changes of plan.
Wear comfortable shoes and layer your clothing - even short tours can include quick walks and dismounted sections, so comfortable footwear and weather‑appropriate layers are essential.
Bring ID and reservation confirmation - organizers often ask for reservation confirmation and an ID when issuing equipment.
Hydration and phone protection - a small water bottle and a powerbank are helpful; your phone will be useful for photos and contact with the organizer.
Listen to the guide’s instructions - the guide knows local conditions and will keep the group safe; following directions helps ensure a smooth and secure tour.
Is the tour suitable for beginners? - Yes. Organizers usually start with a short training and select routes that are safe for people with little experience.
Do I have to know how to ride a scooter? - No, you’ll learn basic skills during the pre‑tour briefing; however, if you feel very uncertain consider renting a scooter for a short practice session before joining the group.
Do tours run in all weather? - Organizers generally reserve the right to cancel or postpone tours in very bad weather (heavy rain, strong wind, ice). Check the cancellation policy when booking.
Do I need a reservation? - It’s recommended to book in advance, especially in the tourist season and on weekends.
