Rio de Janeiro: E-Scooter Lapa & Santa Teresa with Cable Car

Gliding through Rio's old quarters on two wheels, cable car ticket in hand

You ride an electric scooter through Lapa and downtown Rio, take the cable car up to Santa Teresa, and visit the Selarón Stairs and Metropolitan Cathedral. The tour includes your cable car ticket and beginner instruction if you need it. You're moving under your own power but with a guide who knows where to go, which means you see the neighborhoods from street level instead of from inside a vehicle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Morro da Urcapass by
2. Flamengo Parkpass by
3. Cinelândiapass by
4. Museum of Modern Artpass by
5. Lapapass by
6. Selarón Steps30m
7. National Library of Brazilpass by
8. Museum of Tomorrowpass by
9. Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiropass by
10. Rio de Janeiro Cathedral10m

E-scooter tour of Rio highlights

• Ride electric scooter in Lapa
• Visit Selaron Stairs
• Visit Metropolitan Cathedral
• Pass by Municipal Theater
• Visit Ruins Park
• Visit Samba City
• Take cable car to Santa Teresa

The experience

Leaning forward slightly, feet planted on the deck, hands gripping the handlebars. That's how you start moving through Rio de Janeiro on an electric scooter. The Port Zone spreads out ahead, and then you're rolling toward Lapa, where the colonial aqueducts rise up like something from another century. The route threads through downtown, past the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Municipal Theater, and the whole rhythm of the city changes when you're moving at this pace instead of stuck in traffic. Your guide gives you the basics if you've never ridden before. It's more about balance than anything else, they'll say, and they're right.

Santa Teresa is where the day shifts. You'll leave the scooters for the cable car (ticket's included), and it climbs up through the neighborhood in a way that feels almost old-fashioned now. The streets up there are narrow and steep, lined with colonial buildings and street art, and you can see across the bay to Guanabara. After you come back down, there's the Selarón Stairs. Those famous steps covered in blue and yellow tiles that someone spent years decorating by hand. It's one of those places that photographs don't quite capture. You have to stand on them to get why they matter.

The whole thing moves at a human speed. You're not rushing between stops or sitting on a bus watching the city through a window. You're in it, feeling the air change as you move between neighborhoods, stopping when something catches your attention. Cinelândia, the National Library, the Lapa Aqueducts. They're not just checkmarks on an itinerary. They're part of how the route actually flows. The guide knows the shortcuts and the stories, and because the group stays small, you can ask questions without holding anyone up.

What’s included

• Electric scooter rental for the duration of the tour.
• helmet.
• cable car ticket to Santa Teresa.
• guided route through Lapa, downtown Rio, and Santa Teresa.
• beginner instruction on scooter riding if needed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (19 and older) · Youth (14 to 18 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.Operator's directions: “Sidewalk in front of Shopping Cassino Atlantico >> By Subway: General Osório/ Ipanema (Exit D) >> By Uber: Shopping Cassino Atlantico (Av. Atlântica, 4240)”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by VANMO

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to move through Rio's historic neighborhoods without arranging transport between stops or navigating the traffic yourself. The scooter keeps you moving at a pace where you actually notice the details, and the guide handles the route.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 18 years). Under 14: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Do I need experience riding an electric scooter?

No. The guide provides instruction for novice riders before you start, and the route is designed to be manageable for all fitness levels. It's more about balance than strength.

What's included in the tour?

Electric scooter rental, helmet, cable car ticket to Santa Teresa, and a guide who leads you through Lapa, downtown, and to the Selarón Stairs. Lunch is not included.

How long does the tour take?

Approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on stops and pace.

Is the cable car ride included?

Yes, your cable car ticket to Santa Teresa is included in the tour price.

What's the weight limit for the electric scooter?

The maximum equipment load is 100 kg (220 lb).

Can I bring a helmet, or is one provided?

A helmet is provided. You can request your own if you prefer.

Are there public transportation options nearby if I need them?

Yes, public transportation is available in the area if you need an alternative way to get around.

What neighborhoods do we visit?

The tour covers the Port Zone, Lapa, downtown Rio (including Cinelândia), and Santa Teresa. You'll also see the Selarón Stairs, Metropolitan Cathedral, Municipal Theater, and Lapa Aqueducts.