REVIEW · OLD TOWN AND HISTORIC SEGWAY TOURS

2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours – Ultimate Old Town Exploration

5.0 · 433 reviews 2 hours (approx.) Operated by Scottsdale Segway Tours · Bookable on Viator
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Old Town is easier on two wheels. This two-hour Scottsdale Segway tour gives you a lively introduction to the city’s streets, public art, historic buildings, local businesses, and desert views without asking you to cover the whole area on foot. I especially like the personal Segway and the guides’ mix of history, restaurant tips, and local stories. The main tradeoff is that this is a narrated sightseeing tour with frequent stops, not a fast ride around town.

The route includes Scottsdale Waterfront, a fountain-filled park, changing art exhibits, historic architecture, a working old saloon, views of Camelback Mountain, and the only constructed bridge designed by Paolo Soleri. Larry, John, Brian, Josh, and others are praised for making beginners feel safe and welcome. You should still bring decent mobility, since your calves and feet may feel the work after two hours.

Key points to know before you book

2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration - Key points to know before you book

  • Beginner-friendly Segways: Guides provide instruction and practice before the group heads into Old Town.
  • A useful first-day activity: You get restaurant, bar, event, and sightseeing suggestions that can help shape the rest of your Scottsdale stay.
  • A broad Old Town route: The tour combines public art, historic sites, local businesses, Scottsdale Waterfront, and Camelback Mountain views.
  • Small-group feel: The experience is promoted as a small-group tour, with one description listing up to 12 people and the additional details listing a maximum of 19. Confirm the expected group size when booking.
  • Safety comes first: Helmets are required, water is included, and guides make sure riders are comfortable before setting off.
  • A moderate physical outing: Riding is easy to learn for many people, but standing and steering for two hours can tire your feet and calves.

Why a Segway works well in Old Town Scottsdale

2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration - Why a Segway works well in Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town is spread out enough that walking can leave you choosing between the next attraction and tired feet. A Segway gives you more range while keeping you close to the streets, storefronts, artwork, and public spaces that make the area worth seeing.

I like this format because you are not sealed inside a bus. You can look around as you ride, hear the guide clearly through the provided headset, and stop for photographs. The route also lets you cover several types of Scottsdale sights in one outing: public art, history, architecture, dining areas, and open views toward Camelback Mountain.

The tour is not designed for speed. You will stop often while your guide explains what you are seeing. That may disappoint you if your main goal is to zip around town, but it is useful if you want context and ideas for later.

The strongest part of the experience is the combination of orientation and entertainment. Guides such as Larry, John, Brian, Braxton, Josh, Grayson, Austin, and others are praised for being friendly, funny, patient, and alert to safety. That matters on a Segway tour, especially when several riders are learning at once.

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Getting started at 6803 East Main Street

2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration - Getting started at 6803 East Main Street

The meeting point is 6803 E Main St, Suite 1120, Scottsdale, Arizona. The tour ends back at the same location, and the area is near public transportation.

Expect the opening part of the experience to focus on the equipment and basic handling. You use a personal Segway, wear a required helmet, and receive bottled water. Guides make sure you can operate the machine before moving into the public streets.

That early practice is important. Several riders with no previous Segway experience found the machines easy to learn, and one rider in their sixties was surprised by how quickly they became comfortable. Still, do not treat the training as a formality. Pay close attention to turning, stopping, balance, and the guide’s instructions.

A headset is provided so you can hear the commentary while riding. That is a small but useful touch. Without it, a group tour can turn into a series of missed sentences whenever you fall a few yards behind.

Old Town streets, local businesses, and public art

Once the group sets off, the guide talks about Old Town’s history, culture, shops, restaurants, bars, and art installations. This is where the tour becomes more than a ride.

You will see the area at street level rather than through a list of dates. The guide can point out details as you pass them, then explain how the parts fit together. The commentary also includes local business suggestions, which can be useful when you are deciding where to eat or spend an evening.

I would schedule this tour near the start of your visit. Several riders used it to decide which places to return to later, and that is one of its best values. You get a working map of Old Town, along with ideas for restaurants, bars, events, and other places to explore on foot.

The tour also stops for photographs. That is welcome because the Segway itself is not the entire point. You have a chance to pause, listen, and take pictures without trying to balance and use your phone at the same time.

The one thing to understand is that the route is guided and paced for a mixed group. If you want uninterrupted riding, this may feel slower than expected. If you want a clear introduction to Old Town, the stops are part of the appeal.

Scottsdale Waterfront and the desert break

2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration - Scottsdale Waterfront and the desert break

Scottsdale Waterfront provides a change of scene from the dry surroundings. The route includes a short five-minute stop where you can stretch your legs and use the restroom if needed.

That pause may sound minor, but it is well placed. Two hours on a Segway involves more standing than many people expect, and a quick break helps you reset before continuing. The waterfront also gives you a chance to enjoy a more open setting and take a breath between narrated sections.

The stop is free, and it is included as part of the tour rather than requiring a separate admission ticket. Do not expect a long waterfront visit. Five minutes is enough for a brief pause, not a full exploration.

Water is included, but I would still dress for the Arizona conditions and think carefully about sun protection. The supplied details do not specify shade, so prepare for an outdoor activity rather than assuming every stop will be cool.

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Fountains, greenery, and changing art exhibits

Another stop takes you to a popular park with fountains, greenery, and several art installations. This provides a pleasant contrast to the hard surfaces and storefronts of Old Town.

The park is also a good example of how the tour mixes public space with cultural sights. You are not simply riding from one building to another. You get time to notice how Scottsdale uses art and open areas as part of its public identity.

The route also includes a local art venue where exhibits change about every three months. That rotating schedule gives the stop a different feel depending on when you visit. It is a useful detail for repeat visitors, since the art may not be the same on a later trip.

Because the exhibits change, the guide’s commentary may be especially helpful. You can ask questions about what is currently on display and decide if you want to return for a longer visit. The tour itself is not presented as an extended gallery visit, so keep your expectations focused on an introduction rather than a full art program.

Historic architecture and Scottsdale’s working past

2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration - Historic architecture and Scottsdale’s working past

The itinerary includes historic architecture and cultural sites that help explain Scottsdale beyond its modern dining and shopping image. The guide discusses the area’s past while you ride between stops, giving you a sense of how the old and new parts of town sit together.

One stop is a historic saloon that remains open today. That detail gives the site practical life. You are not looking at a preserved building that exists only for photographs. You are seeing a place still operating as a saloon, which makes the history easier to connect with the present.

The tour is strongest when the guide adds personal knowledge to these places. John is praised for his explanations of Scottsdale’s history and architecture, while Josh is singled out for making Old Town’s past entertaining. Larry is often noted for mixing information with humor and restaurant recommendations.

You will not receive an academic lecture. The tone is conversational, and the guide keeps the group moving. That makes the experience accessible for families and first-time visitors, though anyone wanting a detailed architectural study should plan separate visits to the sites that interest them most.

Camelback Mountain views from an easy riding distance

The route includes views of Camelback Mountain, one of Scottsdale’s most recognizable natural landmarks. You do not climb the mountain on this tour, but you get an outdoor viewpoint while traveling through the city.

This is one of the reasons the Segway is useful. You can take in a broader view without committing to a hike or a long walk in the heat. The mountain also gives the guide an easy reference point when explaining the area’s setting.

Bring your camera, but keep it put away while riding unless the guide has stopped the group. The tour includes planned photo breaks, and those are the right moments to take pictures safely.

The quality of the view will depend on weather and visibility. The operator requires suitable weather for the activity, and poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled tour or a full refund. That policy makes sense for an outdoor ride, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Paolo Soleri’s unusual bridge

2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration - Paolo Soleri’s unusual bridge

One of the more distinctive stops is the only bridge designed by Paolo Soleri that was ever constructed. The guide explains the bridge and what Soleri was famous for, giving you a piece of design history that you might otherwise pass without noticing.

This stop adds variety to the tour. You move from Old Town history and public art to a structure connected with a major architectural thinker. Even if you know little about Soleri beforehand, the bridge gives the guide a clear object to discuss and gives you a reason to look more closely at the built environment.

It is also the kind of detail that makes a guided route more useful than simply following a map. You might pass an unusual bridge on your own and take a picture. With the guide, you get the story that gives the structure meaning.

Is two hours enough?

Two hours is a sensible length for this activity. You have enough time to learn the Segway, ride through several parts of Old Town, stop for commentary, see public art and historic places, and take photographs. The tour also returns to the original meeting point, so it fits neatly into a day of sightseeing.

The length does not mean you will see every corner of Scottsdale. It is an overview, not a complete city tour. Think of it as a way to mark places you want to revisit, not as a substitute for spending an afternoon exploring the area on foot.

The route includes breaks, but standing for two hours still requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Some riders specifically noted tired feet and calves. If you have limited mobility, balance concerns, or difficulty standing, this may not be the right activity.

At the same time, the experience is not limited to young adults. The group range described in the feedback included ages from 28 to 67, and a 65-year-old rider found the training manageable. The important question is your balance and mobility, not your age alone.

Safety, instruction, and the guide’s role

Safety receives repeated attention throughout the experience. Helmets are required, guides provide training, and the group does not set off until riders are comfortable enough to control the Segways.

That approach is especially valuable for a mixed group. One rider may have used a Segway before, while another may be stepping on one for the first time. Grayson is praised for making sure everyone felt comfortable before riding, and Brian and Ryan are noted for helping a newer rider learn the controls.

The guides also keep an eye on the group during the route. That matters more than flashy commentary. A funny guide can improve the mood, but a careful guide is what makes the outing feel manageable.

You should still take responsibility for your own comfort. Wear clothing suitable for outdoor riding, follow the instructions, and tell the guide if you need a pause. The tour includes water, but the supplied information does not specify any special clothing or equipment beyond the Segway and helmet.

Group size, value, and who should book

The experience is described as small-group, with the highlights stating a cap of 12 participants. The additional details list a maximum of 19, so group size is not perfectly consistent in the supplied information. If a small group is important to you, confirm the number before booking.

A smaller group usually helps with instruction, questions, photographs, and keeping the pace together. It also makes it easier for the guide to notice when someone needs help. The tour’s 4.9 rating from 433 ratings and its 99 percent recommendation figure point to very strong satisfaction, especially with the guides, safety, and ease of learning.

No price is provided here, so I cannot judge the exact dollar cost. The value is easiest to understand in practical terms: you receive two hours of equipment use, a helmet, water, instruction, guided sightseeing, historical commentary, and local recommendations. If you would otherwise pay for a separate orientation tour and spend time walking between sights, the format can make good sense.

I would choose it for first-time Scottsdale visitors, families with mobile older children, couples, friends, and anyone who wants an active introduction to Old Town. It also works well when you have limited time and want an overview before deciding where to return.

I would skip it if you dislike group pacing, do not want frequent stops, or mainly want an adrenaline ride. The tour is informative and social, not a free-form cruise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Within 24 hours, changes and cancellations are not accepted for a refund. The activity can also be canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, in which case you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Scottsdale Segway tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, active way to get your bearings in Old Town. The best reasons are the broad route, the guides’ strong focus on safety, the easy access to local suggestions, and the chance to cover more ground than you would on foot.

Plan it for an early day in your stay, wear comfortable outdoor clothing, and expect your legs to do some work. If you remember that this is a guided introduction rather than a speed ride, you are likely to get good value from the two hours.

Skip it only if balancing, standing, or following a group pace would be uncomfortable. For most mobile visitors who want history, art, architecture, and city views in one outing, this is a smart way to begin exploring Scottsdale.

FAQ

Where does the Scottsdale Segway tour start?

The tour starts at 6803 E Main St, Suite 1120, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

What is included?

The tour includes use of a Segway, a required helmet, and bottled water.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Do I need previous Segway experience?

No previous experience is stated as a requirement. Guides provide instruction and practice, and the experience is described as suitable for people learning to ride.

How physically demanding is the tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. Riders may experience tired feet or calves after standing and riding for two hours.

How large is the group?

The experience is described as a small-group tour. One description lists a maximum of 12 participants, while the additional details list a maximum of 19, so confirm the expected group size when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

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