2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Asheville

Skip the long walks. This two-hour Segway tour gives you a lively way to see Asheville, the Paris of the South, while covering more ground than you could on foot. I like the patient training for first-time riders and the chance to hear about Asheville’s architecture, history, and culture as you move through town. The small group, capped at seven people, also makes it easier to ask questions and keep up with the guide.

The main drawback is that the equipment may not be flawless. One rider found the Segways in only fair condition and noted that they had no storage bags for water or personal items. You should also think twice if you have vertigo, since this activity depends on balance and comfort around moving traffic and sidewalks.

Key points

• Beginner-friendly training: You receive instruction before leaving, and guides such as Marieve and Teddy have been praised for their patience with new riders.
• A small group of seven or fewer: The limited group size can make the ride feel more personal and lets the guide adjust the pace.
• A practical first-day tour: You can cover a large part of Asheville in two hours, then use the guide’s suggestions to plan the rest of your visit.
• History beyond the ride: The commentary includes Asheville’s architecture, local history, and culture, with stops and photo opportunities along the way.
• A good family age range: Children 10 and older can participate if they meet the weight limits and are accompanied by an adult.
• Weather matters: Poor weather can cancel the outing, with a different date or full refund offered.

Starting at 36 Montford Avenue

You meet at 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, North Carolina, and return to the same place at the end. That simple out-and-back setup matters because you do not have to arrange a second pickup point or figure out where to leave the group.

The tour begins with an introduction to your Segway i2. You are not simply handed the machine and sent into downtown. The guide first explains how to stand, steer, speed up, slow down, and stop. That practice period is especially important if this is your first time on a self-balancing scooter.

The early minutes may feel strange. A Segway responds to small shifts in your body, so you need a little time to trust it. The good news is that the strongest praise for this tour centers on the teaching. Marieve has been singled out for kindness and patience, while Teddy has earned similar praise for giving clear instruction before setting off.

I would not rush this part. The better you feel in the practice area, the more attention you can give to Asheville once you reach the streets. If you are nervous, tell the guide. The available feedback suggests that new riders are given time to become comfortable before the proper tour begins.

A helmet is included at no extra charge. You may bring your own bicycle or ski helmet if you prefer. Wear clothes that let you move freely, and remember that you may need to carry anything you bring since one account noted there were no bags or storage compartments for water and small belongings.

Riding Through Asheville Instead of Walking It

The chief reason to choose a Segway is simple: you can see more without spending the whole day on foot. Asheville has enough hills, streets, buildings, and points of interest to make a moving tour useful, especially during a first visit.

The tour lasts about two hours. That is long enough to get a broad sense of the city without taking over your entire day. I like placing this activity near the start of an Asheville stay. You can listen for places that catch your interest, then return later at your own pace.

The guide leads you through sidewalks and streets while explaining what you are seeing. The focus is not just on riding. You hear about Asheville’s architecture and history, and the commentary helps connect the buildings and neighborhoods to the city’s identity.

The route can also be somewhat flexible. One rider described Teddy as willing to shape the ride around what the group wanted to see. That does not mean you should expect a fully private itinerary, but it does suggest you can speak up about your interests.

You may pass through downtown areas where people notice the unusual procession of Segways. The tour description jokes about becoming an instant celebrity, and that captures part of the experience. You are visible, mobile, and doing something a little out of the ordinary. If you prefer to blend into the background, a walking tour may feel more natural.

What the History and Architecture Add

Asheville is not only a place to move through. Its appeal comes in part from the mix of architecture, local stories, and cultural character. A guide gives those sights a sense of order, so you are not simply looking at attractive buildings without knowing why they matter.

The strongest feedback about the commentary points to architecture and Asheville history. That makes the tour useful for people who want more than a photo stop. You can ask questions as you go, and the small group gives the guide a better chance to respond than a large bus tour would.

The outing also appears to include attractive photo opportunities. One guide made time for a good picture, which is a small but valuable touch. You do not have to choose between riding and recording the day, although you should keep your phone secure and avoid distracting yourself while moving.

One especially praised part of the route was a cemetery. The details of the cemetery stop are not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular famous burial ground or a fixed stop on every departure. Still, the mention shows that the ride can include quieter, more atmospheric places instead of only major downtown streets.

That mix is one of the tour’s strengths. You get the energy of moving through town, but the guide can also point out places that might be easy to miss from a car. The tour is best understood as an introduction to Asheville rather than a complete study of its past.

A Small Group With a Human Pace

The group maximum is seven participants. That is a useful limit for a Segway outing, since a line of riders can become awkward if it gets too large. A smaller group also makes it easier for the guide to watch how beginners are doing.

The reviews repeatedly praise the guides more than any single sightseeing stop. Marieve is described as both fun and patient, with a strong ability to teach new riders and explain the city. Teddy is praised for his instruction, local information, and willingness to shape the ride around the group.

Guide quality matters here. On a Segway, you need clear directions and a leader who notices when somebody is uneasy. You also want someone who can turn a pause into a useful story rather than just stopping the group without context.

There is one serious service concern to keep in mind. One booking was canceled about two hours before departure because the guide became ill. The customer felt the notification and handling of the situation were poor. This appears to be an isolated complaint beside a very high overall rating, but it is still a reminder that a small operator may have limited backup if staffing problems arise.

The tour is recommended by 96 percent of its rating base and carries a 4.8 rating from 676 reviews. Those figures suggest strong satisfaction, especially with the instruction and guides, but they do not erase the occasional problem with equipment or last-minute cancellation.

Is $65 a Fair Price?

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Asheville. You are paying for the Segway, helmet, instruction, guide, and two hours of sightseeing. The real value depends on how much you want from the experience.

If you would otherwise pay for a separate walking tour and spend money on another activity to cover more ground, the price looks reasonable. You receive transportation of a sort, local explanation, and a first look at the city in one package. The Segway also makes sense if long walks are tiring but you still want to be outdoors and moving around.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet historical talk or a slow look at individual buildings. A Segway requires attention to steering, spacing, and balance. You will absorb the information, but part of your mind will always be focused on riding.

The tour includes no guide gratuity. Plan to tip separately if the instruction and commentary serve you well. Since the group is small and the guides receive strong praise, a tip may be an appropriate way to recognize good service, though it remains your choice.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

This outing suits first-time visitors who want an overview before exploring Asheville on their own. It is also a good fit for couples, families with older children, and friends looking for an activity that feels more playful than a standard walking tour.

The age rule is clear: children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. Riders must weigh at least 75 pounds and no more than 300 pounds. Those limits are important, so check your group before booking.

The experience can work for a wide age spread. One family outing included people from age 12 to 68, which suggests the ride can appeal across generations when everyone is comfortable with the equipment.

You should be cautious if you have vertigo or trouble with balance. Most people can take part, but the tour is not recommended for those with vertigo. It is also wise to tell the guide if you feel unsure during training. The whole point of the practice session is to make sure you can ride safely before leaving.

This is not the best choice for someone who wants a private, slow-paced tour with no physical element. It is also not ideal if you need to carry a backpack, camera bag, or water bottle throughout the ride and do not want to manage it yourself.

Timing, Weather, and Smart Planning

The tour is booked far in advance on average, around 279 days, so popular dates may fill early. If your Asheville visit has fixed dates, reserve before your plans become crowded. The mobile ticket makes it easy to keep confirmation on your phone.

Weather can affect the schedule. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions may lead to a cancellation. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. I would avoid placing this tour at the most fragile part of your itinerary if rain would disrupt your only day in Asheville.

The cancellation terms are generous if you plan ahead. Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

A morning or early-day departure can be useful because it gives you the rest of the day to revisit places that interest you. One family specifically enjoyed riding on a Sunday, when traffic felt lighter. That is a practical suggestion, not a guarantee, but a quieter day may help nervous riders feel more relaxed.

How This Compares With Walking Asheville

A walking tour gives you more freedom to stop, browse, and study a building. It is also quieter and requires no training. But walking limits how much ground you can cover in two hours, especially if you are not used to Asheville’s slopes or want to see several districts.

The Segway offers the opposite tradeoff. You move farther and get a playful way to travel, but you must stay alert and follow the guide’s instructions. Your sightseeing comes in motion, with short pauses rather than long periods at one site.

I see this tour as a first look, not a replacement for exploring Asheville on foot. Use it to learn the city’s shape and pick out places to revisit. That approach gives you the best value from the two hours.

Should You Book the Asheville Segway Tour?

I would book this tour if you want a fun overview of Asheville, feel comfortable trying a self-balancing scooter, and prefer to cover ground without walking every block. The patient instruction from Marieve and Teddy is a major reason I would recommend it to beginners, and the small group makes the experience feel more personal.

I would skip it if you have vertigo, dislike riding near streets and sidewalks, or need guaranteed backup plans in case of staff illness. Also think about your belongings, since there may be no storage space on the Segways.

For most suitable riders, $65 is fair for two hours of equipment, instruction, local stories, and guided sightseeing. Book early, allow extra room in your schedule for weather, and place the ride near the start of your Asheville visit so the guide’s suggestions can shape the rest of your stay.

FAQ

Where does the Asheville Segway tour start?

The tour starts at 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The guided Segway tour lasts approximately two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $65 per person.

Is a Segway provided?

Yes. The tour includes use of a Segway i2 and a helmet.

Do beginners receive instruction?

Yes. You receive training on how to operate and maneuver the Segway before leaving for the city tour.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult.

Are there weight limits?

Yes. The minimum weight is 75 pounds, and the maximum weight is 300 pounds.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.