Private Scottsdale Segway Tour + Ice Vests to Stay Cool – 2 Hours

If you’re considering a way to see Scottsdale’s highlights without the fatigue of walking, this private Segway tour might just be the ticket. While I haven’t personally taken this specific tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. It combines easy-to-learn transportation, engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides, and some eye-catching sights—plus, the added bonus of ice vests to keep everyone cool on warm days.

What really appeals to me about this tour is how personalized it feels. Being private means fewer crowds and the chance for your guide to tailor the experience a bit. I also love that it’s family-friendly—most people over 12, weighing at least 100 pounds, can join in the fun—and that you get a rundown of Old Town Scottsdale in just a couple hours while avoiding the strain of long walks. The $75.05 price point seems quite reasonable considering the personalized attention, the sightseeing, and the convenience.

That said, a key consideration is the learning curve—most find the Segway easy to pick up, but if you’re nervous about balancing or riding, it might take a few minutes to feel confident. Also, note that hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the starting point. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a bit of light adventure, are eager to see a lot without tiring out, and appreciate a mix of history, art, and local flavor.

If this sounds like your kind of outing, it’s worth reading on for a detailed look at what you can expect, real insights from reviews, and some practical tips to get the most out of your Scottsdale adventure.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: The private tour ensures your group gets tailored attention and flexible pacing.
• Easy to Learn: Most beginners quickly pick up how to handle the Segway with a brief orientation.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: Covers 5 miles of Scottsdale landmarks, art, history, and scenic views.
• Comfort and Cooling: Ice vests help keep everyone comfortable during the ride, especially in warm weather.
• In-Depth Commentary: Guides share interesting facts about Scottsdale’s highlights while you ride.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 6 people per booking, fostering a more intimate experience.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Out: Learning the Ropes

Your adventure begins at the designated meeting spot in Scottsdale, where your guide provides a detailed safety briefing and a quick training session. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a Segway before—most first-timers pick it up within minutes. As several reviews point out, the instructors are patient and attentive, making sure everyone feels comfortable before heading out.

One guest shared, “Our guide took the time to ensure everyone was generally comfortable on the Segway,” which is reassuring if you’re nervous about balancing or controlling the device. The inclusion of a brief practice session means you’re not thrown into the deep end, and most people end up riding confidently.

The Ride: Covering Scottsdale’s Best

Once you’re ready, you’ll follow your guide across the Soleri Bridge, a stunning structure designed by Paulo Soleri, with its steel pylons acting as a sundial. This bridge, along with waterfront plazas and public art installations, makes for a scenic start. Glide through the Arts District, where galleries, outdoor sculptures, and Native American art abound—perfect for art lovers or anyone wanting some eye candy as they glide along.

Most reviews highlight the smoothness of the ride and the variety of sights. Guests mention cruising past Scottsdale’s historic buildings like the Little Red Schoolhouse (built in 1909) and the former Post Office, now Porters Western Store. These sites give a tangible sense of the area’s past, without long-winded explanations—your guide points out the highlights as you roll by.

Highlights and Photo Opportunities

The tour makes stops at notable spots, including the Farmers State Bank (now the Rusty Spur Saloon), the city’s official logo sculpture, and the impressive water systems flowing through the Scottsdale waterfront. Many reviews mention the perfect photo ops at these stops, especially since the tour stops briefly, giving you time to snap pictures and take in the surroundings.

Guests often comment on how the tour stops for photos at key art installations, like the giant kaleidoscope sculpture at the Gateway of Scottsdale, making it an engaging experience for Instagram lovers or history buffs alike.

Cultural and Historic Insights

Your guide shares tidbits about Scottsdale’s roots—like the statue of founder Winfield Scottsdale and his mule, “Maude,” or insights into the Arabian horse breeding history that’s still evident in the city. Such stories add depth to the sightseeing, making the experience more than just a fun ride.

Lunch and Shopping Breaks

While the tour itself doesn’t include meals, there’s a stop at Jen’s Ice Cream, where guests often relax, grab a cone, and wander into nearby boutique stores. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience—whether you want to linger, shop, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the surroundings.

Finishing Up with Stunning Views

One of the highlights is the rooftop view—your guide parks the Segways and takes you to a rooftop vantage point, offering sweeping vistas of the entire valley. Many guests say this is a must-see part of the tour, giving you a chance to appreciate Scottsdale’s landscape and skyline.

Real Guest Feedback and What It Means

Reviewers praise the tour for its knowledgeable guides, with some noting guides like Perry, Chris, and Ray as exemplary ambassadors for Scottsdale. “Ray saved Daves’ life,” one guest joked, referring to how easy the ride is once you get used to it. Others mention how the guides’ local knowledge enhances the tour, making it both educational and fun.

Nervous participants often find that their fears fade quickly—”Most people feel comfortable maneuvering the fun and eco-friendly transportation device,” says one reviewer, and many noted that their initial jitters turned into smiles within minutes.

Some comments point out the value for money—at around $75 per person, you get a 2-hour guided adventure, covering considerable ground and seeing many key sights. Given the personalized attention and the quality of the tour, the price seems fair, especially for those wanting an active yet low-effort way to explore.

Considerations

While most reviews rave about the experience, a few mention that learning to ride can be a bit tense initially, especially if you’re nervous about balancing. Wearing comfortable shoes and being prepared for a quick lesson helps ease this. Also, since hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point—something to keep in mind if you’re staying outside Scottsdale’s downtown area.

Practical Tips for Your Scottsdale Segway Tour

• Arrive prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and maybe a hat—there’s some exposure to the sun.
• Wear clothes suitable for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine.
• Bring a small personal bag (the Segway has a front handlebar bag) for your essentials—water, phone, camera.
• Make sure you’re within the age and weight limits (over 12 and at least 100 lbs) for safety and comfort.
• Book early—most tours are booked about 18 days in advance, and spots fill up quickly.
• If you’re uncomfortable after the initial instruction, tell your guide—you can always sit out a part or opt for an alternative like an e-bike (if available).

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This private Segway adventure offers a relaxed way to see Scottsdale’s highlights without the exhaustion of walking. It’s ideal if you’re eager for a bit of novelty, want to learn some local lore from friendly guides, and enjoy a bit of sightseeing with minimal effort. Families with teens (over 12) will find it especially fun, and anyone who appreciates a mix of art, history, and scenic views will enjoy the stops.

It’s also great for those who want a personalized, intimate experience—not a giant group tour—making it perfect for a romantic outing, small family, or small friend group. The ice vests are a thoughtful touch, keeping everyone cool on warm days, and the overall itinerary offers a good balance of activity and relaxation.

If you’re visiting Scottsdale for a short stay and want a memorable, active introduction to the city, this tour is worth considering. Just plan ahead, arrive on time, and prepare to have fun exploring on two wheels… or rather, two Segways.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for first-time Segway riders?
Yes. The tour includes a detailed orientation and practice session, so most first-timers quickly learn how to handle the Segway and feel confident before heading out.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering around 5 miles of Scottsdale’s top sights.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes. The minimum age is 12, and participants should weigh at least 100 pounds. There are no exceptions to these rules for safety reasons.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, and dress according to the weather—bring sunglasses and sunscreen if it’s sunny. All safety gear like helmets is provided.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to make your way to the starting point in Scottsdale, which is conveniently located at the Segway of Scottsdale Tours office.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance won’t be refunded.

Exploring Scottsdale on a Segway can be a unique, enjoyable way to get a feel for the city while keeping things light and fun. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for a memorable way to spend a couple hours, this tour could be exactly what you need. Just remember to book early, arrive prepared, and get ready for a smooth, scenic ride through one of Arizona’s most vibrant towns.