Scottsdale turns up fast on a Segway. I love the hands-on training and short practice, because it gets you steady on the controls quickly. I also love the ear-piece narration and the tight Old Town route, but one possible drawback is that if the audio is quiet for your device, the story points can be harder to catch.

What makes this tour fun is the mix of icons and local details. You ride over Soleri Bridge (the sundial bridge) and keep moving through waterfront areas and the Arts District without burning time on long walks. You’re in a small group too (max 6), and if you’d rather not ride a Segway, you can swap to an e-bike.

Plan on meeting at Segway of Scottsdale Tours on your own. After helmet fitting and instructions, you’ll ride for about 2 hours (around 5 miles total), then end back where you started.

Key highlights I’d circle before you go

• Segway training that actually prepares first-timers with practice before you roll into traffic zones
• Soleri Bridge sundial and waterfront plaza right at the start of the scenic part of the route
• Old Town landmarks in a single ride including the Little Red Schoolhouse museum stop and Scottsdale’s historic post office area
• Arts District public art photo moments where you can slow down for pictures while your guide explains what you’re seeing
• Rooftop museum views after you park the Segways so you get the valley panorama without hiking
• Small-group feel (max 6) with private tour setup that helps the guide keep an eye on everyone

Meeting up at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, then getting geared up

The tour starts at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, 7330 E Earll Dr Suite #R, Scottsdale. You’ll handle your own arrival to that meeting point, so I suggest building in a little buffer time to park and find the check-in area.

Once you’re there, expect the basics: helmet, Segway handoff, and a short run-through of how the system works. This matters more than it sounds. When you understand how to slow down, turn, and stop before you leave the training area, the rest of the tour feels relaxed instead of stressful.

Also note: there’s bottled water included, and you’ll get narration through an ear piece. That combination is a big reason the tour can cover a lot of ground in only about 2 hours.

Training on the Segway: why the practice time is the whole deal

Here’s the pattern I’d bet you’ll like: training first, practice second, then riding. You start with a detailed orientation on how to drive the Segway, plus time to practice with the controls. For first-timers, the tour is designed around the idea that it’s normal to feel a little awkward at the start.

You’ll learn key moves like:

• forward and reverse control
• smooth turning
• getting on and off safely
• how your guide wants you to handle intersections and busier street areas

What I like about this approach is that it doesn’t treat learning as a side quest. It’s built into the experience. In reviews, I kept seeing the same theme: guides took time with nervous riders, and that reassurance helped people calm down fast.

One caution: the Segway is easy once you get it, but your feet might feel it. A couple of reviews mention your legs can get sore. Comfortable shoes help. Also wear clothes that won’t limit your movement when you mount and dismount.

Soleri Bridge sundial crossing and the waterfront glide

After you feel comfortable, the tour moves into the good stuff right away. You follow your guide across Soleri Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge designed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri. The bridge is known for its steel pylons that act like a sundial, plus a spacious waterfront plaza area.

This section works well for two reasons. First, you’re on a dedicated pedestrian corridor, so you’re not constantly thinking about cars. Second, the bridge gives you a quick “wow” moment before you settle into the rest of the ride.

Once you’re off the bridge, you glide through the waterfront and pass public art installations along the way. This is the part where the ear-piece narration earns its keep. Even if you’re not a museum person, the stories make the art feel connected to place, instead of random roadside sculptures.

Arts District and Old Town stops: history you can actually keep up with

Old Town Scottsdale can be overwhelming if you try to do it on foot—too many blocks, too many side streets, and not enough time to slow down. The Segway format solves that. You get steady motion plus a guide pacing you through key sights.

In this stretch, you’ll head toward the Arts District and see:

• art galleries and outdoor sculptures
• contemporary Native American art areas
• viewpoints where your guide can point out what to look for before you roll past

Then you hit a major historic anchor: the Scottsdale Historical Museum, housed in the former Little Red Schoolhouse (built in 1909). This is the kind of stop that feels like it belongs on a slower walking tour, but here it fits neatly into a ride you can manage in one afternoon.

The historic post office area and the old bank turned saloon

You’ll also pass Scottsdale’s first United States post office building, now home to Porter’s Western Store. Nearby, you’ll see Farmer’s State Bank, now the Rusty Spur Saloon. Even if you don’t go inside every building, the ride gives you context: you start to recognize how the town’s civic and commercial buildings shaped what Old Town became.

These stops are short, but that’s part of the value. You get the highlights without committing to a full self-guided architecture day.

How the guide keeps you safe and moving

One of the most consistent positives in reviews was that guides were attentive about safety—especially when crossing streets and positioning riders for photo moments. Since your group is small (max 6), your guide can manage spacing and keep everyone from bunching up.

If you’re the nervous type, this is where you’ll benefit most. Practice plus a patient guide usually turns tension into confidence quickly.

Photo stops, fancy-car spotting, and the Jen’s ice cream reset

A Segway tour is half movement and half small pauses. The good pauses are what make it feel personal, and this route includes them.

You’ll have points where you stop for photos on your Segways and where the guide shares facts. Roundabouts are part of the route too, with distinctive public art and horse-themed sculptures. One review mentioned stops that focus on popular city sculptures like the Doors and the LOVE sculpture—those kinds of recognizable landmarks can make the tour feel instantly familiar, even if it’s your first time here.

There’s also a planned break in the middle: a stop in front of Jen’s ice cream with benches and shade, designed so you can rest your feet. The stop is meant to be around 15 minutes. It’s not a lunch tour, but it gives you enough reset time to keep enjoying the ride after.

A practical tip

If you want the most fun from the photo moments, wear sunglasses and have your phone ready before you stop. Once you’re in position, it’s easy to waste a minute fumbling—then the group moves on.

Canals, a giant sundial, and the kaleidoscope art near the Gateway

One of the cooler surprises on this tour is how often you get “city details” that don’t show up in a quick drive-by. The route includes a stretch along the Arizona canal system in Old Town Scottsdale. You ride along the canal as it supports the wider water system around Arizona, and it creates a calmer, scenic feel compared with louder street corners.

Then you get another sundial moment with a giant sundial designed by Paolo Soleri—basically the tour keeps returning to that signature style and connection between art and architecture.

Near North Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road—known as the Gateway of Scottsdale—you’ll ride right into a large outdoor installation that doubles as a giant kaleidoscope. This is the kind of stop that turns your ride into something playful. It’s also a great photo opportunity, especially when the light hits the surfaces at the right angle.

Scottsdale Fashion Square area, a food-and-shopping vibe, and the museum rooftop view

The tour also passes commercial landmarks like the P.F. Changs flagship location and the nearby corporate area vibe. You’ll also pass the Scottsdale Fashion Square area, which some locals describe as the second largest mall in America, plus a playful local legend about a Persian prince and a suitcase of cash. (Even if you take the story with a grain of salt, it gives you a feel for the culture of the place.)

Another stop includes a Southwest-style architecture area on Main Street—where the action is. You’ll also see the look of an older cowboy bar area, including mention of the oldest cowboy bar in Scottsdale.

Then comes one of the most satisfying finishes: the tour parks the Segways and goes inside to reach the rooftop via elevator at the museum stop. From the roof, you get stunning views across the valley, and your guide points out landmarks so the skyline makes sense instead of just being pretty.

This rooftop portion is a smart use of time. You get the big viewpoint payoff without needing to choose parking, lines, or walking routes on your own.

Price and value: is $79 worth it?

At $79 per person for about 2 hours, this tour is priced for visitors who want maximum “Scottsdale highlights per hour.” The value is strong because a few important things are included:

• helmet and Segway use
• free bottled water
• narration via ear piece
• an admission ticket included as part of the experience

You’re paying for three things: transportation, guided pacing, and reduced walking time. If you’ve ever tried to do Old Town in the heat, you know how quickly a “quick stroll” turns into an exhausting slog. Here, the Segway does the heavy lifting, and the guide does the connecting-the-dots work.

Smaller groups also affect value. With up to 6 people, you’re less likely to feel rushed or ignored compared with larger mass tours.

If you want a tour that feels like a guided highlight reel (not a deep, all-day historical seminar), the math works.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if:

• you want to see a lot without walking for hours
• you’re curious about public art and Old Town building names
• you enjoy an active, slightly playful activity day
• you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels and want training that can bring everyone along

It’s also a strong choice for first-time Segway riders because the format is built around practice before the route begins.

Before you book, consider the limits and physical requirements. The tour has:

• minimum age of 12
• maximum age of 65 with no exceptions
• weight requirement of at least 100 lbs (45 kg)
• helmet required for all riders
• good shoes and comfy clothes recommended

If you’re sensitive to audio, double-check that you’ll have working ear pieces. One review flagged an issue where headphones were hard to hear, which affected how much the narration landed.

Also, if it’s extremely hot during your visit, timing matters. One review specifically mentioned doing the tour later in the day when temperatures were lower. The Segway helps, but you’ll still be outside.

Should you book this Scottsdale Segway tour?

I’d book it if you want a smart, time-efficient way to get oriented in Old Town Scottsdale, with a clear training setup and a route that hits the places people actually remember: Soleri Bridge, the Little Red Schoolhouse museum stop, historic Old Town buildings like the post office and bank/saloon area, plus rooftop valley views.

Skip it only if you know you won’t handle the practice-to-ride transition, or if you’re very concerned about hearing the guide through the audio system. If you’re flexible and want an easy win for getting your bearings fast, this one is a solid pick.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Scottsdale Segway tour?

The tour runs about 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $79.00 per person.

Do I need to be an experienced Segway rider?

No. First-timers are welcome, and training is part of the experience, including practice before you ride outside.

What are the age and weight requirements?

Minimum age is 12 years. Maximum age is 65 years with no exceptions. You must weigh at least 100 lbs (45 kg) to ride.

Do you provide helmets and water?

Yes. Helmets are required and provided, and free bottled water is included.

Is narration provided while riding?

Yes. You listen to tour guide narration through an ear piece.

Where do I meet the guide?

The tour meets at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, 7330 E Earll Dr Suite #R, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA.

Can I cancel, and what happens if weather is bad?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll make your own way to the meeting point.