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Reservations and Confirmations - Using our Print and Go Tickets: What is a Segway ?
How does
it work?
The Segway Human Transporter is the first of its kind - a self-balancing, personal transportation device designed to go anywhere people do. Easy to use and operate, the two-wheeled Segway sports high-tech gyroscopes that monitor your balance 100 times a second and automatically respond to your body's movements. To move forward, the rider simply leans forward. To stop or move backwards, the rider leans back slightly. The rider glides smoothly as the Segway senses where you want to go. We use Lean Steer i2 Segways on our San Francisco tours and i180 Segway models on our Sausalito Tours.
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How do I learn to ride a Segway?
All first time customers are required to take a 45-50 minute on board training session to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Training time is part of the overall tour time. During the busy summer season training time may be slightly longer. Riders are trained on safe Segway operation, emergency stops, safety cone course and our "Share the Road" policy. Training includes a 9 minute safety video. All riders are required to wear a helmet and reflective safety vest.
Top Can I test drive a Segway for 5 minutes ?
We do not offer test drives. Take a tour it is fun!
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What routes do we go on the Segway Tour? Can I go on the Golden Gate Bridge or "crooked"Lombard Street? What about those San Francisco hills?
Our San Francisco Waterfront and Sausalito Segway Tours mainly stay on the "flat parts" of each city. None of our tours go to or across the Golden Gate Bridge. (better explored on foot) Our new advanced Rider tour does travel up and down some great hills and includes going down the famous Crooked Lombard Street hill.
The advanced tour is limited to riders that have previously taken a full
1+ hour Segway tour in the past year. Segways are allowed on most San
Francisco streets and designated bike pathways.
Segways are not allowed on sidewalks in San Francisco.
We strongly stress that all Segway riders courteously "Share the Road" with other vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. It is the Segway rider’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians.
Pedestrians have
the right-of way.
Our routes in San Francisco are mainly on designated bike lanes. These bike lanes are adjacent to city streets. In some places the bike lane is the full width of the city street. We are in a busy big city and will be in some high traffic areas. San Francisco has more bike lanes per square mile than any other US City. Unlike Segway tours in other US cities we cannot operate the tours on the sidewalk. Each Segway has a radio so the guide can advise you to upcoming changes in the route. Similar to a bike ride you will have to be aware of your surroundings and traffic.
Safety is very important to us: All guests must be age 12 or older and weight at least 100 pound (46 kilos). If you book a tour and any of your guests do not meet the minimum age / weight criteria they will not be allowed on the tour and you will not be given a refund. Please review the rider requirements here.
Top How long, fast and far can I ride?
The San Francisco Segway Tour has a top speed of about 8 -9 miles per hour. A rider can average about 24 miles between battery charges. A fully charged battery will last with constant riding for approximately 6 hours. Riding times vary with hills, rider weight and speed. Segway has settings that limit the top speed. Your tour will begin cruising at no more than 4-5 mph.
One additional
setting is used for slightly higher 8-9 miles per hour. You can enjoy the entire tour on the lower speed. With crowded streets we limit our speed for a relaxed cruise.
Top How long does the San Francisco or Sausalito tour last? How many stops for pictures?
Our San Francisco or Sausalito day tours are 2 1/2 - 3 hours including the 45-50 minute training time.
Training time may be slightly longer during the busy summer season. We make frequent stops for pictures along the San Francisco or Sausalito waterfront. The night Segway tour is 2-2 1/4 hours.
We make multiple stops for pictures. For your safety we request that riders do not take pictures or videos while riding on their Segway. It is really hard to steer and see obstacles if you are looking through a camera view finder!
Top Where does the tour start? Where can I buy tickets ? Is there parking ?
Reservations are required for our tours and can be made online or by phone 415-474-3130 or toll-free 1-877-474-3130.
In San Francisco our tours meet in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. Tour depart from the rear parking lot at 757 Beach Street near the corner of Hyde Street. Located across Beach Street from the Hyde Street Cable Car turn around in Fisherman's Wharf. A Wells Fargo Bank ATM (red sign) is at the entrance to our driveway leading to the training area. We are in the rear parking lot and not visible until you are standing at the end of the driveway. Look for yellow and blue flags.
We DO NOT have parking facilities on site. Parking and public transit information are listed at bottom of this FAQ.
There are many paid parking lots and garages within a few blocks of our location.
On street metered parking is very limited. The F-Line
Historic Street Cars and both MUNI
Cable Cars lines all transport visitors to the Wharf. Map
Sausalito Segway Tours depart from 1000 Bridgeway at the corner of Bridgeway and Caledonia Street. Look for the Segway Guide in in the public parking lot behind Caffe Trieste. Two blocks north of the Sausalito Ferry Terminal. For additional fun take the Golden Gate Ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building to Sausalito. The Sausalito Ferry dock is located at the foot of El Portal 3 blocks East of Bridgeway. Map
Top Are reservations required ? How far in advance do I need to reserve?
Please book as far in advance as possible. Reservations are required.
We suggest you either book online
or call 415-474-3130 or toll-free 1-877-474-3130. Our tours sell out during the busy Summer travel season in San Francisco.
Top What days and times do you offer tours of San Francisco or Sausalito?
We are open seven days a week. If you plan to be in the Bay Area during 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Fleet Week or other Holidays please call for schedule changes. We are Closed Christmas and New Years Day.
San Francisco Guided Waterfront Day Tours: April through October tours depart daily at 9:00 am, 12:45 pm and 4:30 pm. From November until March tours depart daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Tours depart from Fisherman's Wharf.
San Francisco Guided Night Tour: April through October tours depart Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm. From November until March Night Tours depart Friday and Saturday at 4:30 pm.
Additional evening tours will be added on closed nights for groups of 6 or more.
Advanced Tour Departure Dates and Times: Advanced Tours depart daily Spring, Summer and Fall: April until October: 10:30 am.. Winter: November - March: 3:00 pm departure daily.
Sausalito Guided Segway Tour: April through October tours depart daily at 11:30 am. From November until March tours depart Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 am. We require 6 guests to run the Sausalito Tour. Individual reservations will be combined into groups of 6 as needed.
Important: Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in and start your tour and training on time. If you arrive late we will NOT let you join a tour group that has already started training.
Safety and complete training for all of our guests is our 1st priority.
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What days do you run the "San Francisco Waterfront Route" or the alternate "Run for the Palace" Waterfront route ?
We do not have a advance schedule for what days / time slots we run the 2 alternate San Francisco waterfront tour routes. Routes are selected based on tour group size, road closures for events, number of visitors in the wharf area and time of day. Ask your guide if you have a specific route you want to explore. We will try to accommodate requests.
What
should
I wear? I have heard it is cold in San Francisco during the Summer.
It is cold in San Francisco ! Dress comfortable and in layers.
Highly recommended: Comfortable closed toe flat shoes (no high heels, sandals or flip flops) and an extra layer of warm, wind resistant clothing. Gloves are recommended during the winter months. With the chilly wind, wet fog and damp environment along the waterfront shorts and a t-shirt are NOT a good fashion idea.
Each Segway has a small handlebar storage bag for cameras, light jackets and purses.
Backpacks or bulky bags will not fit in the handlebar bags. Please leave bulky backpacks at home.
We have a supply of rain ponchos, warm jackets and lightweight knit gloves at the San Francisco location. Simple knit caps
(beanies) are available for purchase for $2.00 if you want something to wear under the helmet. Guests may bring their own bike helmets.
Top Who can ride a Segway ? Are Segways safe for children or people with disabilities? What about pregnant women ?
Riding a Segway is similar to riding a bike—it's intuitive but nobody is born knowing how to operate it. That's why we offer
45-50 minutes of training so you can get familiar with the device. A Segway is not an ideal mode of touring for people with some mobility issues. All
guests must be able to easily and quickly step on and off the Segway without any assistance, which requires physical abilities similar to climbing and descending stairs without assistance or use of a handrail. Riders on our Sausalito Tour must be able to operate the steering control with their left hand.
Segway riding is not recommended for pregnant women. Unfortunately, pregnant women will not be permitted to participate.
Safety is very important to us: All guests must be age 12 or older and weight at least 100 lbs. (45 kilos). If you book a tour and any of your guests do not meet the minimum age / weight criteria they will not be allowed on the tour and you will not be given a refund.
We will practice on the Segways until everyone feels comfortable and ready to tour San Francisco!
San Francisco Waterfront and Sausalito Tour Rider Requirements - The Segway Tour has only a few restrictions. Riders must:
- Be age 12 and up and weigh at least 100 lbs (46 kilos). For guest safety minimum age and weight requirements are strictly enforced.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
- Be able to easily and quickly step on and off the Segway without assistance, which requires physical abilities similar to climbing and descending stairs without any assistance or use of a handrail.
- Be able to stand on the Segway for a period of 1 hour.
- Rider must be able to operate the steering control with his or her left hand. (Sausalito Tours)
- Weigh between 100 and 250 pounds (46 to 113 kilos).
- Wear the helmet and safety vest that is provided with the tour.
- Sign a liability waiver.
- Complete the Segway rider training and test ride
- Respect road signs, pedestrians, bikes and cars for a safe enjoyable ride.
Advanced Tours: Rider Requirements
- Guests on this advanced tour must have taken a Segway Tour (ours or in another city- not a 5 minute test ride a full 1 + hour tour) in the last
12 months. This is not a beginner tour or appropriate for guests with mobility issues.
- Ages 12 and up and weigh at least 100 lbs (46 kilos). For guest safety minimum age and weight requirements are strictly enforced.
- Guests must weigh a minimum of 100 pounds and not over 250 pounds. (46 to 113 kilos).
This tour is more strenuous than our other San Francisco Tours. Do not book this tour if you don't want to ride up and down hills or tire easily. You will be standing for 2 hours.
Weight and age restrictions will be strictly enforced. No pregnant guests. No high heels, sandals or flip flops.All guests must be able to easily and quickly step on and off the Segway without any assistance, which requires physical abilities similar to climbing and descending stairs without assistance or use of a handrail. This tour subject to a minimum of 4 guests. Groups will be combined. Advanced reservations are required.
- No refunds for guests that ignore the requirements.
Arrive ready for fun!
The training consists of walking the customer through a simulated obstacle course consisting of ramps, cones, turns and an emergency stop to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The training includes:
- Hands-on training with a instructor.Video introduction. Check-out ride and skills review.
- Education of rider courtesy and rules of the road.
It is important to note that the Segway has not been designed, tested, or approved as a medical device. We do not offer discounts for Children or Seniors.
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Can I rent a Segway without the San Francisco or Sausalito tour?
We do not rent Segways. All of our tours include a guide. Book a tour - it's fun!
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Are the tours cancelled in case of fog or rain?
San Francisco is famous for the fog! Our tours run fog, light rain or shine.
We always suggest multiple layers of warm clothing for any San Francisco activity.
Summer afternoons can be in the 50's. Rain gear is available for those infrequent rainy days. Segways are designed to run in any weather.
In the rare case of a tour cancellation due to a severe rain we will offer space on an alternate date or time (if space is available.) Each Segway has a handlebar storage bag for cameras, light jackets and purses. Please leave bulky backpacks at home.
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What happens if I have to cancel ?
Reservations require a full deposit via credit card. We will send an e-mail confirmation of the date and time of your tour. Deposits are fully refundable if the reservation is cancelled 3 days -72 hours or more prior to the scheduled tour. We have a limited amount of Segways available for tours. No Shows are charged in full. The deposit WILL NOT be refunded for any reason within 72 hours of your scheduled tour. A signed liability waiver and credit card for security deposit is required prior to your tour departure. Gift Certificates are not refundable.
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Security Deposit and Damages:
A Valid ID with picture and credit card: Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express will be required for a security deposit on each Segway.
All damage to the Segway is the responsibility of the rider. Please keep in mind that each Segway costs over $5000.00.
Can I arrange for a private group event ?
Yes - We offer private group tours for Corporate functions and families. Whether it's a family vacation or company conference. Private tours are for groups from
6 to 60 people. For private groups of 6-16 guests more
information here
Larger groups can be split. Prices will be quoted after we customize your tour. For more corporate group tour info go here
.
Top Can I purchase a Segway from your company?
We can help you get a Segway of your very own. Call or E-mail us for more information about when we are setting units from our fleet. When available we offer used Segways in our Ebay Store
Top Where can I park close to the San Francisco office ? Parking Information:
We do not have parking facilities at our San Francisco training area. Street parking is limited and meters last a maximum of 2 hours. (Tours last over 2 hours) We do not reimburse parking costs. Paid Garage Parking is available at:
Anchorage Shopping Center: 500 Beach St San Francisco, CA 94133 2 blocks East of our location on Beach Street.
Ghirardelli Square Garage: 900 Northpoint Street San Francisco CA 94109. Garage entrance is on Larkin Street between Beach Street and North Pint Street.
1 1/2 blocks West of our location.
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Are guide gratuities included in the tour price?
With our guests from around the world we get asked about guide gratuities every day. Guide gratuities are not included in the tour price. We do not include a fixed price gratuity as we want to keep the tours affordable for as many guests as possible. Guide gratuities are completely at the discretion of the guest. We employ a great and diverse group of guides. They guide because it is a fun job and they get to meet people from all
corners of the world. Similar to service businesses all over the United
States, gratuities are a small part of the compensation the staff receives.
If you choose to give your guide a gratuity, it would be much appreciated.
Gratuities are included as part of the pre-paid cost for our private group tours and corporate events.
Top How do I get to your location by San Francisco Public Transit ?
The Powell / Hyde Cable Car ends across the street from our facility.
Lines to board the Cable Car from downtown San Francisco can be as much as 2 hours during the Summer. Cash Fare: $5.00 one way. For all transit questions, including traffic information, public transportation schedules, directions, and routes, call the Bay Area Travel Guide at 511 or visit www.511.org.BART: www.bart.gov | (415) 989-2278Take BART to the Embarcadero Station. Go upstairs and cross the street to the Ferry Building. In front of the Ferry Building, take the MUNI F Line Street Car to the last stop in Fisherman's€™s Wharf. Our location is 4 blocks West from last F Line stop. The F Line experiences rider delays during the summer months due to full street cars. MUNI: www.sfmuni.com | (415) 673-6864
Fisherman's Wharf is easily accessible from all points in San Francisco via public transportation. For specific route information, please contact the San Francisco Municipal Railway. MUNI operates the Cable Cars, F Line and Bus System.
Top Do you have a restroom ? Does the tour make restroom stops ?
We apologize for not having public restrooms at our San Francisco training facility. (It's a parking lot) Please use the public restroom facilities at the 3 neighborhood shopping centers, Argonaut Hotel or in the nearby National Park Museum prior to your arrival. We will make one restroom stop on the tour approximately 1 1/2 hours after we begin training. Thanks.
Top Reservations and Confirmations
- Using our Print and Go Tickets:Confirmation ,Travel Voucher and Photo ID
An e-mail record of your pending order will be sent to you following completion of your tour or travel request. For every confirmed booking you will receive a 2nd e-mail with a link to your "Print and Go" E-Ticket Voucher - when your booking is confirmed by the Electric Tour Company.
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Please present and sign this E-Ticket voucher at the Segway Tour location. You tour will be charged at the time of booking. Tour prices or availability are NOT guaranteed until full payment is received and confirmation provided.
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Your E-mail Confirmation and Travel Voucher will be received within 1- 24 hours, subject to availability.
Confirmed Vouchers
are also available online through the Voucher Pick Up or Reprint Link on the left side of the tours web page.
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For security and to reduce fraud a Photo ID will be required by the tour operator with your Voucher. The last name on the Voucher must match the Photo ID.
Voucher must be signed when
presented to tour operator.
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Rates and Booking Procedure
Prices are per person, unless otherwise specified. All Transactions are in US Dollars. All prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Tour prices or availability are NOT guaranteed until full payment is received and confirmation provided.
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Declined Credit Cards:
If the authorization on the credit card provided is declined, we will attempt to notify you by email at the email address you provided. The reservation will be cancelled and will need to be rebooked depending on availability.
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Segway Tour Cancellation and No Show Policy
Reservations require a full deposit via credit card. We will send an e-mail confirmation of the date and time of your tour. Deposits are fully refundable if the reservation is cancelled 3 days -72 hours or more prior to the scheduled tour. We have a limited amount of Segways available for tours. No Shows are charged in full. The pre-paid tour fees WILL NOT be refunded for any reason within 72 hours of your scheduled tour. A signed liability waiver is required prior to your tour departure.
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Are Segway tours cancelled in case of fog or rain
San Francisco and Sausalito are famous for the fog! Our tours run fog, light rain or shine. We always suggest multiple layers of warm clothing for any San Francisco or Bay Area activity. Summer afternoons can be in the 50's. Rain gear is available for those infrequent rainy days.
Segways are designed to run in light rain. In the rare case of a tour cancellation due to a severe rain we will offer space on an alternate date or time (if space is available.) Each Segway has a handlebar storage bag for cameras, light jackets and purses. Please leave bulky backpacks at home.
IMPORTANT Check your Confirmation for Correct Date and Time:
It is your responsibility to be at the designated tour location on the correct date. Please check your confirmation carefully. No refund for no-shows.
Top Changes to Your Reservation
For most tours there will be no charge for changes 72 hours prior to the tour date. Call the SF Electric Tour Company at 415-474-3130 to confirm any changes. Gift certificates are not refundable.
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Languages:
Segway rider instruction and tours are conducted in English
Meals Souvenirs and Miscellaneous Costs:
Tour prices do not include Meals, Gratuities, or Souvenirs unless noted. Guide gratuities are optional and appreciated.
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Tour Rerouting:
If special events, parades, festivals, athletic events or construction are in our area the Segway tour route will be altered without notice.
Confirming Order and other changes:
Remember to call the Phone number on your Confirmation 24 hours prior to your departure to confirm tour details. No refund for no-shows.
All
changes on confirmed orders should be made directly with SF Electric Tours at 415-474-3130.
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How do I print confirmation tickets online?
Printing tickets online is quick and easy. Simply follow the link in your confirmation
e- mail. You can print your tickets on any style printer - color or black and white, laser or inkjet. Printing tickets is as simple as printing any of your standard documents. If you forget your voucher the voucher can be accessed from any computer that is linked to the internet: Voucher Pick Up and Reprint (Link located on the top left part of the web site page.)
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What happens if I print my tickets more than once?
You can print your "Print and Go" tickets as many times as you like, but when you check in the code number will be used as a confirmation.
Once your
confirmation number is entered, any other copies will not be accepted - the system will show that the ticket has already been used. Print your tickets as many times as you like - they are only good for one tour or activity.
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Can I access my tickets at a later date?
Your confirmed tickets will be available at any time simply by accessing your account through your confirmation email or the web site using your last name and e-mail address. Go to:Voucher Pick Up and Reprint (Link located on the top left part of the web
page.)
Tickets that are not yet confirmed will be listed with the current status i.e.:
"Pending" on the same web page.
Top To Contact Us:San Francisco and Sausalito Electric Tour Company
165 Jefferson Street Suite 2F
San Francisco, CA 94133-1201
PHONE: 415-474-3130
FAX 415-885-6070
Contact us via E-mail here
updated 04-05-08
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