Trikke Tours

Is it easy to ride an electric Trikke?

Most people find it very easy to learn. Trikkes have familiar steering and braking like a bicycle, and they have a throttle on the handlebar for power. The whole frame leans with you, making it a more dynamic and ACTIVE RIDE, for example, than a Segway. We provide an equipment orientation and rider training at the start of every tour. You’ll need to be able to step up and down stairs without assistance and without using a handrail, and be capable of standing on the Trikke’s footpads for the length of a tour. 

What should I wear?

Please wear clothes that match the weather; nothing too loose or hanging. In hot weather, we recommend sunscreen and sunglasses. In cold weather, coats, gloves and scarves (beanies can be worn underneath our helmets too). We provide helmets, but if you have a bicycle helmet, you’re welcome to bring your own. Due to the active nature of our Trikke tours, closed-toe athletic shoes are strongly recommended.

Can I store my personal items?

We do NOT have storage for your personal items other than our Trikkes’ cargo nets for small purses, light jackets or a water bottle. Pockets in your clothing or a small lightweight backpack are best for keys, phones, wallets and other personal items.

Are there any age or weight restrictions on the Trikkes?

Our minimum age to ride a Trikke is 14 years old. No exceptions. This is an insurance requirement. The maximum rider weight for our Trikke tours is 260 lbs. All attendees who are age 14-17 must have a responsible adult ride with them on tour, and all riders (regardless of age) will need to complete and sign a liability waiver. Minors must have their waivers signed by a parent or legal guardian. 

Can I bring my camera or smartphone on the tour?

You’re welcome to bring your camera or smartphone, but since you’ll need BOTH hands on the Trikke’s handlebars while in motion, you will not be allowed to use any handheld type of electronic device while in motion. When we’re stopped (we make stops waiting for signal lights or while telling different stories along each route) or taking a more extended break, we encourage you to take photos, or you can ask our guides to take one for you. The Trikkes’ cargo nets are not suitable for holding a camera or phone, so you will want to wear clothing with pockets to carry those items (or bring a carrying case or a small purse) if you’d like to take photos at our various stops with your own camera.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

Our tour guides are scheduled based on bookings. Due to the nature of a tour business, once you book a slot it is yours and no longer available to others. Therefore, our policy is no refunds. However, with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice (by email or phone), you may reschedule your tour to another day from the calendar (by emailing or calling us). Your tour credit does not expire. If you do not provide any notice within that period, your tickets will be forfeited and not available for future use.

What about the weather?

In the event of inclement weather that will interfere with the tour, we will cancel the tour and notify you about 90 minutes before your tour at the phone number you provided with your booking. So please be sure to provide a good phone number. If we cancel a tour due to weather, you will have tour credit to apply to a future tour from our calendar. No refunds are provided. Your credit does not expire. Light or intermittent light showers usually do not lead to a cancellation. (We provide rain ponchos.) Carolina Touring Company will make the final determination if a tour is cancelled due to rain, snow or other undesirable weather. However, guests may reschedule for any reason with at least 24 hours notice by email or phone.

Is advance tour booking required?

Tours sell out (especially weekends), and if you need a particular date, time or tour, then we highly recommend you book well in advance. Our booking numbers are also what we use to staff our tours. The cut-off time for online booking is usually two hours before a tour.

Can I take a tour if I’m pregnant?

Unfortunately, no. For safety reasons, pregnant guests are not allowed to participate in our tours.

Will we get to go inside any attractions?

Your guided Trikke tour will ride past the highlighted attractions, or may make an extended stop in front of some landmarks or sites, but you will not go inside the points of interest.

Do all or just some of the tours include history about the area?

All of our tours feature a lot of Raleigh history. Our knowledgeable guides will provide live narration about the landmarks you’ll see as well as include interesting stories about the personalities of the people who made Raleigh the vibrant city it is today.

Should I arrive before my scheduled time? Where can I park?

We request that all Trikke tour guests arrive just 15 minutes prior to their tour time. This ensures that we get a timely start to the tours. Please allow yourself time to find parking, especially if you’re unfamiliar with our location.

• Closest Parking: The most convenient parking to our Civic Plaza meeting spot is right across the street! It’s The Dillion Parking Deck, 215 S. West St., which is a multistory pay parking structure that charges hourly (when you exit).
• Free Weekend Parking: You can find free street parking (refer to posted signs) surrounding our location on the weekends, but if they’re filled you may have to walk several blocks (W. Hargett St across the rail tracks, west of S. Boylan Ave often has open spaces, if you can’t find something closer). Another option on weekends only is the Municipal Building Parking Deck at 201 W. Morgan St. (0.4 miles away/10-15 minute walk), which typically offers free weekend parking.

Please allow adequate time to park and arrive for your tour 15 MINUTES EARLY to check-in. Tours depart promptly. Please be courteous to others and arrive on time.

Can I schedule a custom time?

Yes! We will happily work with you to schedule a custom time for your group. We need advance notice, and we require a minimum of 6 in your party for weekdays, and 8 for weekends. All Trikke tours operate during daylight hours only. (There is more flexibility for the timing of walking tours.)

Is there any dining nearby?

Yes! There are many wonderful restaurants near our Civic Plaza meeting spot for our Trikke tours, including the very popular Morgan Street Food Hall, which is within easy walking distance.

Do your guides accept gratuities?

Yes! Our knowledgeable guides work hard to make your experience fun and interesting. If you’d like to acknowledge their excellent service with a tip, please leave it with them at the end of your tour. Cash is preferred, but credit cards can also be used for tips.