Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, the statewide shutdown of many businesses due to the COVID-19 Pandemic has meant that our tour operations are temporarily closed until further notice. The health and safety of our guests and employees are of utmost importance to us. We look forward to resuming operations when the crisis is over.

Most people find it very easy to learn. Trikkes have familiar steering like a bicycle, and they have a throttle on the handlebar for power. The whole frame leans with you, making it a dynamic and active ride. We provide an equipment orientation and rider training at the start of every tour. You 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.

Please wear clothes that match the weather, nothing too loose or hanging. In hot weather, we recommend sunscreen and sunglasses. In cold weather, bring 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.

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.

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 pounds. All attendees who are age 14-17 must have a responsible adult ride with them on tour, and all riders (regardless of age) need to complete and sign a liability waiver. Minors must have their waivers signed by a parent or legal guardian.

You’re welcome to bring your camera or smartphone, but since you need both hands on the Trikke’s handlebars while in motion, you are not 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 should wear clothing with pockets to carry those items (or bring a small backpack or small purse) if you’d like to take photos at our various stops with your own camera.

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 4 hours’ notice (by email or phone), you may reschedule your tour to another day from the calendar (by emailing or calling us), or you can take tour credit in the form of a gift card for a future tour. Your tour credit does not expire. If you do not provide any notice within that notification period, your tickets are forfeited and not available for future use.

In the event of inclement weather that could interfere with the tour, we 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.

Tours sell out (especially on weekends or during popular holiday periods/school breaks), so 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.

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

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

All of our tours feature a lot of Raleigh history! Our knowledgeable guides provide live narration about the landmarks you see, and they include interesting stories about the personalities of the people who made Raleigh the vibrant city it is today.

We request that all Trikke tour guests arrive just 15 minutes prior to your 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. There is no reason to arrive on-site earlier than 15 minutes before a tour.

• Closest parking: The most convenient parking to our Raleigh Union Station Plaza meeting spot is right across the street! It’s The Dillion Parking Deck, 215 S. West St., which is a multistory 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.

Yes! We are happy to work with you to schedule a custom time for your group. We need advance notice. All Trikke tours operate during daylight hours only. (There is more flexibility for the timing of walking tours.)

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

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.