What You Need to Know
Your Questions, Answered
How long is the tour?
The tour is 2 hours long, with an additional 15 minutes at the beginning for training.
Do I need to sign a waiver to ride?
Yes, Madison Adventure Tours requires all participants to sign a waiver of liability before participating in a tour. Madison Adventure Tours allows participants to sign the waiver in advance, which can save time on the day of the tour and allow you to get started more quickly. It is important to read the waiver carefully and make sure you understand its terms before signing it. If you have any questions or concerns about the waiver, you should contact Madison Adventure Tours to ask for clarification.
Does the tour go on the street with cars or on a bike path? Is it safe to bike in downtown Madison?
About 75% of the tour is on a bike path, in a bike lane, or on a bike boulevard. Madison is a Platinum level biking city and one of the most bike friendly cities in the country. The tour route has been planned to maximize safety along our route. Cars in Madison are very familiar with encountering bikes downtown, and we are rarely the only bikers on our route.
I've never ridden an eBike before. Can I still participate in the tour?
Yes, absolutely! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner to eBikes, you're welcome to join us. Your tour guide will provide training at the beginning of each tour to ensure that all participants are comfortable and confident on their eBikes. The training will cover the basics of how to ride an eBike, including how to start and stop the bike and how to use the pedal assist feature. As long as you are able to balance on a bicycle and are willing to follow the safety guidelines and instructions provided by your guide, you'll be ready to hit the road and explore Madison,
Should I tip my tour guide?
Tips are very much appreciated but not required. Your guide works hard to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, and a tip is a nice way to show your appreciation for their efforts. A suggested tip is between 10-20% of the tour price.
Can I bring my own eBike?
We understand that you might be eager to ride your own bike during our tour, but unfortunately, we do not allow participants to bring their own bikes. Our tour is specifically designed to provide a consistent and safe experience for all participants, and this includes using the ebikes that we provide.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to our policy. Rest assured, we've gone to great lengths to create an exceptional tour experience that you won't want to miss out on.
Do I need to be in good physical shape to participate in a tour?
No, our tours are suitable for riders of all fitness levels. Our eBikes have pedal assist, which means you can adjust the amount of electric power you receive while riding. You must be able to balance the bike and safely support the weight of the bike.
Are there any height or weight restrictions to ride the eBike?
According to the manufacturer, our bikes are suitable for anyone 4'11'' or taller. The bikes also have a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs. Riders who are pregnant should consult their doctor before booking a tour.
What should I wear on the tour?
You should wear comfortable clothing on the tour. It is also a good idea to wear layers, as the weather can change unexpectedly. You must wear closed toed shoes for your safety.
What do I need to bring on the tour? Do I need to bring a helmet?
We provide helmets at no additional cost for the tour! We provide everything you will need for the tour, including water. You should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera if you wish.
Do I have to book in advance?
The only way to guarantee a spot on the tour is to book online prior to the tour. While there may be availability the day of the tour, we prefer that you book your tours in advance, as this helps to ensure that we have enough e-bikes and guides available to accommodate all of the participants.
Can I rent an eBike outside of the tour?
No, we do not offer ebike rentals outside of our guided tours. Our tours are designed to provide a unique and immersive experience, and the tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced guides who provide a wealth of information about the city and its history.
What if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel your reservation, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. If you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled tour, you will receive a full refund. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we want to be as accommodating as possible. If you need to cancel with less than 48 hours notice, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your request. However, we cannot guarantee a refund for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice.
What if there is bad weather?
In the event of inclement weather, tours may be cancelled at the discretion of the tour guide. If a tour is cancelled due to weather, guests will have the option to reschedule their tour or receive a full refund. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all tour guests. We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you on a future tour.
Is there a bathroom break on the tour?
Don't worry about needing to go - there will be plenty of opportunities to take a break and use the bathroom. If you have any specific concerns about bathroom breaks, you should feel free to ask your tour guide for more information.
Can my child ride on the eBike with me?
No, not at this time. We are working towards offering tours that will accommodate children. If you'd like to be notified when those tours are available, sign up for our newsletter here.