That first pedal assist hits fast. This 2-hour E-bike loop turns Scottsdale and Tempe into one simple plan, with famous desert stops and short breaks built in. You’ll start in Old Town, ride the Greenbelt, pause at Tempe Lake, and finish back where you began.

Two things I really like are how easy the ride is (you can pedal as much or as little as you want) and how much you get for the time. Small group size also matters here, since you’re not just herded along; you get clearer guidance and more personalized pacing.

One consideration: the audio can be hit or miss if you’re not in the right spot during narration. If you’re the type who needs to hear every word, come prepared to focus and ask the guide to repeat if needed.

Key highlights you should care about

• Small group, max 8 people, so the ride feels controlled, not chaotic
• Helmet, e-bike, and bottled water included, which cuts down on planning and extra costs
• Hole in the Rock includes a short, easy hike, plus a top photo overlook
• Papago Park desert scenery on a route most visitors don’t experience by car
• Canal riding back toward Old Town Scottsdale, a fun contrast to the dry desert sections
• Views like Camelback Mountain show up along the way, without adding time

Why this 2-hour Scottsdale e-bike loop is such a smart fit

If you’re visiting Scottsdale for the first time, you’ll quickly realize two things. One: parking and traffic can eat up your energy. Two: the best sights spread out more than you expect.

This tour solves both problems with an efficient route built for short time windows. In just two hours, you get a mix of desert icons, lake views, and historic-looking stops, all on mostly easy riding. It’s also a nice “morning snack” for your itinerary—long enough to feel like you did something real, short enough to keep your day flexible.

Another practical win: you don’t have to commit to a full day of gear hauling. The basics are handled for you—helmet, e-bike, and water—so you can travel light and just show up in the right clothes.

Meeting at Segway of Scottsdale Tours (and why the location matters)

The meeting point is Segway of Scottsdale Tours, at 7330 E Earll Dr Suite #R, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Your tour ends back at the same place, which makes this easy to plug into a day of sightseeing or brunch.

I like meeting tours in a central area for one simple reason: you’re not stuck with a long repositioning afterward. You can park once, ride for two hours, and then immediately continue exploring Old Town without transferring plans.

Bring sunglasses and wear comfortable shoes. Even though the e-bike does a lot of the work, you still get a short walk/hike component at Hole in the Rock.

The Greenbelt bike path start: get comfortable fast

Right away, you roll out from Old Town Scottsdale and access the Greenbelt bike path. This is a great first step because it lets you settle into the ride while the group gets moving together.

On an e-bike, the big advantage is control. You can coast and let the bike do the effort, or pedal to feel more engaged. If you’re nervous about biking, this is the kind of setup that usually helps people relax because momentum is easier to manage.

Also, riding the Greenbelt early gives you a “Scottsdale rhythm” quickly—green, steady, and different from the desert-only view you might be expecting.

Tempe Lake lookout: a calm break with real payoff

Next up is Tempe Lake, where you rest at a lookout spot. This moment matters more than it sounds, because it breaks the ride into chunks and gives you a chance to reset.

Think of it as a moving-plan strategy. You’re not biking nonstop and hoping the scenery will carry you; you’re getting a scheduled pause to look around, snap photos, and refocus for Papago Park and the Hole in the Rock segment.

If you’re traveling with family or teens, this kind of short rest stop is where the tour becomes easier to enjoy, not just tolerate.

Papago Park and desert scenery on two wheels

From the lake area, you ride through Papago Park as you venture toward the Hole in the Rock. This is the desert section of the day, and it’s where the route earns its reputation.

Papago Park is known for striking desert scenery, and being on a bike changes how you experience it. You’re moving at a human pace—slow enough to actually notice rock formations and the look of the terrain, but fast enough to feel like you’re covering ground efficiently.

You’ll also want your camera ready here. The whole point of this section is that you’ll see that classic Arizona desert look without needing a complicated self-drive plan.

Hunts tomb and the Phoenix Zoo stretch: small stops, big context

As you continue, you see Hunts tomb from the bike path—Arizona’s first governor’s resting place. You’re not stopping for a long museum-style visit, but you do get a moment of context while you keep moving.

Then you ride past the Phoenix Zoo toward Hole in the Rock. This part reads as “in-between scenery,” but it’s useful because it keeps the route flowing. When you’re crunched for time, connecting attractions like this matters—you’re not wasting half your tour transferring between far-flung points.

In general, this tour does a good job of mixing short viewpoint moments with riding time, so you don’t feel stuck doing one thing for too long.

Hole in the Rock: short hike, classic photos, and the best reason to book

Hole in the Rock is the anchor stop. Bikes get parked at the base, and then you take a short and easy hike up to an ancient lookout point.

This is where the tour earns its name and where your best photos usually happen. The setup is simple: easy climb, major photo payoff, and enough time to enjoy the view without turning it into a half-day hike.

Admission is listed as ticket free for this stop, which adds value because it removes an extra cost you’d otherwise need to budget. The photo opportunity is a key part of why most people choose this tour, so don’t treat it like a quick check-in—slow down at the top and look around.

Desert Botanical Gardens backside and canal riding back to Old Town

After Hole in the Rock, you ride past the back side of Desert Botanical Gardens. It’s not the same as going inside, but it’s a nice visual transition. You keep the desert feel, then move toward a greener, more urban vibe.

Then comes one of my favorite parts: riding along the canals toward Old Town Scottsdale. Canal riding changes the mood completely. Instead of hot desert views, you get a calmer, scenic route that feels more “local” than attraction-driven.

You’ll also see views of Camelback Mountain during the canal stretch. That’s the kind of landmark that makes the whole day feel like more than a collection of stops—you start seeing how Scottsdale’s layout connects desert, neighborhoods, and views.

E-bikes, helmets, and comfort: what to bring and what to expect

This is an e-bike tour, and helmets are required for all riders. Good news: helmet use is handled by the tour (helmets are included), so you don’t need to buy or borrow one.

There’s also a minimum weight requirement: you must weigh at least 80 lbs (45 kg) to ride. If you’re traveling with younger kids, note that riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring sunglasses. The ride is short enough that you can dress for comfort rather than performance. And since you’ll be walking briefly at Hole in the Rock, shoes with decent grip are smart.

If you want to make your day even easier, keep your essentials minimal. The tour provides water, so you can focus on sun protection and comfort.

Guides, pacing, and group size: why max 8 feels different

The tour caps at 8 travelers per booking, which is a big deal on a short route. With fewer people, the guide can manage stops and turns without rushing everyone through.

You’ll also get guided narration through the ride. In many of the experiences people described, guides like Allie, Nick, Jonathan, Anthony, Jayce, and Andrew were praised for pacing and safety focus. Even if the exact guide varies by day, you can expect that the tour’s style is more hands-on than a big-bus sightseeing day.

One note: one review mentioned it was hard to hear the guide at times. If you rely on audio storytelling, sit closer to the guide when you can, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you miss something.

Price and value: how $89 stacks up for what you get

At $89 per person for about two hours, the value comes from bundling several things that add up fast on your own. You get the e-bike, helmet, and bottled water, plus a guided route that connects multiple sights without you needing to plan traffic or parking.

You’re also paying for time-efficiency. This tour doesn’t ask you to spend hours driving between scattered highlights. Instead, you ride through connected corridors—Greenbelt bike path, Papago Park area, and then canals back to Old Town.

The Hole in the Rock stop is also described with free admission, which improves the math. If you’re deciding between doing one paid attraction plus a DIY drive, this tour often wins because it combines sights into one guided package.

Who this tour is best for (and who might not love it)

You’ll likely enjoy this tour if you want a quick orientation to Scottsdale and nearby Tempe. It’s also ideal if you like the mix of desert and city views, and you want that Hole in the Rock moment without turning it into a long hike day.

It’s a good option for couples who want an active-but-not-strenuous activity, and for families that don’t want to wrestle with parking while still seeing real scenery.

Where you might think twice: if you’re a super audio-focused traveler who needs constant narration at high volume, you could find the ability to hear the guide inconsistent depending on your position. Also, if you’re looking for a long, deep walking experience, the main hike here is short—so expect quick hits, not hours of trail work.

Should you book the Hole in the Rock & Tempe Lake E-Bike Tour?

I’d book it if you want a smart, easy way to see a lot of Scottsdale-and-Tempe highlights in two hours. The combination of easy e-bike riding, a short hike at Hole in the Rock, and the surprise mix of Papago Park desert plus canal riding back to Old Town makes it a strong use of limited vacation time.

I’d skip it only if you’re uninterested in short outdoor walking and scenic viewpoints, or if you know you’ll be frustrated by narration that’s sometimes hard to hear. Otherwise, this is the kind of tour that helps you get your bearings fast and feel confident planning the rest of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the Hole in the Rock & Tempe Lake E-Bike Tour?

It’s about 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $89.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Segway of Scottsdale Tours, 7330 E Earll Dr Suite #R, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

You get a 2-hour e-bike tour, an e-bike and helmet, and free bottled water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is there an admission fee for Hole in the Rock?

The stop at Hole in the Rock lists 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free.

What are the age and weight requirements?

You must weigh at least 80 lbs (45 kg). Travelers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring sunglasses. Helmets are required for all travelers.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.