FAQ - San Francisco Electric Bike Tour- Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is a A2B Electric Bike? How does it work?
• How do I learn to ride an Electric Bike?
• Can I test drive a Electric Bike for 5 minutes?
• What routes does the Electric Bike tour use? What about those San Francisco hills?
• Are Child Child Seats and Trailers available? Can I bring small children or infants on the tour?
• Who can ride a A2B Electric Bike? Are A2B Electric Bikes safe for children or people with disabilities? What are the rider requirements? What about pregnant women?
• How long is the tour route, how fast and far can the bikes go?
• How long does the San Francisco to Sausalito and Return by Ferry tour last? How many stops for pictures?
• Where does the tour start? Where can I buy tickets? Is there parking?
• Are reservations required? How far in advance do I need to reserve?
• What days and times do you offer the San Francisco tour?
• What should I wear? I have heard it is cold in San Francisco during the Summer.
• Can I rent a Electric Bike without the San Francisco tour? Do you have a bike tour without electric bikes? Do you have regular bike rentals?
• Can I stay in Sausalito and have the company bring my bike back to San Francisco?
• Can I keep the bike as a rental for the rest of the day after the tour is over?
• Are the tours cancelled in case of fog or rain?
• What happens if I have to cancel?
• Security deposit and equipment damages
• Can I arrange for a private group event?
• Can I purchase an Electric Bike from your company?
• Where can I park ? San Francisco parking information
• Are guide gratuities included in tour price?
• How do I get to the San Francisco location by Bus, Cable car or Trolley? San Francisco Public Transit Information
• Do you have a restroom ? Does the tour make restroom stops?

Back to tour page

What is an A2B Electric Bike? How does it work?

• An A2B Bike is ideal for urban commuting and short trips around town
• 100% electric; lithium-ion battery for clean, efficient energy
• 500 watt motor to power up to 20mph and give a lift up hills, NOTE: We do not operate at top speed on this guided tour.
• Disc brakes for excellent control and safety
• Full-suspension for a smooth ride
• Quiet, so you can still appreciate the world you're riding through
• Simply plug in to recharge, 110v just like a laptop computer
• Power On Demand allows riders to choose between pedaling, electric motor power, or both. NOTE: Certain parts of our route require pedaling. The Golden Gate Bridge is a No Electric Zone. All guests will pedal the entire 1.7 mile (2.73 km) length of the Bridge. Other restricted areas may require pedaling as required by local rules.

The A2B by Ultra Motor offers the fun of a bike with the power of an electric motor, all wrapped up in a quiet riding, stylish design. It's perfect for those who want an economic transportation solution that is good for the environment and good for the soul. Designed for urban commuting and short trips, the A2B provides a comfortable, smooth ride with its full suspension and oversized seat. It's a fun ride that is easy to handle and you get decide what you want to do - pedal, power, or both. The A2B offers unassisted power on demand for up to 20 miles at a cruising speed of 20mph. We do not operate the bikes at top speed on this guided tour.

Top

How do I learn to ride an Electric Bike?

All first time customers are required to take a 10-15 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. Riding an Electric Bike is very similar to riding a regular bike. We will train until every member of the group is comfortable with the skills needed. Training time varies with group size and skill level. Riders are trained on safe Electric Bike operation, emergency stops, and our "Share the Road" policy. All riders are required to wear a helmet. Helmets are provided.

Top

Can I test drive a Electric Bike for 5 minutes?

We do not offer bike test drives. Take a tour it is fun!

Top

What routes do we go on the Electric Bike Tour? What about those San Francisco  and Sausalito hills?

Our San Francisco to Sausalito Electric Bike Tours start on the "flat parts" along the Waterfront in San Francisco. The level of difficulty for this ride is beginner/intermediate. We have three hills on the route. One at the beginning of the tour and two leading up to the bridge area. At a minimum the tour will require some pedaling to assist climbing these hills. The more you weigh the more you will need to pedal..The Golden Gate Bridge is a No Electric zone. All guests will pedal the entire 1.7 Mile (2.73 km) length of the Bridge. Certain parts of the route may require pedaling when the electric assist motor cannot be used due to local regulation.

On weekends ( Saturday and Sunday) the tour is on the west sidewalk (Pacific Ocean side) of the bridge with other two way bike traffic. On weekdays the tour is on the east sidewalk ( San Francisco Bay) of the bridge with pedestrians and bike traffic. It can be very windy on the Golden Gate Bridge. The sidewalks can get very crowded with pedestrians and other bikes. Route may change without notice with construction on the Bridge . The Golden Gate Bridge is a No Electric Zone. All guests will pedal the entire 1.7 Mile (2.73 km) length of the Bridge.

We have one long downhill area as we go into Sausalito. Depending on the date /route there may be some uphill pedaling on the road into Sausalito as well.

Going into Sausalito riders must ride in single file. There are designated bike parking areas in Sausalito.

Guests will return to Pier 41 in Fisherman's Wharf on the 35 minute Blue and Gold Fleet Ferry trip with your guide. There is a short ride through Fisherman's Wharf from Pier 41 back to the starting location.

This is a round trip tour that starts and ends in San Francisco.

RETURN FERRY SCHEDULE:

WEEKDAYS Depart Sausalito: 12:55 p.m. Arrive Pier 41 Fisherman's Wharf 1:25 p.m

WEEKENDS Depart Sausalito: 1:15 p.m. Arrive Pier 41 Fisherman's Wharf 1:50 p.m

Weekend Schedule operates on Memorial Day (May 25), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (Sept 7)

The Ferries are very busy in the Summer season. The group may have to wait for the next departure time if space is not available.

Sidewalks and Bike Lane Usage:

All bikes are not allowed on sidewalks in San Francisco. We strongly stress that all Bike riders courteously "Share the Road" with other vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. It is the Bike rider's responsibility to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right-of way.

Our routes in San Francisco and Sausalito are mainly on designated bike lanes. These bike lanes are in some places adjacent to city streets. In some places the bike lane is the full width of the city street. We are in two busy cities and will be in some high traffic areas. San Francisco has more bike lanes per square mile than any other US City. Guests 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 85 pound (37 kg). The Electric Bike weighs 70 lbs.(32 kg) If you book a tour and any of your guests do not meet the minimum age / suggested weight criteria they will not be allowed on the tour and you will not be given a refund.

Top

How long is the route? How fast and far can I ride?

The distance to Sausalito is about 8 Miles (12.8 km). The San Francisco Electric Bike Tour has a top speed of about 10-12 miles per hour (16-19 kph). The bikes range is about 20 miles (32 km) between battery charges. Riding range varies with hills, rider weight and speed. The Electric Bike has settings that limit the top motor speed. Most of the route we will cruising at no more than 10 mph.(16 kph). This is a low speed sightseeing tour and not a race! With crowded streets, trails and bridge sidewalks we limit our speed for a relaxed cruise. We strictly follow all posted speed limits. Your tour guide will set the pace.

Top

Are Child Child Seats and Trailers available? Can I bring small children or infants on the tour?

We DO NOT have child seats or tag along trailers for these bikes. We DO NOT have a child version of this bike. This tour is designed for ages 12 and up. Our suggested minimum weight for any riders is 85 lbs. The bikes weigh 70 lbs (32 kg) and will need to be pedaled up hills on some parts of the route. All guests will be required to pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge 1.7 miles (2.73 km) without using the power assist.

Who can ride a Electric Bike? Are Electric Bikes safe for children or people with disabilities? What about pregnant women ?

This is NOT a tour for children under 12. Riding a Electric Bike is similar to riding a regular bike. it's intuitive but nobody is born knowing how to operate it. That's why we offer 10-15 minutes of training so you can get familiar with the operation. An Electric Bike is not an ideal mode of touring for people with some mobility issues. The bikes weigh 70 lbs (32 kg) and will need to be pedaled up hills on some parts of the route. All guests will be required to pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge 1.7 miles (2.73 km) without using the power assist. You will be pedaling! Electric bikes are power assisted. At a minimum the tour route will require some pedaling to assist climbing hilly areas. Certain parts of the route may require pedaling when the electric assist motor cannot be used due to local regulations.

Due to risk of falls this activity is not recommended for pregnant women. Unfortunately, pregnant women will not be permitted to participate.

Safety is very important to us: This tour is designed for ages 12 and up. Our suggested minimum weight for any rider is 85 lbs (39 kg) . The bikes weigh 70 lbs (32 kg) and will need to be pedaled up hills on some parts of the route. All guests will be required to pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge 1.7 miles (2.73 km) without using the power assist. If you book a tour and any of your guests do not meet the minimum age / suggested weight criteria they will not be allowed on the tour and you will not be given a refund.

We will practice on the Electric Bikes until everyone feels comfortable and ready to tour San Francisco!

The Electric Bike Tour has only a few restrictions. Riders must:

• Ages 12 and up. Our suggested minimum weight for any rider is 85 lbs (39 kg) . The bikes weigh 70 lbs (32 kg) and will need to be pedaled up hills on some parts of the route.
• All riders will be required to pedal on the Golden Gate Bridge without using the power assist.
• Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Helmets are required and will be provided.
• It is suggested that guests do not wear flip-flops, open-toe sandals, or high heels.
• Guests must sign a liability waiver.
• Guests must complete the Electric Bike rider training and test ride.
• Guests must respect road signs, pedestrians, bikes and cars for a safe enjoyable ride.
• A drivers license is not required to ride a bike.
• Any damages to bike or property are the responsibility of the rider.

We do not offer discounts for Children or Seniors.

 

How long does the San Francisco to Sausalito and return by ferry tour last? How many stops for pictures?

Bike fitting and training takes 10-15 minutes. Tours are approximately 3 hours. Total: 3 - 3.5  hours including the training time and return ferry ride. During the busy Summer season training time may be slightly longer. Winter Ferry departure time is 25 minutes later than Summer Schedule. We make frequent stops for pictures along the San Francisco and Sausalito waterfront. The return Ferry ride is 35 minutes and included in the overall tour duration.

We will stop in Sausalito for approximatly 25-35 minutes before boarding the return ferry.

We make multiple stops for pictures. For your safety we request that riders do not take pictures or videos while riding on their Electric Bike. 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.

Click on the thumbnail below for a map of our location. Also see Google map for driving directions.

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 the San Francisco Tour?

We are open seven days a week. Tours start at 10:00 AM Daily. We require a minimum of 4 guests to run the Bike Tour. Individual reservations will be combined into groups of 4 as needed. Please indicate an alternate date and time on order form. All tours start on time, so please arrive 15 minutes early. 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 January 1, November 26th, December 25th and 31st.

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.

Top

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 Electric Bike 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

Can I rent a Electric Bike without the San Francisco tour? Do you offer regular guided bike tours? Do you offer regular bike rentals?

We are not a rental company. All of our tours include a guide. Book a tour - it's fun! We do have bike rentals available through a partner website. Minimum age for Electric Bike Rentals is 21 with a deposit required. More Electric Bike rental information here

If you would like to take a similar guided Bike Tour across the Golden Gate on a comfort bike ( no power assist) more information and bike tour reservations are here.

If you would like to rent a bike while in San Francisco and enjoy a self guide ride more bike rental information here.

Top

Can I stay in Sausalito and have the company bring my bike back to San Francisco?

No. This is a roundtrip tour starting and ending in San Francisco.

Top

Can I keep the bike as a rental for the rest of the day after the tour is over?

No. If you want a rental bike for an entire day we rent bikes though our partner company. For Electric Bikes age 21 an up to rent. More Electric Bike Rental Information Here.

Top

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. Electric Bikes 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 Electric Bike has a handlebar storage bag for cameras, light jackets and purses. Please leave bulky backpacks at home.

Top

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 Electric Bikes 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.

Top

Security Deposit and Damages:

All reservations require a valid ID with picture and credit card: Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express will be required for booking a reservation. We do not charge a security deposit on your card. Your card will be charged for any damages to or loss of the Electric Bike. Riders are responsible for all damages to the bike. Please keep in mind that each Electric Bike costs over $2900.00.

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 Electric Bike tours can be reserved for groups from 6 to 80 people.

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 Electric Bike from your company?

We can help you get a Electric Bike of your very own. Call or E-mail us for more information about when we are setting units from our fleet. Customers on our tour recieve a large discount towards the purchase of a new A2B Bike. When available we offer used Electric Bikes 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.

Top

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) 989-2278. Take 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 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 two or three restroom stops on the tour. 1st stop is approximately 1 hour after we begin training. There are restrooms on the Ferries.

Top

Back to tour page