Frequently Asked questions

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What is a Rail-Bike?  

Rail-Bikes are a custom made four wheel vehicle that contain either two or four seats, pedals and seat-belts for each seat, disc brakes and operate by the riders pedaling.  They roll easily along the railroad tracks and can be operated at a nice leisurely pace with no steering needed. 

Rail-Bike sizes explained?  

Two seat Rail-Bike is for your two people.  Four seat Rail-Bike is for your four people and the price covers the cost of the Rail-Bike.  Multiple bikes, up to 3 bikes can be linked together, we will ask you during check in.

How can I book multiple Rail-Bikes sizes online?  

Simply add the first size Rail-Bike to the online cart and click continue shopping to go back and choose the other size Rail-Bike and add it to the cart.  Be careful to chose the same time for both.

There are no age limits on who can ride?  

Adults and children of all ages (others on your bike can pedal for that one person who can't).  For smaller kids, we can buckle your child seat, car seat or booster seat to ours using our lap seat belts.  Helmets are not required for anyone.  Infants could be worn in a chest harness (provided by you) if you are comfortable pedaling in a recumbent position where your knees come up towards your chest otherwise we suggest buckling your car seat to ours.

We are not handicap accessible?  

Because we operate on the railroad tracks, we are not considered to be handicap accessible.  Riders must be able to get on and off the railbikes and walk around.

Does everyone have to pedal? 

Not necessarily, as long as the other riders can pedal for them a rider may just rest their feet on the pedals and not pedal.  ALL of our pedals freewheel, so pedals will remain still unless the rider moves them.

Can small kids reach the pedals?  

Younger kids typically 5 years or older have long enough legs to be able to reach the pedals from any of our seats.

Are there guides that go with us on the tour?  

Yes, there is a lead guide and an end guide with every tour.  Guides will also be at the road crossings and are there to turn the Rail-Bikes around and help with any other issues that may arise.

How are the tours done?  

All the Rail-Bikes depart at the same time, with each leaving after the Rail-Bike in front of them reaches the 300 feet marker.  Each of our tours has a guide in the lead Rail-Bike and the last Rail-Bike.  

We depart on the southern leg first and once you reach the southern end, everyone will dismount so the guides can turn the Rail-Bikes around for the return trip.  At this point you have a few minutes break to walk around and stretch your legs.  After everyone has reached the end and all the Rail-Bikes have been turned around, everyone will return to the Rail-Bikes and your return trip begins the same way.  After returning to the starting point, all riders will dismount and proceed across the street as the guides push the rail-bikes across the road.  Riders will get back on an depart in the same manner for the northern leg of the trip, following the same procedure when they reach the northern end.

How long does it take?  

Each tour takes between 1-1/2 to  2 hours from start to finish.  During this time you get a short safety & operational briefing, two short breaks in the middle as we turn the Rail-Bikes around for your return trip.  Total distance pedaled is about 6.2 miles.

Can anyone participate in this activity?  

People of all ages and abilities are able to perform this activity within the limitations of  our rail-bikes.  Keep in mind if you have someone in your group who can't pedal, they can just sit and enjoy the ride while others on the Rail-Bike do the pedaling.  Also note, our Rail-Bikes are not handicap accessible.  Should you have specific questions, please ask prior to booking.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are allowed to ride, but must be occupied by at least one rider 16 years or older who can operate the brakes. 

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, for safety reasons, we cannot take anyone over 300 lb per seat.  This could lead to the rail-bikes breaking and coming off the tracks resulting in possible injuries.    Please note for safety reasons you must adhere to our 300 lb. per seat limit!  If you show up and weigh in at more than 300 lbs. you will not be allowed to ride and no refunds will be issued at that time. 

Are service animals allowed to ride?

No, we have no way to accommodate service animals of any kind.  For the safety of your service animal we don't allow them on our railbikes. 

Do we have restrooms and when can they be used?

Yes, we have three porta potties available for use while you are at the base of operations.  You also get a chance to use them about 1/3 of the way into the tour as we come back by the base of operations on the way to the northern end.

Are there any trains on the track?

Our section of track is officially abandoned from the main rail line and has no chance of any trains being on the track.

If there is bad weather?

We will run our tours rain or shine unless the conditions are going to be dangerous.  Decisions to cancel a tour due to dangerous conditions will be made by our tour guides as soon as possible and notifications will be sent to your contact information given at time of booking.  Keep in mind that the weather can change quickly and it is possible to have a tour canceled even if you have already arrived.  If we have to cancel a tour due to dangerous weather, a full refund will be given and you can re-book for another time.

What is our cancellation policy?

Effective for all bookings, a cancellation fee of $10.00 per bike will be charged to all requested cancellations!  You may cancel your booking anytime up to 48 hours prior to your tour time for a refund minus the cancellation fee(s).  Tours cancelled for ANY REASON within 48 hours of your tour time are NON-REFUNDABLE.  You must call in person to cancel your reservation.

What if I have to reschedule?

Rescheduling is permitted up to 24 hours prior to your tour time.  Rescheduling within 24 hours prior to your tour time is not allowed.  All rescheduling must be done via phone.  Tours can only be rescheduled for use during the same operating season only!    (Please note, if you reschedule within 48 hours of your tour time it does not reset the 48 hour cancel with refund opportunity).  

What if I miss my tour time?

No refunds are given for riders who arrive late and miss their tour start, or who cancel / don't show up on their reservation day.

When is my online payment processed?

Payments are processed at time of booking and you will receive a confirmation email of your booking.  If you don't receive an email within a few hours after booking please email or call us.

How difficult is it?

Rail-Bikes roll quite easily and can be enjoyed by all ages and ability levels.  Our tours are meant to be enjoyed at a nice leisurely pace.  The track has a very slight uphill grade in one direction and a slight downhill grade in the other direction.  It will be a slight workout for some people and a harder workout for heavier people.

Do I need to make reservations?

We do allow walk-ins based on availability only, so your best bet is to book ahead of time to be assured of getting a spot.   Be advised, we do sell out many of our days.

Do you have a wait list if there are no bookings available for a certain date?

Yes we do have a wait list available.  You need to send an email to info@scenicrailriders.com with your name, phone number, the dates and times you are interested in and also the size Rail-Bike you want.

What to bring?

Our Rail-Bikes do have a small basket to put a small clothing item, cameras, phones, and water bottles. You should dress appropriately for the weather.  We also recommend closed toe shoes appropriate for pedaling.  Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, bug spray, camera, video camera.  We will have umbrellas available for you to use.  

What not to bring?

Do not bring any drugs, alcohol, drinks in glass containers.  Also there is no smoking or vaping allowed while on the tour. Please leave your pets at home, they are not allowed on the tour and cannot be left in the parking area while you take your tour.

What does it cost for 2025 season?

A two seat Rail-Bike costs $95 to $100

A four seat Rail-Bike costs $175 to $185

Are there places to stay nearby?

Check out Trip Advisor for local hotel, motels & bed and breakfast places.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g46052-Concord_New_Hampshire-Hotels.html

Here are a couple of  very close local B&Bs to stay at.

Riverland on the Merrimack in Canterbury:

https://riverlandonthemerrimack.com/

 Henniker House Bed & Breakfast  https://hennikerhouse.com/

Discover more things to do in Concord New Hampshire

https://www.kayak.com/Concord.25659.guide

Are there places to eat nearby?

Check out Trip Advisor for local Concord restaurants.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g46052-Concord_New_Hampshire.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g46027-Boscawen_New_Hampshire.html

What is your privacy policy for electronic data collected?

We do not store or have access to your credit card data.  We only have access to the contact information you provide us.  We will use this information for contacting you about your booking.  We may also use your email to contact you about future specials unless you have asked us not to contact you.  We will not sell or provide any of your information to anyone.  We use Zaui Software for our tour booking software.

 Click here  for Zaui's privacy policy