Gran Canaria: Los Pilancones Natural Park e-Scooter Tour

Exploring Gran Canaria’s rugged, green mountains on an electric scooter sounds like a fun and eco-friendly way to see the island’s less accessible spots. This 2-hour guided tour offers a chance to ride along the Ayagaures Mountain route, visiting stunning natural reserves, charming villages, and scenic viewpoints—all on a comfortable two-seater e-scooter.

What immediately caught our attention was the tour’s ability to combine adventure with education. You’re not just zooming past pretty landscapes but also learning about the area’s history, flora, and local culture from guides who clearly know their stuff. The natural park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, adds a layer of authenticity and importance to the experience.

However, this is not a casual, unsupervised ride. You’ll need a valid driving license and some prior scooter experience, making it better suited for those confident on two wheels. The tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy nature, want a bit of adrenaline, and love a good story along the way.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly exploration of Gran Canaria’s mountains on a guided e-scooter tour
• Includes visits to Los Pilancones Natural Park, Ayagaures Village, and Dam
• Suitable for passengers and drivers with proper licenses, including children over 7 as passengers
• Small group size (max 8) ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere
• Stops for tasting and sightseeing, with optional tapas for a small extra fee
• Active but accessible—requires previous scooter experience and a driver’s license

An Authentic Ride Through Gran Canaria’s Wild Side

This tour represents a refreshing way to see Gran Canaria’s diverse landscapes without the need for intense hiking or exhausting car rides. The journey begins at the Bici Bike Vintage shop in Playa del Ingles, where you’ll meet your friendly multilingual guide, Lorenzo or others, who will ensure you’re comfortable and ready to go. The group is kept intimate—no more than 8 participants—which allows for a more personal experience and plenty of interaction.

The e-scooter itself is a two-seater—a fun twist that lets you bring a friend or family member along—perfect for couples or parents with kids over 7. As long as at least one person has a driving license, others can sit back and enjoy the ride. The scooters are easy to operate if you have previous experience, and safety gear, like helmets, are provided for peace of mind.

Exploring Maspalomas and the Dunes

The tour kicks off with a drive around Maspalomas city and a visit to the famous Maspalomas Dunes, a natural reserve famed for its shifting sands and unique ecosystem. The guide provides interesting insights into the dunes’ formation and significance, making this stop informative as well as picturesque. You’ll get to marvel at the panoramic views from Playa del Ingles, considered one of the best viewpoints on the island for a reason.

The Mountain Route and Natural Park Los Pilancones

Next, the journey takes you into the mountains outside the city, along the Ayagaures Mountain route. This is the highlight for many: a scenic drive through a lush, green valley dotted with palm trees, cacti, and vibrant Canary flowers.

Along the way, there are short stops at local plantations where you can see mango and avocado trees—fitting for the region’s tropical reputation. The real star is the Los Pilancones Natural Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2005. This vast natural area offers craggy hills, endemic vegetation, and diverse wildlife, providing a true taste of Gran Canaria’s unspoiled beauty.

The Top of Ayagaures and Local Culture

Reaching the top of the mountain of Ayagaures, you’ll have around 10 minutes to relax and take in the views. Here, you can enjoy a soft drink at a quaint Tapas Bar built inside an ancient Aboriginal cave—an authentic touch that adds a cultural flavor to the trip. The guide might share stories about the island’s indigenous past, making this more than just a sightseeing stop.

Dam and Downhill Ride

The final part of the tour takes you to the Ayagaures Dam, a large reservoir that supplies water to the region. After this, the ride downhill back to the starting point is a thrill—fast, smooth, and fun—highlighting the e-scooter’s ease of use on downhill stretches.

Optional Tapa Tasting

For those interested in local flavors, there’s an optional tapas tasting for €15 per person, available outside peak months (not in July and August). The tapas, served in the cave restaurant, include local specialties—perfect for rounding off the adventure with some Canarian cuisine.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What Not

Included in your €90 fee are the e-scooter, helmet, liability insurance, multilingual guide, and a soda. The tour ends back at your starting point, so you don’t need to worry about transportation logistics.

Extra costs include the tapas tasting, which requires a minimum of two people and is paid directly at the restaurant. Hotel pickup or drop-off is not included, so plan to meet at the designated spot in Playa del Ingles, which has free parking nearby.

Requirements and Considerations

To participate, you need a valid original or digital AM or B driving license—no provisional or copies accepted. The tour is designed for those with scooter experience and a good level of confidence on two wheels. Children over 7 can ride as passengers, but unaccompanied minors or those without experience are not permitted.

The group size is limited to 8, ensuring a relaxed pace and personal guidance. Wear closed-toe shoes and a jacket if it’s cooler, and be prepared for some physical activity. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people over 220 lbs, or over 70 years old.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Past Participants

Several reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides, with Felicia noting that she and her group “learned so much about Gran Canaria” thanks to Lorenzo’s storytelling. Sophie from the Netherlands called the guide “wonderful” and appreciated the interesting facts and stories about Maspalomas.

Mariska found the history of the southern part of the island “enthusiastically told,” emphasizing the quality of the commentary. These reviews suggest that the guides genuinely enhance the experience, making the journey both educational and enjoyable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable on a scooter. It’s particularly appealing to those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of physical activity and local culture. The small group size fosters a more personalized experience, perfect for travelers who prefer intimate tours rather than large buses.

While the price may seem high for just two hours of activity, the inclusion of a guide, insurance, and a scenic route makes it good value—especially considering the unique stops and stories you’ll hear. It’s ideal for families with children over 7, couples, or even solo travelers who want a guided, safe way to explore Gran Canaria’s mountainous terrain.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a fun, active way to explore the natural and cultural highlights of Gran Canaria without the hassle of renting a car or hiking for hours, this tour ticks many boxes. The scenic routes, interesting commentary, and small group setting make it a memorable experience for those who value authentic insight and beautiful views.

The inclusion of stops at UNESCO-protected natural areas and the chance to taste local tapas in a cave restaurant add richness to the trip. The requirement for a driving license and prior scooter experience is a fair safety measure, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride without worry.

In short, this tour offers a balance of adventure, education, and scenic beauty, making it a fantastic choice for active, curious travelers eager to see Gran Canaria from a different perspective.

FAQ

Do I need a special license to participate?
Yes, you must have an original or digital AM or B driving license to drive the e-scooter legally. No provisional or photocopies are accepted.

Can children join the tour?
Children over 7 years old can be passengers if accompanied by a paying parent. Children under 7 or those without a license cannot ride as drivers.

Is previous scooter experience necessary?
Yes, prior experience in driving a scooter is required, along with a good sense of balance and confidence on two wheels.

What should I wear for the tour?
Wear closed-toe shoes, bring a jacket if it’s cooler, and carry your ID or passport. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, with most of the time spent riding, stopping for sightseeing, and enjoying some local snacks.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Yes, the tour is suitable for those over 15 with a license or over 7 years old as passengers. The maximum weight per scooter is 160 kg.

This guided e-scooter adventure offers a great way to combine active exploration with cultural insights and stunning scenery, perfect for those looking to experience Gran Canaria in an engaging, memorable way.