FEATURE FRIDAY: Arizona Party Bike’s Owner Robert Mayer Talks Tours, Being a Monk, and More

Arizona Party Bike is a popular local activity, drawing mre than 60,000 guest each year. It was named the #4 experience in the country by Tripadvisor in 2023, with over 8,000 reviews, and is consistently ranked the #1 activity in Scottsdale and Phoenix for special occasions such as birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and company events.

We caught up with Robert Mayer, the owner and founder. Here, he tells us a little bit about himself, as well as about the Arizona Party Bike experience.

Ok, so what is the Arizona Party Bike?

Arizona Party Bike is a one-of-a-kind group activity where you and your friends can pedal your way through the streets of Old Town Scottsdale while enjoying drinks, music, and good vibes. It’s a multi-passenger bike that functions like a rolling pub, complete with a friendly driver who ensures a safe and fun experience. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party, corporate outing, or just looking for a fun day or night out on the town, the Party Bike is a unique way to see the city, socialize, and make memories.

How long has this been around and why did you launch it?

A buddy of mine originally saw the concept in Amsterdam and showed me a YouTube video. People looked like they were having so much fun that I quit my job and we started our first concept called Trolley Pub Tucson. It was a total hit but had to shut down due to streetcar construction downtown, and he moved it out to North Carolina. In the meantime, I started manufacturing the party bikes here in Arizona and began to sell them in 2012. I then re-launched what is now Arizona Party Bike in 2014, and expanded to Scottsdale in 2015 after passing a state law to allow “adult beverages” on board our bikes. We are celebrating our 10th year in business and over 300,000 guests! We now also provide experiences in Downtown Phoenix and Flagstaff ,as well. Circling back to why I started this business in the first place—because of the fun and joy it brought people. I am super grateful for all the people who have trusted us with their special occasions over the years.

Is it always a set route?

It is more of a set area. For example, the one square mile of Old Town Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, Downtown Tucson, or Downtown Flagstaff. We have different bar and restaurant partners that offer specials, cut-the-line access, and no cover. Private parties can make their own itinerary in those areas, but in other cases like our Old Town Pub Crawl, we have a defined route. Many people think we just do bar crawls, but we host everything from Sweet 16s to company teambuilders and scavenger hunts!

What if there are people who physically aren’t up to pedaling?

This is actually the case most of the time. The first time we pedaled my first manufactured party bike on a slight hill I wondered to myself, “What have I done?” So I designed and implemented an electric motor system back in 2013 that keeps the ride very easy to the point where you don’t really have to pedal. We also have four seats available that are non-pedaling seats. You will usually find me on the back bench.

One of Mayer’s favorite tours—the Holiday Lights Bar Crawl Tour. Courtesy Arizona Party Bike

Where is your personal favorite spot to stop in Scottsdale or favorite tour that you offer?

This time of year, I love anything outdoors. The patio at Boondocks, the second-floor balcony at Rockbar, and Social Tap are great. I also love the seasonal pop-ups at 50 Shades. These are all places that offer great service to our guests. My favorite tour that we offer is our Holiday Lights Bar Crawl Tour—our bikes are all decorated, our drivers are all dressed up, and we visit some of the best lit up bars in Old Town. It’s just a really fun holiday experience and it’s ready-made: click, book, show up!

Can kids join in?

We do allow kids 13-plus for private family experiences. Events like Sweet 16s or graduations with stops that are not bars have been a hit!

When you’re not pedaling around town, we’d find you …

Hanging out with my wife and kids, playing racquetball, and gardening.

If you weren’t doing this, you’d be a …

Monk. 😂

Favorite place to visit around the world?

I have been road-tripping and surfing in Costa Rica for almost a decade and it never gets old.

Robert Mayer, owner/founder of Arizona Party Bike. Courtesy Robert Mayer