What is a Handcar?
A handcar or hand pump car is a manually propelled (now electric assisted!) track vehicle that travels along railroad tracks. Handcars have 4 wheels, seats, and are powered using both your arms and legs in a rowing motion. Each handcar seats 1-3 riders who all contribute to power the car along the track.
There are 4 seats, but why do you only allow 3 riders?
Good question. We do not allow for a rider to sit in front of the designated driver that is responsible for the brake. Sitting in front of the driver would block their view of the train tracks ahead. For the return trip the driver will switch to the opposite seat so they can face the direction of travel.
Can children ride?
For safety concerns children must be 10 years or older to ride. For the handcars there are moving parts and the short stature of children present pinch point hazards. Lap seating and baby carriers are NOT permitted.
How hard is it?
Our handcars are easy to propel because they are aided by an electric assist propulsion system that gives you a helping hand. If you get tired of pumping the handles there is a green button to activate the electric motor to propel you over the route. If you cannot use your arms and legs to propel the hand pump car then for your safety you cannot participate.
How long is the trip?
The tour covers 7.25 miles and is approximately 1.5 hours. Tours can run shorter or longer depending upon the number and types of railcars out. We take a break at the shaded halfway point where you will have time to enjoy a snack.
How does a tour operate?
You occupy your own private handcar or rail bicycle, but you travel with up to 8 other cars. Cars are spaced out along the track and you control its speed and control the brakes. There are staff handcars at the front and rear of the group to ensure safety and to be available in the instance participants need assistance. You need to be on-time as the tours are on tight schedules and cannot wait for late comers.
Do I have to worry about being hit by a train?
We coordinate handcar operations with the Washington, Idaho, Montana, Railroad to ensure that we do not share the railroad tracks at the same time. The railroad carries freight traffic, primarily lumber from the Bennett Lumber Mill in Princeton to be transported across the National Rail Network.
Can I bring my animal?
There isn’t space to place an animal on the handcars so we do not allow for them.
What should I bring?
All riders MUST wear closed toe shoes for the handcars!
You should bring water, bug repellant, and wear sunscreen.
You can bring snacks and small carry-on bags that can ride with you in the storage boxes.
You can’t wear a backpack because the straps can be hooked around the moving handles.
Do not wear dresses or skirts.
Weather during the summer is generally in the 80s, but can be hotter. Bring a hat and water.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Animals are NOT permitted!
How much does it cost?
A trip on a hand pump car, which seats up to 3 people costs $149. You are reserving the ENTIRE handcar whether you have 1, 2, or 3 riders. We do not charge per person fees.
Do you offer group discounts?
We offer a 10% discount for group tours of 6 or more handcars. If you are interested in booking a group please contact us.
Is it worth the money?
We are new to Idaho, but previously we operated our handcars in the Monterey, California area for almost four years. During that time our handcars fleet was sold out every weekend and they were very popular. Any pre-conceptions of what our tours will be like might as well be tossed out. The most common response from customers after our tours is “This was way better than I thought it would be.” Twenty percent of our business comes from word-of-mouth.
Handcar tours are extremely expensive to host with the costs involved with building a fleet of cars and expenses associated with operating an outdoor recreational business. Each of our carefully engineered and handcrafted handcars cost over $46,000 to build and they are a joy to ride.
Can I cancel or reschedule my tour?
You can reschedule your tour no later than 48 hours of your scheduled tour for any reason. If you wish to reschedule your tour contact us and we can make the change. There is a $20 charge for rescheduling. We do not offer refunds.
If you are planning a group outing with multiple cars keep in mind that you CANNOT cancel the day of or day before because someone got sick. If your group tour is dependent upon everyone attending then please do not book as most of the time someone, including the guest of honor cannot make it.
We also suggest leaving early before your tour. We want you at the tour site at least a half hour before departure. We cannot rebook your reservation if you got a late start or are stuck in traffic.