Bike, car, catamaran, stand-up paddle, tuk-tuk: there’s no shortage of ways to get around the island. But one of them is quieter than the rest, puts a smile on passers-by’s faces and works your balance without the slightest effort: the gyropod. Before you settle in at our campsite on the Ile de Ré, here’s how this electric machine works, where to take it for a ride, and how much it costs.
Quiet, easy enough for children to use and requiring no licence, the gyropod is a lovely way to discover the Ile de Ré from a different angle: skimming past the salt marshes, along the cycle paths and through whitewashed villages with green shutters.
The essentials
- A dedicated operator now runs guided gyropod (Segway) tours on the island: Atlantic Gyropode, in Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
- Budget around €35 for 1 hour, €45 for 1.5 hours and €55 for 2 hours per person, including a beginner’s lesson.
- Open to riders aged 12 and over and weighing at least 40 kg; under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
- No experience required: a few minutes are enough to get the hang of it, and an instructor supervises the whole ride.
- Prefer pedalling? The electric-assist bike and the all-terrain scooter are equally gentle alternatives.
How does a gyropod work?
The gyropod, also known as a personal transporter or Segway (after its inventor), is a small electric vehicle with two parallel wheels, fitted with handlebars and a platform you stand on. Its magic lies in a set of gyroscopes and sensors that keep it balanced, whether standing still or moving.
You steer with your body, not your wrists: lean slightly forward to move ahead, lean back to slow down, and turn the handlebars to change direction. No brake, no throttle: that’s exactly why it only takes a few minutes to get used to. The urban model glides over tarmac, while the all-terrain version handles the dirt tracks along the marshes without a hitch.
Where can you try a gyropod on the Ile de Ré?
The offer is deliberately low-key. On the island, gyropod tours are mainly organised from Saint-Martin-de-Ré by Atlantic Gyropode, which runs 1 to 2-hour outings with a systematic introduction session. Starting from the Unesco-listed harbour, you’ll ride past the Vauban ramparts, alleyways lined with hollyhocks, then cycle paths leading out to the salt marshes and oyster harbours.
The island’s flat terrain works in your favour: almost entirely flat and criss-crossed by over 100 km of secure cycle paths, it’s perfectly suited to this kind of gentle mobility. If you can’t find a gyropod slot, several rental shops around the island, including near Rivedoux-Plage, offer all-terrain electric scooters and electric-assist bikes for equally quiet exploring. Book a few days ahead in July and August, when the island fills up with visitors.
Gyropod, scooter or electric bike: which one to choose?
| Gentle mobility | Effort | Indicative price | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gyropod (Segway) | None, you stay standing | €35 to €55 for a guided ride | From 12 years & 40 kg, curious minds & beginners |
| All-terrain electric scooter | Low | Around €25 to €45 per outing | Teens & adults after some thrills |
| Electric-assist bike | Moderate, assisted pedalling | From €15 to €25 per day | Families & long distances |
| Rosalie (pedal car) | Shared between passengers | Around €20 for half an hour | Families with young children |
These prices are indicative and vary by provider and season. One thing they all have in common: none of these options make any noise or produce any fumes, so you can enjoy the birdsong over the marshes.
Practical tips before you get started
- Book your slot, especially in high season: groups are deliberately kept small.
- Wear closed, flat shoes, which are far more comfortable than flip-flops on the platform.
- Keep an eye on the weather: the island is windy, so a windbreaker and a cap never hurt.
- Check the age and weight requirements when booking, as they determine access to the activity.
On a gyropod, you stop watching the road and start watching the scenery. It’s one of the loveliest ways to soak up the island’s calm.
Pierre Schmitz
Our 4-star campsite welcomes you from April to the end of September in La Couarde-sur-Mer, right in the centre of the island and 600 m from the beach. Bike hire on site and cycle paths right at the campsite gates mean you can head off to explore the marshes and villages as soon as breakfast is done. Fancy another unusual way to get around? Hop aboard a tuk-tuk!
