Who Can Ride: The Buggy Ride for Kids Eligibility Guide

Front and rear seating: height requirements

The buggy has two rows of seats, and height eligibility differs between them. Riders in the front seat need to meet a minimum height requirement to operate the controls safely and see over the dashboard during the 3-hour tour. If you are unsure whether you meet the threshold, arrive early so the guide can assess you in person before you depart from Costa Teguise.

Rear-seat passengers face no height minimum, which means younger or smaller family members can often join the tour even if they would not qualify for the front. The rear position is more sheltered and requires less physical interaction with the vehicle, making it suitable for a broader range of body types and frames. Discuss seating placement with your guide during the pre-tour briefing so everyone in your group knows where they will sit before you head toward Peñas del Chache.

Babies, toddlers and very young children

Infants and toddlers cannot ride in the buggy. The vehicle is designed for older children and adults, and the physical demands of an off-road journey across volcanic terrain in Lanzarote with teens or younger participants require a minimum level of independence and physical control. Babies lack the ability to secure themselves, and toddlers cannot be safely restrained in the available seating or harness systems.

If you are planning a family trip, consider arranging childcare for children who do not meet the age and size requirements. The tour operator can advise on the lowest age at which a child has successfully ridden during previous tours, but this information is not guaranteed to apply to every child. Contact the operator directly with your child's age and height before booking to receive a definitive answer.

Four-seat buggy with safety harnesses and roll cage for family protection

Why pregnancy rules out participation

Pregnant riders should not join this tour. The off-road buggy experience involves prolonged exposure to vibration, jostling, and uneven terrain as you navigate the volcanic landscape toward the island's tallest peak. These conditions place stress on the abdomen and lower back, which can be harmful during pregnancy regardless of the trimester.

The guide will ask about pregnancy status before departure as a safety precaution. If you are expecting or suspect you might be pregnant, inform the operator when you book so that refund or rescheduling options can be discussed in advance. Your health and the safety of your pregnancy take absolute priority.

Back and neck problems: when the tour is unsuitable

Riders with existing back or neck problems face genuine risk on this tour. The buggy bounces and tilts as it climbs rocky slopes and crosses uneven ground, and the 3-hour duration means sustained exposure to these movements. If you have a history of disc herniation, chronic pain, or recent spinal injury, the repetitive jolting can aggravate your condition and cause lasting harm.

Even mild back trouble can worsen over the course of a morning tour. The rear seat may offer slightly more cushioning than the front, but it does not eliminate the core problem: an off-road vehicle is not a suitable environment for anyone with spinal vulnerability. Consult your doctor before booking, and be honest about your medical history when speaking to the operator.

Weight, body size and physical fit

The buggy seats have weight limits and width constraints. Riders who are very large or carry extra weight may find the seating uncomfortable, or may not fit securely within the safety harness system. The operator does not publish exact figures, so contact them with your height and weight before you commit to a booking.

Body size also affects comfort and safety during an off-road journey. Wider seats are built to accommodate typical adult frames, but if you are concerned about fit, the operator can confirm whether the vehicle will work for you. It is better to ask this question before you arrive at the meeting point in Costa Teguise than to discover an issue on the day of your tour.

Mobility, boarding and getting in and out

The buggy sits higher off the ground than a standard car, and boarding requires the ability to climb into the seat and lower yourself down. Riders with limited mobility, arthritis, or difficulty with stepping motions may struggle with the entry and exit process, especially after 3 hours of sitting in a confined space.

If you have mobility concerns, let the guide know when you arrive. They may be able to offer assistance or suggest adaptations, but there is no guarantee that the vehicle can accommodate severe mobility restrictions. Walking and balance are also tested during the tour when passengers exit to view the scenery at Peñas del Chache or other points along the route.

Nervous riders and first-time off-road drivers

If you are a nervous driver or have never piloted an off-road vehicle, the tour guide will help you build confidence before you set out. The guide will explain the controls and demonstrate how the buggy handles before you leave the starting area. Most first-time drivers adapt quickly once they understand how to steer and accelerate on uneven terrain.

The tour is structured to allow you to learn at a manageable pace. The guide leads the way and sets the speed, so you are not racing or competing. Riding in the rear seat is an alternative if you prefer to experience the landscape without the responsibility of driving. Large groups and friends are typically kept together in convoy, so you will not be separated from your companions as you explore the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote.

Before you book