Segway’s on the Square

Located at 11 Lincoln Square, Segway's on the Square presents a distinct alternative for visitors wanting to engage with the historical landscape of Gettysburg. As a specialized tour operator, this establishment has garnered a strong reputation, reflected in its high customer ratings, for providing an active and modern way to experience the area's rich past. Instead of viewing landmarks from a bus window, this company offers guided tours on Segway Personal Transporters, allowing for a more personal and open-air connection to the sites. Since 2009, and under new veteran-owned management as of December 2023, the company continues to build on its legacy of offering memorable battlefield tours.

The Customer Experience: Strengths and Highlights

The overwhelming consensus among past customers is the exceptional quality of the staff and the overall tour structure. A recurring theme is the thoroughness of the pre-tour training. For many potential customers, the idea of operating a Segway can be intimidating. This travel agency directly addresses that concern with a comprehensive preparation process that includes an instructional video and a hands-on indoor training course. Patrons consistently report that the trainers, often mentioned by name in reviews, are patient and professional, ensuring each rider feels confident and safe before the tour begins. This focus on preparation is a significant asset, making the experience accessible even to complete novices.

Once on the tour, the strengths continue to shine. The tour leaders are frequently described not just as operators but as fantastic and knowledgeable narrators. They bring the history of the battlefield to life with engaging storytelling, with some even adding sound effects to create a more immersive atmosphere. A key technological advantage highlighted by visitors is the use of personal audio receivers and earpieces. This simple but effective tool ensures that every participant can clearly hear the narration, regardless of their position in the group or ambient noise—a common frustration on other types of sightseeing tours. This attention to detail elevates the educational aspect of the experience significantly.

Beyond the core service, Segway's on the Square is praised for thoughtful extras that enhance the customer journey. These include providing complimentary bottled water and snacks like cheese or candy bars, a small but welcome gesture on a multi-hour tour. Another highly valued service is the practice of the tour leader taking photos of the group throughout the trip, which are then made available for free download. This is particularly appreciated because, for safety reasons, riders are prohibited from taking their own photos while operating the Segways. By providing this service, the company ensures guests have lasting mementos of their adventure travel experience without compromising safety.

Tour Offerings and Structure

The company offers several distinct Gettysburg tours to cater to different interests and time constraints.

• Western Battlefield Tour: This is the most comprehensive option, lasting approximately three hours (including training) and covering about nine miles. It visits the most iconic sites from all three days of the battle, such as Little Round Top, Devil's Den, and the Peach Orchard, offering a broad understanding of the conflict.
• Eastern Battlefield (Culp's Hill) Tour: A shorter, two-hour tour that focuses on the eastern side of the battlefield, including Culp's Hill and Spangler's Spring.
• Town Tour: Another two-hour option that centers on the borough of Gettysburg itself, telling stories of the street fighting and the impact on civilians.

The group sizes are intentionally kept small, often with a maximum of eight participants, which allows for a more personalized and manageable experience. This contrasts sharply with larger, more impersonal bus tours and is a key selling point for those seeking a more intimate historical encounter.

Points to Consider Before Booking

While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, potential customers should be aware of several factors to ensure the experience is right for them. The most significant consideration is the physical nature of the tour. The primary battlefield tour lasts three hours, a duration that requires a fair amount of standing. Visitors should wear comfortable, supportive shoes and be prepared for this time on their feet. This is not a passive activity, and while the Segway does the moving, the standing posture is constant.

There are also specific operational restrictions. The company enforces a strict minimum age of 14 for participants. Additionally, there are weight requirements for safe operation, with riders needing to be between 100 and 250 pounds. Families with younger children or individuals outside this weight range will need to seek other options. The business is also closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which requires planning for those with tight travel schedules.

Finally, as with any outdoor activity, these tours are subject to weather conditions. This can lead to cancellations or the need to reschedule, which could be stressful for travelers on a tight itinerary. One past review from several years ago also mentioned difficulties with the fine print on a third-party coupon deal. While this may no longer be an issue, it serves as a good reminder for customers to carefully read all terms and conditions, especially when booking through promotions, to avoid any misunderstanding. This is a prudent practice for any pre-booked guided tours.

Conclusion

Segway's on the Square establishes itself as a premier tour operator in Gettysburg for visitors seeking an engaging, fun, and educational alternative to conventional tours. The company's success is built on a foundation of excellent staff, meticulous safety training, and a well-structured, customer-centric experience. The use of technology like audio headsets and the provision of complimentary photos demonstrate a deep understanding of customer needs. For those who meet the age and physical requirements and are looking for one of the most memorable things to do in Gettysburg, this service offers a fantastic way to connect with history on a personal level. It is a well-executed concept that consistently delivers a highly-rated and memorable experience on the historic grounds.