Segway Tours Will Not Return to Patriot Place in 2013

After two years of operation, Segway Experience at Patriot Place will not be returning to the popular dining, shopping and entertainment complex for the 2013 season as part of the company’s change in ownership.

“We are thankful to both Patriot Place and the community for their support over the past couple of years,” said Segway spokesman Suzanne Dumaresq. … “The decision not to return is merely a reflection of a renewed focus on developing new products.”

Summit Strategic Investments, LLC announced its acquisition of Segway Inc. in February with plans “to refocus, grow its product portfolio and expand its worldwide network,” according to Summit’s announcement.

“We are pleased with SSI’s vision for Segway’s future,” said Segway Inc. Chief Operating Officer Mary Savage. “I’m confident that its investment in and repositioning of the company will propel us forward. We are the world’s leading provider of personal transportation and going forward we’ll prove why by successfully addressing customer needs, introducing new products and growing market share.”

Segway Experience at Patriot Place opened in May 2011 and offered transportation and guided Segway tours on Personal Transporters around the popular complex. Guides shared local knowledge and training on how to operate the Segway.

Tours started in front of the NRG Plaza near Gillette Stadium and allowed participants to get a feel for the Personal Transporters outside. From there, tours travelled to the train stop and behind the stadium, giving riders a chance to see areas outside the stadium that are not open to the public.

At times riders were treated to a cameo appearance by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady walking out of team facilities at Gillette Stadium.

From behind the stadium, riders travelled past the New England Revolution’s practice field, the New England Patriots’ practice field and the Dana Farber Field House. Participants were given a break behind Bass Pro Shops to enjoy the Nature Walk and Cranberry Bogs.

After the stop at Bass Pro Shops, riders were awarded some free time in a nearby parking lot to further experience how Segway Personal Transporters operate.

The tour continued around the front of the Patriots’ practice fields and to the deck near Tastings’ Wine Bar & Bistro. It was there where many riders had their photos taken on the Segway in front of Gillette Stadium.

After a loop around the North Marketplace and Showcase Cinema De Lux, the tour ended back outside the NRG Plaza where it all began.

Tour guides often provided colorful commentary and fun facts about Patriot Place, the Patriots and Gillette Stadium.

Segway Experience at Patriot Place expanded its tours to inside Gillette Stadium in 2012 – allowing riders the unique opportunity to cruise around inside the empty facility for a one-of-a-kind look at the stadium.

It is unknown at this time if Segway Tours will return to Patriot Place at a later date. In the meantime, Dumaresq provided customers with the closest Segway PT Dealer and tour offering to Foxborough.

“We encourage anyone interested in experiencing a Segway PT Tour to consider the following local option,” Dumaresq said.

That option is Segway of Boston (510 Kendall St., 
Cambridge).