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Not everyone who uses a power wheelchair has lost the ability to walk. Some people opt for a power chair when walking has become so difficult that it threatens their safety or independence. Hoveround, a “personal mobility solutions” company, offers several options for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory customers.
Read on to learn more about Hoveround’s power wheelchair offerings.
Tom Kruse started Hoveround—a Florida-based company—in 1992, with the intention of building a motorized wheelchair that could go anywhere someone can walk. The result of his vision was a compact power chair. Kruse based his company on what he calls the “model of total responsibility,” in which the company promises to stay in control of the manufacturing process and to constantly research and improve its products.
In addition to power wheelchairs, Hoveround also sells scooters, stair lifts and other medical equipment and supplies. Looking For Help Getting Around? If you or someone you know has difficulty walking or getting around, a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair might help. Explore options on Electric Wheelchairs USA. View Now
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Power chairs are not the right choice for everyone, and insurance will not cover them in every instance. Before purchasing a mobility device, it’s best to have an evaluation, says Taylor Galmarini, a physical therapist at Atlanta’s Shepherd Center. Hoveround also recommends this to its customers. The company website clearly outlines for its customers and their medical providers the elements of the mobility evaluation that must be submitted for Medicare approval. The documentation must include the results of an in-person evaluation with details on the medical condition and symptoms that are causing difficulty.
The latest Hoveround model is the LX-5. At $2,595, it’s the least expensive Hoveround power chair but has the same features as the older MPV-5 model, including the round power chair base, ability to climb two inches and a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour.
The Teknique models are heavy-duty chairs that can accommodate users up to 600 pounds. This series includes the FWD model at $3,495, the HDX model at $3,995 and the HD6 bariatric model at $4,395. These chairs need a little more room for turning than the LX-5 but can still fit into smaller spaces more easily than a full-sized power chair.
Hoveround’s most popular model is the MPV-5, a model similar to the LX-5. It has the same specifications and requires the same amount of turning space. This model, similar to the LX-5, has a rounded base and an arc-shaped foot plate that flips up. Pricing is available upon request, according to the company.
All Hoveround power chairs can be customized with different colors and accessories, including cup holders, backpacks, reclining seats and flags that help users remain visible to traffic when using the chair outdoors. The width of seating ranges from 18 to 23 inches for a rigid seat and 17 to 22 inches for a reclining seat.
Hoveround seating is cushioned with innersprings in the seating. The backrest is also cushioned, but the armrests are not. The innerspring cushion gives support and comfort similar to a mattress with innersprings. It’s important that wheelchair seating is comfortable and supportive to avoid pain and possible skin breakdown.
The most prominent safety features of Hoveround power chairs are the rounded and compact design, which helps users avoid mishaps or collisions when navigating indoors. Chairs have a maximum speed of four miles per hour, and the speed is adjustable and controlled via joystick.
While Hoveround chairs are compact and the backrest folds forward, they still require wheelchair accessible transportation. The company also sells a lift that can be installed under the back bumper of a vehicle, but the chair is exposed to the elements and other vehicles during transportation. Hoveround also sells a chair cover.
Hoveround chairs are designed to be used indoors and outdoors. The wide wheels and ability to clear a two-inch curb make the chairs stable over rougher terrain. The chairs’ indoors design elements, such as the round base and compact size, help protect furniture and walls from damage.The armrests flip up, allowing users to easily transfer from the chair or to pull up closely to tables or desks.
When calling Hoveround, customers are greeted by friendly staff who help suggest an appropriate power chair model. Staff also help customers file for insurance claims and offer guidance in scheduling a mobility evaluation. Those who want to pay out-of-pocket for their power chair can do so over the phone or order directly from the website.
Hoveround offers a five-year limited warranty on the base of a power chair, a one-year warranty on other parts and a six-month warranty on the battery. The Veterans Administration (VA) covers power chairs and offers grants to those needing lifts for their vehicles. For those who wish to use Medicare to pay for their chair, Hoveround’s website lists the details on getting approved. According to these stipulations, the customer must have a mobility evaluation by a professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist. The evaluation must prove that the customer needs to use a power chair in order to remain mobile inside their home.
One reviewer of the LX-5 chair on the Hoveround website writes, “The only thing I don’t like is the design of the foot plate. I have short legs, and even with it in raised position, I have to scooch to the edge of the seat to get my feet on the floor. But, all in all a great chair and easy to maneuver in tight areas. Meanwhile, an Amazon reviewer shares, “My daughter is in a nursing home, and this chair isn’t right for her. She can’t control it and is scared to use it.”
A reviewer on SiteJabber writes, “Great people! They have a well set up process for approval where Hoveround does almost all the work. Gave me answers on how to get my dad’s power wheelchair need met quickly. They put him in his very nice chair times faster than what the local medical supply house told us would happen. The local place even told me that they expected denial! Oh if only Medicare and the other government programs were as efficient and caring! So happy to have found them!”
Thanks to Hoveround’s rounded footrest design and tight turning radius, these power chairs can be easily used in the home—and aren’t an enemy of drywall. Several chair options allow customers to choose the chair that best fits their needs, while customer service assists in finding ways to make sure it fits in their budget, through financing or insurance options.
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Elaine Shelly is a writer and filmmaker who spends her free time with books, music and yarn.
Robby has spent his career in a variety of writing, editing and storytelling roles. He now resides near Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife and three kids. He enjoys woodworking, playing rec league soccer and supporting chaotic, downtrodden sports franchises like the Miami Dolphins and Tottenham Hotspur.