Hoveround Frequently Asked Questions

Hoveround was founded in 1992 by Tom Kruse in Sarasota, FL.  Hoveround is the only power chair manufacturer that sells directly to you - there are no middle men. For nearly 20 years we have manufactured and delivered more than 160,000 power chairs that have helped people just like you regain their mobility and freedom.

Hoveround is both a national and local, full-service personal mobility company.  Every power chair is customized in the USA at our facility in Sarasota, FL.  We have over 100 facilities and 140 fully-stocked repair vans throughout the country to ensure we are where  you need us to get mobile and stay that way.

Mobility Scooters are designed primarily for outdoor use and have handle bars and a tiller for steering.  Power chairs are designed for both indoor and outdoor use and are steered with one hand using a joystick. Power chairs are very maneuverable and easy to use inside the home.  For more information on the differences between power chair and power scooters, CLICK HERE

Hoveround services most of the continental United States.  We do not handle new sales or service in AK, HI, MT, ND, SD, and WY.  There may be other isolated areas throughout the U.S. that are out of our service area.  Contact Hoveround at 1-800-542-7236 if you have any questions about whether or not we sell and service in your city.

To unsubscribe from Hoveround emails, please contact us at info@hoveround.com and be sure to include the email address(es) you wish to be removed.

Each and every Hoveround power chair is custom assembled at our headquarters and manufacturing facility in Sarasota, FL.  We control the entire manufacturing process and deliver directly to you.

Unfortunately at this time, Hoveround does not sell or service units outside of the continental United States.

NO, you can't.  To ensure the highest quality, Hoveround only sells directly to you without working through any dealers, distributors or middlemen.   You can only get a Hoveround by calling Hoveround directly. 

The DVD information kit is mailed out the next business day following your call or online request, and normally takes 3-7 days to arrive.  You can also view the DVD online - CLICK HERE

Under Medicare coverage guidelines, power wheelchairs are covered if they are medically necessary for you to perform daily living activities in your home that can’t be performed using a cane, walker, manually operated wheelchair or a mobility scooter. In addition, you must demonstrate the ability to safely and effectively operate the power wheelchair in your home.

Competitive Bid Areas (CBA) means that a contract is awarded to a power chair supplier based solely on price (not quality or service).  If you live in one of these areas, this takes away your choices as a consumer and you will only be able to obtain a power chair from the bid winner.

Now, instead of a purchase option, Medicare requires that the power chair is rented over a period of 13 months. Rather than being billed once, seniors will be billed over 13 months for any applicable co-pays and deductibles.  Once payment is made in full  through Medicare and any beneficiary co-pays and/or deductibles, ownership of the power chair will be transferred to you. 

Medicare coverage guidelines require you to have a face-to-face office visit with your doctor before they will cover any portion of your power wheelchair cost. This visit must be for a mobility evaluation, not a general examination.

The cost of your power chair may vary based on your insurance coverage.  However, 9 out of 10 customers received their Hoveround for little or no cost.¹ If you meet the criteria, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost of your Hoveround and if you have met your deductibles, your supplemental insurance may cover the remaining 20% of the cost. 

Please note that as of January 2011, the Medicare benefit has changed to a 13-month rental, with ownership transferred to the beneficiary once payment has been paid in full through  Medicare and any beneficiary co-pays or deductibles.

^{1 Insurance coverage depends on medical necessity which is determined by your insurer.  A valid doctor's prescription is required.}

With the new Medicare guidelines, power chairs are rented over a 13-month period.  Medicare will not continue to pay for the rental of a power mobility device if the Medicare beneficiary is admitted to one of the following facilities or programs:

• Hospital
• Skilled Nursing Facility 
• Rehabilitation Facility
• Hospice Program

If you qualify and have met your deductible, Medicare will pay up to 80 percent of the cost of your power wheelchair. You’re responsible for paying the remaining 20 percent of the cost of your power wheelchair either directly or through supplemental insurance.

Please note that as of January 2011, the Medicare benefit has changed to a 13-month rental, so you will be billed monthly over the 13-month period.

The first step in obtaining Medicare coverage for your wheelchair is to speak with a Hoveround Mobility Specialist and schedule an appointment with your doctor. This appointment must be specifically for a mobility evaluation.  Your doctor will evaluate your mobility limitations inside your home to determine medical necessity for a power wheel chair. A doctor’s prescription is required for Medicare coverage.

Hoveround will handle all of the required Medicare or insurance paperwork directly with your physician once we receive your doctor’s prescription.  We then submit and track your Medicare and/or insurance paperwork on your behalf.

We recommend trying these tips. However, if your power chair is still not working then call us at
1-800-96-HOVER.

• Check to make sure the charger cord is unplugged from your power chair.
• Make sure the "brake release levers" are in drive mode, or the "up" position.
• Refer to the troubleshooting guide in the Owner's Manual.

Most insurance companies require the physician to write an "order of continued need" in order to authorize payment for a repair. 

Medicare and most private insurance companies provide coverage for replacement batteries for power wheelchairs. If your Hoveround batteries do not maintain a charge,  call us at 1-800-96-HOVER and we would be happy to arrange a set to be sent to you.

All of our power chairs and scooters are covered by a 1 year limited warranty. Often parts and services are covered by your insurance if they provided the equipment.

You should call 1-800-96-HOVER.

Yes.  Hoveround has over 100 warehouses and over 140 service vans stocked with replacement parts.

Yes. Hoveround Corporation will accept credit card or cash payments for repairs not covered by Medicare or other insurance.

Your power wheelchair should be charged on a daily basis.  Batteries must be consistently used and charged. Batteries that sit for an extended amount of time (three weeks or more) without being used will lose their charge. 

That depends on the type of terrain you're on, your weight, the temperature, and other conditions. A new set of batteries with a full charge can range anywhere from 10-20 miles. Generally, with normal use and proper care, a set of batteries should last about six months.

We always strive to process your repair as soon as possible. Repair times vary and depend on many factors, such as your insurance coverage, personal schedule, parts availability and doctor's prescription, if needed.  With our  "Never Without Wheels Guarantee", if we can't repair your power chair during an in-home visit, we will leave you a loaner until your power chair is back in service. ¹

^{1 Free temporary replacement applies to factory mechanical defects only.  Certain restrictions apply, call for details.}

Yes, all of our power chair and scooter batteries are sealed.  Please contact the airline or cruise line in advance of your trip for specific instructions. 

Yes, service and maintenance are very important to ensure the performance and the safe operation of your power wheelchair.  Please refer to the "Routine Maintenance" section of your Owner's Manual or contact us at 1-800-96-HOVER.

Power chairs are designed to be used both inside and outside the home.   Please refer to your user manual for important safety information or contact Hoveround at 1-800-96-HOVER.