Power Wheelchair Troubleshooting

Power chair service for a Hoveround wheelchair may not be necessary every time something seems to be wrong. Troubleshooting your Hoveround might solve minor power wheelchair problems with very little effort at all.

Just remember: All Hoveround power chairs come with a detailed Owner's Manual. Power wheelchair owners are strongly advised to read their manual thoroughly and to follow the manual's instructions for safe power chair operation and maintenance.

If you prefer not to perform these troubleshooting steps, or if nothing you try seems to fix the problem, contact Technical Support at 1-800-96-HOVER for prompt, professional assistance.¹

Troubleshooting Common Electric Wheelchair Issues

The following lists typical power chair glitches and offers suggestions for avoiding a power chair service call. Please refer to the Owner's Manual for illustrations and additional instructions where needed.

Power Wheelchair Won't Start

• Is the power turned on? Check the joystick controller.
• If the chair has been fully charged, make sure the charger and power cord are not plugged into the unit.
• Make certain the brake release levers are in drive mode.

Joystick Won't Light Up

• Is the power turned on? Check the joystick controller.
• Confirm that the joystick cable is attached securely.
• Verify the batteries are fully charged. If they are not, proceed with charging.

Battery Charger Won't Work

• Is the charger plugged into a working outlet? Test it with a lamp or LED clock.
• Make certain you are only using a charger designed for your specific power chair.
• If the problem persists, a replacement battery charger might be needed.

Batteries Won't Hold a Charge*

• Make certain the brake release levers are in drive mode.
• Check to make sure all battery connectors are properly connected.
• Verify the batteries are fully charged. If they are not, proceed with charging.
• If batteries still won't charge properly, replacement batteries might be needed.

*Sometimes batteries will not hold a charge due to thermal cut-out. Thermal cut-out is a safety feature that will shut down the power in case of overheating. Allow the power chair to cool down and the full charge should return.

While it is useful to learn these simple fixes, some power wheelchair problems cannot be solved by troubleshooting alone, and a call to our service department at 1-800-96-HOVER may be necessary.

Our mobility technicians are uniquely qualified to service your Hoveround and keep you moving. Whenever your mobility needs require special attention, know that you can always count on Hoveround.

This article is for informational purposes only.

¹In the event we cannot answer your questions over the phone, or if it is determined that your chair is in need of major repairs, a trained Hoveround service technician may be dispatched directly to your home. Owners and users of power wheelchairs are responsible for following all warnings, cautions and technical instructions to avoid personal injury and/or damage to the mobility unit or other physical property.