Frequently Asked Questions
You may have questions about power wheelchairs, how to navigate through the Medicare and/or private insurance approval process, stair lifts and other home safety products, or service and support inquiries. Below you will find our Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions. To dig deeper, just click on a category name and you'll find all the questions we've assembled that are related to that category.
If you can't find the information you're looking for, please contact one of our mobility specialists at 800-542-7236. Our team is available Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm Eastern time, and always happy to help!
Top 10 Questions
What is the difference between a scooter and a power wheelchair and how do I know which is right for me?
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 wheelchairs and power scooters please refer to our article How to Choose the Right Mobility Device.How do I know if I qualify for Medicare Coverage for a power wheelchair?
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.Can I take my Hoveround power chair outside?
Power chairs are designed for both inside and outside use, however please use caution when operating a power wheelchair outside. You should always review the general warnings in the owner's manual before operating your Hoveround equipment. You can view the Hoveround owners manuals online or contact us at 1-800-96-HOVER (1-800-964-6837).
How do I Lock the Controller of my Hoveround Power Wheelchair?
To use the locking feature of your MPV5:- Turn the controller on.
- To lock: Depress and hold the ON/OFF button. After one second the controller will beep. Release the ON/OFF button. Move the joystick forward until the controller beeps. Move the joystick in reverse until the controller beeps. Release the joystick. There will be a long beep that indicates the controller is locked.
- To unlock: Move the joystick forward until the controller beeps. Then move the joystick in reverse until the controller beeps. Release the joystick. There will be a long beep that indicates the controller is unlocked.
For more detailed instructions and a diagram, please refer to page 59 of your MPV5 Owners Manual. You can view page 59 of the Owners Manual here.
How do I replace the batteries on my MPV5 or MPV4 power wheelchair?
You can download the following instructions on how to replace the batteries in your Hoveround power wheelchair.
Power Chair Battery Replacement InstructionsDo you have local repair shops that can fix my Hoveround equipment?
For services that require a factory-trained service technician, there is no need to worry. Hoveround has warehouses and fully-stocked service vans throughout most of the United States so we can easily assist with repairs right in your own home. For service that is a simple installation, we will ship you the required parts with written instructions for the repair.
Where is the Fuse located on my MPV5 or MPV4 Power Wheelchair?
You can download information about the type of fuse used and the location on your power wheelchair in our battery replacement guide.How can I tell if my fuse is blown on my Hoveround power chair?
If your Hoveround will not turn on when the battery charger is connected and the power chair is turned on, the fuse may likely be blown. Please call our service department at 800-96-HOVER (1-800-964-6837) for assistance.There are flashing lights on my controller and the power chair won't move. Is there anything I can do to resolve this?
Many times a brake lever reset can resolve an issue that is preventing a power chair from operating.MPV5 - The brake levers are located on the front of the power chair just above the footplate. To reset the brakes on the MPV5 make sure both levers are pushed to the down position then pull one lever at a time to the full up position.
FWD and XHD - The brake levers are located on the front of the Power Wheel Chair under the label that reads "Drive" and "Push". To reset the brakes on the FWD or XHD Power chair make sure both levers are pushed to the down position then pull one lever at a time to the full up position.
If the lights on the controller continue to flash make sure the controller is not locked.How much weight can a stair lift hold?
We have a variety of stair lifts available, with some that can support weights up to 600 pounds.