Hoveround Reviews

Posted on February 24, 2011 by admin

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So, welcome to my site of Hoveround reviews. Actually, by the time I’m done, it won’t just be Hoveround reviews, but a look at some other mobility aids, too. One of my greatest strengths (my wife might be on the fence about the whole “strengths” thing), is that I’m a nearly obsessive information-gatherer. I want to make sure that whatever I buy, do, or explore is the very best that I can afford. After my Dad’s first fall, and the trouble Mom had helping him, we “kids,” began worrying about their mobility. They probably don’t need support now, but it won’t be long.

Knowing my personality and flair for research, my sister Karen set me loose on the mobility aid issue, so I went to town! I hunted down reviews online, put together a short-list of top models, and then sought them out “in the flesh,” so I could ride them around, kick the tires, and whenever possible, get them outside.

Here in Northeast Pennsylvania, we have hills, snow, ice, rocks, and all manner of sidewalk and path from loose sand to cobblestone, and I wanted to make sure that, when the day does come, Mom and Dad can still get out and do the things that they love to do.

The place I tested these products out was in Scranton, Pennsylvania – it’s the closest city I could find where the folks in a medical supply store would let me take their scooters and wheelchairs outside for test drives. I broke each of my Hoveround reviews down into six categories: weight, size, power, comfort, price and control. When checking out reviews elsewhere, you might look for factors such as clearance, durability, and the like – I incorporated those stats into my six categories in order to keep things simple.

Click here to visit Official Hoveround website.

There are a lot of Hoveround reviews available on the web, but I didn’t see a lot of in-depth, consistent Hoveround reviews that look at specific attributes in a measureable way the way that I see for other consumer good. I like that stuff, so I decided to build the site here. One thing I don’t go into a TON of detail about in my reviews is cost. That’s because those with demonstrated medical need (why else would you buy one of these things?) can usually pick them up for little to no out of pocket cost. Insurance companies and Medicare may pay for the whole thing. That’s a discussion that you, your doctor, and Hoveround should have.

Finally, in addition to the Hoveround reviews you can find here and elsewhere online, you can get some excellent information about various models and features from the free DVD that is available on these chairs. They’re well-made and worth checking out! With luck, this site will be exactly the sort of thing I wished I’d been able to find about a year ago when I started my research. I hope my Hoveround reviews are helpful.

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Hoveround mpv4 vs. Hoveround mpv5

Posted on February 27, 2011 by admin

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Here we go – an article that is much asked for in the emails that I receive, and it seems that there’s little information available directly comparing the relative features and benefits of Hoveround MPV4 vs. Hoveround MPV5. The MPV5 is the current flagship model of the Hoveround fleet, the MPV4 is its predecessor. Folks who may have had an MPV4 in the past that is in need of replacement want to know what they’ll have to adjust to if they move to the Mark 5 model. Some folks just like new toys, and want me to provide the motivation to upgrade because of some super-keen feature or improvement from the MPV4 to the MPV5.

To the casual observer – really, to anyone who doesn’t spend a lot of time around power chairs, there is little difference between Hoveround MPV4 vs. Hoveround MPV5. Breaking things down in the manner of the rest of my posts and Hoveround reviews, though, I think I can point out a bit of improvement in the new model.

Weight
At just under 190 pounds soaking wet, the Hoveround MPV4 is about 30 pounds lighter than the MPV5, with it’s slightly larger dimensions and slightly bigger motors. Since either is too large to manhandle into a vehicle without a lift, the extra weight isn’t much of an inconvenience, really. All of the automated lifts and ramps that work for the 4 will work just fine for the 5, so no worries there.

Size
The size differences here are pretty minimal. The Hoveround MPV4 vs. Hoveround MPV5 discussion continues with the MPV4 being about two inches shorter (thirty-six inches) and surprisingly a quarter of an inch WIDER then the MP5. The narrower width of the MPV5 might help is to squeeze through slightly smaller spaces, but I’m willing to bet that the casual user will never notice the difference. Clearance is about the same – 2.5 inches – on both models.

Click here to visit Official Hoveround website.

Power
It’s dreadfully hard to wrest hard data from the folks at Hoveround regarding the power of motors they use. I called and spoke with four different people before trying to get the nice folks at the Scranton mobility store to let me crack the case on a couple of chairs to see if I could find some data printed on the motors themselves. They’ll let me take them out on a snowy day, but wouldn’t dream of allowing me to open them up. Both the size of the casing and some zooming around makes me believe that the MPV5 brings significantly more horsepower with it than it’s predecessor, but again – I’m not real helpful here in illuminating Hoveround MPV4 vs. Hoveround MPV5 differences. Hoveround pegs both models at a 15 mile range, fully charged.

Comfort
I see very little, if any difference in the actual seats or seat-backs of the Hoveround MPV4 vs. Hoveround MPV5. I could make something up, but I call ‘em as I see ‘em.

Price
Comparing price on the MPV4 and the MPV5 is like comparing apples to oranges. The used price of either machine can vary wildly depending on condition, but the MPV5 is the only one being sold new, so we can’t really compare retail prices. Keep in mind that those with a genuine medical need of the chair can usually get it paid for by Medicare or insurance.

Control
Honestly, the joystick looks a little different but I noticed no discernible difference in control or responsiveness between the two chairs. Both accelerated and slowed smoothly, self governed on downward slopes, and spun effortlessly in place.

So – there is what may be the one and only side-by-side comparison of Hoveround MPV4 vs. Hoveround MPV5 available online. Hopefully it will be a help to you.

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Hoveround mpv5

Posted on February 26, 2011 by admin

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So, I wanted to pop this quick post up, because folks have been asking for something a little more direct regarding the Hoveround MPV5 than my MPV5 Review. For those of you who like to cut right to the heart of things, here’s what I can tell you:

What’s Included?

The Hoveround MPV5 comes standard with a battery, compact charger, basic assembly tools, and an owner’s manual. It weighs in at about 220 pounds without the bells and whistles. You can get the Hoveround MPV5 with a number of additional features, including a head/neck support, leg and arm braces, and a seat lift, all of which increase both the price and weight of the chair.

Cost
From less than $2,000 if you can get a used one to up over $8,000 for the deluxe package. Most users can apparently get the cost of the chair covered by insurance or Medicaid, so make sure to look into it!

Repairs and Service
Authorized repair can only be done by Hoveround, and is said to be a bit pricy, but most of the Hoveround MPV5 parts and component’s are covered by the company’s warranty, so that need not be a big worry. There are sources for used and after market parts and accessories, but I don’t have any experience with these.

Size
The Hoveround MPV5 is 24 inches wide and 38 inches long. The clearance between the bottom of the chair and the ground is 2.5 inches.

Click here to visit Official Hoveround website.

Power
A replaceable and rechargeable battery runs dual motors in this front-wheel drive chair. It certainly seemed plenty powerful to me on the hills of Scranton! Boy… it’s hard not to get chatty with these things – see? I did it again!

Comfort
Te chair itself is very comfy, and the armrests are adjustable so that you can make sure they’re at the right height.

Maneuverability
Like all Hoverounds, the Hoveround MPV5 can “turn on a dime,” or rather, turn in place, allowing it to get into and out of some pretty snug spots without too much difficulty. You may find that you need some guidance when backing, but I did okay on my own.

Capacity
The MPV5 tops out at 300 pounds. I’m told that you can get a pumped up model for heavier folks, but I didn’t get to look at one.

More Information
Well, for starters, check out some of my wordier posts and reviews here on the site – I really tried to be concise here about the Hoveround MPV5, and keep thing pretty minimal for those, “at a glance,” types. Second, you can order a video from the company for free that will walk you through the models, payment options, and benefits in some detail. Hopefully this “shotgun,” post has been helpful!

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Hoveround mpv5 Review

Posted on February 26, 2011 by admin

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Here begins my Hoveround MPV5 Review. I’ve tried to put together the kind of first-hand information that I was looking for when I started hunting for information on mobility aids for my aging parents. My sisters and I like to plan ahead, and I wanted others to benefit from my sleuthing. I hope you do!

The mpv5 is one of the most popular models from Hoveround, who’ve made quite a name for themselves as purveyors of sturdy, compact, comfortable, and well-supported mobility aids. Here’s my first-hand Hoveround MPV5 review. I broke each of my reviews down into six categories: weight, size, power, comfort, price and control.

Weight
At 220 pounds, the MPV5 is far too heavy to lift into a vehicle for transport without a lift or ramp. This was concerning to me until the manager at the store showed me some very clever ramps, both automatically and manually deployed, that make the chairs much easier to load. Even so, I wouldn’t want the MPV5 running over my toes.

Size
Frankly, I think the size is just about right for the power of the thing. The MPV5 is larger than a lot of the “mobility,” style chairs out there, but anything smaller would seem unbalanced and a little scary at the top speed of these motors. The Hoveround MPV5 is 38 inches long and 24 inches wide with two and a half inches of ground clearance. Enough to take cobblestones alright (bumpy!), but not to handle standard curbs safely. I could slide easily through both residential and commercial sized doorways, and was able to easily get down the sidewalk without blocking the passage of others. It’s big, but not that big.

Click here to visit Official Hoveround website.

Power
I had no complaints regarding the power of the Hoveround MPV5. The chair tackled the steep streets of Scranton without much issue, and is reliably reported to have a 15 mile range and hold up to five hours or more of constant operation.

The MPV5 is front-wheel drive to reduce slipping, and runs on two separate motors. Those with a “long commute or with batteries that may need replacing may want to bring the compact charger along with them to recharge their Hoveround while away from home.

Comfort
This is one of the key points I think needs to b made in this Hoveround MPV5 review – this thing is comfortable! There are models with a head support, and I didn’t try one of those, but I didn’t need it. The seat is more comfortable than the one in my Subaru Legacy!

Price
Depending on whether you can find a good used chair or buy new, with all of the bells and whistles including custom chairs and seat lifts, the Hoveround MPV5 will run you between two and nine thousand dollars. Keep in mind that those with a genuine medical need of the chair can usually get it paid for by Medicare or insurance.

Control
I was able to maneuver it easily through doorways, and into tight spaces. I “stood,” in line for a hot dog to see how it worked in a crowd situation, and was able to easily avoid bumping anyone or feeling out of control. Like all Hoverounds, the MPV5 can turn in place and reverse smoothly, and the control stick is intuitive and easy to operate.

Ultimately, the MPV5 is a solid chair that, for all of its weight and bulk, really straddles the space between mobility scooters and full-on electric wheelchairs. Compared with some of the bigger wheelchair models, the MPV5 is practically nimble. You can get a free video about this model and others that’s actually pretty unbiased, as far as these things go. Hopefully the video and my Hoveround MPV5 review will help you learn what you need to know in order to make a decision.

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Hoveround Wheelchair

Posted on February 25, 2011 by admin

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Hoveround is probably the single best-known and most reputable mobility companies out there. Truly, the Hoveround wheelchair is becoming a part of our cultural paradigm – great news for those who struggle with mobility! Between their infomercials and the frequency with which they are seen on the street, Hoveround seems to be making the transition from a brand-specific noun to a more general noun like Xerox, Band-Aid, and Jello. Anyone driving around a compact power wheelchair or even a mobility scooter might be referred to as using a Hoveround, true or not!

When I started this crazy journey of checking out mobility products for my ailing folks, Hoveround floated to the top of the companies that I should approach, again and again. The quality and power of a Hoveround wheelchair is pretty much unsurpassed, so they say. My experiences so far bear this out. I can say that the informational videos and materials that you can get about the company’s models, accessories, and abilities are pretty accurate, so pick them up (they’re free) to learn more. I may be able to get some videos up on the site here if folks want, in the future.

From driving these suckers around the streets of Scranton (the only town within a hundred miles with a manger crazy enough to let me take his machines outside!), I can tell you that Hoveround wheelchairs handle uneven surfaces, curbs, and soft ground coverings like sand much better than the competition – at least at the same price-point.

I find the Hoveround wheelchair has a lot going for it that other power wheelchairs or mobility scooters don’t:

The Pros
- Hoveround is an established and trusted name, and they’ve been in the business for a long time.
- A Hoveround wheelchair tends to be very comfortable, and maneuvers through tight spaces easily.
- They all tend to be pretty well-powered, climbing hills and curbs without much struggle. I’m not a heavy guy, but I feel confident that someone at the top carrying capacity of the chair would be just fine, power-wise, likely because most models make use of two motors to get the job done.
- Long battery life – fifteen miles and four to five hours!
- Speedy – I got several models up to a pace that I would equate with a brisk jog – far beyond the top speeds of most of the scooters I checked out.
- Comfy – The seats in all of the Hoverounds I sat in are better then the seat in my CAR, for crying out loud.

Click here to visit Official Hoveround website.

The Cons
- Support reputation. I don’t know about this first-hand, but apparently parts and maintenance is only available from the company. Folks find repair prices to be too high, and service to be slow. Obviously, having no way to get around could b dangerous, and at the least will make a person grumpy, so take this with a grain of salt, but do consider it.
- Weight and bulk for transport. Listen, the features and value of a Hoveround wheelchair can’t be matched in a lighter scooter that can be folded and lifted into the trunk. These suckers require lifts or ramps, no question.
- Traction. None of the mobility aids that I was able to take out on a slushy January day cared much for snow and ice, Hoveround included. The wheels spun a bit, but the chair was much more stable, even during slipping, than a lot of the three-wheeled scooters I tried.

I hesitate to put cost in either the pro or con column, as most people who genuinely need a Hoveround wheelchair will be able to get it paid for by Medicare or Insurance. The store manager was able to confirm this for me with first-hand knowledge, so I believe it. Out of pocket, though – ouch! These chairs aren’t cheap. I can say that when the day comes that my folks need some help (I’m thinking months, not years); a Hoveround wheelchair is my first choice.

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