When my grandmother’s Hoveround power wheelchair started giving her trouble, I knew it was time to look for replacement parts. I remember the frustration on her face, trying to maneuver around the house with a chair that constantly beeped for no apparent reason. The first thing I did was head over to the official Hoveround website, where I discovered a treasure trove of options for keeping her mobile and independent. Hoveround’s parts catalog alone boasted over 50 different items, ranging from batteries to joysticks. Each part had specific product numbers and detailed descriptions, which made it easy to identify what we needed.
The battery was our primary concern. Hoveround uses durable and reliable sealed lead-acid batteries. For Grandma’s model, the MPV5, we found that it required two 12-volt, 32 Amp-hour batteries. Each battery cost around $150, so this was not a trivial purchase. Yet, considering the impact on her quality of life, it felt like a bargain. The estimated lifespan of these batteries is between 24-36 months, depending on usage patterns. Given that she used her chair every day for around 5-6 hours, we figured we were looking at closer to the two-year mark.
Next up were the tires. I learned that Hoveround offers both pneumatic and solid tires, each with its own set of advantages. Pneumatic tires provide a smoother ride, which I thought would be great for Grandma since our backyard has a lot of uneven terrain. However, they also come with the risk of punctures. Solid tires are puncture-proof but slightly less comfortable. We opted for the pneumatic tires, specifically the 9×3 model for the front and the 10×3 for the back. These tires set us back around $50 each.
I was also concerned about the joystick. Hoveround’s joysticks are essential for steering and maneuvering. There are several types, including the MK5 and MK6, each with different features. Grandma’s chair used an MK5 joystick, which features precise control and user-friendly buttons. This part cost approximately $250, a necessary investment to ensure she could navigate without issues. The joystick came with a 90-day warranty, but based on various customer reviews, it seemed they generally lasted longer than a year.
Other parts we needed included footrests and armrests. The armrests were probably the least expensive item on our list, at $30 each, but they’re crucial for comfort. Each armrest had adjustable height and padding options, which allowed us to customize them to fit Grandma’s needs perfectly. The footrests cost $100 for the pair, including all necessary brackets and hardware. They were adjustable and featured non-skid surfaces, increasing safety as she moved in and out of the chair.
I also explored the option of upgrading the seat cushion. Hoveround offers several types of cushions, including the gel and memory foam varieties. Given Grandma’s long hours in the chair, pressure sores were a concern. We decided on a $200 memory foam cushion, which seemed to be a popular choice based on the reviews from other users who cited improved comfort and reduced pressure points.
A potentially overwhelming aspect was the customization of these parts, but Hoveround’s customer service came through. They offered live chat and phone support that helped guide us through the selection process. The representative even explained various upgrade paths, like improved suspension systems for all-terrain use. Hoveround also provided detailed instructional videos on installing these parts, saving us from hiring an external technician, which could have added another $100-$200 to the overall cost.
At one point, we considered whether it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire wheelchair. But after crunching the numbers, we saw that the total cost for all needed parts was around $800, a significant savings compared to the $3,500 price tag of a new chair. Besides, Grandma had grown accustomed to her current chair’s handling and didn’t want to learn a new system.
I’ve read reviews and testimonies from other users who replaced their parts regularly, extending the lifespan of their Hoveround chairs for more than a decade. This gave us confidence that our investment in replacement parts was a smart move. We completed our shopping with an order from Hoveround’s website and awaited the shipment, which arrived within five business days—a reasonable timeframe considering the value these parts provided.
Investing in the right replacement parts can turn around a frustrating situation. Being able to easily find everything, from batteries to footrests, and knowing how to install these, is a godsend. I’m relieved that Hoveround has made the process straightforward and transparent. This versatility and ease of maintenance are partly why Hoveround remains a top choice for power wheelchairs. Whether you’re dealing with a faulty joystick or worn-out tires, finding the right components is essential for keeping mobility uninterrupted. My experience has made me a believer in the value of well-maintained equipment. If you’re in a similar situation, it’s worth checking out the extensive range of Hoveround Replacement Parts.