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Hoveround Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Mobility Scooter Company Reviews

Hoveround Review 2 Star Rating

Hoveround

2 Star Rating
  • 8 mobility scooters to choose from
  • Free delivery when purchased through Medicare or private insurance
  • 30-day return policy
  • In business for 30+ years
  • "A+" rated by the BBB

Hoveround is a Florida-based maker of mobility equipment, ranging from power wheelchairs and mobility scooters to accessories like ramps, lifts and more. The company has been in business for more than three decades, and many people appreciate being able to work with Hoveround reps to get their mobility equipment covered (in part or in full) by Medicare or private insurance.

Works with insurance and Medicare

If you'd like to try and get your Hoveround covered by insurance, look for the green "Get Started" button. Fill in your name, address, phone number and email address and wait for a Hoveround rep to contact you, or call the toll-free number to get the process going right away.

Just 8 mobility scooters available

There are just eight mobility scooters to choose from at Hoveround, starting with the Scout 3-Wheel Travel Scooter for $899 and going up to the Cobra 4-Wheel Luxury Scooter for $4599. There aren't really any filters you can use to sort the options by features, so you'll have to click through each one to see what fits your needs.

Nothing in stock

That's where our aggravation started: every scooter we clicked on had either been discontinued or was "unavailable for purchase due to a national backorder" . In other words, there was literally not one single mobility scooter we could purchase from Hoveround at the time of our most recent shopping visit to their site. That dropped this store a half-star in our ratings from the last time.

Free delivery only when insurance pays

We also weren't happy to see that free delivery is only offered on Hoveround equipment that is purchased through private insurance and/or Medicare. It's nice that they're delivered by Hoveround employees who help with the setup, but who knows how much you'll wind up paying for that privilege if you're buying your mobility scooter out of pocket.

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Read the fine print on returns

The return policy here has its pros and cons. On the positive side, you've got 30 days to decide if you want to send back your mobility scooter: more generous than many of Hoveround's rivals. But, you'll be looking at a 15% restocking fee, and there are a lot of terms and conditions based on whether or not you had white glove delivery or direct shipment.

Good rating from the BBB

The Better Business Bureau gives Hoveround an "A+" rating, despite the 50 complaints filed there over the last three years. All of those complaints received a response from Hoveround - but we found it interesting that it was a canned reply every time, stating that "healthcare privacy laws prevent [them] from responding in a public forum" and that their policy is to contact clients privately.

Many disappointed customers

We found quite a few complaints outside of the BBB listing too, with a user average of just over 3/5 stars. Customers said that their chairs didn't last nearly as long as expected, with multiple repairs within a two-year period (and Medicare only covers a chair every five years). Other people described waiting months at a time with no mobility assistance: parts were never delivered, technicians didn't show up, and clients generally got the runaround from Hoveround.

Don't waste your time here

It's likely going to be a waste of time to shop for a mobility scooter at Hoveround - especially if they're displaying items they can't even ship because they're back-ordered or just plain discontinued for good. You might have more luck if you need a power wheelchair, but don't hold your breath.

Where Can You Get the Best Mobility Scooter?

Maybe you've been avoiding that vacation you've dreamed of because you're not sure you can handle the walking. Or, you could be facing a long recovery after knee surgery and you'd like some motorized support for getting around the house. Either way, a mobility scooter is a fantastic way to keep your independence, live life to the fullest, and even have a good time while you're at it.

There are many different styles of scooters to choose from. How can you tell which one is right for you? Start by determining where you'll be using it the most: indoors and at home or outdoors for adventures, short distances or long hauls. The structure of the scooter and even the tires themselves should match your anticipated usage.

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Mobility Scooter Company FAQ

For people who have difficulty with getting around (due to age, illness, or other reasons), mobility scooters represent freedom. You've probably seen them in use at theme parks, at the grocery store, and other locations that require a lot of walking. Mobility scooters differ from power wheelchairs in that they are operated more like a moped, and users need to be able to get on and off.
Most scooters are classified by style and use. For example, you can get folding scooters if you don't have a rack for transporting a full-size scooter on your vehicle, travel scooters for vacations, scooters for indoor/outdoor use, and so forth.
As you shop for a scooter, your first considerations will probably be practical. What is the intended usage? Do you need a model with a higher rider weight capacity? Do you prefer three wheels or four? From there, it's time to have fun: accessories range from cup holders to flags, canopies for frequent outdoor trips in sunny weather, and beyond.
Mobility scooters range from $500 to over $7000. Be sure to read the fine print to determine what is included in your base price: some scooters come with a free charger and battery, but others require you to purchase them in addition to the cost of the scooter.
Many retailers of mobility scooters include delivery in the retail price. If you want "white glove delivery" that covers the assembly and setup of your scooter, expect to pay $100 to $200 for the service.
Medicare Part B considers mobility scooters as "durable medical equipment". If your physician writes an order confirming that you have a medical need for a scooter, you will qualify. Medicare covers 80% of the cost, and the remaining 20% is your responsibility (though that portion could be covered by a Medigap plan, if you have one). Similar terms apply if you have coverage through Medicaid.
Yes, mobility scooters usually have warranty coverage, both through the manufacturer and the retailer. The warranty period is typically a year and includes in-home technician visits if needed. You may also be able to purchase an extended warranty for longer coverage.
Return policies vary by retailer. Most have a period ranging from 15 to 30 days in which you can send your scooter back; however, hefty restocking fees of up to 25% of the purchase price could be a deterrent. You may have to pay for return shipping fees as well.
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Continued from above...

Next, figure out if you need it to be portable (able to be taken apart and stowed in the trunk of a sedan or in the cargo area of a larger vehicle) or if you'll have a carrier attached to a tow hitch for transport from one place to another - or maybe neither one is necessary.

Finally, decide which features and characteristics matter most. You may need to take into consideration the user weight capacity of the scooter, how far it can go on a single charge, maximum speed, and so on. Then, have some fun! Have you always wanted a fire engine red set of wheels? Now's your chance! How about a basket or a cup holder? Some of the highest-end mobility scooters even have security systems like you'd find on a full-size vehicle.

While you should also consider your budget, don't spend too much time comparing the scooter's price among retailers. Why? It's usually set by the manufacturers, so you won't often find significant differences from one store to the other. However, you might see that a retailer sweetens the deal by offering a rewards program, affordable financing, or top-notch service after the sale - and that should definitely factor into your decision.

Ready to start shopping? Here's a reminder of the important criteria to keep in mind as you look for your mobility scooter:

  • Selection. How many scooters does the store offer? Can you choose among a variety of brands or just a few? Are they actually in stock? Some stores will show you lots of options, only to leave you disappointed when you click on them and see that they're sold out.
  • Ease of Navigation. How hard is it to use the site to browse mobility scooters? Are you given enough information right away, so that you don't have to dig for the details you need?
  • Warranty. This is often set by the manufacturer, but it's worth finding out in advance. One year of coverage is standard, but some mobility scooters may offer two or more years. And, some retailers give you the option to purchase extended warranty protection.
  • Reputation. What have other shoppers said about their experience with the store? Did they get help when they needed it? How well were problems handled when they arose?

To help you find the right mobility scooter for your needs (and your budget), TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the most popular retailers on the market today. We're confident that this information will make it easy to choose a scooter and maintain your independence. Keep on rollin'!

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