[Grizabella]

I'm sorry if I'm putting this in the wrong place. I couldn't figure out where to put it.

Does anyone else use a Hoveround mpv 5? I just got one used but didn't get a user's manual and didn't think to ask the lady I got it from what the indicator lights mean. I bought new gel batteries and when I plugged in the chair, it said the batteries were charged but then when I went out today, the little lights rapidly went from green back into the yellow area. I don't know if that means I needed to fully charge the new batteries before using them or what. I plugged it in again when I got home and in about two hours, it showed a full charge again, but it's supposed to have a 15-20 mile range on a full charge and I sure wouldn't have gotten that today as fast as the batteries were going down. Should I be leaving it charging for longer even when it says a full charge when I unplug it?

Can anyone help me out?

[Bobbi]

You might want to try Googling, to see if there could be a manual available for a look-see online.

As well, Hoveround itself might have the manual available for the model you purchased.

Is it a new purchase?


I know that with my scooter, same manufacturer as yours (and purchased new through insurance), the battery was indicating it was fully charged, but the machine was "sputtering." The battery was at the end of its life expectancy, however, and needed replacement - despite indicating a full charge. Over time, the battery will need to be replaced.

If new, possibly check the contact - after you know it's fully charged and should be totally set to go. If still having probs., it's possible, it could need a diff. battery.

Sometimes, as life has it, glitches just happen.

[Grizabella]

What does your little indicator thing show when your battery is fully charged? Does it keep flashing the lights across or do the lights stop flashing when it's finished?

I bought the chair used but I bought the batteries brand new and just hooked them up to the chair.

[Bobbi]

"F" for Fully Charged, when it's totally charged.

Mine doesn't flash any lights.

When the battery needs replacing, after I turn on the key, it will shoot all the way to "F," yet after I turn the ingnition, it will bounce back down between the "+" and "-" on the battery indicator.

[Bobbi]

I just thought of something...

If the lights are flashing when you first hook up the battery for a charge, and, later, stop flashing, the stopping is probably/ideally indicating that the battery has charged to its max.

Hoveround has toll free numbers (for service and for tech. support). Chances are, they would be far better at helping than I may have been .

I just hope you get years and years of use and satisfaction from your chair.

[Grizabella]

I was so lucky to get this chair. I found it on craigslist for $150 and I thought that was probably a misprint. I emailed about it anyway and never got an answer for 4 or 5 days, so then I thought for sure someone else had gotten it. All of a sudden, though, I got an email to come look at it and I made sure I got there first. Sure enough, it was $150! And all it needed was batteries! My kids put the money together for me to get it and then I ordered gel batteries and a portable ramp to get in and out of my apartment and that's how I got wheels!

My neurologist told me that as long as I don't totally depend on it around the house that it's fine for going out and about since I can't walk any distance. And he said I was incredibly fortunate to find it at that price because they're very hard to get medicare or medicaid to pay for. Contrary to what the ads say, it's just as hard or harder to get one "at no cost to you" as the ads say.

The lady I got it from said her partner only used it for about a year before she passed away and that it's only about 3 years old. The batteries just died from sitting so long without charging.

I really wanted a scooter but I've been looking forever without being able to find one of those I could afford.

I took it out for the first time yesterday and aside from one brief altercation with the bushes, I didn't do too badly.

[Bobbi]

Cool .

And, I'm sure, if you do contact Hoveround they'll be able to provide a manual (may have a small fee but that's not too uncommon these days). Or, the seller might still have the manual. Never hurts to ask.

Reason I mention it is: The manual goes over things like cleaning, not charging with an extension cord, use(s) in weather conditions, terrain, etc.

I know what you mean about the "no cost" ads, though I went through insurance for my scooter, which covered a good portion under DME. I had given my okay on phoning my prescribing doc... and the insurance company had recorded all the "talks" on the topic. Good thing, too. The recordings, later, proved to be to my benefit .

[Grizabella]

I called Customer Care with Hoveround and they said the little meter that shows the chair charging is just there so you don't take off with the chair plugged in. It doesn't stop moving across at any point to indicate that it's done. And it's best to plug it in at night when it's not in use even if the battery isn't dead. It won't overcharge the battery.

I can buy a handbook for $20 so that's on my wishlist for when I get some extra money.

[Bobbi]

Ohh, maybe that's one of the diffs. between their chairs and scooters. The gauge on scooters is a functional indicator - when recharging is needed / done.


Possibly, the person who sold you the chair still has the manual and would send it.

[NurseNancy]

sounds like you got the problem taken care of.
i take my scooter into my local medical supply store. they have techs that do that sort of thing. doesn't have to be one of their chairs either.

i once changed my batteries only to have them run out several months later.
turned out the batteries were good but the charger was bad and had to be replaced. then i had to buy new batteries i was really miffed but got the problem fixed.