Are you looking for an alternative to a Hoveround? There are a lot of power wheelchairs that are cheaper, equal in powerful features, and some that are superior to the quality Hoveround offers. Although Hoveround might have been around for quite some time, they do not offer anything substantially superior to what the market has to offer and have not done so for a while.
All of the non-heavy duty Hoveround power wheelchairs, including the Hoveround LX-5, the Hoveround MPV5 and the Hoveround FWD power wheelchairs can easily be compared to other products on the market with the same features. The Hoveround models mentioned above are mid-sized power wheelchairs. While Hoveround claims that their products are exceptionally maneuverable, their main selling point is their Round for a Reason design, which is basically a round power chair base designed that way to reduce damage to walls and furniture.
There are a few power wheelchairs that can unquestionably match all the features that the Hoveround wheelchairs have to offer. In this case we are going to look at the Hoveround MPV5, as it is the most popular one amongst the three. Some of those that come to mind are the:
Hoveround vs Power Wheelchair Comparison Chart
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| Manufacturer | Hoveround | Pride Mobility | Drive Medical | Golden | Merits Health | Shoprider |
| Model | MPV5 | Go Chair | Titan LTE | Literider Envy | P321 | Jimmie |
| Weight Cap. | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 250 lbs |
| Turning Rad. | 22.7 inch | 25.4 inch | 20 inch | 28.5 inch | 30.30 inch | 15.5 inch |
| Max. Range | 12 miles | 8.5 miles | 19 miles | 15.5 miles | 9 miles | 10 miles |
| Top Speed | 4 mph | 3.7 mph | 4 mph | 3.5 mph | 4 mph | 3.7 mph |
| Ground Clea. | 2.5 inch | 1.7 inch | 2.5 inch | 2.5 inch | 1.8 inch | 2 inch |
Main Hoveround Features
Let us take a look at the distinguishing features of the Hoveround wheelchair, the MPV5 to be precise. The MPV5 is a lightweight portable wheelchair with normal standard features like those of the five power wheelchairs mentioned above:
300 lbs weight capacity.
maximum speed of 4 mph
12-mile battery range
22.7 inch turning radius
2.5 inch ground clearance
It has a flip up footplate and adjustable armrests. The seats come custom with inner springs and a charger is provided to recharge the battery.
Though these are features for the Hoveround MPV5, these features are almost standard with the other two Hoveround power wheelchairs.
The biggest difference amongst the three is that the Hoveround FWD has higher features with a 4.2 mph maximum speed, a 24 inch turning radius and a 3.6 inch ground clearance.
1. Pride Go Chair vs Hoveround MPV5
The Go Chair by Pride Mobility is one of the popular power wheelchairs on the market today. It is easy to transport, meaning that it can easily be disassembled and re-assembled again. The design is also very compact.
No tools are needed to disassemble this unit, and it can easily be taken apart in just a couple of seconds. When disassembled, the heaviest piece weighs only 36 lbs, which can easily be picked up and carried to a vehicle without assistance.
Although this wheelchair is lightweight, its weight should not be taken for granted. It is still a very powerful machine.
Just like the Hoveround wheelchairs it has a 300 lbs weight capacity, with an 8.5 mile battery range and a maximum speed of 3.7 mph. It has a turning radius of 25.4 inch, allowing for easy turning in tight areas or small spaces.
With a ground clearance of 1.7 inches, this unit is well above the ground, and allows you to have comfortable rides on bumpy surfaces.
The Pride Mobility Go Chair is made with durability in mind, therefore the materials used in production exceeds industry standards.
Extra features include a very handy under seat storage area to keep your personal belongings safe. The seat is a 5-point swivel seat with a latch release.
It also comes fitted with an 18-amp battery and has adjustable armrests. The footplate is large for comfortable riding and the unit comes equipped with a 60 inch lap belt.
Pros:
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Superior Comfort: The Go Chair's front and rear suspension drastically reduce back pain, ensuring a smoother ride.
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Long-lasting Battery: Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the Go Chair offers up to five times more longevity than standard batteries.
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Effortless Portability: Easily disassemble the Go Chair into five lightweight pieces, with the heaviest part weighing just 41 lbs—no tools required!
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Versatile Battery Options: Choose between an 8AH battery, ideal for air travel with a 7.2-mile range, or a 16AH battery for extended travel up to 14.2 miles.
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Trusted Brand: Built by Pride Mobility, a leading name in the industry, the Go Chair includes a one-year in-home service warranty for added peace of mind.
Cons:
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The 16AH battery is not approved for airline travel, limiting its use for frequent flyers.
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The top speed of just over 4 mph may be slow for some users.
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The heaviest piece weighing 41 lbs might still be difficult for some individuals to handle.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 4.00 mph
Drive Range: 7.20 miles
Weight Capacity: 325.00 Lbs
Seat Width: 17"/20"
Turning Radius: 48"
2. Literider Envy vs Hoveround MPV5
The Literider Envy is a product by Golden Technologies, one of the best and most well-known wheelchair manufacturers in the USA.
This wheelchair has a very stylish tubular design unique to the Literider line of products and comes equipped with a dynamic Linx joystick controller making riding this unit simple and reliable.
The seats are cushioned, and the unit has an increased back height of 17 inches offering you contoured support, allowing you to sit in comfort for a long period of time.
The Literider Envy comes with two 22 amp batteries offering a driving range of 15.5 miles on a single charge before needing to recharge.
This unit can also very easily be disassembled for transportation. When disassembled, the heaviest piece is only 37 lbs.
It has a turning radius of 28.5 inches, for maneuvering in small spaces and around tight corners.
Just like the Hoveround power wheelchairs, it also has a 300 lbs weight capacity. This unit also offers a maximum speed of 3.5 mph and a ground clearance of 2.5 inches.
Pros:
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Introducing the ultimate compact wheelchair that's perfect for travel. Get ready to soar high in the skies with this airline-approved beauty!
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You won't believe how easy it is to handle! This amazing product can be taken apart into four manageable pieces. And get this—the heaviest piece only weighs 37 lbs.
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Navigating corners and maneuvering through crowds will be a breeze with its tight turning radius.
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Operating the Envy LT is so easy, thanks to the super simple and user-friendly vNR2 joystick.
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Charging your battery has never been easier! You have the option to charge it either on or off the chair. Simply remove the battery and charge it inside your cozy home.
Cons:
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No headrest.
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No option for overhead canopy.
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Not a lot of storage space for personal belongings.
Specifications:
Weight Capacity: 300 lb.
Operating Range: Up to 15.5 miles
Ground Clearance: 2.5″
Turning Radius: 28.5″
Top speed: 3.5 mph
3. Merits P321 vs Hoveround MPV5
The Merits Health P321 is a compact and lightweight power wheelchair, that is easily disassembled for easier transportation.
Unlike the Hoveround machines its heaviest piece weighs only 35 lbs and the entire unit weighs an impressive 99 lbs.
Its armrests are height and width adjustable, the seats are padded, and the footplate can also be adjusted to your liking and comfort.
It boasts a weight capacity of 300 lbs with its deluxe version, an impressive top speed of 4 mph, a 9 mile driving range, and a turning radius of 30.30 inches.
With a ground clearance of 1.80 inches you will enjoy a comfortable and smooth ride well above the ground.
This unit has a wireless electronic connector and easily fits into the trunk of a car when disassembled. The P321 is made from strong steel and has a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros:
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Enjoy improved mobility and access to places with the P321 EZ-GO electric wheelchair.
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Tackle uneven terrain with ease thanks to its 8 x 3 inch solid tires and 6 or 7 inch casters.
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Choose from a range of colors - red, turquoise, white, pink, and blue.
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Rest easy knowing this unit is backed by Merits Health Products' limited lifetime warranty.
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Go the distance with up to 9 miles or 12 miles of driving range depending on your choice.
Cons:
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No storage space for personal items.
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No option for overhead canopy.
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Not designed for driving over rough terrain.
Specifications:
Weight Capacity: 250 lb.
Operating Range: Up to 9 miles
Ground Clearance: 2.25″
Turning Radius: 23″
Top speed: 4 mph
4. Shoprider Jimmie vs Hoveround MPV5
The Shoprider Jimmie power wheelchair is a lightweight, portable unit. It can be disassembled in a matter of a of seconds.
When disassembled it comes apart in 3 easy to manage pieces to be transported in a vehicle. This unit has also been approved for airline travel.
This chair is equipped with a high efficiency, in-line motor, making your ride as smooth as possible. The seats are padded with extra cushions and there is a seat belt for added safety.
The Jimmie has a 10 mile battery range, a weight capacity of 250 lbs, a turning radius of only 15.5 inches, -it offers the lowest turning radius thus far-, with a maximum speed of 3.7 mph.
This unit is a rear wheel drive unit and has an adjustable seat height and armrests that are width, height and angle adjustable.
The footrest is removable but can also be folded up and has full function angle, width and height adjustment.
Pros:
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Portable and Lightweight: The Shoprider Jimmie Portable Power Chair disassembles into three manageable pieces, with the heaviest weighing just 37 lbs, making it perfect for travel and easy transport.
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User-Friendly Design: Featuring wireless, take-apart technology, assembling and disassembling the power chair is effortless and requires minimal effort, ensuring convenience at all times.
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Comfortable and Secure Seating: Enjoy the smoothest ride with a cushioned seat, a foldable design for easy storage, and an added seatbelt for enhanced safety and peace of mind.
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Impressive Battery Range: Travel up to 10 miles on a single charge, allowing you to explore, run errands, or enjoy outdoor activities without worry.
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Airline Approved: Whether you're exploring new cities or visiting loved ones, this chair is ideal for travel, meeting airline safety standards for hassle-free journeys.
Cons:
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With the heaviest piece weighing 37 lbs, it might still be a challenge for some individuals to manage disassembly and reassembly, especially for those with limited upper body strength.
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While the 10-mile battery range is sufficient for many, it could fall short for users who rely heavily on their wheelchair for extended outings or daily errands.
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Airline approval is beneficial, but navigating airline policies and storage requirements for mobility devices can still present potential travel complications.
Specifications:
Weight Capacity: 250 lb.
Operating Range: Up to 10 miles
Seat Width: 17″
Turning Radius: 27″
Top speed: 3.7 mph
Frequently Asked Questions on Hoveround Alternatives
What are some popular alternatives to a Hoveround power chair?
Yes, many brands such as Pride Mobility, Golden Technologies, Drive Medical, and Merits Health offer reliable power chairs that serve as strong alternatives to Hoveround.
Are Hoveround alternatives more affordable?
In many cases, alternatives can be more cost-effective while still providing similar features like tight turning radiuses, long battery life, and comfortable seating. Prices vary depending on features and weight capacity.
Do Hoveround alternatives offer the same maneuverability in small spaces?
Yes, several compact power chairs are designed with tight turning radiuses (as low as 20 inches), making them ideal for indoor use in apartments, hallways, or crowded rooms.
Can Hoveround alternatives support higher weight capacities?
Some alternative models are specifically built for bariatric users, supporting weight capacities of 400–600 lbs, which can exceed the standard Hoveround’s range.
Where can I buy a reliable Hoveround alternative?
You can purchase alternatives online from trusted retailers like Electric Wheelchairs USA, or through local medical supply stores and mobility dealers that carry multiple brands for comparison.
Conclusion
We hope you liked our article on the different Hoveround options, and that it was helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to see more of these types of articles to our site.
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If you are more interested and looking for other related articles, our staff compiled a great list of articles like Top Folding Power Wheelchairs of 2021. and our Electric Wheelchair vs Mobility Scooter guide and have had some great feedback on those articles as well.
Feel free to write me anytime at kellon@electricwheelchairsusa.com if you have any questions or comments. At Electric Wheelchairs USA, we truly love helping our customers make the best choice for their needs whether it is a power chair, mobility scooter, or lift chair.
