Invacare Action MVP Review

One of the most disappointing experiences I've had in the world of lightweight wheelchairs, The Invacare Action MVP (Model #: MVP) is billed as Invacare's action to Sunrise Medical's "Quickie" line of chairs.

 Quite simply, it's not.

Virtually every aspect of the Invacare Action MVP screams out mediocrity, from frame construction, to hardware, to seat upholstery and, finally, Invacare's embarrassingly bad customer service.

In other words, everything that is "right" about a "Quickie" goes wrong when it comes to the "Action" chair. To be sure, the Action MVP is more affordable than the "Quickie" line, a fact that has allowed Invacare to snatch much of the state and Vocational Rehabilitation funding from Sunrise Medical. Rest assured, however, that while Quickie may cost a bit more it will prove more durable and long-lasting than the Action MVP.

What are the pros? The Action MVP is, indeed, a lightweight chair. I climb stairs often, and have to lug my wheelchair beside me. This is a manageable task with the "MVP." The Action MVP can handle an active lifestyle, though it should be primarily considered an indoor wheelchair. It can be an ideal chair for users who need to get from one place to the other quickly, but who are not handling anything rougher than sidewalks.

 What are the cons? The Action MVP is not an outdoor wheelchair, and regular use outside will only speed up the inevitable breakdowns. The chair rolls horribly on gravel, ground and broken sidewalks, and tips easily going over curbs. Have I stressed the breakdowns enough? A "Quickie" upholstery will last well over a year, while "Action" upholstery seldom lasts longer than 6 months for active users. The wheel's hardware is incredibly fragile and, unlike a Quickie, the Action should definitely not be used in any type of roll-in shower.

Worst of all, however, is the abysmal service that fails to back up the "Action MVP." Perhaps they are being fiscally responsible to question every type of "damage," but on nearly every occasion I've had to talk to them they've simply seemed rude.

If your life is really filled with "action," then you'd best avoid the Invacare Action MVP!