Riser Recliner Motor Options Explained

We all have a favourite chair, somewhere we can sit and feel both physically and mentally relaxed, whether it is to chat with family, to read a book or perhaps to settle in front of the TV and let our eyes drift closed for a few minutes.

However, if you have limited mobility, the act of settling into or getting up from your seat can be a real challenge. It’s hard to truly feel at ease, even in the most comfortable seat, if you have that constant knowledge in the back of your mind that when the time comes to get up it is going to be a difficult task. That’s where a riser recliner chair can make such a difference to day-to-day living. It allows you to both sit down and get up with greater ease, comfort and safety. It also lets you settle into the position that is most comfortable for you.

There’s a significant choice of riser recliner chairs available, and it goes beyond simple questions of style and materials. In fact, before you start looking into those sorts of options, the first decision you need to make will relate to the number of motors. Let’s take a look at what is available and at what each type can do.

Single motor riser recliners

The basic riser recliner chair has a single action motor that adjusts the backrest and the footrest simultaneously. It’s extremely simple to use – press one button and the backrest reclines while the footrest rises. Press the other and it returns to an upright seating position.

If you are looking for a no-frills riser recliner at the most competitive price, then a single motor one is likely to adequately meet your needs. Most single motor riser recliners have four position options: rise, sit upright, semi reclined and fully reclined. The Heritage Riser Recliner is a classic single motor riser recliner, and it also the cheapest chair in our range. Another is the Linea Luxury Wall Hugger, which is a  wall hugger - it has one motor that not only lifts the footrest while reclining the backrest, but it also moves the base of the chair forward and away from the wall.

Dual motor riser recliners

With a dual motor riser recliner, the footrest and the backrest can be operated independently. This gives you far more options and scope to get comfortable and means, for example, that you can elevate your legs while still sitting in an upright position. Dual riser recliners have become a popular choice over the past couple of years due to their enhanced versatility in comparison to single motor versions, which is why they make up the bulk of our chairs.

We have everything from entry level chairs, such as the Montpelier, through to more luxurious models, such as the MaxiComfort Oasis Leather Armchair, and for the ultimate in pampering comfort, the Lynton with Heat and Massage.

Triple motor riser recliners

There are a couple of riser recliner manufacturers out there who have introduced triple motor riser recliners. These have all the benefits of a dual motor set up, in that the backrest and footrest are independently controlled by their own motors. A third motor then allows you to lift or lower the height of the chair. When lifted, it locks in place with a servo motor mechanism.

Quad riser recliners

4-motor or quad riser recliners represent the optimum in comfort and versatility, and are actually more popular and more commonplace than triple motor versions. Again, they work like a dual motor riser recliner but have some added functionality. In this case, the third and fourth motors usually provide a powered headrest and lumbar support for the lower back. Each motor is operated from a handset that is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. Our 4 motor riser recliners are made in the UK. 

Which is right for you?

Clearly, the greater the number of motors, the more versatility and functionality you will get out of your chair. Having said that, more motors also means more complexity and therefore expense. If you suffer from pain in the neck or lower back, it is definitely worth investing in a 4-motor riser recliner. Getting the adjustment just right on that lumbar support can make all the difference in the world.

Ultimately, we are all different and only you can decide what is right for you. It’s important that you visit a showroom and take plenty of time to try out the different riser recliners that are on offer. A riser recliner chair can make a real difference to quality of life and helps those with restricted mobility to remain safe, comfortable and independent.

To get the optimum benefit, you need to make the right choice and this is one of those purchases that is best made in person rather than over the internet. Once you have decided on the technical specifications, you can relax a little and start to think about the style and material that most appeals to you and that will be the best match for your personal taste and your home décor. Once you have ordered your riser recliner, if you are not opting for our home assembly service, then read our article on how to assemble riser recliner chairs.

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