When choosing an electrically powered riser recliner you should first decide exactly what it is you need the chair to do for you. Different models of chair are built to deliver different movements which offer you the choice of different positions, from a standard sitting position to a position which enables you to get out of the chair with ease. So when selecting the right chair for you it’s very important to understand such differences. Most riser recliners will have either one or two motors. All riser recliner chairs have the “rise” movement which helps you to get out of the chair by rising and tilting. Beyond this movement, the number of motors and the different actions they have been designed to accomplish will determine the different positions that can be achieved. All of the positions on all riser recliner chairs are selected by operating buttons on the handset controller which is linked to the chairs motors.
Below we list the different combinations of motors and actions from which you can choose what will best suit you. To help you we have included diagrams of the different positions that each such combination can achieve.
Single Motor
A single motor chair, just as the name implies, only has one motor. This means that the backrest and footrest are controlled by the one motor and as a result move together in a coordinated fashion. On most single motor chairs, the footrest begins to rise before the backrest starts to recline. The handset will have at least 2 buttons; one to bring the chair down from a rise position and into a recline and one to bring you back to a normal seated position and to rise (the handset might also have a third On / Off button).
Single Motor “Tilt-in-Space”
Just like the regular single motor the back and footrest on the single motor “tilt-in-space” chair is controlled by the one motor, meaning they move together in a coordinated fashion. With “tilt-in-space” the angle between the backrest and the seat remains virtually constant as the chair reclines this means that your back will not be stretched as the chair reclines or compressed as it returns to the normal seating position (which is the case if the back moves independently of the seat and thus increases and then reduces the angle between the two) which some users find more comfortable. However more importantly, a single motor “tilt-in-space” chair also means you are able to have your feet higher than your hips which is good for circulation, so if you have problems such as oedema then this would be an ideal action for you. Just like the normal single motor chair there will be at least 2 buttons on the handset controller, one to bring the chair down from a rise position and into a recline and the other to bring you back to a normal seating position and to rise(the handset might also have a third On / Off button).
Dual Motor
A dual motor chair has two motors, this means the foot and back rest are controlled by different motors so can be moved separately giving you more flexibility in the positions you can achieve. For example if you’re someone who likes to have their feet up but keep the backrest straight then this is the ideal action for you. Unlike the single motor chairs the handset controller on the dual motors has at least 4 buttons. This enables you to control each movement separately, one button to recline the backrest, another to bring the backrest to a normal seated position, the third to bring the footrest up and the fourth to bring the footrest back to a normal position and if this button is kept down it will rise and tilt making it easier for you to get out of the chair (the handset might also have a fifth On / Off button).
Dual Motor “Tilt-in-Space”
A dual motor “tilt-in-space chair”, also called the ‘Super Dual Motor’ has two motors, so again you are able to move the back and footrest separately. However as it’s a “tilt-in-space” action, the movements are different to a normal dual motor. The difference is that the footrest and backrest move together in a coordinated fashion and the seat to back angle remains constant. After the footrest has reached its highest point you can then continue to move the backrest further to an almost full recline (almost horizontal, rather like a bed and for some just as comfortable!). Just like the normal dual motor chair the control has at least 4 buttons that enable you to control each movement separately. One button to recline the backrest, another to bring the backrest to a normal seated position, the third to bring the footrest up, and the fourth to bring the footrest back to a normal position and if this button is kept down it will rise and tilt you out of the chair (the handset might also have a fifth On / Off button).
If Space Is An Issue….
One thing to remember about riser recliners is that you need to leave space behind the chair to allow the back to recline. So if space is at a premium you should think about a ‘Wall hugger’ which means you can have your chair a lot closer to the wall. Wall hugger’s are available with different actions such as dual motor and dual motor “tilt-in-space”.
And So, What Next…..
Once you’ve picked the best action to suit your needs, you’re on the way to choosing the best Riser Recliner for you. The next step is to make sure the chair is the right size for you and this means knowing your measurements and the sizes of different makes and models of Riser Recliner Armchairs.
If you have any questions or would like to try out different Riser Recliners then you can:
Call us on: 01420 549481
Email us: info@outandabout-uk.com
Or visit our showroom at: 25 Southview Rise, Alton, Hants, GU34 2AB.
Out & About UK 