What is a 4 motor riser recliner chair? Your ultimate guide

You’ve found a riser recliner you like the look of, and the listing says “4 motor”. Is that twice as good as a dual motor, or just twice as many buttons?

In this guide, I’ll explain what a 4 motor riser recliner is, what each motor does and the two main types you’ll come across. I’ll also be honest about who they suit, and who would be better off with something simpler. By the end, you should know whether a 4 motor chair is worth a closer look for you or someone you care for.

What is a 4 motor riser recliner chair?

A 4 motor riser recliner is a rise and recline chair with four separate motors, so you can adjust four parts of the chair independently. You may also see them called quad motor or four motor riser recliners.

Two of the motors do the same job as in a dual motor riser recliner: they move the backrest and the legrest, and power the rise function that helps you stand. The other two motors are what make it a 4 motor chair:

• A powered headrest, which brings your head forward when you recline, so you can read or watch TV without craning your neck or stacking cushions behind you.
• Powered lumbar support, which pushes into the small of your back to fill the gap that can open up when you lean back.

That second point is worth explaining. In most riser recliners, the backrest and your spine don’t curve in quite the same way as you recline. Many people find it feels a bit gappy around their lower back. A powered lumbar lets you dial in exactly the support you need, in every position.

Types of 4 motor riser recliner and how they work

Every 4 motor chair has a powered headrest and lumbar. Where they differ is how the backrest and legrest move, and that changes who each type suits.

Dual motor plus head and lumbar

The backrest and legrest move separately, like a standard dual motor chair. You can raise your legs while staying sat upright, or lean back with your feet on the floor. The seat stays at the same angle throughout, so it feels like sitting on a familiar armchair.

This suits you if you want lots of resting positions and good head and back support, without needing pressure relief.

Dual tilt-in-space plus head and lumbar

With a tilt-in-space mechanism, the whole seat tilts back as the chair reclines. That keeps your hips at the same angle, so you sit “in” the chair rather than “on” it. Your weight is spread more evenly and you won’t slide forward as you recline, which reduces shear and friction on your skin.

Because it’s dual, you still control the tilt and the legrest separately. Add a powered headrest and lumbar, and you get the most adjustable riser recliner we offer.

The Taylor Luxe is a good example. You can have it with either type of mechanism, dual standard or dual tilt-in-space, both with a powered headrest and lumbar. It also has USB charging and a battery back-up, so you won’t be stuck in a reclined position during a power cut.

Controls of a 4 motor riser recliner

With four motors, you’ll have more buttons than on a single or dual motor chair. Usually, each motor has its own pair of buttons, one for each direction. Some manufacturers put these extra buttons on the handset and others put them on the arm of the chair.

It takes a little practice. Once you’ve found the positions you like, most people use a few buttons day to day. When we deliver a chair, our team always goes through the controls of a riser recliner chair to make sure you’re comfortable. There’s always a reminder diagram in the user manual too.

Is a 4 motor riser recliner right for you?

A 4 motor chair isn’t the best choice for everyone, and we’ll happily tell you if a simpler chair would suit you better.

Who a 4 motor chair suits

• You live with a painful condition. If arthritis, back pain or another condition means no single position stays comfortable for long, four motors give you the most ways to shift your weight and ease the pressure.
• You like to recline and read or watch TV. In a standard recliner, your head often ends up too far back to see the screen comfortably. A powered headrest brings it forward, so you can relax and still enjoy your programme.
• You want proper lumbar support when you lean back. Without a powered lumbar, reclining can leave a gap behind your lower back. Four motors let you fill it in any position.

Who might be better with a single or dual motor chair

If you want something really simple, a 4 motor chair probably isn’t for you. More motors means more buttons, and if you mainly want help standing up and a comfortable place to rest, a single motor riser recliner will do that job with a two-button handset.

The same applies if you’re choosing for someone living with dementia or memory loss, who may find a busy handset confusing. 

4 motor vs dual motor vs single motor riser recliners

If you’re comparing options, this table shows the main differences at a glance.

	Single motor	Dual motor	4 motor
Backrest and legrest	Move together	Move separately	Move separately
Powered headrest	No	No	Yes
Powered lumbar	No	No	Yes
Tilt-in-space available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Handset	Simplest, usually two buttons	More buttons	Most buttons
Best for	Simple rest and rise	More resting positions	Maximum adjustment and support

TL;DR: choose a 4 motor chair if head and lower back support really matter to you. If they don’t, a dual motor will give you most of the flexibility for less.

Sizes, weight limits and options

Weight limits and options vary from model to model, so check the product page or ask one of our advisors. Weight limits across our 4 motor models range from 127kg (20st) to 160kg (25st).
You can have a 4 motor riser recliner made to measure. That matters more than people expect: a chair that’s the wrong seat height, width or depth for you won’t give the support you’re paying four motors for. If you need one, read our guide to made to measure rise and recline chairs.
As well as hundreds of upholstery choices, extras can include USB charging and battery back-up (both standard on the Taylor Luxe). Other options include a range of backrest styles and heat & massage systems.

How much does a 4 motor riser recliner cost?

Our 4 motor riser recliners start from £1,545 with VAT relief. The final price depends on the model, size and options you choose. You can also spread the cost with one of our finance plans.

4 motor riser recliner FAQs

 

Is a 4 motor riser recliner worth it?

It is if you’ll use the headrest and lumbar. For people with painful conditions, or who like to recline and watch TV, they make a real difference to comfort. If you only need help standing and a simple recline, a single or dual motor chair will cost less and be easier to use.

What’s the difference between a quad motor and a 4 motor riser recliner?

Nothing. They’re two names for the same thing.

Is a 4 motor riser recliner hard to use?

There are more buttons than on a single or dual motor chair, so it takes a little getting used to. Trying one before you buy is the best way to find out if you’re comfortable with the handset.

Can I try a 4 motor riser recliner before I buy?

Yes. We offer home demonstrations and try before you buy, so you can test the chair in your own living room. You can also visit our showroom in Ipswich. 

Do I need a seating assessment?

We recommend one, especially if you have a health condition or need pressure relief. Our seating assessments check your measurements and how you sit, so we can recommend the right mechanism, size and options.

Find the right 4 motor chair for you

We’ve been helping people choose riser recliners since 1977, and our advice doesn’t stop at the product page. Book a home demonstration and you can try a 4 motor chair in the room where you’ll use it. If you’d like a seating assessment, we’ll make sure the size and mechanism are right before you commit.

Call us on 01473 741144, request a demo or trial or visit our showroom.

 

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Related articles

• What is a single motor riser recliner chair? Your ultimate guide
• What is a dual motor rise and recline chair? Your ultimate guide
• Tilt-in-space riser recliner chairs: definition, suitability and benefits