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A lift chair recliner looks like a regular armchair, but at the press of a button it gently tilts forward and rises to help you stand up. It lowers just as smoothly when you sit down. If getting in and out of a chair has become harder, a lift chair can make everyday life at home easier. This guide explains the main types, especially 3-position and infinite-position chairs, so you can compare the mobility aids and lift chairs we stock with confidence.

Quick answer

A 3-position lift chair has one motor that moves the backrest and footrest together. It's simpler and usually costs less. An infinite-position chair has two motors (dual motor), so the backrest and footrest move independently and you can stop at almost any angle, including lying back further. Whichever type you choose, the most important checks are seat height, seat width and depth, and weight capacity.

3-position vs infinite-position lift chairs

3-position (single motor)

One motor drives the whole chair, so the backrest and footrest move together. Pride lists the positions as lifted, seated, reading and napping. The lift function tilts the chair forward to help you stand.

• Good for: people who mainly want help standing up and a comfortable recline
• Easy to use: one simple up and down action on the hand control
• Usually the lower-priced option

Infinite-position (dual motor)

Two motors control the backrest and footrest separately. You can raise your feet while sitting upright, or lean back without lifting your feet. In Pride's words, the backrest and footrest "move independently from one another" so a variety of positions can be reached.

• Good for: people who spend long periods in the chair and want to fine-tune their position
• More buttons on the hand control, so take a moment to learn them
• Usually costs more than a 3-position chair

What else to look for

Seat-to-floor height

This is the height of the seat from the floor when the chair is in the seated position. When you sit, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees at about a right angle. Smaller frames suit a lower seat height, while taller people need a higher seat. Measure from the back of the knee to the floor while wearing your usual shoes, and compare it with the chair's seat-to-floor height.

Seat width and depth

You should be able to sit with your back against the backrest and a little room at each hip. If the seat is too deep, your feet won't reach the floor. If it's too shallow, your thighs won't be supported. "Petite" models are made for smaller frames.

Weight capacity

Choose a chair whose weight capacity sits comfortably above the user's weight. Heavy-duty (bariatric) chairs have larger frames and higher capacities.

Upholstery

Fabric feels soft and warm. Vinyl and leather-look finishes wipe clean easily. Some chairs have removable upholstery or head and arm covers, which make cleaning easier.

Battery backup and controls

Lift chairs plug into a power point. Many Pride models include an integrated battery backup in case of a power failure. Check the hand control is easy to hold and the buttons are clear. Some Pride hand controls also have a USB port for charging a phone.

Space in the room

A lift chair needs room behind it to recline and room in front for the footrest and the lift. Measure your space before you buy and allow for the chair at full recline.

Lift chairs we stock

These specs come from the manufacturers' product information. Prices are current at the time of writing, and we deliver lift chairs all over New Zealand.

Pride 3 Position Petite Lift Chair Recliner (C1)

Made for smaller frames, with a 41 cm seat-to-floor height, 46 cm seat width and 51 cm seat depth. 113 kg weight capacity, padded footrest extension, lithium battery backup and a hand control with USB port. View the Pride C1 Petite ($1,900)

Pride 3 Position Lift Chair Recliner (C-101)

A standard-size 3-position chair with a wooden frame. 47 cm seat-to-floor height, 51 cm seat width and depth, 147 kg weight capacity, with battery backup. View the Pride C-101 ($1,900)

Pride Infinite Position Lift Chair Recliner (C6)

A dual-motor, infinite-position chair with an all-steel frame and fully removable upholstery. 48 cm seat-to-floor height, 56 cm seat width, 53 cm seat depth, 136 kg weight capacity, with battery backup. View the Pride C6 ($2,700)

Monarch Power Lift Dual Motor Fabric Chair

A dual-motor rise and recline chair with independent backrest and footrest control and fabric upholstery. View the Monarch Dual Motor Fabric Chair ($1,442.99)

Pride Bariatric 3 Position Lift Chair (LC-358 XL)

A heavy-duty chair with a 226.7 kg weight capacity, 66 cm seat width, 56 cm seat depth and 51 cm seat-to-floor height. Head and arm covers, large side pockets and battery backup are standard. View the Pride LC-358 XL ($4,650)

Tips for setting up your lift chair

• Place it near a power point. Avoid running extension cords across walkways, and keep the power cord tucked away so nobody trips on it.
• Check the space around it. Leave enough room behind the chair to recline and in front for the footrest, and keep pets, footstools and small tables clear before using the lift.
• Keep the hand control within reach. Many chairs have a side pocket for the controller so it doesn't slip down the side of the cushion.
• Take your time getting used to it. Practise the lift and recline a few times with someone nearby until it feels natural.
• Read the manual. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, cleaning and care.

When to talk to your GP or an occupational therapist

If standing up has become difficult because of a health change, a fall, or recovery from surgery, talk to your GP or an occupational therapist. They can check what's behind it and suggest the right type and size of chair. If you're thinking about a scooter too, our mobility scooter checklist covers what to compare.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a single motor and dual motor lift chair?
A single motor moves the backrest and footrest together (3-position chairs). A dual motor moves them separately, so you can find more positions (infinite-position chairs).

What happens to a lift chair in a power cut?
Many Pride lift chairs include an integrated battery backup in case of a power failure. Check each product's details, and ask us if you're unsure how it works.

How do I know which size lift chair I need?
Compare the user's knee-to-floor height with the chair's seat-to-floor height, and check that the seat width, seat depth and weight capacity suit them. Petite chairs suit smaller frames.

Is a fabric or vinyl lift chair better?
Fabric feels softer and warmer. Vinyl and leather-look finishes are easier to wipe clean.

Need a hand choosing?

Browse our mobility aids, or give our team a call on 09 577 2616 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm). You can also email admin@pakurangapharmacy.co.nz. We deliver New Zealand-wide and we're always happy to help with sizing and delivery questions.