Last Updated on May 5, 2025
A power lift recliner, also known as a power lift chair, is a piece of furniture commonly used by people with mobility problems. These motorized units can slant forward, helping someone go from sitting to standing without too much stress. Williams Lift Company provides power lift recliners and other mobility aids throughout New Jersey. Here, we explain how these models operate and the best ways to keep one functioning for the long term.
What Is a Power Lift Chair?
A power lift chair serves as an aid to someone with limited mobility. Its primary purpose is to make standing up less challenging, which can reduce a user’s chances of falling. People can also use these adjustable chairs to be comfortable while reading, watching TV, or sleeping. The controller is typically attached to one of the chair’s sides, always within easy reach for quick adjustments.
The three main types of power lift chairs are:
- Two-position lift chairs: These chairs can recline to a 45-degree angle and provide a comfortable seat.
- Three-position lift chairs: Many people pick this model for napping because these chairs can recline to a nearly flat position.
- Infinite-position lift chairs: Also known as zero-gravity chairs, these allow someone to lie fully flat or with their feet above their head.
The Mechanics Behind Power Lift Chairs
The electrical components within a power chair lift chair give it a unique design compared to other recliners. These chairs typically include a base motor and a back motor to lift the chair from its foundation and help put someone into a standing position. After the user connects the power cord to an electrical outlet, the unit performs its functions by:
- Transferring an electrical signal to the motor when someone pushes a controller button or lever
- The motor taking in the signal and starting up its mechanism, usually a linear actuator
- The linear actuator guiding the chair into its reclining or vertical setting
Following simple instructions allows anyone to use a power lift chair with little or no trouble, all while thoroughly enjoying their comfort. Once you plug in a chair, you can sit down and relax. You can use the “up” button or lever to move the model to its standing setting or press the “down” button or lever to recline it as far as possible. Depending on the chair type, additional features such as extending a footrest, heating, or massages are accessible from the controller.
Proper Maintenance to Protect Your Investment
Falling injuries are common for older people. Three million people, aged 65 or older, sustain injuries from falls each year that require a visit to an emergency room. Luckily, power lift chairs can significantly help people with compromised mobility for a long time, potentially for the rest of their lives – if the chairs are maintained properly.
To preserve a chair’s condition, you should clean it regularly. Before beginning this process, ensure you’ve unplugged it from an electrical outlet (and removed the controller’s batteries, if necessary). You can best keep the fabric intact using the appropriate cleaning products for the chair’s material. Other maintenance practices include:
- Keeping moisture away from the electrical system
- Making sure the controller isn’t exposed to heat and is clear of debris
- Watching out for motor or wiring issues
- Vacuuming dust out of components found under the chair
Add Convenience and Comfort to Any Space With Williams Lift Company
Understanding the different kinds of power lift chairs, how they operate, and how to care for one properly can help you bring a comforting and helpful fixture into your home. For help with picking the right one, rely on Williams Lift Company. We have over 50 years of combined customer experience throughout New Jersey. We’ve teamed up with Golden Technologies to offer their power lift recliners, which are available in five different series with many colors and styles. The company has a history of developing products that give users increased comfort, independence, and peace of mind.
We strive to make the recliner selection process as easy as possible. By visiting our showroom, you or a loved one can try out models and talk to one of our team members before purchasing. We can also deliver a chair to your home and install it for added convenience. Please note that after we bring a unit to you, it can’t be returned. If you still have questions about these chairs, consult our power lift recliner guide. Or, contact us today to learn more about our available products or the other services we offer.