Hiring an Electric Lift Chair: What to Check First
If you are hiring an electric lift chair, the best results usually come from focusing on three things first: hygiene, function and access. A chair may look fine at a glance, but the details are what make it practical, comfortable and safer to use at home.
Start with hygiene
Hire healthcare equipment is used by people who are often unwell or recovering, so surface hygiene matters. Choose a company that can clearly explain how its chairs are cleaned and decontaminated between users.
It also warned against hiring fabric-covered lift chairs, because fabric and foam are much harder to clean thoroughly from one user to the next. For rental use, impervious coverings that can be wiped down and dried quickly are the more practical option.
Medical-grade vinyl is commonly preferred for this reason. If hygiene is a priority for your situation, ask the provider to explain their process rather than accepting a vague assurance.
Choose the right function
Not all lift chairs offer the same range of movement. If the chair needs to do more than simply help with sitting and standing, the motor setup becomes important.
- Single-motor lift chairs are older, more limited designs that do not usually offer the same sleeping or resting positions.
- Two-motor lift chairs allow the backrest and footrest to move independently, giving more positioning options and often allowing a flatter recline.
- Five-motor lift recline chairs add even more powered adjustment and can suit people who need more tailored positioning, support or comfort. The Theorem Winslow is one example now also available for hire.
If the chair may be used for long periods or overnight rest, that extra flexibility can make a noticeable difference.
Think about access and setup
Lift chairs are heavy. Delivery and placement should be considered before the chair arrives, not after.
- Many chairs need two people to carry safely.
- Two-motor models with removable backs can be easier to move through the home.
- The chair may need to sit out from the wall so it can fully recline.
- On hard floors, wheel cups may help keep the chair stable.
- Children and pets should be kept clear of the mechanism around the sides and back.
Some people also prefer to place a sheet or throw over a vinyl chair for comfort, especially in warm weather.
Questions worth asking before hire
- How is the chair cleaned between users?
- Is the covering suitable for hire use?
- Is it a single-motor, two-motor or five-motor chair?
- Will it fit the room and allow full recline?
- How heavy is it, and how will it be positioned in the home?
To browse options, visit our lift chair range or contact our team.
Need help narrowing down the right option?
If you are comparing products, planning support or working out what is likely to suit best, our team can help.