Five Motor Riser Recliner: What Each Motor Controls
By Manage At Home | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: How-to Guides
A five motor riser recliner splits backrest, legrest, headrest, lumbar and tilt into separate controls. Here is what each motor does and how to set yours up.
Quick answer
A five motor riser recliner gives you separate control over the backrest, legrest, headrest, lumbar support and tilt, so you can adjust one area without disturbing the others. Set the chair up by adjusting each motor in a fixed order, starting with the tilt and finishing with the headrest.
Why separate motors change the way you sit
On a single motor recliner, the backrest and legrest usually move together, so finding a comfortable position is a compromise. A five motor chair separates those movements, which matters if you need pressure relief in one area or want to keep your hips at a stable angle while your legs are raised.
The trade-off is more controls to learn. Once you know the order to adjust them, the extra motors become a practical way to manage comfort through the day rather than a set of features you ignore.
Headrest and lumbar motors: small movements, big difference
Powered headrest and lumbar support are the two motors people notice least at first and value most later. The headrest motor lets you tilt your head forward or back without changing the backrest angle, which helps if you wear glasses, read, or have limited neck movement. The lumbar motor changes the curve of the lower back support, so you can increase or reduce pressure without adding a cushion.
Adjust these last, after the main reclining position is set. Moving the backrest after you have fine-tuned the headrest usually undoes your work.
Cocoa or flint: choosing the fabric finish
The Monterey Five Motor Riser Recliner Chair comes in Cocoa, a warm brown tone, while the Vermont Five Motor Riser Recliner Chair comes in Flint, a cooler grey. Both are five motor chairs with powered headrest and lumbar support, so the fabric choice is mostly about how the chair sits in your room and how easily you can spot marks.
Darker browns tend to hide small spills better; lighter greys show dust and lint more readily. Neither finish changes the motor setup, so pick the one that suits your flooring and lighting rather than the specification.
How to set up each motor in order
- Start with the tilt-in-space motor: Adjust the tilt first so your hips and knees are at a comfortable angle. This becomes the base position for everything else. Common mistake: adjusting the backrest before the tilt, which forces you to redo the backrest later. Checkpoint: your feet should rest flat on the floor or footplate before you move on.
- Set the legrest motor: Raise or lower the legrest until your thighs are supported and your heels are clear of the floor. If you are prone to swelling, a slight raise above heart level is the usual aim, but follow any advice from your clinician. Checkpoint: there should be no pressure behind your knees.
- Adjust the backrest motor: Recline the backrest to a comfortable angle for reading, watching television or resting. Move it slowly and stop before you feel any sliding sensation. Checkpoint: your lower back should stay in contact with the backrest.
- Fine-tune the lumbar motor: Increase or decrease the lumbar curve until you feel support without pressure. Small changes are usually enough. Common mistake: over-inflating the lumbar support, which pushes you forward out of the seat. Checkpoint: you should be able to sit back without effort.
- Set the headrest motor last: Tilt the headrest so your chin is level and your neck is supported. If you wear varifocals, angle the headrest slightly forward to keep the reading area of the lens in view. Checkpoint: your head should not flop forward or back when you relax.
Product facts
- Monterey Five Motor Riser Recliner Chair - Cocoa: Five adjustable motors, including headrest and lumbar support, plus tilt-in-space technology. You can fine-tune head and lower-back support independently, which helps if you have limited head or neck movement.
Monterey Five Motor Riser Recliner Chair - Cocoa - Vermont Five Motor Riser Recliner Chair - Flint: Five motors with powered headrest and lumbar support, plus tilt-in-space and leg elevation. Leg elevation is controlled separately, so you can raise your legs to reduce swelling without changing your backrest angle.
Vermont Five Motor Riser Recliner Chair - Flint
