The Gold Coast lifestyle is all about relaxation, but nothing beats sinking into a supportive, stylish electric reclining chair at the end of a long day.
From Mermaid Beach to Helensvale, more Queenslanders are looking for furniture that blends sophisticated design with genuine assistive technology.
Electric recliner chairs, particularly the ‘lift’ models, are fast becoming essential additions for comfort, safety, and independence. But with a huge range on offer, how do you pick the right one?
Essential Considerations for Choosing an Electric Recliner
Electric recliners, often known as power recliners or electric lift chairs, offer a smooth, effortless transition from sitting to standing and into a fully reclined position.
They are a game-changer for anyone with mobility issues, chronic pain, or who simply values premium relaxation. When shopping on the Gold Coast, here are the key factors to weigh up.
1. Motor Type and Functionality
Most high-quality electric recliners offer either a single or dual-motor system.
- Single Motor: This option is usually more affordable and uses one motor to control both the backrest and the footrest simultaneously. When you recline, the backrest and footrest move together.
- Dual Motor: This offers independent control of the backrest and footrest. You can elevate your legs without lying down, or recline your back without lifting your feet. This is generally preferred for optimal comfort and therapeutic positioning. Additionally, many dual-motor models feature a lift-assist function, which gently and safely tilts the chair forward to help the user stand up, greatly reducing the risk of falls.
2. Sizing, Support, and Clinical Fit
Choosing the right size isn’t just about how it looks in your living room; it’s vital for your health and comfort. A chair that is too deep, too shallow, or too wide will not offer the necessary support.
- Seat Dimensions: You need to ensure your hips and back are fully supported and that your feet can sit flat on the floor when the chair is unreclined. For individuals using a chair for a medical condition or post-surgery recovery, a professional seating assessment from an occupational therapist or specialist retailer is highly recommended.
- Pressure Management: For those spending long periods in the chair, look for features like ‘Tilt-in-Space’ (which changes the angle of the whole seat without changing the hip/back angle) and specialised foam or built-in cushions to help prevent pressure injuries. Clinical evidence suggests that therapeutic chairs with these features can significantly reduce the incidence of pressure injuries and falls in older adults (Source: search results referencing Seating Matters clinical findings).
3. Funding Options for Assistive Technology
For Gold Coast residents who require an electric lift recliner as an essential support due to a disability or health condition, there may be Australian Government funding options available to help cover the cost.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): For eligible participants under the age of 65, electric lift chairs are classified as ‘Assistive Technology’ (AT) and can be included in a plan if they are deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’ for the participant’s goals. AT costing under $1,500 is classified as low cost, and between $1,500 and $15,000 as mid cost (Source: NDIS Assistive Technology Explained). Most specialised lift recliners fall within the mid-cost bracket.
- Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS): Eligible Queensland residents who hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Queensland Government Seniors Card, and have a permanent/stable condition or disability, may be able to access subsidy funding for medical aids and equipment, including certain mobility aids (Source: Queensland Health MASS).
- Aged Care Home Care Packages (HCP): Older Australians with a Home Care Package can use their funds for purchasing or hiring essential equipment like electric lift chairs to support their independence at home.
4. Price and Value on the Gold Coast
Prices for electric reclining chairs vary dramatically based on the motor type, upholstery (fabric or leather), brand, and specialist features.
- Basic electric recliners start around $799-$999 for non-lift, standard comfort models.
- Specialised electric lift recliners with dual motors and therapeutic features typically range from $1,500 to over $4,000 for top-tier, customisable models (Source: General Gold Coast retailer pricing observed in search results).
Always look for a reputable Gold Coast or Brisbane-based supplier that offers a solid warranty on the frame and the motors, which is where most mechanical wear and tear occurs.
Selecting the right electric recliner for your Gold Coast home is an investment in your comfort and long-term wellbeing. Will a dual-motor lift chair be the key to unlocking true, effortless relaxation in your home?
