Single motor chairs have just one single motor. The impact of only having one motor is that when the chair reclines, the backrest and the footplate move together or in a coordinated action. On most single motor chairs as the footplate rises the seat in a fixed hip angle will recline back. Single motor chairs do not fully recline but tilt backwards ensuring a good posture is maintained throughout the tilting function. This action is ideal if you are looking to relax in the chair but to elevate the legs above your heart.
A dual motor chair has two motors, one motor to control the footrest and one motor to control the back rest. This gives the ultimate flexibility and allows you to find a reclined seating position to suit you. A dual motor chair will allow you to fully recline, so is ideal if you may need to sleep in your chair on occasions.