A motorised blind runs on either a rechargeable battery tube motor or a hard-wired mains motor. Battery motors need no cabling and suit retrofits, giving roughly six to twelve months per charge on a typical daily cycle; wired motors suit new builds and large or heavy blinds where speed, torque and never charging matter more than installation simplicity.
Battery or Wired
| Battery tube motor | Hard-wired motor | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabling required | None | Mains spur near the window |
| Best for | Retrofit into finished rooms | New build, renovation, large blinds |
| Typical recharge interval | 6–12 months | Never |
| Maximum practical blind size | Medium | Large and heavy |
| Running noise | Low | Low to very low |
| Cost driver | Motor only | Motor plus electrical work |
What the Brands Mean
Somfy and Louvolite are the two systems most commonly specified in South Africa. Both make tube motors that sit inside the roller barrel, both offer battery and wired variants, and both provide remote handsets plus a bridge or hub for phone control. The practical differences are in the app, the hub, and which third-party home systems they speak to — not in whether the blind goes up and down reliably.
Control Options
- Handset remote — the default. One channel per blind, or a channel controlling a group.
- Wall switch — a fixed control that does not get lost down the sofa.
- Phone app via a hub — adds scheduling, scenes and remote access from outside the house.
- Timer and sun sensor — closes west-facing blinds automatically through the afternoon, which is where the energy benefit actually shows up.
- Voice or smart-home integration — depends on the hub, not the motor.
Where Motorisation Is Worth It
Three cases justify the cost on their own. Windows that are genuinely hard to reach — stairwells, double-volume glass, above kitchen counters. Rooms with many blinds where operating them one at a time is a daily chore. And any room where a child sleeps, because a motorised blind has no cord or chain at all, which is the safest arrangement available — see the cord safety guide.
Retrofitting an Existing Blind
A manual roller blind can often be motorised without replacing the fabric, provided the tube diameter suits the motor and the brackets can carry the extra weight. It is worth having the existing blind assessed before assuming a full replacement is needed. Options and pricing are on the motorised blinds page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do motorised blinds need wiring?
No, not if you choose a battery tube motor. It charges by cable a couple of times a year and needs no permanent electrical work, which is why it is the usual choice for retrofits.
How long does a blind motor battery last?
Typically six to twelve months per charge on one open-and-close cycle a day. Heavier blinds, longer drops and more frequent cycling shorten it.
Can existing blinds be motorised?
Often yes. If the tube diameter and bracket type suit a motor, the fabric and headrail stay and only the drive changes. An assessment on site confirms it.
Get a Free Measure & Quote in Cape Town
Window Blinds Cape Town measures, manufactures and installs across the metro. Call 081 411 8471 for a free on-site measure and quote, or see what blinds cost in Cape Town.