Roller shutter motors come in three types: mechanical with wall switch, with radio and electronic limits, and as a battery-solar motor with no power cable at all. This comparison shows differences, prices and who each type is right for.
In brief: A mechanical motor is the cheapest solution if a wall switch and a power cable are available. A radio motor offers comfort, timer control and obstacle detection. A battery-solar motor is worthwhile if there is no cable to the shutter box and no chiselling is wanted.
Tubular motors compared
| mechanical | Radio | Battery-solar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | A-OK AM45 mechanical | A-OK AM45 radio | A-OK AM45 battery-solar |
| Operation | Wall switch | Hand transmitter, timer, sensors | Hand transmitter (radio 868 MHz), optional Zigbee |
| End positions | adjusting screws on the motor head | electronic, via hand transmitter | electronic, via hand transmitter |
| Obstacle detection | no | yes, with frost protection | per data sheet |
| Power supply | 230 V, cable to the box | 230 V, cable to the box | no cable – battery and solar panel |
| Torque | 15–50 Nm | 6–30 Nm | 10 or 20 Nm |
| Price | from €65 net | from €100 net | from €235 net |
| Ideal for | New build, low-cost solution, fixed switches | Comfort, timer control, smart home | Retrofitting without chiselling |
Which roller shutter motor is right for me?
- You already have a wall switch and a cable: mechanical motor – inexpensive and robust.
- You want to control by hand transmitter, timer or app: radio motor with obstacle detection.
- No power cable at the window: battery-solar motor, installation without an electrician.
- Small roller shutter or screen with 40 mm shaft: AM35 with 6 or 10 Nm.
The torque you need is calculated by the Roller shutter motor calculator from width, height and material.
Frequently asked questions about the comparison
Is a radio motor more expensive than a mechanical roller shutter motor?
Yes, with us the mechanical AM45 starts at €65 net, the AM45 radio motor at €100 net. In return, the radio motor needs no wall switch or switch cable, and limits are set conveniently with the hand transmitter.
Can I convert a mechanical motor to radio later?
Yes, with an additional radio receiver in the switch box or in the shutter box. If radio is wanted from the start, a radio motor is usually the simpler solution.
Is the sun enough for the battery-solar motor in winter?
The battery stores energy for many runs, and the solar panel recharges even when the sky is cloudy. For windows with very little light, the panel should be mounted as brightly as possible. The runtime per charge is stated in the motor data sheet.
Do I need an electrician for the connection?
For mechanical and radio motors with 230 V, yes – the connection must be made by a qualified electrician. You can install the battery-solar motor yourself without a mains connection.
Advice and ordering
All motors are in stock in Hamburg and ship within 24 hours. More in the guide Retrofitting and replacing roller shutter motors and in the overview Sun protection motors. Phone 040 50694631 (Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm).
In the glossary: Obstacle detection · Zigbee and Matter · Octagonal shaft
Technically reviewed by Dietmar Heiken, Sales, Vent Systems HDI GmbH, Hamburg – around 20 years of industry experience. Questions? Phone +49 40 50694631 or info@ventsystems.de
Last updated: 27.10.2026
Questions? 040 50694631 · info@ventsystems.de
