Riser recliner chairs: single or dual motor, and sizing
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
A riser recliner is an armchair with an electric motor that tilts and lifts to help you stand, and reclines to let you rest. The single most important thing is that it fits your body: a chair that is the wrong size will be uncomfortable however much it cost.
Who they suit
A riser recliner helps if getting up from an ordinary armchair is a struggle, or if you spend much of the day sitting and need to change position easily. It does not suit everyone. The rising action tips you forward onto your feet, so you need to be steady enough to stand once it has lifted you. If you have had falls, or sit for most of the day, ask your GP or an occupational therapist for advice before buying, as you may need specialist seating or pressure-relieving cushioning.
Single motor or dual motor?
| Single motor | Dual motor | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | One motor moves the back and footrest together | Separate motors, so the back and footrest move independently |
| Positions | A set sequence: upright, feet up, reclined | Many more, for example sitting upright with your feet raised |
| Controls | Usually two buttons | Four or more buttons |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Suits | Anyone who wants simplicity | People who sit for long periods and want finer adjustment |
Other terms you will see
- Wall-hugger: the chair slides forward as it reclines, so it can sit closer to the wall. Useful in a small room.
- Tilt-in-space: the whole seat tilts back while keeping the angle at your hips the same. Often recommended for people who cannot shift their own weight; take professional advice.
- Waterfall back: three separate cushions whose filling can be adjusted for support.
- Battery back-up: lets you return the chair to upright once during a power cut. Check whether it is included.
Sizing: how to measure
Sit upright on a firm dining chair with your feet flat on the floor, and ask someone to measure:
- Seat height – from the floor to the crease behind your knee. Your feet should rest flat with your thighs level.
- Seat depth – from the back of your bottom to just behind your knee. The seat should support your thighs without pressing into the back of your knees.
- Seat width – across your hips, plus a little room either side. Too wide and you lose the support of the armrests.
- Back height – enough to support your head if you want to doze.
Many chairs come in several sizes, often called petite, standard and grande, and some are made to measure. Measure the room too: check how much space the chair needs behind and in front when fully reclined, and that it will go through your front door.
What to look for
- A handset with large, clear buttons you can work with stiff fingers, and somewhere to keep it within reach.
- A maximum user weight that covers you.
- Fabric you can keep clean. Wipe-clean or removable covers are worth having.
- Firm armrests at a height that helps you push up.
- A quiet, smooth motor with no jolts.
- A sensible warranty covering the frame and the motor, and a clear answer on who repairs it.
- Delivery to the room of your choice and removal of the packaging.
Rough price guide
As a rough guide only, basic single-motor chairs start from a few hundred pounds, while dual-motor, made-to-measure and specialist chairs can cost from around £1,000 to several thousand. Prices from companies that sell through home visits are often much higher than shop prices for a similar chair, so compare.
Getting one free or cheaper
- Council and NHS. Riser recliners are not routinely supplied, but if you are struggling to get up from a chair ask for a needs assessment. An occupational therapist may suggest cheaper answers, such as chair raisers that lift your existing armchair.
- VAT relief. If you have a long-term illness or disability, a riser recliner should usually be sold to you free of VAT. See VAT relief on mobility aids.
- Second-hand. Good chairs are often sold on after little use. See buying second-hand mobility equipment.
- Charities. Some grant-giving charities help with equipment. Age UK or Citizens Advice can point you to them.
Where to try before you buy
Sit in several chairs at a mobility shop or furniture store, and stay in each for at least ten minutes. Try the rise function, recline fully and work the handset yourself. Take your measurements with you.
Common questions
Is a single-motor chair good enough?
For many people, yes. If you mainly want help standing up and a comfortable recline, a single motor is simpler and cheaper. Choose a dual motor if you want to raise your feet while sitting upright or will spend many hours in the chair.
Can I sleep in a riser recliner overnight?
They are designed for resting, not as a replacement for a bed. If you find you cannot sleep lying flat, speak to your GP.
Do they use much electricity?
Very little. The motor only draws power while the chair is moving.
What if it breaks with me reclined?
This is why battery back-up matters. Keep a phone or a personal alarm within reach when you are in the chair.