A riser recliner chair can be one of the most significant purchases you make for an elderly parent or for yourself. The right chair makes standing and sitting safe, comfortable and independent. The wrong one is an expensive mistake that ends up unused in the corner. This guide explains everything you need to know: how they work, what single motor versus dual motor means in practice, how to get the sizing right, which brands are worth considering, and how much to pay.
Riser recliner cost summary
| Type | Motor | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level riser recliner | Single motor | £400 – £800 |
| Mid-range riser recliner | Single or dual motor | £800 – £1,500 |
| Premium riser recliner | Dual motor | £1,500 – £3,000 |
| Bespoke / UK handmade | Dual motor | £2,000 – £5,000+ |
VAT exemption applies to riser recliners
If you have a disability or long-term health condition affecting your mobility, riser recliner chairs are zero-rated for VAT. That is a 20% saving applied immediately at point of purchase. Ask any retailer about VAT exemption before you pay.
How does a riser recliner chair work?
A riser recliner is an electrically powered armchair with two core functions. The recliner function tilts the backrest backwards and raises the footrest, allowing the user to rest in a partially or fully reclined position. The riser function tilts the entire chair forward and upward, bringing the user to a near-standing position from which they can stand with minimal effort and no strain on knees, hips or back.
Both functions are controlled by a handheld remote, typically attached to the chair by a lead. The mechanism is powered by an electric motor, with higher-end models using two independent motors for greater flexibility.
Single motor vs dual motor: what is the difference?
This is the most important feature decision you will make and it is worth understanding properly before you look at any specific model.
Single motor chairs use one motor to control both the backrest and footrest simultaneously. When you recline, the back goes down as the footrest comes up, always in the same ratio. They are simpler, cheaper and perfectly adequate for most users. The limitation is that you cannot raise the footrest while keeping the backrest upright, or vice versa.
Dual motor chairs use two independent motors: one for the backrest, one for the footrest. This allows any combination of positions. You can sit upright with legs elevated (helpful for circulation and swollen ankles), recline fully while keeping legs lower, or adjust each element independently to find the precise position your body needs. For users with back pain, circulation issues, oedema or post-surgical requirements, dual motor is the clinically preferred choice.
| Feature | Single motor | Dual motor |
|---|---|---|
| Price premium | More affordable | £200–£500 more than equivalent single |
| Backrest and footrest | Move together only | Move independently |
| Legs elevated, back upright | Not possible | Yes |
| Best for | General comfort and standing assistance | Medical needs, back pain, circulation issues |
| Complexity | Simpler controls | More buttons but easy to learn |
Getting the size right
Sizing is critical and often underestimated. A riser recliner that does not fit the user properly will be uncomfortable, unsupportive and potentially unsafe. The key measurements are seat height, seat depth and seat width.
Seat height should allow both feet to rest flat on the floor when sitting upright, with knees at approximately 90 degrees. Too high and feet dangle, increasing pressure behind the knees. Too low and standing becomes more difficult, not easier.
Seat depth should allow the user to sit with their back fully against the backrest while leaving a gap of two to three finger-widths behind the knees. If the seat is too deep, the user will perch at the front, losing back support.
Seat width should allow comfortable seating with a few centimetres either side. Most standard chairs suit users up to around 110 cm hip width. Wider models are available for larger users.
Most reputable riser recliner retailers offer a home demonstration or home assessment as standard. This is worth taking up even if you are buying online, as it allows a trained advisor to measure properly and recommend the right size. HSL, Willowbrook, Fenetic Wellbeing and CareCo all offer this service.
Which brands are worth considering?
Fenetic Wellbeing
One of the most consistently recommended brands in the UK market. Fenetic chairs have won multiple Which? Best Buy awards, including the Westminster and Cullingworth dual motor models. Prices range from around £600 to £1,800. Good balance of quality and value, with a wide range of sizes and fabrics. Available to buy online with home delivery and assembly.
HSL (High Seat Ltd)
A Yorkshire manufacturer with over 55 years of experience, offering handmade UK chairs with a 25-year frame guarantee. HSL chairs are premium-priced at £1,500 to £3,500 but the build quality and longevity justify the cost for long-term users. Home demonstration is standard. Nine riser recliner models available covering a wide range of sizes and styles.
Willowbrook
Another UK handmade option, with each chair made to order for the individual. Willowbrook does not publish prices on their website because each chair is custom-built to specification, but their range typically starts from around £1,800 upward. Home demonstration service available. Strong reputation for posture support and bespoke sizing.
CareCo
The most accessible entry point for riser recliners, with a wide range from budget models at around £400 to premium dual motor chairs at £1,500 or more. CareCo has showrooms across the UK and offers home delivery with assembly. Build quality at the budget end is serviceable rather than exceptional, but mid-range CareCo chairs offer strong value.
Pride Mobility
An American brand with strong UK distribution. The Westminster dual motor model is a Which? Best Buy and one of the most frequently recommended chairs in the mid-range. Prices from around £900 to £1,500. Available through multiple UK retailers including Fenetic Wellbeing and specialist mobility stores.
What other features should I consider?
Battery backup is worth paying extra for. If the power goes out while the chair is in the reclined position, a chair without battery backup cannot return the user to an upright position. Battery backup typically adds £50 to £150 to the price and provides enough charge for several rise and recline cycles.
Heat and massage functions are available on many mid and premium range chairs. For users with arthritis, muscle pain or poor circulation, gentle heat and vibration can genuinely help. These features add £100 to £300 to the price.
Fabric choice matters practically as well as aesthetically. Faux leather and real leather are easier to wipe clean, which is important for users with continence issues. Fabric upholstery is typically more comfortable in warm weather. Most chairs are available in multiple fabric options at similar prices.
Waterfall back designs with multiple cushion sections conform more closely to the natural curve of the spine and are generally more comfortable for extended sitting than a single-piece backrest.
How long does delivery take?
Stock chairs from retailers such as CareCo can be delivered within a few days to two weeks. Made-to-order chairs from UK manufacturers such as HSL and Willowbrook typically take four to eight weeks from order to delivery. If you need a chair quickly, confirm lead times before ordering. The Recliner Factory advertises express delivery within two days for their standard range.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a riser recliner chair on the NHS?
The NHS does not routinely fund riser recliner chairs directly. However, an occupational therapist assessment may result in a recommendation for funding through the Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000 in England) or through adult social care. If you think you may qualify, ask your GP for an occupational therapy referral. Reputable retailers can help guide you through available funding options.
Is a dual motor chair always better than a single motor?
Not necessarily. For a user who simply wants help standing and sitting with a comfortable recline, a single motor chair is perfectly adequate and costs less. Dual motor becomes genuinely valuable for users with specific medical needs: swollen legs requiring elevation, back pain requiring precise positioning, or post-surgical requirements. If in doubt, an occupational therapist can advise.
How long does a riser recliner chair last?
A good quality riser recliner from a reputable UK manufacturer should last eight to fifteen years. The motor and mechanism are the most likely components to need attention, typically after five to eight years of regular use. Frame guarantees of five to twenty-five years are common. Fabric warranties are typically one to two years.
Can riser recliners be used by people with dementia?
Yes, and they are frequently recommended for people with dementia. The one-button rise function removes the need to remember complex instructions. Look for chairs with a simple handset with clearly marked, large buttons. Some models have a lockout function that allows carers to prevent accidental operation.
What weight limits do riser recliners have?
Standard riser recliners typically support up to 130 to 160 kg. Bariatric models are available for heavier users, with some rated up to 250 kg or more. Always check the weight rating before purchasing and choose a model with a comfortable margin above the user’s weight.
Do riser recliners need servicing?
There is no mandatory annual service requirement for riser recliners. However, if the mechanism starts to feel sluggish, makes unusual noises or the rise speed decreases noticeably, a service call is advisable. Most manufacturers and specialist retailers offer repair and service contracts. Keep the handset lead and mechanism free from dust and avoid liquids near the motor.
Is it worth buying a second-hand riser recliner?
Generally not recommended. Unlike standard furniture, a riser recliner must fit the specific dimensions of the user. A chair that has been adjusted to suit someone else’s body shape, or that has a worn mechanism, offers neither the safety nor the comfort of a new model. The price saving rarely justifies the risk. If budget is a serious concern, entry-level chairs from CareCo start from around £400 new.
HomeMobilityGuide.co.uk is an independent resource. We may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices are approximate and correct as of May 2026. We strongly recommend a home demonstration before purchasing any riser recliner chair.