Best Riser Chair UK: Single and Dual Motor Recliners

By Scott Smith. Last reviewed 21 October 2026.

Should I Choose a Single or Dual Motor Riser Chair?

Choose a dual motor riser recliner chair if you want to move the backrest and footrest separately, and a single motor chair if a simple linked recline is enough. On a single motor chair the back and legs move together, so as the back goes down the footrest comes up. Dual motor chairs let you sit upright with legs raised, or lean back with feet down, which suits people who spend many hours in the chair. Compare handsets before buying: large buttons and clear symbols suit users with weak hands or poor eyesight. Dual motor chairs often cost more and have more parts to service. Think about how you sit through the day. If you mostly need help standing and an occasional nap, a single motor chair is usually enough.

How Do These Riser Chairs Compare?

The table lists each riser chair with who it suits and its main feature. Measure the user’s seat height and the space behind the chair before comparing.

How Do I Measure for a Riser Chair?

Measure for a riser chair while the user sits on a firm upright chair with feet flat on the floor. Seat height is the distance from the floor to the back of the knee; the chair seat should be close to this so feet rest flat. Seat width is the hip width plus around 5 cm, so the user is supported without being squeezed. Seat depth is from the back of the hips to the back of the knee, minus about 5 cm so the front edge does not press on the calves. Back height should support the head when the user sits back. Petite chairs suit shorter people, while bariatric chairs give wider seats and higher weight limits. Many suppliers offer made to measure options. Check the stated weight limit as well.

How Much Space Does a Riser Chair Need?

Riser chairs need room behind for the back to recline and in front for the footrest and the forward tilt. Standard recliners often need around 30 to 60 cm clear behind the chair when fully reclined, while wall hugger designs slide forward as they recline and can sit just a few centimetres from the wall. Measure the depth of the space from the wall to the nearest furniture in front, then compare with the chair’s fully reclined length in the listing. Allow clear floor in front so a walking frame can be used when standing. Check the route into the room too, including doorway widths and stair turns, since riser chairs are heavy and bulky. Leave access to a plug socket, and keep the cable away from the mechanism.

How Do I Use a Riser Chair to Stand Up Safely?

Use a riser chair to stand by first bringing the chair fully upright, then pressing the rise button slowly while sitting well back in the seat. Keep both feet flat on the floor, roughly hip width apart, and hold the armrests. Let the chair tilt you forward until your feet take your weight and your hips are higher than your knees. Pause for a moment to check your balance before stepping away, especially if you get light headed after sitting. Have a walking frame or stick within reach in front of the chair, rather than to the side, so you do not twist to grab it. Do not let children or pets play near the mechanism while it moves. Keep the handset in a side pocket so it does not fall under the chair. Check the cable is not trapped under the base. If standing still feels difficult even with the rise, ask an occupational therapist to review the chair height and your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Single and Dual Motor Riser Chairs?

A single motor riser chair moves the backrest and footrest together, while a dual motor chair moves them separately. Dual motor models give more positions, such as legs raised with the back upright. Single motor chairs are simpler and suit people who mainly need help standing.

Can You Get a Riser Chair VAT Free?

You may be able to buy a riser chair without VAT if you have a long term illness or disability and the chair is for your personal use. The supplier will ask you to sign an eligibility declaration. Check the rules on the GOV.UK VAT relief page.

How Do I Measure for a Riser Chair?

Sit on a firm chair with feet flat and measure from the floor to the back of the knee for seat height. Measure hip width and add around 5 cm for seat width. Seat depth is from the back of the hips to the back of the knee, minus about 5 cm.

Will a Riser Chair Work in a Power Cut?

Most mains powered riser chairs stop moving in a power cut and stay in their current position. Many models offer a battery backup pack that lets the chair return to a seated position. Check the listing if this matters, especially for people who sleep in their chair.

How Much Space Does a Riser Chair Need?

A standard riser chair often needs around 30 to 60 cm of clear space behind it to recline fully. Wall hugger designs need much less, sitting close to the wall. Measure your room and compare it with the reclined length stated in the listing, plus space to stand in front.