Buying guide

Single motor, dual motor, tilt-in-space — what's the difference?

The motor type is the most important decision you'll make when buying a riser recliner. Get it wrong and the chair won't work for you, however good everything else is. Here's a clear breakdown.

Quick answer
Single motor Back and footrest move together. Simpler. Lower cost. Fine for most people.
Dual motor Back and footrest adjust independently. More control. Worth it if you have specific health needs.
Tilt-in-space The whole seat tilts as one unit. Specialist product for significant postural or pressure needs.
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Single motor
Most popular Lower cost Easiest to use

How it works

A single motor drives both the backrest and the footrest as one linked movement. When you press the button to recline, the back goes down and the footrest comes up at the same time. When you press to rise, both return together — and then the seat tilts forward to help you stand.

That's it. One button, one smooth movement. Most people find this perfectly adequate and never feel like they're missing anything. The handset typically has just two or three buttons, which is a genuine advantage if dexterity is a problem.

Works well for
People who want straightforward operation
Those with limited hand dexterity
Budget-conscious buyers
General mobility assistance without specific health conditions
Limitations
Cannot raise legs while sitting upright
Less control for those with specific postural needs
Not suitable if you need legs elevated independently
Typically suits
Someone who primarily needs help getting in and out of the chair safely, and is otherwise comfortable in a reclining position. No specific circulation, oedema, or postural condition that requires independent leg elevation.
Typical range: £500 – £1,400
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Dual motor
Recommended for health conditions More control

How it works

A dual motor chair has two separate motors — one for the backrest and one for the footrest. They work entirely independently. You can recline the back without raising the footrest, raise the footrest while sitting completely upright, or use any combination in between.

This matters more than it sounds. If you have swollen legs or oedema, being able to elevate your feet while sitting upright and eating, reading, or watching television makes a genuine daily difference. If you have a condition affecting your lower back, you might want to recline further than a single motor would allow without the footrest getting in the way.

The handset has more buttons, but reputable manufacturers design them to be intuitive. Most people adapt within a day or two.

Works well for
Oedema or leg swelling — legs up, back upright
Circulation problems
Those who spend most of the day in their chair
Specific postural requirements
Anyone who wants maximum flexibility
Limitations
Costs more than single motor equivalent
More complex handset (minor issue — most adapt quickly)
Slightly more to go wrong over time
Typically suits
Someone with a specific health or mobility condition that benefits from independent position control — particularly leg elevation, circulation support, or extended daily use where variety of position matters for comfort and skin health.
Typical range: £900 – £2,200
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Tilt-in-space
Specialist product Usually OT recommended

How it works

In a standard recliner — single or dual — the backrest tips backwards while the seat stays roughly level. This creates a sliding or shearing force across the user's back and bottom as the body moves relative to the seat surface. For most people this is not a problem. For some, it is.

A tilt-in-space chair tilts the entire seating unit as one fixed piece — seat, back, and footrest together. The user's relationship to the chair stays exactly the same throughout the movement. No shear, no sliding. Pressure is distributed evenly across the full seating surface.

This is specifically useful for people with high pressure sore risk, significant spinal conditions, very limited movement, or those who need postural support that standard recline cannot provide. It is not a first-purchase item for general use — it is a clinical product that is usually recommended following an occupational therapy assessment.

Works well for
High pressure sore or tissue viability risk
Significant postural conditions
Neurological conditions affecting muscle control
Very limited active movement
OT-prescribed positioning needs
Considerations
Higher cost than standard chairs
Not necessary for the majority of buyers
Best assessed by an OT before purchasing
Fewer suppliers stock the full range
Typically suits
Someone with a clinically significant need for even pressure distribution and stable postural support — usually identified through an OT or physiotherapy assessment. Not for general mobility use.
Typical range: £1,400 – £3,000+

At a glance

A quick comparison across all three motor types.

Feature Single motor Dual motor Tilt-in-space
Footrest & back move together ✓ Optional ✓ (as one unit)
Legs raised while sitting upright — ✓ —
Zero shear / pressure distribution — — ✓
Suited to oedema / leg swelling — ✓ Possibly
Simple handset operation ✓ Moderate Moderate
Typical starting price ~£500 ~£900 ~£1,400
OT assessment recommended Not usually If unsure Yes

Still not sure which to choose?

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Do you need to raise your legs while sitting upright?
Dual motor — this is exactly what it is designed for.
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You mainly need help getting up and down safely, nothing else?
Single motor will work well and cost less.
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Has an OT mentioned pressure relief or postural support?
Ask specifically about tilt-in-space before buying anything.
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Still genuinely unsure?
Call us on 0808 304 9012. We'll talk it through and point you to the right manufacturer.
Get free quotes 0808 304 9012

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