Are riser recliner chairs worth it?
For most owners, yes. Of the surveyed owners who answered, 71% would recommend the company they bought from, and the average satisfaction score was 6.6 out of 10. The main benefits reported are easier standing, more comfort and greater independence at home.
Digging into the scores, 80% of owners rated their chair 7 or higher out of 10, while 12% rated it 3 or below. That spread matters: the people who are happiest tend to have chosen the right motor type and a firmness that suits them, whereas the small group of low scores most often mention an uncomfortable seat, paying too much, or buying the wrong specification. The practical takeaway is that a riser recliner chair is worth it for most people provided you try before you buy and compare more than one company.
“A useful, necessary addition in the house. VITAL. Gets you into a safety position, without additional help, thus needing no additional carer/ helper. Independent - as everyone wants you to be.”- Madhu, London
Single motor or dual motor: which riser chair do I need?
Choose a dual motor chair if you want the back and footrest to move independently for a fully flat or custom position; choose single motor if you mainly need help standing up and a simple recline. In our survey 61% of owners who named a motor type chose dual motor.
| | Single motor | Dual motor |
|---|
| Share of surveyed owners | 39% (21) | 61% (33) |
| Back & legs move | Together, one action | Independently |
| Rise-to-stand | Yes | Yes |
| Near-flat / sleeping | Limited | Yes |
| Legs above heart | No | Yes |
| Typical cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Help getting up, simple recline | Comfort over long periods, sleeping, circulation |
A single motor chair moves the backrest and footrest together on one action, which is simpler and usually cheaper, and it still provides the rise-to-stand function most buyers want. A dual motor chair drives the back and legs on separate motors, so you can lie almost flat, raise your legs above your heart, or find an in-between position - useful for sleeping, circulation and longer sitting. In the survey, several single motor owners said they wished they had bought dual motor, while very few dual motor owners regretted the extra capability. If budget allows and comfort over long periods matters, dual motor is the safer choice; if the priority is simply help getting up, single motor is fine.
“Should have purchased a double motor chair. I would be prepared to trade.”- Ray, North West
What do people buy riser recliner chairs for?
Owners buy riser recliner chairs for a range of health and comfort reasons. The most common reasons given by surveyed owners are shown below, led by difficulty standing, general loss of strength, arthritis and back pain.
General loss of strength or mobility28% (18)
Difficulty standing up12% (8)
Recovering from surgery, illness or a fall6% (4)
Do riser recliner chairs help with getting up and standing?
Yes. Rising the seat toward a near-standing position is the feature owners mention most. 8 surveyed owners bought their chair mainly because of difficulty standing up, and many others cited general loss of strength or recovery from surgery, a fall or illness.
“My husband can now get up with the help of the chair. He can dose in the chair in comfort.”- Angela, Wales
Are riser recliner chairs good for arthritis and back pain?
Owners with arthritis and back pain are among the most common buyers. In our survey 17 owners cited arthritis and 8 cited back pain as their main reason. They report sitting comfortably for longer and less pain, though seat firmness varies by model so trying before buying helps.
“Haven't had so much back pain since I purchased this chair.”- Jane, West Midlands
Can you sleep in a riser recliner chair?
Many owners do. Some buy specifically to sleep or doze in the chair, and dual motor models that recline closer to flat are the most comfortable for this. 4 surveyed owners bought their chair mainly to sleep in, and several with conditions such as scoliosis said it improved their rest.
“Raising and lifting my feet. Much easier to sleep in than a chair.”- Edwina, Yorkshire and the Humber
How do I avoid overpaying for a riser recliner chair?
Compare several companies before you buy. Prices for riser recliner chairs range widely, and some surveyed owners felt they overpaid or wished they had shopped around, in one case spending several thousand pounds on a chair they were unhappy with. Getting quotes from more than one recommended company is the simplest way to avoid overpaying.
“I can get up easier.
I don’t find it particularly comfortable.
I wish I’d saved a little longer and got a better one.”- Lois, North West