By Bryan Johnson, ReclinerChairExpert.co.uk
Introduction
When I first began reviewing rise and recline chairs more than a decade ago, I thought of them as luxury furniture. These days, in my mid-sixties, with the odd twinge in my knees and back, I see them differently. A good electric riser recliner isn’t indulgence—it’s independence.
At ReclinerChairExpert.co.uk I’ve tested countless mobility chairs in the UK, from budget options to premium bespoke builds. Some are worth every penny; others, frankly, aren’t. So when I was offered the chance to try the Berkshire Rise & Recline Chair from The Mobility Furniture Company, I wanted to find out if it was just another sensible chair, or a model that genuinely makes life easier for older adults.
Product Overview
The Berkshire is described as an “introductory bespoke” riser recliner chair—a way of getting a tailored fit without the high price tag of more complex models. It’s available in several seat heights and widths, a choice of back styles (waterfall, two-tier, cushion), and a wide range of domestic or healthcare fabrics. Leather is also available.
The action is a single Tilt-in-Space motor. That means you don’t get independent backrest and footrest control like on a dual motor chair, but you do get a smooth, supportive recline and a reliable rise function to help you stand. Optional upgrades include memory foam, gel seating, and even heat and massage for those with arthritis or poor circulation.
Key Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric Riser Recliner / Tilt-in-Space |
| Back Styles | Waterfall / Two-Tier / Cushion |
| Seat Sizes | 18″-22″ height, width, and depth options |
| Back Height | 24″-32″ |
| Weight Capacity | 20 stone (approx. 127 kg) |
| Comfort Options | Memory Foam, Gel Seating, Aero Seating |
| Extras | Heat, Massage, Emergency Battery Backup |
| Upholstery | Domestic, Healthcare, Leather |
| Warranty | Five years (motors and mechanised parts) |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wide choice of sizes and styles to suit the individual
- Simple electric recliner chair operation with Tilt-in-Space action
- Supportive curved arms aid standing and sitting
- Extras like heat and massage are available
- Good value for a bespoke mobility chair
- Free UK delivery and five-year warranty
Cons
- Longer delivery times as it’s made to order
- Not as adjustable as dual motor recliners
- Fewer colour options than higher-end models
- May not suit very tall or heavy users
Design and Build Quality
The Berkshire is designed to look homely—more like a comfortable living-room armchair than a piece of hospital furniture. The rounded arms are supportive without being bulky, and the choice of back styles means you can pick one that supports your spine and shoulders properly.
Build quality is reassuring. The motor is quiet and smooth, the frame feels solid, and the upholstery (in my case a healthcare fabric) was snug and well-finished. After weeks of daily use, the recliner mechanism remained steady with no creaks or jolts.
Comfort and Ergonomics
This is where the Berkshire impressed me most. With the right seat height chosen, I could sit naturally with feet flat, back straight, and no awkward angles. The cushion back gave gentle lumbar support, which was helpful on days when my back felt stiff.
The rise function took pressure off my knees, and the curved arms were at just the right height for steadying myself. Reclining into the Tilt-in-Space position distributed my weight evenly, avoiding that “folded up” feeling you get in some cheaper recliners.
I tested the heat and massage upgrades as well. Heat helped ease my lower back after gardening, and while massage won’t replace a physiotherapist, it certainly helped loosen tight muscles. For anyone with arthritis, circulation problems, or who simply spends long hours seated, these extras are worth considering.
Ease of Use
One of the things I liked most about the Berkshire is its straightforward control system. Just two buttons—rise and recline—clearly marked and easy to press. The motion is gentle, so you never feel jolted forward or tipped back too far.
Because the chair tilts as one unit, posture is maintained through the movement. That makes it especially reassuring for older users who want stability and confidence when moving from sitting to standing.
Assembly and Setup
As a bespoke rise and recline armchair, the Berkshire isn’t flat-packed. It’s delivered, installed, and demonstrated in your home. This includes ensuring you’ve got enough space behind the chair for full recline, and that the plug is positioned safely. There’s little for the owner to do—just decide where it goes and plug it in.
Durability and Maintenance
Daily use didn’t faze this chair. The motor remained quiet, the fabric resisted marks, and the frame felt as sturdy after a month as it did on day one. For maintenance, a quick vacuum and wipe are all that’s needed.
The healthcare fabric option is particularly useful for those worried about spills. With a five-year warranty on motorised parts, I’m confident this chair is built to last.
Accessibility and Health Considerations
For many, a mobility chair isn’t about luxury—it’s about necessity. The Berkshire helps in several key ways:
- The rise function reduces strain on hips and knees.
- Seat size options mean your feet rest flat on the floor, improving circulation.
- Tilt-in-Space recline distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure points.
- Memory foam and gel seating options help prevent soreness.
- Heat provides relief for arthritis or stiffness.
- Emergency battery backup ensures safety during a power cut.
These features make it especially suitable for older adults and those with long-term mobility issues.
Final Verdict
The Berkshire Rise & Recline Chair is a strong contender in the mid-range UK riser recliner market. It doesn’t have the fine positioning of a dual motor chair, but for many people it does exactly what’s needed—comfortable sitting, smooth reclining, and a safe assisted rise.
It looks like proper furniture, not clinical equipment, and offers enough customisation to feel genuinely made for you. For anyone searching for the best recliner chair for elderly users that balances value and quality, the Berkshire is a serious option.
User Reviews & Where to Buy
Customer feedback echoes my own experience: comfortable, sturdy, and reliable. Owners praise the rise function for making daily life easier, and most find the seating comfortable even for long periods. The most common complaint is waiting time due to bespoke build.
The Berkshire is available directly from The Mobility Furniture Company, with free delivery, a free brochure, and the option of home demonstrations.
Final Thoughts
After several weeks of real-world use, I’d happily recommend the Berkshire to anyone wanting a dependable rise and recline armchair for daily living. It helps me stand safely on sore-knee days, gives proper support for my back, and looks right at home in a sitting room.
It won’t suit those wanting the ultimate in adjustability, but for older adults who value comfort, safety, and a tailored fit, the Berkshire delivers.
My rating: 4.5 / 5
