Bath lifts are a safe and easy way to allow anyone that has mobility issues a way to get in and out of a bathtub. Bathtubs because of the height can make getting in and out dangerous or impossible depending on the person and their condition. We have reviewed some of the best bath lifts that have high weight capacities, reclining features, battery safety indicators, and tool free assembly.
Bath lifts are excellent devices to help lift you or a loved in in and out of tub, but how do you know what bath lift is best for you and your situation? This guide will explore the top bath lifts for seniors or anyone with issues that would prevent them from getting in and out of a tub on their own without help.
Best Overall
Splash Bath Lift
The splash Bath Lift is our best overall choice for a bath lift. The simple design and solution allows a for a smooth and solid movement that helps anyone safely get in and out of the bath tub.
The very compact design and slim look helps to also give a non medical look in the home. A fixed back design and low seat travel makes this an excellent choice for bath lifts.
Score: 
(4.8 / 5)
- Splash Bath Lift
- Top 4 Best Bath Lifts
- Bath Lift Comparisons Chart
- What are bath lifts?
- Are Bath lifts safe?
- Will Medicare pay for bath tub lifts?
- Top 5 Bath Lifts
- 1. Splash Bath Lift
- 2. ShowerBuddy BathLyft
- 3. Drive Bellavita Auto Bath Lifter
- 4. Aquatec XL White Battery Powered Bath lift
- 5. Aquatec Battery Powered Bath lift with Reclining Back
- Bathlift buying guide
- Weight Capacity of the Bath Lift
- Seat width
- Controls to lift the bath lift
- How far does the bath lift move?
- Common questions about Bath lifts
- In closing
Top 4 Best Bath Lifts
| Our Rank | Walker Coasters | Our Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Splash Bath Lift | 4.8/5 |
| 2. | ShowerBuddy BathLyft | 4.7/5 |
| 3. | Drive Bellavita Auto Bath Lifter | 4.7/5 |
| 4 | Aquatec XL White Battery Powered Bathlift | 4.6/5 |
| 5. | Aquatec Battery Powered Bath lift with Reclining Back | 4.7/5 |
Bath Lift Comparisons Chart
| Specs | Splash Bath Lift | ShowerBuddy BathLyft | Drive Bellavita Auto Bath Lifter | Aquatec XL White Battery Powered Bathlift | Aquatec Battery Powered Bath lift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight capacity: | 280 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 400 lbs. | 300 lbs. |
| Product weight: | 14.3 lbs. without battery | 25 lbs. | 20.5 lbs. | 27 lbs. | 27 lbs., 31.5 lbs. |
| Seat width: | 13″ | 15.5″ | 13.7″ | N/A | 14.75″ – 35.5 |
| Seat depth: | 13.4″ | 16.5″ | 16.5″ | N/A | 19″ |
| Total width: | 26.8″ | 15.50″ | 27.5″ | 15″ | 15″ |
| Total height: | 22.8″ | 9.25″ | N/A | 51″ | 15″, 5″ |
| Total depth: | 20.1″ | 18″ | N/A | N/A | 23″ folded |
- Splash Bath Lift
- Top 4 Best Bath Lifts
- Bath Lift Comparisons Chart
- What are bath lifts?
- Are Bath lifts safe?
- Will Medicare pay for bath tub lifts?
- Top 5 Bath Lifts
- 1. Splash Bath Lift
- 2. ShowerBuddy BathLyft
- 3. Drive Bellavita Auto Bath Lifter
- 4. Aquatec XL White Battery Powered Bath lift
- 5. Aquatec Battery Powered Bath lift with Reclining Back
- Bathlift buying guide
- Weight Capacity of the Bath Lift
- Seat width
- Controls to lift the bath lift
- How far does the bath lift move?
- Common questions about Bath lifts
- In closing
What are bath lifts?
A bath lift is a medical device designed for a person with mobility issues getting in and out of a bathtub on their own.
Bathtub lifts are mechanically enabled devices that allow you to sit in the chair and lower and lift you in and out of the tub. These devices are usually battery-operated and can be controlled with a simple button press.
How do bath lifts work?
Bath lifts are independent mobility aids that are installed tool-free in many instances in the tub. These devices help lift a person in and out of the tub with a simple push of a button. Lifts typically have a seat and a backrest that the person can sit on to safely and quickly get them up and down from a tub.
Battery-powered bath lifts are controlled by a two control button remote that lowers and lifts when the buttons are pushed. These devices are used a lot of time over installing a walk-in bath simply because they cost much less and work very well.
Are Bath lifts safe?
Yes. Bath lifts are very safe for those that need help getting in and out of a tub. Bathtub lifts are very popular instead of completely gutting a bathroom or purchasing a walk-in tube.
These lifts are a great way to gain back independence while in the bathroom, gain back personnel hygiene, and reduce stress and pain while in the tub. We have researched some of the best bathtub lifts on the market and have presented them below.
Will Medicare pay for bath tub lifts?
Unfortunately Medicare Part B will not cover a bathtub lift because Medicare considered a bathtub lift to be a convenience item and not a device that is necessary.
Do not get patient lifts confused with bathtub lifts as they are not considered to be the same. Patient lifts are used to transfer someone with mobility issues from one location to the next like from a wheelchair to a bed or commode.
Top 5 Bath Lifts
Editors Choice
1. Splash Bath Lift
The Splash Bath Lift is our editor’s choice and the best overall bath lift because of its design, size, and legroom. The design allows the bath lift to sit far back in the tub maximizes legroom upfront.
The compact design also gives this bath lift a weight of only 14.3 lbs. without the battery allowing for easy moving by just about anyone. In addition, the low seat allows for deeper water immersion for better hygiene, and the movement is stable during the lift, making it feel safe for the person using the bath lift.
Features like low seat travel, compact design, slim and modern look, battery level indicator with stop descent make this bath lift chair our top choice.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 280 pounds
- Seat width: 13″
- Seat depth: 13.4″
- Total width: 26.8″
- Total height: 22.8″
- Total Depth: 20.1″
- Weight without battery: 14.3 lbs.
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Slim design
- Fixed back design
- Low seat travel
- Large hand controls to operate easy
- Battery level indicator
- Smooth movements
- Hand control stays charged for long periods of time
Cons
- Not many cons per reviews
Bottom-line: A lightweight, compact, and smooth movement bath lift chair with plenty of leg room and long lasting hand operating battery control makes this a top choice for home bath lifts.
2. ShowerBuddy BathLyft
The BathLyft is an excellent bathtub lift chair that is strong and quiet with a lifting capacity of 300 pounds. This model quickly lowers and lifts the user in and out of the tub with a simple batter operating control.
The design aspect of this chair allows for a recline of up to 30° with a min sitting position of 3.1″ from the bottom of the bathtub.
We also love how the hand controls float and are water-tight, allowing for easier access to the control when you want to lift yourself out of the tub. The side flaps are designed to create a transfer surface, allowing a person from a wheelchair to transfer to the bath lift and out.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Seat width: 15.5″
- Seat depth: 16.5″
- Total width: 18.50″
- Total height: 9.25″
- Total Depth: 18″
- Weight of chair: 25 lbs.
Score: 
(4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Good weight capacity
- Good price
- Tool-less assembly
- Compact fit
- Reclines to 30° at the lowest position
Cons
- Suction cup cold hold better
Bottom-line: Looking for a good bath lift at a great price? If so, this bath lift should hit the mark. Good design, good features, and tool-less assembly.
3. Drive Bellavita Auto Bath Lifter
The Bellavita Bath lift only weighs 20.5 lbs. but can support up to 300 pounds making it a really great lift aid. It can also adjust height of 2.3″ to 18.6″ making it the lowest bath lift available. Because of this feathre it is recommended for deeper tubs.
We also love how the backrest reclines to a 50 degree angle. With an excellent weight capacity and adjustment features, padded seat and backrests, tool-free set up and watertight hand controls that float this bath lift is among our top 5 after doing our research.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 20.5 lbs.
- Seat width: 13.7″
- Seat depth: 16.5″
- Seat length: 22.4″
- Seat to floor height: 2.3″ – 18.8″
- Back height: 25.1″
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- No tools required to setup
- Padded seat and backrest
- Watertight hand control
- Release suction cups
- Quick charging lithium-ion battery
Cons
- Do not know when to recharge battery
Bottom-line: A well made and easy to use bath lifter that provides exactly what you would require to easily get up and down in a bathtub at a fair price.
4. Aquatec XL White Battery Powered Bath lift
The Aquatec XL Battery Powered Bath lift is a remote battery operated lift that has an excellent weight capacity over the other products. At 400 pounds it can safely lift most people. Not only does the lift support excellent weight it only weights 27 pounds and is easy to install.
This model uses draining holes in the base so it can help to reduce direct and water that collects in the bottom plate. This model now features a back reclining support that moves to 40° for even more comfort while in use.
Remote hand control allows for easy up and down motion that results in 6 lifts per charge.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Bath lift weight: 27 lbs.
- Overall width: 15″
- Overall length: 24″
- Overall height: 51″
- Color: White
Score: 
(4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Excellent weight capacity
- Reclining back for comfort
- White blends in with most tubs
- Washable cover
- Self release suction cups
Cons
- Have to recharge after each use for best lifting.
- Expensive
Bottom-line: Those that need a lift that can handle higher weight capacities along with a comfortable reclining back lift will find this bath lift a top choice.
5. Aquatec Battery Powered Bath lift with Reclining Back
This sleek looking bathtub lift has a great weight capacity of 300 pounds and makes getting up and down in a bathrub safe and easy. Users will like how low this lift goes because it can drop within 2 3/4″ from the tubs bottom.
The seat flaps opens and the seat itself is wide at 27.8″ making transfers easy. There are drain holes in this lift to help reduce water and dirt from the bottom plate. The back support also is a plus because it can recline to a 40 degree angle for even more comfort.
This is a great bathtub lift but it is more expensive then others.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Seat width: 14.75″ – 35.5
- Seat depth: 19″
- Overall width: 15″
- Overall height: 15″, 5″
- Overall Depth: 23″
- Back height: 21″, 26″
- Back Angle Reclined: 40 degrees
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Good weight capacity
- Lithium-ion battery with discharge protection
- Cover is washable and removable
- Self-release suction cups
Cons
- Expensive
Bottom-line: Well built and easy to use bath lift that can easily get you up and down from a tub safely and quickly. Although the price is higher than other bath lifts.
Bathlift buying guide
If you are looking to purchase a bath lift for you or a loved one then following these buying tips can help. Not all bath lifts are build the same as they come with different weight capacities and features that you may or may not need. Below are some important aspects to look at before making a purchase.
Weight Capacity of the Bath Lift
Weight capacities of any mobility device is important because it will effect the safety and how well it preforms for you or a loved one. Must of the bath lifts we reviewed will have a weight capacity of 280 to 400 pounds. If you are at the top of a bath lifts weight capacity we highly suggest you move up to one that has a higher weight limit.
Seat width
For comfort while in the bath make sure the seat width can accommodate the person that will be using the bath lift. Having a bath lift with a sweat width that is to small can cause skin irritation, and other pain that will result in the lift causing discomfort and not wanting to use the lift. Every bath lift will have a seat width so make sure you understand the width of the seat before making a purchase.
Controls to lift the bath lift
All bath lifts will have a control that is usually hand held that the user can press a button to move the lift up and down. While not a deal breaker having a remote or a way that shows how much battery life is left on the lift is important to knowing when to charge the lift.
How far does the bath lift move?
All bath lifts will move up and down. However, some bath lifts will have a farther motion range than others. These ranges can allow for better water depth resulting in more hygiene. Most of the lifts we listed have a great range of motion.
Common questions about Bath lifts
What powers a bath lift? Most bath lifts are powered by reachable batteries. You should always know how much battery power is left so you do not get stuck having to weight to charge the lift when you want to use the bath.
How do you use a bath lift? First you need to sit in the bath lift with your feet on the chair. Then you take the hand remote and hit the down button to slowly get you down into the bath. To rise up you simple hit the button to lift you up.
Are bath lifts covered by Medicare? As we stated above Medicare does not considered this type of tool a necessity and does not cover them.
In closing
Bath lifts are excellent aids in helping anyone that wants to take a bath but requires help to do so. Lifts for baths enable you to bath again independently from having someone having to help you up and down and actually make it safer for you. While some of these devices are not terrible expenses others with different features can be.
Be sure to understand what you or your loved ones needs are before making a purchase in order to find the best bath lift for your needs.
