Bathroom wheelchairs are a crucial aid in helping anyone that finds it difficult to get into the shower for proper hygiene. These shower wheelchairs feature open seats that will allow the user to still use the toilet while on the chair. The best shower wheelchairs typically feature open seats, rust-resistant frames, and the proper stability to feel secure and comfortable while in a wet environment.
Below we will take a look at the top shower wheelchairs and how they can benefit you or a loved one while in the shower.
- What is a shower wheelchair?
- Who should use a shower wheelchair?
- Benefits of using a shower wheelchair
- Other important ways to keep safe in the shower
- Top 5 Best Shower Wheelchairs
- Best shower wheelchair Comparison Charts
- 1. (Best Overall) BathMobile Folding Commode & Shower Chair
- 2. Showerbuddy Roll-InBuddy lite
- 3. WheelAble Commode & Shower Chair
- 4. Aquatec Ergo Dual VIP Tilt-in-Space Shower Chair
- 5. Multichair Foldable Travel Shower / Commode Chair
- What are important factors to look for in a shower wheelchair?
- Shower wheelchair height
- Toilet Feautres
- Materials
- Shower wheelchair weight
- Weight Capacity
- Ability to recline the shower chair
What is a shower wheelchair?
There are many types of wheelchairs. In-fact you can find a lot of different wheelchairs that specialize in certain conditions. Shower wheelchairs are designed for use in showers and wet environments that a regular wheelchair should not go.
These wheelchairs give excellent stability and a way for someone with mobility issues a way to shower by themselves and have proper hygiene that would otherwise be difficult.
Shower wheelchairs are constructed differently than your typical wheelchair because they are used in wet environments. These types of chairs use rust-proof components to last much longer than normal chair if it gets wet.
When looking for a shower wheelchair you can expect to come across two types of shower chairs.
Self-propelled shower chairs can be propelled by the person using them. Or you can find Assistant-enabled chairs that require a caregiver to push it forward.
Who should use a shower wheelchair?
Anyone that does not feel safe because of stability issues, mobility issues, or injury that would make standing in the shower difficult or dangerous should use a shower chair.
This could be someone with lower or even upper body mobility problems that would make standing an issue.
If you or a loved are:
- A senior with mobility issues
- Lower body mobility issues of any age
- Balance issues
- Stability issues
- Arthritis or joint issues that cause standing to be an issue
Falling in the shower is the number one cause of injury among seniors. The wet environment can cause increased risk and danger. Using a shower wheelchair can minimize this risk.
Benefits of using a shower wheelchair
For those of us who have a hard time showering without help will find shower wheelchairs to be a godsend. These devices can help get back your independence while in the shower. You can also get some of the benefits like:
- Safer experience while in the shower
- Gain independence
- Prevent slipping or falling
- Increase and improve hygience
- Shower chairs can be a cost-effective way to gain mobility without having to redo a bathroom
Today’s technology makes wheelchair shower chairs lighter, stronger, and more cost-effective than ever before. Below we break down some of the best shower chairs on the market.
Other important ways to keep safe in the shower
Shower wheelchairs are just one way to minimize risks while using the shower. There are a lot of great mobility aids that help to get into the shower, keeping you safe while using the toilet, and minimize the chance of slipping when getting out of the shower.
We have put together some of the best safety products while using the shower and toilet. For those that need extra support using grab bars is a great way to get extra stability.
Toilet seats are also an issue for people with mobility issues. Using high toilets is a way to minimize the need to squat down and helping anyone get on and off the toilet easier. For those who are not purchasing a new toilet, you can still use a toilet seat riser to get extra height.
Using a non-slip shower mat is also a great idea when exiting the s shower to minimize the chance of slipping.
Top 5 Best Shower Wheelchairs
| Our rank | Shower Wheelchair | Our Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | BathMobile Folding Commode & Shower Chair | 4.7/5 |
| 2. | Showerbuddy Roll-InBuddy Lite | 4.5/5 |
| 3. | WheelAble Commode & Shower Chair | 4.5/5 |
| 4. | Aquatec Ergo Dual VIP Tilt-In-Space Shower Chair | 4.4/5 |
| 5. | Multichair Foldable Travel Shower / Commode Chair | 4.5/5 |
Best shower wheelchair Comparison Charts
| Key Specifications | BathMobile folding commode and shower chair | Showerbuddy Roll-inbuddy lite | WheelAble Commode & Shower Chair | Aquatec Ergo VIP Tilt-in-Space Shower Chair | Multichair Foldable Travel Shower/Commode Chair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight capacity: | 286 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 220 lbs. | 330 lbs. | 300 lbs. |
| Product weight: | 22 lbs. | 48 lbs | 25.5 lbs | 51.8 lbs. | 24 lbs. |
| Seat width: | 17.6″ | 18″ | 15″ | 18.7″ | 17″ |
| Seat depth: | 17.6″ | 16.9″ | 17″ | 18.7″ | 17″ |
| Seat-to-floor height: | 20.2″ – 21.8″ | 21.6″ – 22.6″ | N/A | 18.5″ – 23.4″ | 20″ – 24″ |
| Rear-wheel size: | 5″ | 24″ | 20″ | N/A | 5″ |
| Armrest: | Full length | Flip back, removable | Desk length | Full length, flip back | Full length, flip back |
1. (Best Overall) BathMobile Folding Commode & Shower Chair
The BathMobile Folding Commode and shower chair is our top choice when it comes to the best folding and travel commode chair for good reason. It only weighs in at 22 pounds and can come part with no tools making it a breeze to travel with. Not only is it easy to take with you it’s a great option for your home.
The footrests are adjustable and the footplates can also swing apart making getting in and out of the chair a breeze.
The armrest can also swing up for side transfers. Because this chair is height adjustable it can fit a wider group of sizes. from 20.2″, 21″, 21.8″ from the floor.
It uses 5″ casters and each wheel has a lock.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 286 lbs.
- Product weight: 22 lbs.
- Seat width: 17.6″
- Seat depth: 17.6″
- Armrest: Full length
Score: 
(4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Composite mag wheels with seal precisions bearings
- Rear anti-tippers
- Headrest extension
- Excellent weight capacity
- Padded elevating largest
Cons
- Not many negatives
2. Showerbuddy Roll-InBuddy lite
The shower buddy shower wheelchair is a great all-around chair to be used in the shower. Not only does it include safety restraints cushions, a commode bucket, and a lid but also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame.
We love that this model uses removable footrests that fold-away. While this chair is not as light as some commode shower chairs it is still lightweight coming in under 50 pounds.
This chair uses 4 locking caster wheels that make it safe even while on wet floors. This chair is made from full aluminum frame grade 6061 and stainless steel hardware grade 3061-T
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 48 lbs.
- Seat width: 18″ -26″
- Seat depth: 17″
- Seat-to-floor height: 19.6″ -22.6″
- Rear wheel size: 4″
- Armrest: Flip back, removable
Score: 
(4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Full aluminum frame
- Stainless steel hardware
- Toll-free assembly
- Commode system
Cons
- Little heavier then some chairs
3. WheelAble Commode & Shower Chair
Another excellent folding and lightweight travel commode shower chair. This is a narrower chair that can fit into shower stalls better than wider models.
Because you have an optional commode bucket this chair can be a standalone toilet. The extending arms allow this to easily be used as side transfers from chair to chair.
Made from injection molding of plastic and stainless parts this chair is made for wet environments.
The front wheels are made with 20′ wheels with molded pushrims with back casters that measure 3.25″. The casters have a step-on-brake system.
This has a max toilet width of 14.5″ or 18.5″
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs.
- Product weight: 25.5 lbs.
- Seat width: 15″
- Seat depth: 17″
- Seat-to-floor height: N/A
- Rear wheel size: 20″
- Armrest: Desk length
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-travel wth
- Self-propelled
- Easy to transfer from chair to chair
Cons
- Footrest not adjustable
4. Aquatec Ergo Dual VIP Tilt-in-Space Shower Chair
The Aquated Ergo Dual VIP Tilt-in-Space is a great shower chair with a commode design. This model has a designed -5° to 40° seat tilt angle. Because this chair uses a new feature of pivot and slide mechanism.
It allows the chair to move both downwards and forward. Because of this, it will help the person using the chair to keep his or her gravity centered close to the chair. The wheelbase is also great for maneuvering around smaller places and spaces.
We love the ergonomic tilt with a weight shifting mechanism and because of this particular chair is very stable. Using stainless steel corrosion-free frame it is made for wet environments for long-lasting use.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 330.7 lbs.
- Product weight: 51.8 lbs.
- Seat width: 18.7″
- Seat depth: 18.7″
- Seat-to-floor height: 18.5″ -23.4″
- Rear-wheel size: N/A
- Armrest: Full length, Flip Back
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Excellent design
- Tilt-in-space capabilities
- Height adjustable and swing away footrests that are also detachable
- Frame is stainless steel and corrosion free
Cons
- Heavier than some other shower chairs
5. Multichair Foldable Travel Shower / Commode Chair
For those who are looking for a true travel shower wheelchair commode chair, this is the one to seriously look at. It features a waterproof nylon cloth back and a padded seat cushion.
But what makes it really unique for travel is the clamping design that provides an open seat frame that is lightweight and portable to take around the home. Not to mention to travel with.
This model also comes with an FAA-compliant carrying case that is included in the purchase. Built from an aircraft-grade aluminum frame it won’t rust.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 24 lbs.
- Seat width: 17″
- Seat depth: 17″
- Seat-to-floor height: 20″ -24″
- Rear wheel size: 5″
- Armrest: Full length, Flip Back
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Great for travel
- Non rusting or corrode aircraft grade aluminum
- FAA compliant carrying case
- Lightweight
Cons
- Need someone to push this chair. Not self propelled. But not many other negatives here.
What are important factors to look for in a shower wheelchair?
There are some important aspects to look at when making a shower wheelchair purchase. The materials that are used to the weight of the chair are important aspects that you should look at to make sure the shower chair will fit your needs that best.
Shower wheelchair height
Just like when using a typical manual wheelchair you will want to make sure the height of the wheelchair is as close to your height in terms of comfort as possible.
Look for chairs that can be adjusted so when youa are sitting in the shower you are as comfortable as possible. Sitting in a shower commode chair that is too small or large can make showering very uncomfortable.
Toilet Feautres
There are just shower chairs and then there are showed wheelchairs with commodes. Every product we suggest above has a commode feature. This feature always has a cut-out or gap within the sit. The chairs can either be wheeled over a toilet basin or a pot can be used to connect underneath the seat. These are specialized pots that are made for shower wheelchairs.
Materials
Materials that are used on shower wheelchairs typically are those that can withstand a wet environment and will not rust. You will see different types of plastics, stainless steel, and aluminum materials that can take the water. Upholstery will typically be nylons that can withstand water.
Shower wheelchair weight
The weight of the chair will depend on if you decide you will be traveling with your shower wheelchair. Some of the lightest chairs will weigh in at around 25 pounds and heavier ones can exceed 60 pounds.
If traveling will be a big factor in your purchase we suggest looking for lighter chairs that can fold down and be stored easily. Chairs like the Multichair Foldable Travel Shower / Commode Chair are excellent chairs for travel and they even come with a travel suitcase that is FAA compliant.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the chair should be well within your weight capacity. You will find shower chairs typically can hold weights from 220 pounds up to 400 pounds. If you are at the limit of the chair’s suggested weight.
We recommend finding a shower chair that can safely hold more weight. These chairs are designed to make showering safer and easier and you should not be at the top of the chair’s weight limit simply for safety reasons.
Ability to recline the shower chair
Everyone does not need the ability to recline a shower chair. However, for those that do need this feature, there are shower chairs that offer the ability to recline or tilt-back the sit. These chairs can be more money and heavier so traveling with these chairs may not be as easy. Something to think about.
Final Verdict
Our top choice for the best overall shower wheelchair is the BathMobile Folding Commode & Shower Chair. This shower chair is lightweight, strong, can be taken with you when you travel and keeps you stable in web environments all for a respectable price.
