Good for Elder, Disabled People or Pregnant Women
None of us likes admitting that we can no longer do the basic daily tasks that used to be second nature to us. Whether due to aging, illness, or disability, our ability to use the bathroom independently is often central to our concept of self. It can be humiliating to have to ask or accept help from someone else, be they a loved one or an unknown paid caregiver, to do something as intimate as bathe ourselves.
The Problem
For those of us with limited mobility, bathing can quickly become a dangerous activity that we avoid for fear of injury. One misstep or moment of imbalance can promptly lead to bumps, bruises, or the dreaded broken hip or concussion. The CDC reports that approximately 2.2 million people over the age of 15 sustain non-fatal injuries each year in the bathroom. Of those, nearly 235,000 required emergency room attention in 2008, according to the most recent study.
No one wants to be one of those statistics. For this reason, I commonly hear of people who avoid showering. Some have even chosen to give up their independent living situations in favor of assisted living because of this fear. This is a shame and an unnecessary precaution because there is an easy solution.
The Solution
Mobile shower chairs are simple but incredibly powerful tool to help people with limited mobility maintain their independence and their pride. With the use of a mobile chair, we no longer need to suffer the indignity of asking for help or disrobing in front of another person. Plus, these chairs improve safety, enable us to maintain better hygiene practices, and empower us to remain independent.
Now that I’ve convinced you of the amazing superpowers of mobile shower chairs, the question becomes, “How do I choose the right one? Luckily, I’ve done the hard work for you, researching all manner of chairs to select ten top-notch options for your consideration. So, keep reading to learn everything you ever wanted to know about these chairs and find the best one for you.
List of the Best Shower Chairs with Wheels
#1. Mefeir Folding Commode Chair for Toilet with Wheels & Pedal
This chair comes with all sorts of bells and whistles and is ideal for just about anyone who needs a little assistance, including pregnant women. With an adjustable height and backrest, as well as interchangeable wheel legs, this chair is a great customizable option for inside or outside the house.
This chair you can increase its height from 31.5″ to 40.8″, and seat height from floor is 19″ to 23″. The height of backrest is also adjustable. This chair has weight about 15.87 lbs or 7.2 kg.
- It holds up to 350lbs
- An ergonomic backrest provides comfort
- The foldable design makes for easy transport and storage
- All metal is completely waterproof
- The various customizable features might be difficult to adjust for some users on their own
#2. MJM International Standard Shower Chair
MJM shower chair is healthcare grade, soft seat, anti-slip handgrips, user friendly, self storing sliding footrest provides support and prevents foot dragging and entrapment, reinforced at all stress related areas.
This show chair has overall size 41.5″ height x 26″ wide x 27″ depth with deluxe elongated open front soft seat, slide out footrest and buckle safety belt.
This healthcare-grade shower chair may not be much to look at, but it is made out of quality materials by people who know how to keep you safe. Plus it’s easy to clean!
- It holds up to 375 lbs
- The full-back mesh sling provides posture support
- It includes a sliding footrest and dual drop arms
- It features anti-slip handgrips and a deluxe, extra-long soft seat that is open at the front
- Only two wheels are lockable
#3. NOVA Rolling Shower Commode Chair with Locking Wheels
This sleek, all-white number enables you to do your own thing in the bathroom, whatever that thing may be. You can use it in the shower, to help you get to and from the toilet, or even as a toilet, itself. The unique design closes the gap between bucket and seat to prevent unwanted splashing during movement or toilet use.
This NOVA rolling shower chair has weight capacity 250 lb., product weight about 18 lb., seat height about 19.5″, seat dimensions about 16″ wide x 16″ depth. And it has overall dimensions is 22.75″ wide x 24.5″ depth x 36″ height. And for the width between rear legs is 18.5″ with height to rear seat support is 16.5″.
- It holds up to 250lbs
- The chair features contoured armrests and a cushy padded seat that is easy to clean
- The wheels easily lock and unlock with nudge
- The footrests can be folded up or removed completely
- This model does not support quite as much weight as some other options
#4. MJM International 122-3TL-SSDE-BB-22-SQ-PAIL-SF Wide Shower Chair with Drop Arms
Another healthcare-grade offering from MJM International, this chair is wider than many other options at 18” across. It also supports more weight than the standard edition, ensuring comfort for everyone.
This shower chair has 18″ internal width, 3″ rust proof threaded stem casters, open front seat, with double drop arms, slide out footrest and 10 Qt slide out square commode pail and has weight capacity about 300 lbs.
- It holds up to 300 lbs
- It comes with a safety belt and release buckle
- It includes a sliding footrest
- It features anti-slip handgrips and a deluxe, extra-long soft seat that is open at the front
- All four wheels lock
- This is definitely a stay-at-home chair; not one that you would want to buzz around town in.
#5. Drive Medical Aluminum Shower Commode Mobile Chair
This sporty little blue number gives you mobility and comfort when nature calls, but you don’t want to be stuck in the bathroom all day long. The chair can be used for showering, as support over a normal toilet, or as the actual toilet, depending on individual need.
This Drive Medical aluminum shower chair has white aluminum frame that is attractive and for rust resistant. It has overall dimensions is 34.5″ long x 22.25″ width x 39″ height and seat dimensions is 17″ depth x 18″ width x 20″ to 22″ height. And it has weight capacity about 275 lbs.
- It holds up to 275 lbs
- The aluminum frame is rust-resistant
- Height adjustable with padded back and armrests
- The footrest is a simple bar, instead of individual foot pads
#6.MJM International 193-SSDE Reclining Shower Chair with Elevated Leg Extension
Is it a rolling shower chair or a poolside lounger? With this reclining apparatus, you can kick back and relax without having to compromise mobility. Its padded lumbar support and a padded headrest make this chair super comfy.
MJM International 193-SSDE is a reclining shower chair with open front soft seat and elevated leg extension. It can hold weight up to 325 lbs.
- It holds up to 325 lbs
- The contoured frame is designed to avoid skin breaks
- It features anti-slip handgrips and a deluxe, extra-long soft seat that is open at the front
- Two of the wheels lock
- The chair does not come with an attached commode, but this can be purchased separately.
#7. Elite ELT817 P FRLDA Shower Chair Commode with Footrest and Left Drop Arm
This slightly Lego-esque chair does it all in the bathroom. Made from health-grade PVC, you can bang it around, soil it, or just use it 24/7 without worrying about damage because it is virtually indestructible. You also have the option to purchase footrests, seat belts, lap bar, and anti-tip features, meaning this unit can be tailor-made to fit any need or preference.
- It holds up to 325 lbs
- The snap-on seat lifts off of the frame to facilitate cleaning
- The material bacteria, mildew, and mold-resistant
- All four wheels lock
- The left arm drops down for easy transfer
- This chair is meant for the bathroom/shower only.
#8. EZee Life Shower Wheelchair
The Speed Racer of all of our options, the EZee Life Shower Wheelchair has the classic wheelchair wheels at the back to provide you with all the mobility you are accustomed to but with the added benefit of immediate access to the toilet when nature calls unexpectedly.
This EZee Life shower wheelchair comes with two 24″ wheelchair tires and two 5″ locking casters to provide safety when the user does not need to be moved. And it has weight capacity about 300 lbs.
- It holds up to 300 lbs
- It includes a removable slide-on pail for bathroom needs
- The two front wheels lock for stability
- The two back wheels provide mobility
- The seat , seat back, and armrests are extra padded
- The chair is height-adjustable
- The large rear wheels might make maneuvering in small spaces a little difficult
#9. IPU SC717N Deluxe PVC Rolling Shower Chair
This classic design is made of sturdy PVC to keep up with whatever you put it through. The design includes a deluxe waterproof open-front soft seat, no sharp edges, and a non-slip surface. Plus, you have a choice of many different colors for the mesh backrest to really customize your look.
The IPU SC717N Deluxe PVC rolling shower chair has overall dimension is 38″ height x 21″ width x 25.25″ depth (includes push bar). And it has capacity to hold up to 300 lbs.
- It holds up to 300 lbs
- A sturdy push bar at the back and makes it easy for caregivers to maneuver
- All four wheels lock for extra stability
- This chair is a pretty basic model, but the company offers 12 different add-on options to customize your new ride
#10. Hmamera Commode Chair With Wheels
Certainly, the most futuristic-looking option on this list, Hmamera’s commode/shower combo chair gives you both freedom of movement and style. It is a great option for shower and toilet transfers, as well as use as an actual toilet. Plus, its larger-than-average wheels make rolling over surfaces like carpet easier.
The Hmamera shower chair with wheels is waterproof and has net weight about 22 lbs or 10kg. And the product size is 39.37″ x 23.62″ x 31.49″ with folding size is 35.43″ x 22.44″ x 12.59″.
- It holds up to 220 lbs
- The seat is extra padded
- The commode bucket is removable
- The back-, arm-, and footrests all fold up
- The minimalist nature of this design may appear insufficient to those accustomed to traditional PVC chairs, but it is every bit as strong and, in some case, much more adaptable.
Buying Guide to the Best Shower Chairs with Wheels
So now that we have reviewed a nice, varied group of different chair options, the question becomes how to choose the best one? There are FOUR main things to consider when it comes to rolling shower chairs: whether its use will be temporary or permanent, how you will mainly use it, what material it is made of, and your budget.
• Temporary or Permanent?
People who are suffering from a temporary illness or condition will likely want something on the simpler side. Having the option to fold the chair up and store it once it is no longer needed is also a nice feature for temporary users. Permanently disabled or older adults, on the other hand, are more likely to want to invest in something with more bells and whistles and a design more focused on sturdiness and comfort.
• Usage
All of the chairs reviewed here offer at least two different functions for their users, if not three. What you need to decide is what you will be mostly using your chair for. Will it be mainly to increase your mobility? If so, you will want to concentrate on chairs with more substantial, higher-quality wheels, extra padding for long periods of sitting, and perhaps without a commode pail.
You might also want to think about how the chair looks. While everyone has his own style, going out to eat with friends in a rolling chair built of PVC doesn’t quite make the same statement as a sleek black and metal number.
Conversely, if this chair’s primary purpose will be to assist you in the bathroom, you will want waterproof materials, seats with an opening for use above the toilet or a detachable commode pail, depending on your bathroom setup and personal comfort level. If you also expect to need the assistance of a caregiver to enter and exit the chair, then one with a collapsible arm and/or foldable footrests would make sense.
• Material
The chair’s material is another crucial consideration. Plastic and aluminum are the two most popular types of material. Plastic (including PVC) is lightweight, tough, and often more affordable, but it cannot support as much weight as metal chairs. Plastic-made chairs are also likely to have fewer features and fewer adjustable parts than other chairs made out of different materials.
Aluminum is a very popular and strong material. Aluminum chairs are lightweight but don’t rust when they come into contact with water, making them an excellent choice in the shower. They tend to be on the more expensive side, though.
Steel is another common material for these types of chairs, but beware of which type of steel you are buying. Stainless steel is durable, corrosion- resistant, and – best of all – economical. Coated mid steel, on the other hand, is less durable than stainless and will begin to degrade and rust with use once that coating wears off. If your budget permits, it is best to stay completely away from coated mid steel.
• Budget
Speaking of budget, this might be the most important (or at least restrictive) consideration. Of course, we all want the best possible equipment for ourselves or our loved ones, but prices can add up quickly in these situations. If you are either on a tight budget or just looking for something temporary, then a basic, PVC version with nothing fancy could be right for you.
But if you (or your loved one) plans to either rely on this equipment for a long period of time or plans to use it regularly in a variety of situations daily, then it makes sense to invest once in a sturdier and better-equipped chair, rather than keep replacing cheap ones every few years.
Final Conclusion
Rolling shower chairs such as the ones reviewed above can make a huge difference in the daily quality of life for people with limited mobility. We recognize that each person’s needs and situations are different, and that is why we have reviewed a variety of options. Our goal is to give you the best information about the widest variety of equipment on the market so that you can maintain your independence and love of life.
More: You may wish to check out air compression leg massagers or elevating leg rest cushions to support your legs.
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