Getting into the tub is easy. Getting back out is the part that makes you hold your breath.

If that sounds familiar, the best bath lifts for the elderly can take the hardest part out of bathing. They lower you into the water and raise you back up at the push of a button.

This article compares five popular models, explains what to measure and what to look for, covers safety habits and cleaning, weighs bath lift alternatives, and answers whether Medicare will pay.

With the right lift, bathing on your own again is realistic. Before you buy, ask your doctor or therapist whether a bath lift is safe for your condition and how to transfer.

Comparison Table: Best Bath Lifts

Bath Lifts Reviews

Here are my recent picks and rankings to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Juswell Portable Floor and Bath Lift Chair

The Juswell Portable Floor and Bath Lift Chair is an electric chair that raises and lowers you with a remote control. It does two jobs: it can help you into and out of the tub, and it can help you up from the floor after a fall. Check for injury first: if they are hurt or in pain, call for medical help instead of lifting them.

It supports up to 308 lbs and raises up to 19.7 inches. Six suction cups hold it in place on surfaces from bathroom tile to bedroom hardwood.

It is rated IPX8 waterproof, which means it is made to be used around water. It also folds, so you can put it away when the bath is done.

The maker says the 2026 version has parts built to cut vibration and noise, so the lifting and lowering feel smoother and quieter. That matters when you are trusting a motor to hold your weight.

Suction cups only grip well on clean, smooth, flat surfaces. A textured or very worn tub bottom can be a problem, so check that before you count on it.

This chair is also not for someone who cannot sit upright or hold steady without help. A person who needs a caregiver’s hands during transfers will still need those hands with this chair.

It suits someone who wants one lift for both the bath and the bedroom floor, and who can use a simple remote.

Superhandy Portable Bath Lift Cushion

The Superhandy Portable Inflatable Bath Lift Cushion is a powered seat that lowers you into the tub and raises you back up when you are done.

It runs on a rechargeable lithium battery and uses air to do the lifting. You control it with buttons on the unit or with the infrared remote, and it inflates and deflates on its own.

The lifting range goes from 1 to 20 inches, so you can choose how high or low you sit. It supports up to 400 lbs.

There is also an inflatable pillow built in for your head, neck and back. That means you are not leaning against a hard tub wall while you soak.

It weighs 15 lbs, so it is manageable to carry and put away when no one is bathing. Because it runs on a battery, there is no cord to trip over near the water.

Now the trade-offs. At 15 lbs, it is not something you will want to haul around casually, and it does need to be charged ahead of time. If you want a seat that needs no charging and has nothing to inflate, a fixed bath bench or tub transfer bench may suit you better.

It suits someone who can sit up on their own and wants help getting down to the tub floor and back up again. If you cannot sit steadily without support, talk with a therapist or doctor before choosing any bath lift.

Drive Medical Bellavita Reclining Bath Lift Chair

The Drive Medical Bellavita Dive is an electric bath lift chair. It lowers you into the tub and raises you back up at the touch of a button, so you are not relying on your arms and legs to do the hard part.

It lowers to just 2.6 inches from the tub bottom, which means you can sit in the water for a full bath. The seat height adjusts from 2.6 to 18.9 inches, so it is meant to work with most tubs.

The backrest reclines 50 degrees for comfort. A caregiver can also remove it if you would rather not have it. There is an open front cutout in the seat, which makes washing and personal hygiene easier to manage.

The hand control has large, color-coded buttons, and it floats in the water so it stays within reach. For stability, it has a dual column design that supports up to 310 pounds, and suction feet that grip the tub floor.

Now the trade-offs. The lift is 27.6 inches wide and 40.2 inches long, so measure your tub before you order. Suction feet also need a clean, flat tub floor to hold well, and this will not suit a textured or heavily patterned tub bottom.

This lift is a good fit for someone who wants to soak again but cannot lower themselves into the tub or climb back out. It is not for anyone over 310 pounds, or for a person who would be better off with a walk-in shower.

Platinum Health Tranquilo Electric Bath Lift

The Platinum Health Tranquilo Premium Electric Bath Lift is a motorized seat that lowers you into the tub and raises you back up, so you don’t have to rely on your legs or grip. It has a padded seat and backrest, plus an electric recline.

It lifts up to 21.5 inches, which matters if your tub has higher sides. Many lifts don’t work with tub walls taller than 18 inches, so measure your tub before you order any lift. The extra height also makes getting in and out easier, whatever your tub looks like.

It holds up to 310 pounds and has a heavy-duty motor and frame. A non-slip bath mat comes with it, which is a useful extra for the tub floor.

One thing to know: this model does not have a rotating seat. You will need to sit down on the seat from the side of the tub and then swing your legs over yourself. If turning is the hard part for you, a swivel seat model may suit you better.

It is a good fit if you want a padded, reclining seat and your tub walls are on the tall side.

Mobile Patientlift Bridge Bath Lift Chair

The Mobile Patientlift Bridge Bath Lift Chair is an electric bath lift for people who have trouble getting down into the tub or back up again. It is meant to help with the tub threshold and to make bathing safer for someone with limited mobility or stability.

The seat is padded and latex-free. A battery powered motor lowers you into the water and raises you back out, and the details describe it as whisper quiet. Once you are all the way down, the back reclines so you can settle in.

The hand control is waterproof and floats, so you can find it in the tub without hunting around. The weight capacity is 315 pounds.

It is built to fit most bathtubs, and when it is fully lowered the seat sits just 2.38 inches above the base. That means you sit low in the tub rather than perched up high.

The trade-offs are the same you would find with any bath lift. It needs a tub, so it is not a fit for a walk-in shower with no tub. Because it runs on a battery, you will need to keep it charged. Measure your tub before you order.

I would point this one toward someone who can sit steadily and just needs help with the lowering and lifting. If you need a lot of hands-on help to transfer, talk with a therapist or doctor first about what setup is safe.

MAIDeSITe Electric Bath Lift Review: How It Performs

The MAIDeSITe Electric Bath Lift is built for people who want to bathe on their own again. It lowers you into the tub and lifts you back out with the press of a button on a simple remote that has up and down buttons.

The padded foam seat is soft and made for comfortable soaking. The upholstery is seamless, so there are no gaps that could pinch, and it wipes clean easily.

The lifting is quiet and steady, without jerks or shaking. That helps you feel secure while you move. The remote attaches to the tub wall with a suction cup, so it stays within reach.

A light on the remote turns green when the battery has enough charge, which tells you it is safe to lower into the tub. Charging is simple, with a quick connect charger that attaches to the back.

Six heavy-duty suction cups grip the tub floor to keep the lift from slipping or tipping. It holds up to 300 pounds, which suits most users. It also folds compactly, so you can move it between bathrooms or store it out of the way.

Caregivers benefit too, since the lift means less physical lifting or transferring a person in and out of the tub. For someone held back by arthritis, joint pain, or a fear of falling, that can make bathing on their own possible again.

The lift can also double as an electric floor lift for an elderly person who has fallen. I cover that use in a separate review of the MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift.

The drawbacks are small. The strong suction cups make the lift hard to remove, especially for someone with less hand strength. There is also no automatic lockout when the battery runs low, so you have to watch the light yourself before each bath.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best bath lift for the elderly, these are the things to look at for comfort, safety, and ease of use.

Measure Your Tub

Before choosing a bath lift, measure the inside width of you tub bottom and the inside height from the tub floor to the top tub edge.

Compare the lift’s base width and ensure it is smaller than your tub width. Then, make sure the maximum height exceeds the height of your tub for easier transfers in and out.

Weight Capacity

One of the first things to consider is the weight capacity of the bath lift. A lift with a higher weight capacity can support heavier individuals, ensuring the lift remains stable and secure during use.

Backrest and Seat Width

The backrest plays a significant role in the comfort of a bathtub lift. I suggest a bath lift with an adjustable backrest for various sitting positions. Additionally, a wider seat width provides extra comfort and stability.

Legroom and Minimum Height

Having ample legroom contributes to the overall comfort and usability of the bath lift. The bath lift’s minimum height should be low enough for easy entry and exit from the tub, but high enough to match or clear the tub edge so that you can exit the tub safely.

Swivel Seat and Side Flaps

A swivel seat allows for easy transfer in and out of the tub, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Side flaps bridge the gap between the seat and the bathtub, further enhancing the user’s stability and safety during transfers. Make sure you get a pinch-free option!

Suction Cups and Installation

Strong suction cups affixed to the base of the lift provide stability and prevent slipping. Easy installation is also a must, especially if you are installing it yourself or don’t want to use complicated tools or procedures to set up.

Lightweight and Portability

A lightweight bath lift makes it easier to move and handle, particularly if it needs to be moved so that others in the home can use the shower or tub.

You might also need to store it away when not in use. Portability is excellent for those moments when traveling or transporting the lift to another location.

Standard Tubs Compatibility

Not all bath lifts are compatible with every bathtub style. Ensure that the chosen lift is suitable for use in a standard tub, so it fits securely and works effectively.

Hand Controller and Rechargeable Battery

A hand controller simplifies operation, allowing for easy adjustments while in the bath. Look for one with large buttons with bold, clear text.

A rechargeable battery is convenient, as it eliminates the need for constant replacement or external power sources, ensuring continuous use.

Safety Features

Safety features such as anti-slip surfaces, built-in safety locks, and emergency stop functions provide added peace of mind and reduce the risk of accidents.

Always prioritize safety, comfort, and stability when choosing a bath lift. 

Considering the features and factors above will help you find the ideal bath lift for your needs, without compromising on quality or functionality.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Bath Lifts

A bath lift can provide many benefits for elderly or disabled users, but also has some potential drawbacks to consider. Here is an overview:

Bath lifts offer critical advantages like stability and customizable positions to make bathing more comfortable and accessible.

Key benefits include padded, slip-resistant seating for comfort and safety, mechanized lift to raise/lower users at the push of a button, and reclining backrests on many models. Some bath lifts are lightweight and portable.

However, there are also a few potential disadvantages. Bath lifts require battery charging and maintenance. Some make more noise than others. They can take up space when not in use.

And bath lifts carry a higher price tag than simple shower benches. It’s also key to get the right fit for your existing tub.

By weighing the major pros and cons, you can determine if a bath lift is the right solution for your needs.

For elderly or disabled users who want to bathe independently, a high-quality bath lift can provide safe, comfortable support. But consider the drawbacks before choosing the best model.

Bathing Independence for Seniors and Caregivers

For many people, bathing alone gets hard or even impossible. Arthritis, joint pain, decreased mobility, a fear of falling, and bathrooms that are hard to get around in can all stand in the way.

A bath lift takes away the struggle of getting in and out of the tub. Once you are in, it gives you stability and security, so you can bathe on your own again.

That matters for dignity. Handling your own bath helps bring back a sense of self-reliance, and you do not need to remodel to get it. A lift like the MAIDeSITe costs less trouble than a walk-in tub conversion.

Caregivers gain too. A lift means less physical lifting, and less need for transferring a person in and out of the tub by hand. That is easier on the back of the person helping, and it is easier on the person being helped.

The MAIDeSITe can also work as an electric floor lift for an elderly person who has fallen. Check for injury first. If they are hurt or in pain, call for medical help instead of lifting them. I cover that use in my MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift review, which is about recovering with dignity after falls.

The trade-off is that the strong suction cups can make the lift hard to remove for someone with weaker hands. In a home with a caregiver, that may be a job for them.

Using Your Bath Lift Safely

When using a bath lift, following safety best practices is crucial for proper operation. Be sure to check that all suction cups are firmly attached and free of debris to maximize stability.

Read all instructions and acquaint yourself with the lift’s safety features. Monitor water temperature, utilize non-slip accessories like bath mats and shower shoes, and install grab bars for added security.

Handheld shower heads should still be used for rinsing and washing hair.

For more tips on safely operating, maintaining, and installing your bath lift, see our in-depth guide on Bath Lift Safety Tips.

Cleaning, Charging and Maintaining Your Bath Lift

A bath lift needs a little upkeep to keep working well. The routine is short, and most of it takes a few minutes.

Rinse the lift after each use. That keeps mold and mildew from building up.

Every so often, take off the seat pad and deep clean and disinfect it.

Look the lift over before each bath for any damage or problems. Test it regularly to make sure every function still works as it should.

On the MAIDeSITe, the battery is built into the remote control. When the light turns red, it is time to recharge, so disconnect the remote and plug it into the charger.

A light on the charger shows when charging is finished.

The same lift can also be used to help someone up after a fall, and I wrote a separate guide on using an electric lift to get a person off the floor after a fall.

The trade-off is that this is a routine you have to keep up. Rinsing, inspecting and charging each take a bit of time, and skipping them is how small problems get missed.

Setting Up and Using the MAIDeSITe Lift Step by Step

Here is how setup and daily use go with the MAIDeSITe electric bath lift, from the box to the charger.

In the box you will find the lift base with its seat, a remote control, a charger, a suction cup for mounting the remote, and an owner’s manual.

To install it, place the base in your tub with the seat back facing the rear of the tub. Press firmly on the suction cups to secure the base to the tub floor, then test it gently to make sure it is fixed in place.

Raise the seat back to the upright position. Stick the remote’s suction cup on the tub wall within arm’s reach.

Plug the remote into the port on the back of the lift. You will hear a click when it is connected properly.

For a transfer, roll your wheelchair or walker right up next to the tub and lock its wheels. Raise the lift until the seat matches the height of your wheelchair or tub edge, so the move is level.

Move from your wheelchair and pivot onto the seat, using the flaps on the sides of the seat for support. Once you are seated, lower the lift into the tub with the remote. Reverse the steps to get out, and have someone nearby who can help. Ask a therapist or doctor to check that this transfer is safe for you.

The waterproof remote is simple. Press the UP arrow to raise the lift and release it at the height you want. Press DOWN to lower into the tub. The emergency stop button halts movement immediately.

A green light means the battery is full enough to lift you back up. A red light means recharge before use.

The battery is built into the remote. When the light turns red, disconnect the remote and plug it into the included charger. An indicator light on the charger shows when charging is done.

A few small tips help. Mount the lift near the faucet if you use a handheld showerhead. If the full recline is uncomfortable, recline the seat back only slightly.

If you are interested in what a lift can do after a fall, I wrote about using the MAIDeSITe chair lift for fall recovery.

The trade-off is that the battery lives in the remote, so you need to watch that light and charge it before a bath. The setup also takes a few careful steps each time you move the lift in or out of the tub.

MAIDeSITe Electric Floor Lift Chair

The MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift is a motorized lift that helps a person get up from the floor to a standing position. It is not a bath lift that lowers you into the tub. It suits someone who has trouble getting up after sitting low, and it can also spare a caregiver from bending and straining.

A few features stand out. It has a non-slip pad and an emergency stop button. The remote is cordless, with large buttons, and it charges. You can stop the lift at any height you like. The height adjusts from 3.4 inches to 19.5 inches, so it can fit different spaces and seats.

The trade-off is that it is a lifting chair, not a bathtub seat. If your main worry is lowering into and rising out of the tub itself, you will want a true bath lift. Also, a motor and a rechargeable remote mean you have to keep it charged.

12 Bath Lift Safety Habits for Seniors and Caregivers

A bath lift only keeps you safe if it is used properly. Here are twelve habits I would follow, whether the lift is for you or for someone you care for.

Before you buy, ask your doctor or therapist whether a bath lift is safe for your condition and how to transfer.

Measure your tub and compare it to the lift’s space requirements. A lift needs room to lower fully and rotate, and a poor fit can tip or get stuck.

Install the lift by the manufacturer’s directions, with the suction cups or clamps holding tight. A lift that is set up badly can come loose and fall.

Stay under the weight limit. Count your own weight plus any shower chairs or other devices you bring along.

Never use a lift when you are home alone. Even if you usually transfer on your own, have someone in the house who can step in quickly.

When you transfer on and off, use the mobility aids you normally use. Move slowly, keep your balance centered over the seat, and ask a caregiver to steady you if you feel unsteady.

Add safety devices around the tub. Non-slip tub mats give traction, properly installed grab bars steady your transfers, and a handheld shower head makes bathing easier.

Stay alert. Conditions like dementia, or certain medications, can make dozing off in the tub more likely, and a flotation device is worth considering if that worries you.

Check the power before you lower yourself. Without enough battery or electricity, you could end up stranded in cold water.

Keep electrical parts dry. Detach the batteries and chargers and store them away from water when not in use, and never submerge electrical components.

Maintain the lift by following the cleaning directions. Inspect it regularly for damage, and deal with worn or broken parts right away.

Last, read the instruction manual and every warning before the first use. It covers installation, operation, transfers, weight limits, and upkeep.

The trade-off is that several of these habits depend on another person being home and on a bit of routine, like checking power and storing chargers. They take a few minutes each time, but they are what keep a bath relaxing.

Comparing Bath Lift Alternatives

For those who may not be able to install a bath lift, there are a few alternative options to consider for safer bathing access:

Transfer Bench

A transfer bench allows sliding entry into the tub from a seated position.

Shower Chair

Shower chairs provide seated support in the shower.

Walk-In Shower

Converting to a walk-in shower removes tub walls entirely.

Bathing Cushion

Inflatable cushions can assist entry into a regular tub.

While not as customizable as a bath lift, these alternatives can accommodate safer bathing access depending on individual needs and limitations. Consider the pros and cons of each when evaluating options.

Will Medicare Pay for Bath Lifts?

Unfortunately, standard Medicare does not cover bath lifts because they are not classified as durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover a portion of the cost. Call the number on your insurance card to find out.

Infographic: Top 5 Bath Lifts

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Wrapping Up

Getting in and out of the bathtub can be difficult and dangerous for people with mobility issues. A bath lift can make bathing safer and more comfortable again.

The best bath lifts allow independent, comfortable bathing through padded, secure seats and powered lift mechanisms to lower and raise you at the push of a button.

Carefully measure your tub and consider key features like weight capacity, adjustable lift heights, swivel seats, and safety features when choosing the right model.

I recommend the MAIDeSITe, Mangar, Drive Medical, Invacare, and Platinum Health lifts for their security, comfort, and ease of use. Follow all safety precautions, and call your insurance company to ask whether any of the cost may be covered.

With the ideal bath lift, you can relax in the tub without pain, strain, or fall risks. Regain your bathing freedom and comfort.