Wheelchair Transfer Bathtubs and Reclining Transfer Tubs
For the bather who cannot step over even a low walk in tub threshold. A transfer tub opens at seat height so the person slides across from a wheelchair, and a reclining transfer tub lets a caregiver bathe someone who cannot sit upright on their own.
Accredited since 2012★ 4.9 Google (35 reviews)In business since 2012No in-home sales visitWhat is a transfer bathtub?
A transfer bathtub is a walk in tub with an outward-swinging door and an entry at seat height, so a wheelchair user slides sideways onto the seat instead of stepping in. Reclining transfer tubs, such as the Rane Atlantic by Bestbath, add a laid-back seat for bathers who need a caregiver's full support. Installed, they start from about $19,000.
A standard walk in tub still asks the bather to stand, turn and step over a 3 to 7 inch threshold. For many people that is fine. For someone who transfers from a wheelchair, has had a stroke, or is bathed by a caregiver, that step is the problem. Transfer tubs remove it.
A transfer tub fits when…
- The bather uses a wheelchair or transfer board
- They cannot lift a foot over a 3 to 7 inch step
- A caregiver helps with every bath
- A patient lift is used, or will be soon
- They want to soak, not only shower
Can't sit up unsupported? Ask about the reclining models below.
Transfer, lift-ready and reclining tubs
1. Transfer-seat walk in tubs
Outward door, a seat that lines up with a wheelchair seat, grab bars on the transfer side. Sizes from 26 x 52 to 36 x 55. Examples: Ella Transfer30, Transfer60, TransferXXL, Hydro Dimensions 3052W, Meditub 3060WCA.
2. Lift-ready and caregiver tubs
Longer seats and open fronts made for a patient lift or a caregiver standing beside the tub. Examples: Ella HoistAssist, Ella HomeCare and the Rane Winnipeg RK12 (61 x 33).
3. Reclining transfer tubs
A molded, laid-back seat so the bather is supported from head to hips while a caregiver washes them. Made for high-dependency home care, rehab and long-term care. Example: the Rane Atlantic RR7 (73 x 34) by Bestbath.
Transfer tubs we supply and install
Every transfer-style tub, by size
| Model | Width × length | Class | Door | Seat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ella's Bubbles Transfer26 | 26" × 52" | Compact | Outward | 19" |
| Meditub 2953WCA | 29" × 53" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | 53" |
| Hydro Dimensions 3052W | 29.75" × 51.5" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | 55" |
| Ella's Bubbles Transfer30 | 30" × 52" | Standard | Outward | 22" |
| 60x30 Bathtub with Transfer Seat for Handicap Bathing | 30" × 60" | Long (60") | Inward | — |
| Ella's Bubbles HoistAssist | 30" × 60" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | 60" |
| Ella's Bubbles Transfer60 | 30" × 60" | Long (60") | Outward | 22" |
| Meditub 3060WCA | 30" × 60" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | 60" |
| Hydro Dimensions 3252W | 31.75" × 51.5" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | 55" |
| Ella's Bubbles Transfer32 | 32" × 52" | Standard | Outward | 24" |
| Ella's Bubbles HomeCare | 32" × 60" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | 60" |
| Winnipeg 61x33 Wheelchair Transfer Walk In Tub (RK12) | 33" × 61" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | — |
| Walk In Jetted Tub, 61x33 Winnipeg Transfer Style | 33" × 61" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | 19" |
| Atlantic 73x34 Reclining Transfer Bathtub for Care Settings | 34" × 73" | Bariatric / wide | Inward | — |
| Ella's Bubbles TransferXXL | 36" × 55" | Bariatric / wide | Outward | 29" |
How a wheelchair transfer works
- Park the chair beside the open door, brakes on, armrest off on the tub side.
- Slide across on the seat (with a transfer board if one is used now). The seat is at about wheelchair height, so there is no step and no lift.
- Swing the legs in, close the door, then fill. Drain fully before opening.
The side matters. The door has to open on the side the bather transfers from, so we ask which side they are strongest on before ordering. A physical or occupational therapist can confirm the transfer method in one visit.
What a transfer tub costs
Wide, transfer and bariatric walk in tubs start from about $19,000 installed, with demolition, plumbing, setting, trim and a fill test. Supply-only delivery is also available if you have your own contractor. Most standard walk in tubs and roll in showers land between $15,000 and just under $20,000; the transfer class sits at the top because the tubs are larger and often need the door or wall opened.
Every quote is itemized and written, by phone or from photos, with no in-home sales visit. See full walk in tub pricing.
Transfer tub or roll in shower?
If the bather wants to soak, or warm water helps them relax, a transfer tub is the choice. If bathing needs to be fast, or the bather will move to a shower wheelchair, a roll in shower is simpler and costs less. Many families ask the therapist one question: "Can they still sit upright for 15 minutes?" If not, look at the reclining models or a roll in shower with a padded shower chair.
Help paying for it
- VA HISA: up to $6,800 lifetime (service-connected) or $2,000. HISA lists accessible bathing like roll in showers; it does not pay for spa, hot tub or jacuzzi features, so plan a soaker or ask the VA first. HISA guide
- Medicaid waivers: vary by state. 50-state table
- Taxes: bathroom changes for a disability can count as a medical expense. How the IRS treats it
- Financing with monthly payments
For nursing homes, rehab and assisted living
The Rane reclining and transfer tubs were designed for clinical bathing and are a common choice for long-term care, hospice and rehab units, where staff bathe residents who cannot stand. We quote facilities with PO-ready, itemized pricing and volume pricing. Commercial and facility bathing · Nursing home tubs and showers
Transfer Bathtubs FAQ
What is a transfer bathtub?
A walk in tub with an outward door and an entry at seat height, so a wheelchair user slides sideways onto the seat instead of stepping over a threshold.
What is a reclining transfer bathtub?
A transfer tub with a molded, laid-back seat that supports the bather from head to hips, so a caregiver can bathe someone who cannot sit upright alone. The Rane Atlantic RR7 by Bestbath is one example.
How much does a wheelchair transfer tub cost?
Wide, transfer and bariatric walk in tubs start from about $19,000 installed with demolition, plumbing and trim. Supply-only delivery costs less. Quotes are itemized and written.
Can a patient lift be used with a walk in tub?
Yes, with a lift-ready model such as the Ella HoistAssist or a Rane transfer tub. Check the lift boom reach and the floor clearance with the tub before ordering.
Which side should the door be on?
On the side the bather transfers from, usually their stronger side. We confirm it before the tub is built because the door side cannot be changed later.
Does the VA pay for a transfer tub?
The VA HISA grant pays for medically needed bathroom changes up to $6,800 or $2,000. It does not cover spa, hot tub or jacuzzi features, so ask your VA prosthetics office before choosing jets.
Let's make your bathroom a safer room in the house.
Talk to a real person about walk in tubs, roll in showers, installation in your area and pricing. Veteran & senior discounts included.