ShowerBuddy SB1 – Shower Transfer System for Step-In Showers
The ShowerBuddy SB1 is a versatile shower transfer system built for step-in showers with an existing hob or height difference. Its innovative bridge and track system lets the user be transferred seated over the lip of the shower and positioned safely inside, all without modifying your bathroom – ideal for rentals or homes where structural changes are not possible.
Key features of this shower transfer system
Seated transfer over a hob or step
The SB1 lets the user stay comfortably seated while being transferred into a step-in shower. The chair rolls onto the bridge and slides along the track, taking the user smoothly over the shower lip or hob and into position inside the shower area.
Showering with no bathroom modifications
With no need to cut tiles, remove the hob or renovate, the SB1 is ideal for rented homes and bathrooms that cannot be altered. The shower base unit uses waterproof suction feet to fix securely to the shower floor during use.
Shower and toilet access in one system
The same chair can be positioned over a standard toilet as well as into the shower. This gives you full shower and toileting access from one transfer system, reducing the need for multiple pieces of bathroom equipment.
Rotating seat & caregiver access
Once in the shower, the base locks in place with suction feet and the chair can rotate to suit user preference and carer access. The bridge can be removed during the shower, making it easier to assist with washing and repositioning, then reattached for a smooth transfer out.
Who the ShowerBuddy SB1 is ideal for
The SB1 is designed for people who cannot safely step into a shower with a hob or lip, and for families or carers who want to avoid heavy lifting at shower time.
- People with mobility challenges who cannot step over a shower hob or threshold.
- Families in rental properties or homes where bathroom modifications are not allowed.
- Carers who want to minimise manual lifting and awkward transfers into the shower.
- Anyone wanting a long-term shower transfer system that can be packed down and re-installed if they move house.
ShowerBuddy – SB1 – Shower Transfer System
$3,365.00
Available on backorder, with most items being received in 3–5 business days.
Buying the ShowerBuddy SB1 vs hiring a shower chair
The SB1 is designed as a long-term shower transfer solution. While hire can help in short-term situations, buying the SB1 usually makes more sense if you need seated shower access for months or years, or if carers are supporting you daily.
Once installed (usually in under an hour), the SB1 allows ongoing transfer in and out of a step-in shower and positioning over a standard toilet, all without changing your tiles or fixtures. If you move, you can pack down the SB1 and set it up again in the new bathroom.
If you are unsure whether to buy or hire a shower transfer system, we can look at your bathroom layout, expected time-frame and care needs, and help you decide which option is most practical and cost-effective.
ShowerBuddy SB1 vs standard shower or bath chair
| Feature | ShowerBuddy SB1 | Standard shower/bath seat |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer over hob / step-in shower | ✓ Bridge and track allow seated transfer over a shower lip or height difference. | User usually still needs to step over the hob or threshold, or requires major bathroom changes. |
| Bathroom modifications required | ✓ No structural modifications – ideal for rentals. | Often relies on a walk-in or level-access shower being installed first. |
| Toilet positioning | ✓ Can be positioned over a standard toilet as well as in the shower. | Usually only functions as a seat inside the shower or bath. |
| Carer effort & lifting | ✓ Minimises heavy lifting – user stays seated throughout transfer. | Carer may still need to assist with stepping, turning or lifting into the shower area. |
| Moving house | ✓ Can be packed down and re-installed in a new bathroom. | Often fixed to a particular shower layout; may not transfer easily to a new home. |
Measure your bathroom with BathCheck™
BathCheck is a free bathroom measuring app for OTs, families and users. Answer a few questions and BathCheck will suggest which ShowerBuddy transfer system is likely to fit your shower or bath — before you buy.
Open BathCheck in your browser →
Frequently asked questions about the ShowerBuddy SB1
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How does the ShowerBuddy SB1 shower transfer system work? +
The SB1 uses a chair, bridge and shower base to move you in and out of a step-in shower while seated. The carer lines up the chair and bridge with the shower, then the user is moved back along the bridge, over the hob or lip, onto the fixed shower base. The base locks in place with waterproof suction feet. The bridge can be removed for carer access and the chair can rotate for easier washing. When finished, the chair reconnects to the bridge and the user is transferred back out of the shower. -
Do I need to remove the shower hob or renovate my bathroom? +
No. The SB1 is specifically designed for showers with an existing hob or height difference. The bridge and track system transfers the chair over the lip, so there is no need for tiling, cutting or creating a walk-in shower. This makes it ideal for rented homes, units and bathrooms where modifications are not allowed or are too costly. -
Can the ShowerBuddy SB1 be used over the toilet as well? +
Yes. As well as shower access, the SB1 can be configured to position the user over a standard toilet. This allows one system to handle both toileting and showering needs, which is helpful in smaller bathrooms or when trying to reduce the amount of equipment at home. -
What happens if we move house or change bathrooms? +
The SB1 is designed to be set up, packed down and re-installed. Initial setup and configuration normally takes under an hour. If you move house, you can take the system with you and install it in the new bathroom, provided the shower layout is suitable for the bridge and base. This makes it a practical long-term investment, not a fixed modification.