Can you use a Shewee sitting down in the car? The Ultimate Travel Guide

September 22, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2023 study by Statista, 84% of leisure trips in the US are taken by car, highlighting the common challenge of finding a clean restroom on the road. This guide explores whether you can use a Shewee sitting down in the car and provides step-by-step instructions to ensure a hygienic and discreet experience during your journey.

Quick Summary

Using a Shewee while seated in a vehicle is achievable with proper preparation, including the use of an attached receptacle like a bottle or bag, and a small amount of practice. This solution offers women a discreet and convenient way to address bathroom needs during long car journeys, alleviating discomfort and the stress of finding public facilities.

Key Points

Yes, it's possible to use a Shewee seated in a car: With the right accessories and technique, you can use the device discreetly from a seated position for road trips.
Use a collection receptacle: An essential part of the process is a wide-mouth bottle or absorbent bag (like a Peebol) to collect the urine and prevent spills.
Practice for a mess-free experience: Before your trip, practice using the Shewee and collection bottle in the shower at home to build confidence and refine your technique.
Ensure a firm seal to prevent leaks: Hold the Shewee with a little upward pressure against your body to create a proper seal, directing the flow straight down into the receptacle.
Prepare your car and gear: Keep your Shewee, collection receptacle, wipes, and hand sanitizer easily accessible. A small tarp or open car doors can provide extra privacy and protection.

Is It Possible to Use a Shewee While Seated in a Car?

Yes, it is entirely possible to use a Shewee from a seated position inside a car. While the device is often marketed for standing use, manufacturers and experienced users confirm that with the right approach and accessories, it can be used discreetly and effectively while sitting down. The key is to manage the urine flow into a collection receptacle, such as a bottle or a special absorbent bag.

Essential Gear for In-Car Shewee Use

To ensure a successful and mess-free experience, you’ll need more than just the Shewee funnel. Proper preparation is critical for maintaining hygiene and ease of use in the confined space of a vehicle.

Required Accessories

Collection Receptacle: A wide-mouth bottle or a portable urinal bag, such as the Shewee Peebol, is essential. The Shewee website recommends a bottle with at least a 1-liter capacity. The Peebol, in particular, contains absorbent crystals that turn liquid into a bio-degradable gel, preventing spills and odors.
Extension Pipe: The Shewee Extreme model comes with an extension pipe that directs the flow of urine further away from your body and clothing. This is highly recommended for seated use to prevent splashes.
Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Keep these within easy reach for cleanup. Hand sanitizer is a necessity before and after use.
Disposal Bag: A small, opaque bag for discreetly storing used wipes and, if necessary, the receptacle until you can properly empty and clean it.

Step-by-Step Guide for Using a Shewee While Sitting Down

For a smooth process, it's highly recommended to practice at home first, ideally in the shower, to get comfortable with the technique. Once you have practiced, follow these steps for in-car use.

The Procedure

Find a Discreet Location: Pull over safely to a spot away from traffic. A lay-by, rest area, or a secluded parking spot works best. If you can, use the open car doors to create a private cubicle.
Prepare the Gear: Get your Shewee and the collection receptacle ready. If using a bottle, ensure the lid is off. For a Peebol bag, ensure the opening is ready.
Position Yourself: Scoot to the edge of your seat. This allows the Shewee's outlet pipe to be directed vertically downwards, into your receptacle on the floor.
Insert the Shewee: With one hand, hold the Shewee. Place the wide end against your body, ensuring a firm seal against the outside of your labia. A little upward pressure can help prevent leaks.
Urinate: Relax and urinate, directing the flow into your chosen receptacle. Tilting the collection bottle slightly can prevent splashing and noise.
Clean Up: When finished, wait a moment, then pull the Shewee slowly forward and upward to remove any remaining drops. Use a wipe to clean yourself and place the used wipe into your disposal bag. Secure the cap on your receptacle.
Sanitize: Apply hand sanitizer to ensure clean hands before resuming your journey.

Comparison of Car Urination Methods


Method	Privacy	Ease of Use	Potential for Mess	Required Equipment
Shewee (Seated)	High (when used correctly)	Moderate (requires practice)	Low (with good technique)	Shewee, collection receptacle, wipes
Simple Bottle	Moderate (riskier for women)	Difficult for women	High	Wide-mouth bottle
Squatting Outdoors	Low to Moderate (depends on location)	Easy (requires dexterity)	Moderate (risk of wetting feet/pants)	N/A
Disposable Funnel	High (similar to Shewee)	Easy	Low (single-use)	Disposable funnels, wipes
Road Trip Potty	High (integrated system)	Easy	Low	Integrated unit, liner bags

Tips for a Successful In-Car Experience

Practice Makes Perfect: Don't wait for an emergency. Use the device in the shower first to perfect your technique and build confidence.
Choose the Right Clothes: Opt for clothing that allows easy access without needing to fully undress. Loose-fitting trousers or skirts are ideal.
Bring Extra Supplies: Always pack more wipes, hand sanitizer, and disposal bags than you think you'll need. A small tarp or absorbent cloth is also a good idea to protect your seat from any potential spills.
Stay Hydrated: Having a reliable in-car solution means you don't have to restrict your fluid intake on long drives. Staying hydrated is crucial for health and avoiding fatigue. For further reading on bladder control issues, consult resources like the Mayo Clinic.

The Benefits of Using a Shewee in the Car

For women, having a discreet and portable urination solution offers numerous advantages, particularly during travel.

Discretion and Privacy

Using a Shewee from a seated position, particularly with the aid of open doors for visual cover, allows you to maintain privacy. This is invaluable when stuck in traffic or in areas with no public facilities, where having to squat by the side of the road would be impossible or undignified.

Convenience and Speed

Bathroom breaks can slow down a journey. With an in-car solution, you can simply pull over, use the device quickly and hygienically, and get back on the road. This saves time and avoids the hassle of searching for the nearest rest stop.

Hygiene

Public toilets, especially in remote areas or during festivals, can be unhygienic. Using a personal device and your own receptacle eliminates contact with potentially dirty surfaces, reducing the risk of exposure to germs.

Accessibility for All

Female urination devices are not just for convenience but also provide a crucial lifeline for those with mobility issues, such as the elderly, pregnant women, or people with arthritis. Using a Shewee from a seated position can be a much more comfortable and accessible option than squatting or bending.

Final Thoughts on In-Car Shewee Use

While the prospect of using a Shewee while seated in a car might seem daunting at first, it is a practical and effective solution for many travel scenarios. By ensuring you have the right accessories, practicing your technique, and taking precautions against mess, you can enjoy the freedom and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a reliable bathroom option on the go. Whether for long road trips, traffic jams, or outdoor adventures, this device offers a discreet and hygienic alternative to traditional methods, empowering women to travel without unnecessary worry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use a Shewee while sitting down in a car. It requires pairing the funnel with a collection receptacle, such as a wide-mouth bottle or an absorbent pee bag, and using a specific technique to ensure a clean process.

The best way to prevent spills is to practice before your trip, use a wide-mouth bottle or absorbent bag, and hold the Shewee with firm, upward pressure against your body to create a tight seal. Scooting to the edge of your seat and using an extension pipe can also improve aim.

Yes, you will need a collection receptacle, like a Shewee Peebol bag or a wide-mouth bottle, since the standard Shewee device is just a funnel. An extension pipe can also be very helpful for better aim in a seated position.

For maximum discretion, pull over to a secluded spot. Opening both front and rear car doors on one side can create a private screen from public view. Having a disposal bag for used wipes also adds to discretion.

Yes, a Shewee can be an excellent option for pregnant women who may need frequent bathroom breaks and find it difficult or uncomfortable to squat over unhygienic public toilets. It offers a clean and accessible solution on the road.

After use, rinse the Shewee with a little water if possible and dry it with a wipe or tissue. You can also give it a few vigorous shakes to remove drops. Store it in its carrying case until you can properly wash it with soap and water.

A wide-mouth bottle, such as a Gatorade or Core water bottle, is generally easier to use. A bottle with at least a 1-liter capacity is recommended, and tilting it while in use can help with control and splash prevention.