Market Overview
The Global Wheelchair Market is expected to reach a value of
USD 5.4 billion in 2023, and it is further anticipated to reach a market value of
USD 10.3 billion by 2032 at a
CAGR of 7.5%.
A wheelchair is a mobile chair with 2 or more wheels, a cushioned footrest, and armrests. It's used when walking is challenging due to illnesses, injuries, disabilities, or age-related conditions. Further, it caters to diverse needs, providing specialized adaptations, controls, & activity-specific models like sports or beach wheelchairs. Also, they are broadly categorized as motorized, powered by batteries, or manual, propelled by the user, an attendant, or both.
The increasing geriatric population and the growing prevalence of spinal cord injuries requiring mobility assistance are key factors propelling the wheelchair market's growth. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 17,730 new spinal cord injuries occur annually in the U.S., with vehicular accidents being the primary cause.
This positions the U.S. as a significant market for wheelchairs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a notable impact on the transport and mobility sector, severely disrupting wheelchair supply chains and hindering distribution efforts, highlighting vulnerabilities within the market during global crises.
Key Takeaways
- By Product, Electric wheelchairs leads in 2023 & is anticipated to dominate throughout the forecasted period.
- In addition, adult category wheelchairs is expected to have significant growth over the forecasted period.
- By Application, Rehabilitation Centers takes the lead & drives the market in 2023
- North America has a 35.9% share of revenue in the Global Wheelchair Market in 2023
Market Dynamic
The wheelchair market is expected to grow in the forecast period, driven by factors like an increasing number of neurological disorders, a growing need for automated
medical devices, a rise in the global elderly population, & higher disposable incomes. Further, emerging opportunities stem from applications in developing nations & a surge in demand for advanced electric wheelchairs, particularly from the sports industry.
However, challenges hinder the growth of the wheelchair market, primarily the high product cost & insufficient infrastructure. Further, smart wheelchairs, being both expensive & intricate, necessitate substantial resources and infrastructure for user familiarization and training efforts. These obstacles pose constraints on the market's expansion during the forecast period.
Driver
Driving Forces for Wheelchair Sales The wheelchair market is driven primarily by an increasing aging population worldwide and an escalation in disabilities such as arthritis, osteoporosis or post-surgery recovery for older adults. With increasing rates of
chronic diseases, accidents, or congenital issues leading to disabilities, wheelchair sales continue to surge.
Governments and healthcare organizations are strengthening support systems, including subsidies and accessibility initiatives, further fuelling market expansion. Advancements in wheelchair technology such as powered wheelchairs with customizable designs provide enhanced mobility and comfort to cater for a broader audience, contributing to sustained market expansion in this segment of
healthcare.
Trend
Technological Advancements and Smart Wheelchairs Advancements in technology are having an increasing effect on the wheelchair market, creating smart wheelchairs equipped with features such as IoT features, voice controls and AI navigation that are becoming increasingly popular in use today. These innovations help increase user autonomy and safety by providing
remote monitoring and precise maneuvering capabilities.
Lightweight materials like carbon fiber provide increased portability and durability. Foldable and compact electric wheelchairs provide urban users with greater convenience, while assistive robotics further diversify the market landscape. These trends underscore how industry has moved towards personalized tech-driven solutions that address users' individual needs across demographic groups.
Restraint
A key challenge facing wheelchair markets today is their high cost and limited accessibility, especially advanced models like powered and smart wheelchairs, which makes them unaffordable to many users due to insufficient insurance coverage or reimbursement policies. Furthermore, accessibility challenges still persist in developing regions due to limited awareness, infrastructure and supply chain limitations as well as lack of trained professionals for repairs and maintenance.
Further compounded by lack of trained repairmen available 24/7 for repairs and maintenance services resulting in user concerns over accessibility. These barriers emphasize the need for cost-effective solutions with wider access for wheelchair users from low income or underserved communities alike.
Opportunity
Emerging markets present wheelchair manufacturers with significant growth prospects. Expanded healthcare infrastructure combined with rising awareness about mobility aids has increased demand in these regions. Governments and non-government organizations in developing nations are initiating programs to provide affordable wheelchairs, increasing market penetration. Furthermore, urbanization trends and accessibility standards in public spaces are driving adoption rates.
Innovations such as locally manufactured and cost-efficient models can expand market penetration even further. Focusing on inclusivity and sustainable solutions also resonates with changing consumer tastes, creating fertile ground for wheelchair manufacturers to extend their reach and impact.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Product
The electric wheelchairs lead the market with a majority share in 2023. An electric wheelchair, powered mainly by charges & engines, is commonly known as a motorized scooter or electric scooter. Traditionally, these wheelchairs have been operated using controllers for navigation. In recent times advancements, incorporating ML & advanced analytics, have highly enhanced the utility and efficiency of wheelchairs.
Further, the electric wheelchair sector, already holding the largest market share, is expected to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecasted period. Particularly advantageous for individuals lacking strength & endurance, these technologically advanced wheelchairs have become more prevalent, mainly in industrialized nations like the U.S., where sophisticated treatment centers contribute to their increasing popularity.
By Category
The adult segment asserted its dominance in the market in 2023, capturing the largest revenue share, and is expected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period. The occurrence of disability among the elderly population, aged 18 & above, due to conditions like arthritis pain or stiffness in joints, is a high driver for the sustained demand for wheelchairs in this segment, which further contributes to the continued prominence of the adult category.
Further, the pediatric segment is anticipated to experience substantial growth, driven by the rising incidence of childhood disorders like cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy, a common movement disorder among children, necessitates the use of wheelchairs, thus making the pediatric segment emerge as a crucial revenue source for wheelchair manufacturers in the coming future.
By Application
The dominant force in the market is the rehabilitation facilities category in 2023, claiming the majority of total sales. Even with a gradual increase, the sector is expected to maintain its lead over the forecast period. Further, the market, which is also categorized into hospitals, home care, ambulatory surgical centers, & residential treatment, reflects this trend, driven by a growth in clinical conditions requiring wheelchairs. Particularly, wheelchair requirement is increased during treatments & medical visits in large healthcare centers, improving mobility & facilitating patient care.
Also, a moderate expansion in revenue for clinics and hospitals is anticipated over the coming years, as it plays a crucial role in patient services within hospitals, enabling smooth transitions & better mobility. Beyond facilitating movement, wheelchairs contribute to avoiding pressure injuries, slowing deformities, & enhancing respiratory & digestive functions. The anticipated rise in wheelchair demand within hospitals and healthcare facilities underscores their versatile and indispensable nature in promoting patient well-being.
The Wheelchair Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following
By Product
By Category
By Application
- Homecare
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- Rehabilitation Centers
Regional Analysis
North America takes the lead in the global market,
claiming a substantial 35.9% of the total revenue share, which is due to a sizable target population & a growing trend in the adoption of advanced wheelchairs. Also, the region's market growth is further driven by the presence of various industry players, promising constant expansion throughout the forecast period, as many small enterprises are entering the market with specialized wheelchairs customized to niche audiences, diversifying the product landscape.
Further, the Asia Pacific region is expected to have the fastest market growth in the forecast period, fueled by the major population in countries like India & China, enhancement in healthcare infrastructure, & government initiatives supporting quality mobility devices, also, the region demonstrates a strong potential for market development. In addition, the increasing elderly population in countries like Japan contributes to the overall support for market growth in the Asia Pacific region.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
The global wheelchair market is characterized by intense competition among numerous players, each striving to innovate and cater to diverse user needs, as major factors influencing the competitive landscape include technological development, product differentiation, pricing strategies, & efforts to expand market presence through collaborations, partnerships, and geographic diversification.
In January 2022, Invacare Corporation introduced the 'One Solution' initiative, streamlining the process of acquiring essential medical equipment, which combines their top wheelchairs with premium seating systems, providing a comprehensive solution, as one can conveniently order & receive both components in one go, simplifying the purchasing experience for non-acute medical products like wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, and more.
Some of the prominent players in the global Wheelchair Market are:
- Medline
- Invacare
- Numotion
- Seating Matters
- Carex Health Brands
- Karman Healthcare
- Sunrise Medical
- Pride Mobility Products Corp
- OttoBock Healthcare
- LEVO
- Other Key Players
COVID-19 Pandemic & Recession: Impact on the Global Wheelchair Market
The global wheelchair market faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic & ensuing recession, as there were disrupted supply chains, causing shortages in raw materials & manufacturing delays. Lockdowns & restricted mobility impacted the distribution and sale of wheelchairs, mainly in regions heavily affected by the virus. In addition, economic uncertainties during the recession led to financial constraints for potential buyers, impacting market demand.
Further, healthcare facilities, overloaded with pandemic-related concerns, experienced switching priorities, potentially delaying non-urgent wheelchair acquisitions. While the healthcare industry adapted to new norms and gradually recovered, the wheelchair market faced a complex landscape marked by pandemic-induced disruptions and economic constraints, necessitating resilience and strategic adjustments for manufacturers and distributors.
Recent Development
- In January 2022, Permobil AB introduced its advanced Progeo Noir 2.0 carbon fiber wheelchair in the UK, which is designed as the flagship model and brings advanced features & innovation to the wheelchair market. Further, with its launch, individuals in the UK now have access to a premium & technologically sophisticated carbon fiber wheelchair option from Permobil AB.
- In August 2022, Sunrise Medical successfully finalized two major acquisitions in Europe, which include, Helping Hand Company and Now Tech, which helps the company in enhancing Sunrise Medical's technological capabilities and product portfolio.
- In April 2022, Permobil Inc. disclosed a major investment of over USD 15 million to enhance production at its manufacturing facility in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Report Details
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2023) |
USD 5.4 Bn |
| Forecast Value (2032) |
USD 10.3 Bn |
| CAGR (2023-2032) |
7.5% |
| Historical Data |
2017 - 2022 |
| Forecast Data |
2023 - 2032 |
| Base Year |
2022 |
| Estimate Year |
2023 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Product (Manual and Electric), By Category (Adults
and Pediatric), By Application (Homecare, Hospitals,
Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Rehabilitation
Centers) |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA
|
| Prominent Players |
Medline, Invacare, Numotion, Seating Matters, Carex
Health Brands, Karman Healthcare, Sunrise Medical,
Pride Mobility Products Corp, OttoBock Healthcare,
LEVO, and Other Key Players |
| Purchase Options |
We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License (Limited to 1 user), Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), and Corporate Use License (Unlimited User) along with free report customization equivalent to 0 analyst working days, 3 analysts working days and 5 analysts working days respectively. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Global Wheelchair Market size is estimated to have a value of USD 5.4 billion in 2023 and is
expected to reach USD 10.3 billion by the end of 2032.
North America has the largest market share for the Global Wheelchair Market with a share of about
35.9% in 2023.
Some of the major key players in the Global Wheelchair Market are Medline, Invacare, Numotion, and
many others.
The market is growing at a CAGR of 7.5 percent over the forecasted period.