Wheelchair Market

Global Wheelchair Market Size

The global wheelchair market was valued at USD 5054.1 million in 2023. The global wheelchair market was valued at USD 5402.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 9214.0 million by 2032, expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2032.

The wheelchair market is advancing rapidly due to factors like an increasing geriatric population, rising prevalence of mobility impairment, and technological advancements. Its importance can be understood from this fact. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 1.3 billion individuals, which is around 16 percent of the global population, currently suffering from significant disability. This figure is surging owing to the aging of a portion of the population and the escalation in the incidence of non-communicable diseases. So, presently, the market continues to move forward. Moreover, technological breakthroughs in this field depict considerable development in living standards for people with limited mobility. Over the years, these chairs have undergone several major changes, integrating novel solutions and technologies that elevate user mobility, providing independence and comfort. For instance, in October 2023, KIMM (Korean Institute of Machinery and Materials) developed a new electric wheelchair that works with robotic functions. Also, the chair has a mechanism that assists consumers in walking upstairs and even standing up straight with support. The core purpose of this chair is the assistive technology that promotes adaptability and comfort in different environments.

The wheelchair is an assisted device to improve the quality of life by supporting personal mobility-related issues in people with disabilities in walking, such as individuals with spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, old age, etc. Wheelchairs allow disabled persons to perform daily tasks comfortably and perform normal daily functions. Patients suffer from restricted mobility due to injury, illness, or disability. There are different wheelchairs available in the market, including manual and automatic/electric wheelchairs to accommodate the patient's needs. The wide range of wheelchairs includes control mechanisms, methods of use, and technology. Over the past decade, significant efforts have been made to develop a wheelchair with innovative features.

MARKET DRIVERS

YoY Growth in the Aging Population & Increasing Patient Population That Needs The Assistance of Wheelchair

The increase in the geriatric population and the growing number of disorders, such as spinal cord injuries requiring mobility assistance, propel the growth of the global wheelchair market. Approximately 63 million adults live with disabilities in the United States, out of which nearly 14.7% have a motor disability with severe movement difficulty for walking or climbing stairs. The World Bank has reported that approximately 1.2 billion, or 15% of the world's population, have a disability, and more than 22% of those 1.2 billion people are severely affected. In addition, other factors, such as growing consumer awareness and favorable government initiatives, are expected to increase the demand for wheelchairs in the coming years. According to the World Health Organization, 52 million people are injured yearly due to traffic accidents worldwide. Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 24 million adults have limited their activities because of arthritis. Moreover, more than one in four adults with arthritis suffers from severe joint pain, limiting their lifestyle. Therefore, the increasing prevalence of disorders and accidental mishaps require mobility assistance, driving a high demand for the wheelchair market in the forecasted period.

A wheelchair improves physical health by helping to reduce general problems, including social and mental health benefits to the patient. Using a wheelchair also decreases the long-term side effects such as bone deformities, pressure sores, improved metabolism, and exercise. There is an increasing demand for automatic or electrical wheelchairs as they are lightweight and require less assistance. In 2018, it was recorded that 3.5 million wheelchairs were used in the United States, of which 1.9 million were above the age of 65 years. These numbers are expected to increase yearly, expecting nearly 2.3 million new wheelchair users. Electric wheelchairs are more prevalent in developed countries, and manual wheelchairs are more popular due to their cost and easy availability.

The current market trend has companies adopting newer product launches and business models to expand their products globally and meet the growing unmet demand for wheelchairs. Many companies are looking for technological advancements involving artificial intelligence to grow the range of product options. In addition, market players to expand their product portfolio in developing regions. Market players operating in the wheelchair market are mainly targeting nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to meet the changing demands of customers around the world.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

However, factors such as the high cost of electric wheelchairs and the lack of healthcare infrastructure hamper the growth of the global wheelchair market. Certain factors, namely the availability of other disability substitutes such as walking aids and tough competition for various products, may create challenging barriers to market growth in the years to come. Evidence indicates that even though the WHO has provided guidelines on provisions for wheelchairs, finding the right type, whether manual or electric and ensuring proper usage remains a significant global problem. The focus of these provisions has been circling around just providing the item rather than adhering to an evidence-supported service delivery approach. Moreover, several governments have not dedicated themselves to implementing national wheelchair distribution policies, which severely affects the growth rate of the market. Also, various authorities rely on temporary and unsustainable approaches instead of delivering accessible, individualized services with trained personnel, quality products, ongoing practice, upkeep, follow-up, and effective management. As a result, universal wheelchair provision seems inconsistent, with fragile relationships among many stakeholders like users and their families, policymakers, regulators, manufacturers, service providers, and therapists. Nations fail to make sustainable and suitable wheelchair service delivery systems available. Hence, it’s a major restraint for the market expansion.

Another factor impeding capitalization on market trends is the lack of insurance coverage. The absence of this cover can make it tough for disabled people to access and afford mobility and desired independence. This can be credited to the high costs, inadequate coverage, denial of care, and lack of awareness, for example, in China, insurance coverage is not provided for durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs. In Italy, as well, the coverage for durable medical equipment is restricted to patients with specific health conditions. As per the World Health Organization, out of the 80 million people who require a wheelchair, the availability is limited to just 5 percent to 35 percent, depending on the nation they reside.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Product Insights

The manual segment accounted for the largest share of the global wheelchair market in 2023. Manual wheelchairs are in high demand worldwide due to their low cost, lightweight, and lack of need for electricity. They also come in various configurations and weights, ranging from standard to ultra-lightweight, and take up little space because many models are foldable. Moreover, rigid chairs stand out as the most preferred choice, offering the best combination of lightness and high performance. According to a study published in MDPI, on the basis of literature analyses provided, it was concluded that manual wheelchairs have several benefits and cannot be completely substituted for electric ones, so innovating ways to power them effectively is useful to. 

However, because of advanced healthcare facilities in developed countries such as the United States, electric wheelchairs are more popular. This segment is quickly gaining traction, which is propelled by technological developments that enhance customers' comfort and independence. Further, the market share of the segment is also elevated by the emergence of sports wheelchairs, which are establishing a distinct presence among fitness enthusiasts and athletes. It highlights the demand for tailored designs that provide exceptional performance and maneuverability.

By Category Insights

The adult segment witnessed a significant share in the global wheelchair market in 2023. However, the segment growth is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. The senior population significantly contributes to the wheelchair market, as seniors are more prone to various disorders and have leg-related problems. For instance, according to Physiopedia, on average, spina bifida affects 1 out of 1,000 births worldwide, but there are notable geographical disparities. Moreover, Wales and Ireland exhibit the highest prevalence, reporting 3 to 4 cases of myelomeningocele for every 1,000 populations, contrasted with rates of 011.7 in South America, 7.7 in the United Arab Emirates, 0.7 in France, and 0.9 in Canada. So, such cases are fuelling the expansion of the segment’s market size. In addition, due to the rising prevalence of juvenile illnesses such as cerebral palsy, the pediatric segment is also predicted to rise rapidly during the forecast period. 

By Application Insights

The rehabilitation center is anticipated to register a prominent share in the global wheelchair market during the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of accident victims, growing cases of people suffering from specific illnesses, and abnormal conditions majorly contribute to the 'rehabilitation centers' market growth. 

On the other hand, the hospital segment is also expected to expand fast, owing to the growing number of medical emergencies that need wheelchairs.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

North American is expected to reach USD 2.05 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 6.32%, with the United States dominating the North American market due to the growing geriatric population, which is more likely to increase the demand for mobility products, such as wheelchairs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 64 million adults live with a disability in the United States, of which 14.7% have a motor disability, and most are older Americans. On the other hand, Canada is expected to experience the fastest CAGR of over 8.9% during the forecast period due to the country's growing number of new businesses. As a result, Canada had the second largest market share after the U.S. in the wheelchair market in 2023.

Europe was valued at USD 1336 million in 2023 and is expected to be approximately USD 1795 million by 2029. The market is estimated to increase at an impressive CAGR of 6.08% between 2024 and 2029. The European wheelchair market will grow with new technological developments and significant companies in the region, and they are mostly expected to target emerging markets. The wheelchair market in Germany and the U.K. is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period.

The Asia-Pacific market is likely the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, with a CAGR of 8.84%, due to the senior population growth in East Asian countries such as Japan and China. For example, according to an article published in The Japan Times in 2024, more than 22% of the Japanese population is over 65, the highest proportion in the world. The drivers of market growth in these countries are the growing geriatric population, the increasing prevalence of age-related diseases, better healthcare and infrastructure, high health costs, increased disposable income, and favorable reimbursement policies.

Latin America is estimated to reach USD 503.53 million by 2029. The constantly expanding elderly population is one of the primary drivers for the wheelchair market. In addition, as people become older, they are more likely to develop mobility issues, which are expected to raise demand for wheelchairs, propelling the market forward throughout the projected period.

The market inthe  Middle East & Africa is expected to show steady growth during the projected period due to healthcare infrastructure development and the continued increase in product demand. The Latin American market is also expected to show good market growth opportunities. Brazil is expected to dominate the Latin American wheelchair market during the forecast period.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Companies that play a significant role in the Global Wheelchair Market profiled in the report are Invacare Corporation, Carex Health Brands, Ottobock, Sunrise Medical Limited, Drive Medical Design & Manufacturing, Pride Mobility Products Corp, and G.F. Health Products, Inc., a few of the prominent companies operating in the global wheelchair market.

RECENT MARKET DEVELOPMENTS

• In November 2024, United Airlines launched a unique digital tool that was devised to improve the travel experiences for travelers who utilize wheelchairs. It features a ground-breaking capability. This tool of United Airlines assists users in searching for flights that best lodge or house their wheelchair sizes. The United website and app both provide accessibility to the digital sizing tool. It is already utilized by more than 20,000 customers, and the service has played a part in enhancing consumer satisfaction marks or figures and more fulfilling travel experiences.
• In March 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) created India’s most adaptable electric standing wheelchair, designed locally to enhance the lives of wheelchair users.
• In March 2020, Invacare Corporation and its subsidiary, Alber USA LLC, announced the introduction of their next-generation -the Invacare® AVIVA ™ F.X. power wheelchair, e-motion® (M25), an innovative and next-generation electric front-wheel drive device.
• In February 2020, Numotion, a leading player in the market, announced its partnership with NOW Technologies to become the first U.S. distributor for their entire next-generation automatic wheelchair-controlled systems.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the global wheelchair market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on product, category, application, & region.

By Product

• Manual
• Electric

By Category

• Adults
• Pediatric

By Application

• Homecare
• Hospitals
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Rehabilitation Centers

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• APAC
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa