Electric Wheelchairs Market by End-user, Product, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027

The electric wheelchairs market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.04% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,797.53 million. The growth of the market depends on several factors, including the increasing prevalence of orthopedic and neurologic disorders, the growing demand for rehabilitation services, and new product launches.

This electric wheelchairs market report extensively covers market segmentation by end-user (personal, hospitals, and sports conditioning), product (dry-battery electric wheelchairs and wet-battery electric wheelchairs), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)). It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. Furthermore, the report includes historic market data from 2017 to 2021.

What will be the Size of the Electric Wheelchairs Market During the Forecast Period?

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Electric Wheelchairs Market: Key Drivers, Trends, Challenges, and Customer Landscape

The increasing prevalence of orthopedic and neurologic disorders is notably driving the market growth, although the high cost of electric wheelchairs may impede the market growth. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Electric Wheelchairs Market Driver

The increasing prevalence of orthopedic and neurologic disorders is notably driving the electric wheelchairs market growth. Due to the increase in orthopedic and neurological diseases around the world, the demand for electric wheelchairs is increasing. Orthopedic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, knee problems, and recovery from orthopedic surgery (post-fracture) require patients to use mobility devices such as power wheelchairs. Medical emergencies, long-term and short-term disabilities, and rising surges in surgical procedures continue to drive the market as affected people require the use of mobility aids. Disorders such as osteoarthritis and fractures of the knees and hips mainly affect older people. This increases the dependence of individuals on family members and caregivers, creating demand for electric wheelchairs. Powered wheelchairs allow people with arthritis to move comfortably. Depending on the severity of arthritis,  doctors prescribe an electric chair with a raised footrest or a fixed angle. Some companies, such as Hover Round, offer accessories with attachable round ball knobs, along with power wheelchair controls. Attaching this soft, spongy yellow ball button to the controller may make it easier for some people with severe arthritis. 

Obese patients with orthopedic diseases need electric wheelchairs with additional load capacity. Companies are focusing on developing specialized products called bariatric or heavy-duty electric wheelchairs for overweight people. Demand for mobility aids is expected to continue to grow as more people suffer from such diseases. Therefore, the increasing incidence of orthopedic and neurological disorders is expected to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.  

Significant Electric Wheelchairs Market Trends

The growing adoption of front-wheel-electric wheelchairs is a key trend influencing the electric wheelchairs market growth. The adoption of front-wheel electric wheelchairs is increasing and is expected to support the growth of the market. Front-wheel electric wheelchairs are better than rear-wheel and mid-wheel-drive-electric wheelchairs, especially when it comes to overcoming obstacles and smoothing over uneven surfaces. With the drive wheels at the front of the wheelchair and the battery at the rear, it improves weight distribution and distributes the weight of the chair. In front-wheel-electric wheelchairs, the two smaller tires are in contact with the ground, so more force is distributed to each of the four tires. Also, when driving on soft terrain, grass, or uneven gravel roads, the more power the front-wheel-electric wheelchairs have, the more traction it has and the better their performance. 

Major  Electric Wheelchairs Market Challenge

The high cost of electric wheelchairs is challenging the electric wheelchairs market growth. Technological advancements and the addition of new features are driving up the cost of electric wheelchairs, hindering market growth. The high cost of electric wheelchairs makes them unaffordable for many users, forcing them to choose other mobility devices such as manual wheelchairs, medical walkers, and rollators. Moreover, in many developed and developing countries, governments do not provide reimbursement for these products, limiting the adoption of power wheelchairs. It will hamper the growth of the electric wheelchair market.

The average price of an electric wheelchair is between USD 1,350 and USD 1,700. A basic electric wheelchair model includes a seat, handles, armrests and footrests, motors, tires, electrical circuits, and batteries. Patients can choose a custom fitting that includes a neck brace, additional batteries, and a hoist to facilitate transfer from the chair. Such customized electric wheelchairs cost more. The average price for such a customized power wheelchair is between USD 15,000 and USD 25,000. Electric wheelchair batteries also need to be replaced, which can cost anywhere from USD 70 to USD 450, depending on the type of wheelchair. The high cost of electric wheelchairs may drive the adoption of cheaper alternatives such as manual wheelchairs and crutches. Therefore, the high cost of electric wheelchairs is likely to reduce their acceptance among the middle class and hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period. 

Key Electric Wheelchairs Market Customer Landscape

The report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Global Electric Wheelchairs Market Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Electric Wheelchairs Market Vendors?

Vendors are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

ComfyGO Inc: The company offers different types of electric wheelchairs, Mobility scooters, and spare parts.

The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market vendors, including:

• GF Health Products Inc.
• Hoveround Corp.
• Invacare Corp.
• Karma Medical Products Co. Ltd.
• Karman Healthcare Inc.
• LEVO AG
• Matsunaga Manufactory Co. Ltd.
• Medical Depot Inc.
• Medical Device Depot Inc.
• MEYRA GROUP
• Mr. Wheelchair cc
• Ottobock SE and Co. KGaA
• Permobil AB
• Pride Mobility Products Corp.
• Roma Medical

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

What is the Fastest-Growing Segments in the Electric Wheelchairs Market?

The market share growth by the personal segment will be significant during the forecast period. Electric wheelchairs are an ideal option for people with severe physical disabilities and can increase mobility and independence in everyday life. One of the main advantages of electric wheelchairs over traditional wheelchairs is their ease of operation. With the push of a button or joystick, users can control the movement of the power chair, making it easy to move indoors and outdoors. Comfort is also an important factor when using a wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs are equipped with comfortable seats and backrests so that patients can sit comfortably for long periods of time. Additionally, there are customizable settings such as adjustable footrests and backrests that allow users to adjust the chair to their individual needs. Electric wheelchairs are also equipped with advanced safety features such as anti-tipping mechanisms, automatic brakes, and speed limiters to prevent the chair from moving too fast or tipping over.

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The personal segment was valued at USD 843.92 million in 2017 and continued to grow until 2021. Due to the convenience and ease of use, power wheelchairs are becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who need assistance with everyday activities, such as the elderly and disabled who have difficulty walking. As a result, the wide range of electric wheelchairs available on the market has revolutionized the way people with mobility problems experience the world by improving mobility, freedom of movement, and autonomy in everyday life. Also, the market vendors are continuously launching new products to increase their share in the electric wheelchairs market.  Hence, the introduction of such products will drive the growth of the global electric wheelchair market through the personal segment during the forecast period.  

Which are the Key Regions for the Electric Wheelchairs Market?

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North America is estimated to contribute 47% to the growth of the global electric wheelchairs market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

The United States is the largest revenue contributor to the electric wheelchairs market in the North American region. The rising aging population in this region is a major factor contributing to the growth of the market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 23% of adults, or about 54.4 million absolute American adults, suffer from some form of arthritis each year, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus. The CDC also says that by 2040, about 78 million adults over the age of 18 will be diagnosed with arthritis. Arthritis can affect a patient's mobility, and such a patient may benefit from using a power wheelchair to remain independent without needing the help of another person for locomotion, thus maintaining independence. The rising prevalence of stroke is also spurring the demand for power wheelchairs in the region. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States. Approximately 150,000 leg losses are recorded each year in the United States. Such cases are spurring the demand for electric wheelchairs. Multiple supplier's presences in North America and their extensive distribution network also play an important role in the growth of the market. 

In 2020, the rapid spread of COVID-19 negatively affected the growth of key industries such as manufacturing and transportation, as well as the operations of key players in the market. Several countries across the world were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, several countries imposed lockdowns to curb the spread. Electric wheelchair production plants and supply chains were shut down. However, in the first half of 2021, a massive vaccination campaign was launched across the world, which curbed the disease spread and restarted manufacturing and supply chain activities, reinvigorating market growth in 2021. In addition, technological advancements in electric wheelchairs,  increasing adoption of e-commerce channels by vendors, and rising medical expenses will propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.  

Segment Overview

The electric wheelchairs market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027. 

• End-user Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027)
  • Personal
  • Hospitals
  • Sports conditioning

• Product Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027)
  • Dry-battery electric wheelchairs
  • Wet-battery electric wheelchairs

• Region Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2027)
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia
    • China
    • India
  • Rest of World (ROW)
    • Middle East
    • South Africa

Parent Market Analysis

Technavio categorizes the global electric wheelchairs market as part of the global healthcare equipment market. The parent, global healthcare equipment market is engaged in research and development (R&D) across a variety of product categories including capital goods, instruments, implants, accessories, and consumables used to diagnose, monitor and treat various medical conditions. Technavio calculates the global healthcare equipment market size based on the total revenue generated by manufacturers of various diagnostic devices and devices used in therapeutic areas. 

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Electric Wheelchairs Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the electric wheelchairs market between 2023 and 2027
• Precise estimation of the size of the electric wheelchairs market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)
• Thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of electric wheelchairs market vendors

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