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The wheelchair market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.56% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,527.89 million. The growth of the market depends on several factors, including growing healthcare expenditure, enhanced post-treatment services, and the rising geriatric population.
This wheelchair market report extensively covers market segmentation by product (manual wheelchair and powered wheelchair), end-user (personal, hospitals, and sports conditioning), 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.
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The enhanced post-treatment services are notably driving the market growth, although the high cost of mobility products 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.
Enhanced post-treatment services are notably driving the wheelchair market growth. Advanced medical facilities provide better diagnostic services, medical therapies, and machine-assisted surgery supported by a variety of aftercare services such as critical care, neonatal care, and critical care. These services are performed in purpose-built units equipped with advanced clinical mobility products. In facilities such as intensive care units (ICUs) and intensive care units, patients are placed under observation for recovery. During the recovery period, the patient cannot move from one place to another without assistance. Therefore, these patients require a caregiver-powered power wheelchair. Similarly, convalescent patients in general wards also require mobility aids. For these patients, wheelchairs are primarily used as patient mobility devices. Different patient transfer devices are used in hospitals and other medical facilities, depending on the severity of the patient.
However, most patients use manual wheelchairs for greater comfort and mobility. For example, manual wheelchairs are mainly used in hospitals to transfer patients from the intensive care unit or acute care unit to other departments during patient recovery. Approximately 5.5 to 6.1 million patients are admitted to intensive care units worldwide each year. The increasing number of hospitalized patients requiring mobility during hospitalization has increased the demand for manual wheelchairs. This is driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Automation of manually operated products is a key trend influencing the wheelchair market growth. Clinical mobility products such as wheelchairs are used in healthcare facilities to improve patient mobility. In recent years, technological advances have allowed mobility products to become automated, controlled, and operated with minimal human effort. Various research programs, such as intelligent wheelchair systems and electric wheelchairs, are being conducted to develop intelligent electric wheelchairs that can be controlled via mobile apps or Bluetooth devices. In the United States and Canada, high disposable income and high medical costs have made power wheelchairs and smart chairs popular with people. Western European countries such as Germany, the UK, and France are seeing similar acceptance rates due to rising healthcare costs and well-structured government reimbursement policies.
The rapid adoption of mobility products in these countries has drawn manufacturers and suppliers to expand their business in developed countries. This business expansion includes innovations in wheelchairs and other premium mobility products. Premium products bring more sales to companies and also have a positive impact on the market during the forecast period.
The high cost of mobility products is challenging the wheelchair market growth. Wheelchairs are used in hospitals and home care. Among clinical mobility products, manual wheelchairs are perceived as relatively expensive low-end premium products. Due to the different product characteristics such as stability, strength, balance, and smoothness, there is a large price difference between manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs, which may increase the unit price of electric wheelchairs. For example, a manual wheelchair can be purchased for less than USD 96, while a power wheelchair can cost USD 950 or more. Therefore, large price differences can influence consumer purchasing decisions. Electric wheelchairs, such as mobility scooters, are rapidly being adopted by older people and patients with mobility problems because they require minimal human effort. Therefore, the demand for these mobility solutions is increasing.
However, alternative products such as canes and walking aids, which are less expensive than wheelchairs, also hinder the adoption of luxury wheelchairs, especially in developing countries. In addition, local vendors are producing lower-cost products that are more affordable than those of global vendors, resulting in the rapid adoption of these products by price-sensitive end users. Due to the high cost of electric wheelchairs, people in developing countries are rapidly adopting more affordable alternatives such as canes and crutches, hindering product penetration in these markets. The increasing cost of mobility products due to low product penetration will significantly hamper the growth of the market during the forecast period.
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 Wheelchair Market Customer Landscape
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.
21st Century Scientific Inc: The company offers different types of wheelchairs, wheelchair accessories, and custom motorized carts.
The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market vendors, including:
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.
The market share growth by the manual wheelchair segment will be significant during the forecast period. The growing geriatric population is influencing the demand for manual wheelchairs, which is the major growth driver of this market. Rising demand for manual wheelchairs and increasing availability in the local market, coupled with lower prices, are supporting acceptance by the elderly and boosting the growth of the market.
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The manual wheelchair segment was valued at USD 1,592.71 million in 2017 and continued to grow until 2021. The market is expected to grow at an accelerated pace during the forecast period owing to the increasing disposable income of people in developing countries. Increased disposable income leads to increased medical costs. Demand will increase as people change their mindset from low-end mobility products such as canes, crutches, and walkers to manual wheelchairs for convenience. This increasing demand will force vendors to expand their product portfolios and market reach, which is likely to drive market growth during the forecast period.
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North America is estimated to contribute 36% to the growth of the global wheelchair 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 contributor to the North American wheelchair market sales. According to the CDC, the percentage of the US population over the age of 65 is expected to increase from 12.4% in 2000 to 19.6% in 2030. In addition, technological advances in product design, construction, and use, as well as the availability of health insurance reimbursement, are sure to increase the demand for wheelchairs in North America during the forecast period. The rising prevalence of stroke is also spurring demand for these products in North America. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States. Approximately 150,000 lower limb losses are recorded each year in the United States. Such cases stimulate demand for wheelchairs in the country.
The market experienced a temporary drop in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic caused some manufacturing facilities to partially shut down their operations, leading to an economic collapse in 2020 and disruption of trade across the world. The production of wheelchairs decreased due to the temporary suspension of operations at manufacturing and manufacturing bases. However, as the disability rate rose, the demand for wheelchairs increased. However, a massive vaccination campaign allowed normal activities to resume, and production facilities reopened in 2021. Therefore, the above factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
The wheelchair 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.
Technavio categorizes the global wheelchair market as a part of the global healthcare equipment market. The parent, global healthcare equipment market includes products and companies engaged in research and development (R&D) of various product categories such as capital goods, instruments, implants, accessories, and consumables used in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various diseases. 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.
Wheelchair Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
155 |
Base year |
2022 |
Historic period |
2017-2021 |
Forecast period |
2023-2027 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.56% |
Market growth 2023-2027 |
USD 1527.89 million |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2022-2023(%) |
6.6 |
Regional analysis |
North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 36% |
Key countries |
US, Germany, France, China, and India |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
21st Century Scientific Inc., Compass Health Brands, Etac AB, Forza Medi India Pvt. Ltd., GF Health Products Inc., Hoveround Corp., Invacare Corp., Karma Medical Products Co. Ltd., Karman Healthcare Inc., Ki Mobility, Magic Mobility Pty Ltd., Medical Depot Inc., Medline Industries LP, NOVA Medical Products, Ostrich Mobility Instruments Pvt. Ltd., Ottobock SE and Co. KGaA, Permobil AB, Pride Mobility Products Corp., Rainbow Care Pte Ltd., and Sunrise Medical LLC |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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