Wheelchair Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Manual and Electric {Standard Powered Wheelchairs and Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Powered Wheelchairs}), By Type (Standard Wheelchairs, Bariatric Wheelchairs, Sports Wheelchairs, and Others), By Age Group (Adults and Pediatrics), By End User (Healthcare Settings {Hospitals & ASCs, Specialty Clinics, and Rehabilitation Centers}, Homecare Settings, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global wheelchair market size was valued at USD 5.10 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 5.58 billion in 2025 to USD 10.76 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period.

Wheelchairs are mobility assistive devices that are used to promote mobility and enhance the quality of life for people with mobility impairment and who have difficulty walking. The growing prevalence of mobility disorders among the population is leading to a rising number of disabled people globally, resulting in increasing demand for these devices in the market.

• According to 2024 statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four adults, accounting for nearly 28.7% in the U.S., have some disability.

Furthermore, the rising focus of companies on developing and introducing products with novel technology and features is another prominent factor contributing to the growing adoption of these devices in the market.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Prevalence of Mobility Disorders among the Population to Boost the Product Demand

The growing prevalence of disability due to mobility disorders among the population globally is one of the major factors driving the demand for mobility aids, including wheelchairs, in the market.

• According to 2021 statistics published by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, there were around 7.8 million people living with severe disability in Germany, accounting for nearly 9.4% of the total population of the country.    

The rising number of sports injuries in countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, India, and others is another major factor leading to growing demand for these devices in the market.

Further, the growing geriatric population prone to mobility disorders, including Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumas, and others, along with a growing number of product launches with technological advancements by the companies, are expected to fuel the global market expansion during the forecast period.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Cost Associated with Powered Wheelchairs to Limit its Adoption in Emerging Countries

The overall cost of wheelchairs, including the procurement and maintenance, among others, especially for the power chairs with innovative features and advancements, is one of the crucial factors anticipated to hinder its adoption among the population in emerging countries.

• According to a 2022 article, manual wheelchairs can cost around USD 100-300, whereas electric/powered chairs can cost up to USD 15,000-20,000, depending on the type and features included.

Moreover, the growing concerns related to safety among wheelchair users are another major factor leading to the restricted adoption of these devices in the market.

• For instance, in February 2023, AIDAPT wheelchairs manufactured by Argos were recalled due to the material weakness of the product affecting the bracket holding of the front wheelchair castors.

Therefore, the rising cost of these devices owing to technological advancements in the features and materials used for manufacturing, among others, are anticipated to hamper the global wheelchair market growth.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Large Potential in the Emerging Countries and Untapped Regions to Boost Industry Expansion

There is a vast discrepancy in the accessibility of mobility devices, including wheelchairs, in developed and emerging countries globally. In addition, the growing healthcare expenditure among the population in emerging countries presents a lucrative opportunity for industry players to strengthen their penetration in these markets.

Growing Aging Population Globally to Offer Lucrative Opportunities for Growth

The rising geriatric population with various injuries, mobility disorders, and others presents an increased addressable population with the demand for mobility solutions, including wheelchairs. This creates a huge opportunity for manufacturers to penetrate the market and increase the market size.

• According to a 2023 article published by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, there were nearly 280.1 million people aged 60 and over in China, accounting for approximately 20% of the country's total population in 2022.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Limited Accessibility of Products in the Emerging Countries to Hamper the Adoption

Limited Access in Emerging Countries – The lack of properly developed healthcare infrastructure in emerging countries such as Brazil, India, and others, along with limited provision of mobility aids across the population, is one of the major challenges in the adoption

of these devices among the patient population in these countries.

Other Challenges

Growing Number of Alternative Options – The rising focus of the companies in the market to develop alternative solutions with innovative technology to aid mobility disorders among the population, such as mobility scooters and exoskeletons, and others, can hamper the adoption of these products.

• In September 2024, Sunrise Medical and Scoozy partnered to develop and launch the Sterling S800, a next-generation outdoor mobility scooter with advanced technology and features.

WHEELCHAIR MARKET TRENDS

Technological Advancements in Mobility Solutions

There is a growing focus among companies, research institutes, and others to develop advanced wheelchairs with novel features and the latest technology, such as the integration of artificial intelligence. The growing technological advancements in mobility devices, are a major trend in the industry.

• According to a 2023 article published by the U.K. Research and Innovation, the University of Portsmouth received funding of over USD 579,000 for the integration of artificial intelligence in mobility devices. The research project will focus on the use of sensors and the invention of new shared control systems and artificial intelligence (AI) for powered wheelchairs.

Further, technological advancements are seen in the use of the materials deployed for manufacturing these devices, such as carbon fiber, among others, which helps these wheelchairs to be lightweight and have foldable designs.

Customization and Personalization

The growing demand for wheelchairs among the patient population with specific needs and requirements is leading to a growing focus of companies to develop custom products with tailored specifications for individuals to enhance the efficiency and comfort of users.

Adoption of Novel Concepts such as Circular Economy

The recent trend witnessed by the mobility device industry includes the rising shift toward the circular economy from linear production models. The growing focus of companies on strategically collaborating with other players to develop circular wheelchairs is a major trend in the industry.

The circular mobility devices maximize the value of the products through their reuse and recycling. Further, market players are shifting their focus to use more recyclable products for the manufacturing of these devices to support the circular economy.

• In March 2022, Etac launched its first circular wheelchair, Etac Cross re:vive, in partnership with Medux, a Dutch supplier of mobility devices, including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, and others.

Growing Demand for Powered Wheelchairs

The rising preference toward electric mobility devices, including electric wheelchairs, is leading to rising innovations in battery life and performance of these devices to enhance the overall user experience.

Impact of COVID-19

The market witnessed a slight decline in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic due to disruptions in the supply chain and reduced demand for mobility devices among healthcare facilities and homecare settings.

The major players operating in the market also reported a decline in their revenues from the mobility devices segment, which includes wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walking aids, among others, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was owing to the imposed lockdown restrictions and reduced demand for the devices.

• For instance, Invacare Corporation generated a revenue of USD 324.8 million from its mobility and seating segment in 2020 and witnessed a decline of around 18.7% compared to the previous year.

However, with the upliftment of the lockdown restrictions, access to healthcare facilities and services increased globally among the population. Moreover, the rising focus of industry players on minimizing the pandemic effect and improving the supply chain management of the products helped to mitigate the risk of the pandemic.

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SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Product

Manual Segment Dominated Owing to the Growing Adoption of these Products in the Market

Based on product, the market is divided into manual and electric. The electric segment is further categorized into standard powered wheelchairs and complex rehab technology (CRT) powered wheelchairs.

The manual segment accounted for the largest global wheelchair market share in 2024. The growing awareness regarding mobility devices, including wheelchairs, and the rising adoption of basic products, especially in emerging countries, are some of the few major factors supporting the segment growth.

The rising focus of government bodies and healthcare organizations on increasing the provision of manual wheelchairs is another significant factor driving the segment growth.

• In May 2023, WHO launched Wheelchair provision guidelines in collaboration with the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics and the International Society of Wheelchair Providers. These guidelines aim to support and improve the accessibility of wheelchairs, including for children and older people.

The electric segment is projected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The increasing efforts of market players to develop and introduce technologically advanced products to support the users with more efficiency and user-friendly features is a vital factor contributing to the growth of the segment.

• In March 2024, Hoveround Corporation launched Hoveround Mobility Solutions (HMS) with the aim of expanding its distribution of complex rehab technology products in the mobility industry.

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By Type

Growing Adoption of Standard Wheelchairs Among the Population Led to the Dominance of the Segment 

Based on type, the market is segmented into standard wheelchairs, bariatric wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs, and others.

The standard wheelchairs segment held the largest market share in 2024. The growing awareness and adoption of these products owing to their easy usability, basic features, and affordability among the general population are some of the major factors driving the segment growth.

The bariatric wheelchairs segment is projected to register the highest growth during the forecast period. The growing prevalence of obesity among the population, along with a rising number of bariatric surgeries in the U.S., U.K., and other countries, is resulting in the growing demand for custom mobility devices for the obese population, bolstering the segment growth.

• According to 2022 statistics published by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the number of metabolic and bariatric surgeries was around 280,000, witnessing an increase of nearly 6.5% in 2022 in the U.S.

The sports wheelchairs segment is expected to grow at a considerable growth rate during the forecast period. The growing number of sports injuries and traumatic injuries among athletes and others is one of the major factors driving the demand for these products

By Age Group

Adults Segment Dominanted Fueled by Incidences of Sports Injuries and Mobility Disorders

On the basis of age group, the market is bifurcated into adults and pediatrics.

The adults segment dominated the market in 2024. The rising number of adults suffering from various mobility disorders, sports injuries, and traumatic accidents, among others, is leading to a growing demand for mobility aids among the adult population in the market.

• According to 2023 statistics published by the CDC, around 12.2% of U.S. adults have a mobility disorder with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

The pediatrics segment is projected to grow at a considerable rate during the forecast period. The surging prevalence of mobility disorders among children, along with the rising focus of companies to introduce novel products for the pediatric population, are some of the major factors contributing to the segment growth.

By End User

Homecare Settings Segment Recorded Leading Share Due to Surge in Patient Admissions

Based on end user, the market is segmented into healthcare settings, homecare settings, and others. The healthcare settings are further segmented into hospitals & ASCs, specialty clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

The homecare settings segment dominated the market in 2024. The growing number of homecare settings in countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and others, leading to increasing patient admissions to these settings, are resulting in a rising demand for these mobility devices among these settings in the market. Along with this, the growing focus of the companies to develop and introduce products suitable for home use is another significant factor expected to augment the segment growth.

• According to a 2024 article published by the Carehome, there are around 16,700 homecare facilities in the U.K., including nursing homes and residential care settings.

The healthcare settings segment is anticipated to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. The improving healthcare infrastructure in emerging countries and the rising number of healthcare settings such as hospitals, ASCs, and clinics, among others, are some of the vital factors fueling the growth of the segment.

The others segment is projected to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is attributed to factors such as rising research and development activities among the research centers and others to develop and introduce products with novel technology and advanced features.

WHEELCHAIR MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America

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The North America market was valued at USD 2.25 billion in 2024 and dominated the global market. The rising support from government bodies and healthcare organizations to increase the provision of these devices among the population in the U.S. and Canada is one of the major factors leading to the regional market growth.

• In February 2024, the Manitoba government, a Canadian province, funded more than USD 288,000 for wheelchair repair jobs in the province with an aim to improve the accessibility of services.

The U.S. market is anticipated to grow during the forecast period owing to increasing awareness regarding the benefits of wheelchairs among the population in the country, along with a growing number of product launches in the country by companies to strengthen the market presence.

• In March 2023, Golden Technologies launched two new lightweight foldable power wheelchairs with the aim of expanding its current line of mobility products.

Europe

The region is expected to grow at a moderate rate during the forecast period. The rising geriatric population with mobility disorders, along with the increasing number of homecare settings in countries such as the U.K., Germany, France, and others, are some of the major factors driving the growth of the regional market. Additionally, the growing number of product launches by the key players to increase the adoption of these devices among the population is another important factor boosting the market growth.

• In May 2024, Küschall, a part of Invacare Corporation, launched the Champion SL manual wheelchair with the aim of strengthening its product portfolio.

Asia Pacific

The regional market is projected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The expansion is attributable to the rising investments by government authorities, healthcare organizations, and others to develop the healthcare infrastructure and facilities in settings in countries such as China, India, and others.

• In October 2023, the member countries of the WHO Southeast Asia region committed to prioritize the investment in primary health care to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.

Latin America

The region is expected to register a steady growth rate during the forecast period. The increasing cases of spinal cord injuries, traumatic injuries, and others in Brazil, Mexico, and other countries are leading to the growing demand for these devices, bolstering the adoption in the market.

• According to a 2022 article published by the NCBI, there are nearly 40 new cases of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in Brazil per year per million population, which is approximately 6,000-8,000 new cases every year.

Middle East and Africa

The region is expected to grow at a normal growth rate during the forecast period. Government organizations are raising awareness campaigns to support individuals with disabilities by providing mobility aids, including wheelchairs and other devices. This, along with a growing number of people suffering from mobility disorders in countries such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, among others, is another factor driving the demand for these products in the region.

• In December 2024, the Saudi Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities launched a support awareness campaign for people with disabilities to help them improve their quality of life.

The growing provision of mobility aids among the population by government organizations, healthcare institutions among others along with rising collaborations with various research institutes, and organizations to develop and introduce innovative products in the region are some of the vital factors supporting the regional market growth.

• In September 2022, Aston University, in collaboration with Real Steel Wheelchairs, designed a cost-effective children's sports wheelchair from recycled plastic. The project is funded through the British Council's Innovation for African University scheme, which aims to improve Africa's entrepreneurial skills.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Rising Focus of the Market Players to Develop and Launch Innovative Products to Foster Market Growth

The global market is fragmented, with several players offering a wide product portfolio of various types of wheelchairs for users. Invacare Corporation, Permobil, and Sunrise Medical are some of the prominent players in the market with a wide range of products with customization and features for the users. The growing focus of these companies to strengthen their product portfolio with advanced products is one of the crucial factors supporting the growth of these companies' market shares in the global market.

• In September 2023, Permobil launched a TiLite CR1, the lightest ever TiLite wheelchair, with the aim of strengthening its product portfolio.

There are several other players operating in the market with growing R&D focus and investments to broaden their product offerings and strengthen their presence in the market, such as Ottobock, Etac AB, and others. The strategic mergers and collaborations of these companies to introduce innovative products are other factors contributing to the growing market shares of these companies.

• In March 2023, Ottobock acquired Brillinger GmbH & Co. KG, a patient care company with the aim of expanding its network in south-western Germany.

Thus, there are several regional and local players operating globally in the market with a wide range of products and with continuous efforts to introduce innovative products with advanced technology and materials to enhance efficiency.

LIST OF KEY WHEELCHAIR COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Invacare Corporation (U.S.)


• Ottobock (Germany)


• Drive Devilbiss International (U.S.)


• GF Health Products, Inc. (U.S.)


• Etac AB (Sweden)


• Sunrise Medical (Germany)


• Permobil (Sweden)


• Pride Mobility Products Corp. (U.S.)


• Carex (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• October 2024 - Ottobock invested USD 24.4 million in Onward Medical, a European medical technology company creating innovative therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injuries.


• June 2024 - Drive Devilbiss International organized a “We Are Drive” campaign with an aim to raise the awareness regarding the compamy’s mobility product portfolio and brand presence in the market.


• June 2024 – Etac AB acquired Klaxon, one of the leading developers of power-assisted devices. The acquisition is aimed at strengthening its manual wheelchair product portfolio.


• March 2024 – Sunrise Medical launched the Allstar A2, an extraordinary multi—sports wheelchair with the aim of strengthening its product portfolio.


• September 2023 - Permobil acquired PDG Mobility, one of the leading players of manual tilt wheelchairs, with an aim to strengthen its manual products portfolio.


• August 2022 - GF Health Products, Inc., launched the Everest & Jennings Pure Tilt-In-Space wheelchair with the aim of strengthening its product portfolio.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed market analysis. It focuses on key aspects, such as market size & market forecast, market segmentation based on product, type, age group, and user and competitive landscape. It also gives an overview of the regulatory scenario, insights on adoption of mobility devices, and analysis for significant companies.

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Report Scope & Segmentation