Wheelchair and Components Market

Wheelchair and Components Market Outlook (2023-2033)

Worldwide revenue from the  market stands at US$ 12.0 Bn in 2023, with the global market estimated to expand at a CAGR of 3.7% to reach US$ 17.9 Bn by the end of 2033.

As assessed by Persistence Market Research, wheelchairs contributed the largest share of 54.2% among the product category in 2023 globally. The wheelchair and components market share holds 80.8% of the global personal mobility devices market valued at US$ ~14.9 Bn in 2022.

Sales Analysis of Wheelchair and Components Market from 2015 to 2022 Vs Market Outlook for 2023 to 2033

The global market for wheelchairs and components recorded a historic CAGR of 3.5% in the last 7 years from 2015 to 2022.

Wheelchairs and their parts had fewer options available in the past. However, a variety of new items have been introduced onto the market as a result of ever-increasing demand and quick technological development.

The market is poised for tremendous expansion as a result of the introduction of new products that offer features that are more practical and user-friendly. Although the current situation suggests that manual wheelchair sales are high, notable improvements in powered wheelchairs have occurred in recent years. Over the ensuing years, it is anticipated that this will cause the target population to switch over to powered wheelchairs.

• In July 2018, The wheelchair manufacturer Permobil AB developed the R-net Bluetooth Mouse Module and R-net Bluetooth I Device Module to let users connect their wheelchairs to iPhones, iPads, iPods, Android phones, and computers.
• According to the world health organisation (WHO) in 2022, 1.3 billion people worldwide, which is 16% of the global population, experienced significant disability.

Additionally, a wide range of organisations, including Challenged America, The First Hand Foundation, and others, offer assistance to kids with impairments. They encompass a wide range of finance for items and services like recreation, supplies, accessibility, medicine, and a number of other goods and services. Thus, it is projected that wheelchair sales would increase over the future years as government and NGO financing and support for wheelchairs increases.

How are Manufacturers Growing within the Market?

“Rising Ageing Population and Increasing Quality of Life”

Every year, there are about 2 million new users, which results in a rise in the need for wheelchairs in the nation. The main drivers of the wheelchair market expansion are the rising global elderly population, chronic diseases, and rising powered wheelchair adoption.

• According to the FWM, i.e. Free Wheelchair Mission, there are an estimated 75 million persons lacking availability to wheelchairs worldwide. Its goal is to give disabled persons who live in developing nations more autonomy. FWM has provided more than a million wheelchairs since 2001, and by the end of 2025, they hope to have made available another million.

Increased healthcare spending is required to meet the unmet requirements of the growing elderly population and enhance their quality of life. Healthcare is one of the biggest costs for seniors. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that by 2060, health spending among its 35 countries might account for 14% of global GDP (up from 9.5 % in 2010). During the projected period, increasing investments are anticipated to increase demand for wheelchairs and their components. To make life easier for elderly persons who require assisted living, many start-ups are investing in home health programmes.

Over conventional wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs provide a number of advantages. Some recent innovations in electric wheelchairs include the ability to pair the wheelchair with smart devices, the ability to record medical history, alerts for distress calls in emergency scenarios, monitoring patients' welfare for critical indications, and design enhancements.

Additionally, the user's independence is increased by other characteristics that make it simpler to travel longer distances without becoming exhausted.

• For instance, Invacare Corporation launched the Invacare AVIVA FX Motorized Wheelchairs, a new power wheelchair, in March 2020. The user may manoeuvre around curbs, hills, and uneven terrain while feeling completely in control.

How is Market Progress Being Affected to Some Extent?

“Product Recalls and High Cost of Power Wheelchair”

Powered wheelchairs are highly developed vehicles that help the elderly and disabled with mobility, however, they occasionally have flaws, inconsistent technical problems, and other problems. Electric wheelchairs are regularly recalled by the FDA due to specific technological problems, which is anticipated to restrain market growth for wheelchairs and components throughout the projection period.

For example:

• The FDA started a recall of Permobil motorised wheelchairs made by Permobil AB in August 2018 due to the potential failure of one or both backrest bars that provide back support. The user of the back support runs the risk of hurting themselves if one or both of the telescoping bars break. The corporation started the recall, although not all the products were fixed.

Country-wise Insights

Why is the U.S. Market for Wheelchair and Components Market Booming?

“Developed Healthcare Infrastructure in the U.S.”

The U.S. accounted for a 25.9% share of the global market in 2022, and a similar trend is expected over the forecast period.

The region already has a sizable number of industry participants, which will help the market grow even more during the anticipated term. Many small businesses are developing customised wheelchairs to appeal to niche markets.

For instance,

• In January 2020, Segway, Inc., a U.S. company, revealed an egg-shaped pod that allows users to sit while travelling through amusement parks, airports, campuses, and even cities.

It is also possible for people who require wheelchair access to use this pod, which has a top speed of 24 mph.

Why is China Emerging as a Prominent Market for Wheelchairs and components?

“Increasing Wheelchair Manufacturers and Wheelchair Component Suppliers”

China held the largest market share of 49.8% of the East Asia Market for wheelchairs and components in 2022, with a market value of US$ 855.5 Mn.

One of the greatest rates of road accidents worldwide occurs in China, which causes a variety of injuries. After India, China has the second-highest percentage of the world's disabled population. Due to its thriving medical device industry, which sells products at much lower prices than in other countries, China is the most desirable market in Asia.

Additionally, it is anticipated that the nation's wheelchair manufacturers and component suppliers would grow greatly in the future years.

Will India be a Lucrative Market for Wheelchairs and components?

“Encouraging Government Initiatives and Increasing Consumer Awareness”

India dominates the South Asia market with a current market share of 49.7% and is projected to progress at a CAGR of 4.1%.

Over the future term, wheelchair manufacturers anticipate that developing nations like India will be important sources of revenue. The nation has one of the highest incidences of traffic accidents in the world, which has left many individuals handicapped. On a global scale, it also has one of the largest numbers of disabled people. The country is still in the early stages of availability and adoption, but thanks to encouraging government initiatives and increasing consumer awareness, the demand for wheelchairs is anticipated to increase in the years to come.

To make life easier for elderly persons who require assisted living, many start-ups are investing in home health programmes.

For instance,

• In 2016, SAIF Partners and India Quotient, a seed investor, invested $4 million early in the Mumbai-based healthcare start-up Care24. In addition to comprehensive medical assistance, it offers hassle-free, superior in-home senior care services.
• In July 2019, The Indian government launched a programme to make 5,000 public spaces more accessible to people with disabilities. There are 4,000 main structures, important train stations, and airports included.
• The Indian government has launched a campaign to convert half of all public buildings in the National Capital and all state capitals into completely accessible structures by June 2022.

Category-wise Insights

Why is Powered Wheelchair Demand Rapidly Rising?

“Greater Patient Adherence”

In 2022, wheelchairs represent 54.2% market share within the global market. One of the most popular assistance devices for personal mobility is powered wheelchairs. The United Nations provides the necessary legislation for member states to drive the development, manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance of these mobility devices.

The proper use of powered wheelchairs improves digestion and respiratory, lowers the incidence of common issues including deformities and pressure sores, and increases the quality of life.

Why are Light- Weight Wheelchair and Components Market in Such High Demand?

In 2022, light- weight wheelchairs dominated with a 32.3% market share in the modality segment globally.

It is better suited to persons with some use of their arms or elderly people who tired easily and need extra support to travel farther than they are used to due to its basic, portable design. The popularity of lightweight wheelchairs is a result of people choosing and using them more frequently due to the convenience and user-friendliness they provide for those with disabilities.

Wheelchairs that are light in weight offer an ease of use that is advantageous for this community. Lightweight aluminium chairs are easy to lift and move about because of their weight.

Which Distribution Channel Propels the Overall Market?

“Ease of Availability in Institutionalized Settings”

Institutional sales account for around 82.2% of the global market share in 2022. Owed to the rising number of geriatric patients with chronic disease burden, as well as the presence of inpatients within institutional settings, the segment for institutional sales holds a larger share within the global market as distribution channel. Moreover, hospitals offer patient transportation solutions for bariatric, as well as intensive care patients. This propels the demand for wheelchairs within the institutional settings. Furthermore, manufacturers offer bulk subsidies on contract basis to the institutional settings, further aiding towards the rising adoption of wheelchair and components within the market.

Competitive Landscape

The top players in the wheelchair and components markets want to increase their regional acquisitions. Europe, Latin America, and Asian nations like China and Japan have all noticed this tendency. Medical device corporations continue to seek out prospective assets from smaller businesses, which often have fewer resources to complete projects and bring them to market, in order to stay competitive and maintain a strong product pipeline.

Companies obtain these new items through licencing agreements and collaborations while still pursuing their own development initiatives.

For instance,

• In February 2020, Numotion, a top provider of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) services, purchased Monroe Wheelchair ('Monroe,' a prominent CRT provider in New York State), allowing Numotion to expand its reach and capabilities throughout the larger Northeast region.
• In January 2018, In order to increase its selection of seating and positioning solutions in Canada and the United States, Permobil announced that it has reached a deal to purchase the assets of NUTEC and Ottobock's OBSS bespoke seating businesses in these two nations.

Similarly, the team at Persistence Market Research has tracked recent developments related to companies in the  market, which are available in the full report.

Wheelchair and Components Market Report Scope

Wheelchair and Components Market Key Segments

By Product:

• Wheelchair
  • Manual Wheelchairs
  • Powered Wheelchairs
  • Powered Scooters
• Wheelchair Components
  • Hand Rims & Wheel Rims
  • Frames
  • Other Components

By Modality:

• Standard Transport Wheel Chairs
• Self-Propelled Wheel Chairs
• Sports Wheel Chairs
• Standing Wheel Chairs
• Recliners Wheel Chairs
• Bariatric Wheel Chairs
• Light-weight Wheel Chairs

By Distribution Channel:

• Institutional Sales
  • Hospitals
  • Ambulatory Surgical Centres
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Clinics
  • Long Term Care Centres
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Others (Airports/Railway Station/Hyper Market & Super Market)
• Retail Sales
  • Retail Pharmacy Chains
  • Retail Medical Device Stores
  • Online Sales

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia
• East Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East & Africa

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