Electric Wheelchair Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Category (Adult, Pediatric), By End-use (Hospitals, Outpatient Facilities, Homecare), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global electric wheelchair market size was valued at USD 1.87 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2023 to 2030. An electric wheelchair, also referred to as a power wheelchair or motorized wheelchair, is a type of mobility aid made for people with limited mobility who have trouble walking due to illnesses, accidents, or other medical issues. Unlike manual wheelchairs that require physical effort to propel and steer, electric wheelchairs are powered by electric motors, allowing users to control their movement using a joystick or other control interface. The rising geriatric population and the increasing number of injuries that need mobility assistance are some of the major factors driving the market growth.

Due to the severe lockdowns in the initial phase of the outbreak, wheelchair operations were stopped in various nations, this had led to a slight decrease in the market growth. However, due to an increase in the number of elderly patients being admitted as a result of the COVID-19 infection, hospitals have seen constant demand. The prevalence of chronic disease, the growing elderly population, and the increasing risk of lifestyle-associated ailments among a large population as a result of rising obesity and sedentary lifestyles are all contributing to the predicted rise in demand for wheelchairs.

Furthermore, easy accessibility for wheelchair users in various nations is contributing to the market growth. For instance, Singapore stands out in Asia for its dedication to accessibility. With specially constructed buses and lifts on all public transport systems, Singapore has the greatest infrastructure for wheelchair users, according to a study by the World Economic Forum. Another nation making significant progress in accessible travel is the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has made significant investments to ensure that people with disabilities may travel freely around the nation, providing free passes on public transport and designated parking spaces for disabled drivers. The nation also sponsors a variety of occasions and initiatives designed to raise awareness of problems with accessibility and inclusiveness.

Furthermore, evolving technological advancements in wheelchair designs are a key trend expected to drive future sales for the market. The launch of battery-operated electric wheelchairs is expected to assist the users to a better extent. Additionally, with the improvement in the design, the wheelchairs are now capable of storing and connecting the device with the patient’s medical history, and even monitoring the health of the users. In March 2020, Invacare Corporation launched an AVIVA FX Power Wheelchair. It is designed with a blend of new technologies to provide better comfort and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Category Insights

The adult segment dominated the revenue share in 2022 and accounted for 68.4% in 2022 of the electric wheelchair market. As the global population ages, the prevalence of mobility-related challenges increases. Many elderly adults may experience difficulty walking due to age-related conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and reduced muscle strength. Adults with chronic health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy, often require mobility aids like wheelchairs. These conditions can impact the ability to walk and necessitate the use of assistive devices.

However, the pediatric segment is expected to grow significantly owing to the growing number of childhood disorders such as cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common movement disorders that require wheelchairs.  According to the Cerebral Palsy Guidance, over 10, 000 babies in the U.S. are born with this disorder each year. It is the most commonly diagnosed movement disability in childhood in the U.S. Thus, the pediatric segment is expected to be a key revenue generator for electric wheelchair manufacturers in the coming years.

End-use Insights

Based on end-use, the market is segmented into hospitals, outpatient facilities, and home care. Hospitals accounted for the highest revenue share in 2022 of 55.3% owing to the high adoption of wheelchairs in the hospitals. Hospitals aim to ensure that patients are comfortable and mobile during their stay. Wheelchairs enable patients to move around the hospital premises, promoting a sense of independence and reducing the risk of complications associated with prolonged bed rest. Wheelchairs are also necessary for assisting patients who may have difficulty walking or require support while visiting this facility.

However, the homecare segment is likely to show the most lucrative growth during the forecast period. Wheelchairs provide a safer alternative to using furniture or other makeshift solutions to move around at home. They are designed to provide stability and reduce the risk of falls. Individuals with chronic health conditions that affect mobility, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries, often use wheelchairs to facilitate daily activities at home.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global market for electric wheelchair and accounted for 35.2% of the total market share in 2022. This is due to the rising number of wheelchair users and technological advancements in the region. Moreover, the presence of a large number of market players in the region has further boosted the market growth. It has been analyzed that many small businesses are developing specialized wheelchairs to compete in the market. Due to aging populations and an increase in traffic accidents, wheelchairs are becoming more frequently used by people with disabilities around the world.

However, In the Asia Pacific, the market is projected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The region is backed by a large population base in countries, such as India and China, owing to the improvements in healthcare facilities and growing government initiatives for offering quality mobility devices. Moreover, the high geriatric population in countries, such as Japan, also supports market growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The key companies are upgrading their products and introducing new technologies to increase their client base, obtain a larger market share, and enhance their product portfolio. For instance, in early May 2022, Sunrise announced the release of two new electric wheelchairs: the Quickie Q200 R for adults and the Zippie Mini for children. Furthermore, in 2021, the Invacare AVIVA STORM RX power wheelchair, which sets a new benchmark for rear-wheel drive power mobility, was introduced by Invacare Corporation. Some of the prominent players in the global electric wheelchair market:

• Drive Medical Design & Manufacturing

• Invacare

• Sunrise Medical LLC

• Karman Healthcare

• Quantum Rehab

• Numotion

• Pride Mobility Products Corp.

• Ostrich Mobility

• MEYRA

• Jinmed.

Electric Wheelchair Market Report Scope

Global Electric Wheelchair Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global electric wheelchair market report on the basis of category, end-use, and region:

• Category (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Adult

  • Pediatric

• End-use (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Outpatient Facilities

  • Homecare

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Denmark

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Kuwait