Pediatric Wheelchair Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Manual, Electric), By Frame Type (Rigid, Foldable), By Application (Homecare, Hospital), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global pediatric wheelchair market size was valued at USD 1.85 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2022 to 2030. The market is expected to grow owing to the rising disabilities in children, high adoption of wheelchairs for pediatrics in developing countries, and increasing advancement in the wheelchair category. The market faced supply chain setbacks and operational restraints in 2020 due to the onset of Covid-19. However, the market recovered significantly in 2021 as the demand for pediatric wheelchairs increased due to increasing disabilities among the pediatric population.

According to UNICEF’s report launched in 2021, nearly 240 million children with disabilities, i.e. 1 in 10 children worldwide are being denied basic rights. Many children are born with disabilities such as autism, polio, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and tourette syndrome. In the case of cerebral palsy, polio, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and spina bifida, patients require wheelchairs for mobility as they cannot walk or move on their own. As per the cerebral palsy organization of the U.K., there are around 2000 babies born with cerebral palsy every year. Approximately 41% of infants and kids with cerebral palsy will have limited ability to crawl, walk, or run.

The manual pediatric wheelchair segment in the U.S. is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 7.0% from 2022 to 2030. The availability of reimbursement of wheelchairs from Medicare under HCPCS Code E1229 and other insurance companies is helping people to opt for better products and facilities. Furthermore, factors such as the increasing number of e-commerce platforms selling these products, growing internet penetration, and increasing urbanization are estimated to improve the awareness and availability of these products among the target population, especially in developing economies.

A recent study by Rodby-Bousquet and Hägglund suggests that there are many benefits for children with impaired walking ability to access a wheelchair in order to increase their independence in their environment, with early self-produced mobility crucial for the child's cognitive and psychosocial development. Moreover, advancement in wheelchair technology is improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation services provided to children with disabilities, which is expected to boost the market growth.

Due to the severe lockdowns put in place, wheelchair operations were stopped in various nations. Disabled children were more prone to the Covid-19 pandemic and hence were forced to stay at home. The supply chain and logistics were disrupted and hence the sales revenue and profit of companies were affected. There was a decrease in the demand for wheelchairs in the second quarter of the year 2020. Businesses are anticipated to restart operations with the updated COVID-19 restrictions. The increasing advancement in the wheelchair category, rising adoption, and the availability of various types of products are all contributing to the predicted rise in the demand for wheelchairs.

Product Type Insights

Manual wheelchairs held the largest revenue share of over 50.0% in 2021 owing to their easy use, lightweight, and ability to pack up and transport. The segment is expected to grow substantially due to the increased frequency of use and advancement in the manual wheelchairs category. On the other hand, an electric wheelchair has various alternative controls in addition to being operated with just one finger. As a result, even someone with significantly diminished physical ability can utilize a wheelchair. In the case of pediatrics, the wheelchair is handled by some adult person and hence, manual wheelchairs are more preferred.

Manual wheelchairs are comparatively cheaper than electric wheelchairs. An advanced electric wheelchair typically costs between USD 3,500 and USD 7,000, compared to USD 300 and USD 1,500 for a manual wheelchair. As per Physiopedia, manual chairs are mostly preferred for use among the pediatric population as they can be used for self-mobility, however, patients also base their wheelchair purchase decision depending on whether the wheelchair is required for outdoor or indoor mobility.

Frame Type Insights

The rigid frame-type wheelchairs segment dominated the market with a revenue share of over 50.0% in 2021. Foldable wheelchairs are expected to expand at the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to their easy accessibility, portability, and frame style. There are two frame types of wheelchairs: rigid and foldable.

Since foldable wheelchairs have a frame folding mechanism, they are heavier in weight than rigid wheelchairs. The rigid wheelchairs allow for minimal accessibility constraints and the continuation of an active lifestyle for the patient. They are also more comfortable as compared to foldable wheelchairs and have variety in their style. In terms of mobility, rigid wheelchairs are good compared to foldable wheelchairs. Due to moving parts and higher flexion and torsion inside the frame, folding frame designs typically have poorer inherent performance characteristics. However, while traveling, foldable wheelchairs are easily portable and come in very handy when traveling outdoors.

Application Insights

The others segment dominated the market with a revenue share of over 40.0% in 2021. The rise in wheelchair-related medical emergencies is associated with this growth. The need for wheelchairs is increased by the post-surgical procedures. These chairs are mostly utilized in hospitals for patient transportation and a trip to the doctor's office in a sizable medical facility. Many organizations help patients by providing devices and products. According to UNICEF, in 2021, over 134,000 children with disabilities were provided with assistive devices, disability-inclusive products, and emergency kits through UNICEF-supported programs across 81 countries. Pediatric wheelchairs are primarily used at hospitals, home care, and others like ambulatory surgical centers and rehabilitation centers.

The home care segment is expected to expand at a lucrative CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period owing to the increasing adoption of wheelchairs at home. The adoption of wheelchairs at home has increased because of increasing disabilities. In addition, wheelchairs are available in different types and at different rates through online channels and these channels also offer discounts with comparison features to allow consumers to make the right purchasing decision, which might further boost their demand. Increasing disposable income and the availability of various types will help the market grow.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with a revenue share of over 30.0% in 2021. The presence of major players, the high prevalence of physical impairment in the area, and the well-established healthcare infrastructure are some of the main reasons behind the industry growth. These factors are also responsible for the region’s sizable stake in the market. Additional factors anticipated to boost market expansion include advantageous government efforts and a rise in research partnership numbers. The U.S. has the largest stake in this region thanks to favorable healthcare policies, a large patient population, and a mature healthcare market.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow over the forecast period owing to the amount of workforce available, a rise in public healthcare spending, increased population, and children with disabilities. Additionally, it is projected that the market would grow due to the rising disabilities among children, the availability of reimbursement from insurance companies, and charitable international organizations like the United Nations Population Fund, which aims to assist these countries in formulating and putting national programs and policies into effect. Furthermore, rising disposable income and continued R&D efforts by significant regional companies to create cutting-edge items are anticipated to support the market growth throughout the ensuing years.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The industry participants are adding innovative technologies to diversify their product offerings. For instance, in July 2021, Sunrise Medical introduced the ultra-light QUICKIE Nitrum wheelchair, which provides the best rigidity and strength. The wheelchair market has grown by double digits for Ottobock, a German wheelchair manufacturer, in 2019. However, the pandemic crisis significantly decreased its sales. Many other businesses encountered the same difficulties. By the end of 2020, the business had begun to operate and was providing its clients with e-services like home delivery, video chats for e-appointments, and tips on social media. Some prominent players in the global pediatric wheelchair market include:

• MEYRA GmbH

• Sunrise Medical

• SORG Rollstuhltechnik GmbH

• Invacare

• Momentum Healthcare

• Permobil

• AKCES-MED sp.z.

• Medline

• Drive Medical

• Numotion

• Carex Health

• Pride Mobility

Pediatric Wheelchair Market Report Scope

Global Pediatric Wheelchair Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global pediatric wheelchair market report based on product type, frame type, application, and region:

• Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Manual

  • Electric

• Frame Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Rigid Wheelchairs

  • Foldable Wheelchairs

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospital

  • Homecare

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE