Wheelchair Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The Wheelchair Market was valued at approximately US$ 4,073.71 million in 2021 and is projected to grow to US$ 6,459.07 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the period from 2021 to 2028.

The expansion of the wheelchair market can be primarily attributed to the increasing elderly population globally and the rising incidence of medical conditions that necessitate mobility assistance. Nevertheless, the market may face challenges due to operational issues related to wheelchairs and the high costs associated with powered models throughout the forecast period.

Individuals utilize wheelchairs when they are unable to walk due to various reasons such as injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. The market offers a diverse array of wheelchairs tailored to meet specific patient needs. These wheelchairs vary significantly in terms of control mechanisms, propulsion methods, and the technologies employed. Over the past decade, there has been a concerted effort to innovate and enhance wheelchair features.

Conditions like spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and arthritis often necessitate the use of wheelchairs for mobility. The increasing prevalence of these disorders is driving the demand for wheelchairs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 250,000 and 500,000 individuals worldwide suffer from spinal cord injuries (SCIs) annually. The National SCI Statistical Center (NSCISC) reported that approximately 17,810 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States, with common causes including vehicle accidents, falls, violence, and sports-related incidents. Furthermore, the NHS Specialized Spinal Cord Injury Services reported that in the 2017-2018 period, around 2,429 new patients were referred to specialist centers in England, resulting in 864 new admissions. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation noted that in 2013, about 1.7% of the US population, equating to approximately 5.4 million individuals, were living with some form of paralysis, which is often caused by issues within the central nervous system that hinder movement. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that around 24 million adults have limited their activities due to arthritis, with over 25% of adults with arthritis experiencing severe joint pain.

Consequently, the rising prevalence of conditions that require mobility assistance is significantly boosting the demand for wheelchairs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a major global challenge, particularly affecting developing nations by disrupting imports and global trade. The pandemic has had a profound impact on various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research and development. Wheelchairs are classified as essential medical devices for numerous mobility-related conditions. The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic led to shortages in the supply of wheelchairs and related consumables. In response, market players are implementing various strategies to enhance the distribution of wheelchairs. For instance, the British Red Cross reported that in 2020, it provided wheelchair services to approximately 140 communities across the UK and supplied around 50,000 wheelchairs to individuals with both permanent and temporary mobility challenges.

In terms of product segmentation, the wheelchair market is divided into powered/electric wheelchairs, smart wheelchairs, and manual wheelchairs. The manual wheelchair segment dominated the market in 2021, while the powered/electric wheelchair segment is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of manual wheelchairs in healthcare settings.

When categorized by type, the wheelchair market includes front wheel drive, center wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and standing electric wheelchairs. The center wheel drive segment held the largest market share in 2021 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to its advantages such as ease of navigation through doorways and narrow spaces, along with enhanced stability.

From an end-user perspective, the wheelchair market is segmented into homecare, hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The rehabilitation centers segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021 and is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

In terms of application, the wheelchair market is categorized into neurologically impaired individuals, handicapped patients, and others. The neurologically impaired segment held the largest market share in 2021 and is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Regarding usage, the wheelchair market is divided into adult and pediatric (under 18) segments. The adult segment represented a larger market share in 2021 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Lastly, the wheelchair market is segmented by distribution channel into retail and e-commerce. The retail segment held a larger market share in 2021, while the e-commerce segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Key sources for this report include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Union, the National Health Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, and the National SCI Statistical Center.