Canes Segment, by Product to Account Largest Share in Walking Aids Market during 2025-2031

According to our new research study on "Walking Aids Market Forecast to 2031 - Global Analysis - by Product, Age Group, Application, End User, Distribution Channel, and Geography," the market was valued at US$ 18.28 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 29.31 billion by 2031; it is expected to register a CAGR of 7.2% during 2025-2031. Rise in geriatric population, rise in chronic and neurological conditions, and mobility impairment from traumatic injuries are contributing to the growing walking aids market size. However, the limited reimbursement coverage and high cost of advanced walking aids hampers the walking aids market growth. Further, wearable technology for mobility assistance are expected to bring in new walking aids market trends in the coming years.

Walking Aids Market Analysis

The walking aids market is experiencing steady growth, driven by a combination of demographic shifts, lifestyle-related health issues, and technological advancements. Traditionally associated with elderly populations, walking aids such as canes, walkers, rollators, and crutches are now used by a broader age range. With increasing prevalence of conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and post-operative recovery, many adults and even children are turning to assistive mobility devices to regain independence and stability.

An aging global population remains a major driver. As people live longer, age-related conditions affecting mobility such as osteoarthritis or balance disorders are becoming more common. Simultaneously, younger demographics recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or neurological disorders are turning to modern mobility aids designed for convenience and discretion. For instance, many users in their 20s and 30s now use foldable rollators or ergonomic crutches to manage daily activities, with some even customizing their devices for aesthetic appeal.

Innovation in design and function is also transforming the market. Lightweight frames, foldable designs, and added features like shock absorption, height adjustability, and ergonomic grips have improved usability. Some modern devices now include smart technology such as fall detection and navigation assistance.

The shift toward home-based rehabilitation has increased demand for walking aids that are easy to use outside clinical settings. Additionally, changing social attitudes have reduced stigma around mobility devices, making them more accepted in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

Despite these positive trends, challenges remain, including affordability, lack of awareness in low-income regions, and the need for better insurance coverage. Still, the growing recognition of walking aids as essential tools for independence and recovery continues to expand their role across medical, personal, and lifestyle contexts making this market increasingly diverse and innovation-driven.

Walking Aids Market Report Scope

The walking aids market analysis has been carried out by considering the following segments: product, age group, application, end user, and distribution channel, and geography.

Based on product, the walking aids market is segmented into canes, crutches, walkers, rollators, and others. The canes segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. Canes, also known as walking sticks or assistive canes, help individuals experiencing minor problems with balance or stability. They also assist individuals with mobility challenges to improve their balance and stability. According to the WHO, the population aged 60 and older in 2021 was 215 million and is projected to reach 247 million by 2030. As per UN and WHO data, as of 2024, individuals aged 65 and over represent approximately 10.3% of the global population, up from 5.5% in 1974, and this figure is projected to reach 16% by 2050, translating to over 1.6 billion older adults. Life expectancy has increased substantially, with the global average now at 73.3 years, and many seniors are expected to live well into their 80s and 90s. The rising geriatric population propels the demand for walking aids such as canes to reduce weight bearing on one or both legs, alleviating pain from injuries and compensating for weakness or poor leg control. Using a single-point cane may assist them in walking more comfortably and safely, and in some cases, it may make it easier for them to continue living independently. They also switch to quad canes, which have four points for more stability.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates published in August 2023, 2.2 billion people worldwide have vision impairment. Guiding or white canes are vital mobility aids for individuals with visual impairments. They provide physical assistance and independence to a certain extent. These canes help users navigate their surroundings, identify obstacles, and improve their spatial awareness. Additionally, they serve as a visible indicator of users' visual impairment, fostering understanding among others and encouraging them to offer assistance if needed.

Innovative designs and smart features have made canes more appealing and functional, broadening their user base. In October 2024, WeWALK launched Smart Cane 2, which integrates a GPT-powered voice assistant for real-time navigation, public transport information, and nearby points of interest. It also offers turn-by-turn guidance and menu reading capabilities. Therefore, the increasing demand for canes among the aging and disabled population and new product launches are responsible for the market growth.

By age group, the walking aids market is divided into adults and pediatric. The adults segment dominated the market in 2024. The adult segment in the walking aids market is expanding because of the higher prevalence of aging-related mobility problems. Arthritis, osteoporosis, and recovery post-surgery start affecting people in their 40s and 50s, stimulating early use of supporting devices. Improved life expectancy and inactive lifestyles also account for chronic musculoskeletal and joint conditions among the younger population. Further, increasing health consciousness and the wish to remain independent encourage adults to look for mobility aids earlier. The trend, coupled with enhanced product availability and innovation, drives demand across adult age groups.

By application, the walking aids market is divided into neurologically impaired, handicap patients, and other applications. The neurologically impaired segment dominated the market in 2024. The neurologically impaired segment dominated the market in 2024. Neurological conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's have a direct impact on the mobility of the patient. As per the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), ~60% of the European population suffers from neurological diseases. According to Alzheimer Europe, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase to 14,298,671 in the EU27 by 2050 from the estimated 7,853,705 in 2019. In Europe, dementia is a growing public health concern among the aging populace. Therefore, the growing prevalence of neurological disorders is propelling the demand for wheelchairs.

Based on end user, the walking aids market is segmented into homecare, hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation centers, and others. The homecare segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. The use of wheelchairs and mobility aids in home care is rapidly growing globally, propelled by several key drivers and recent product innovations. This growth is primarily attributed to an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses and post-surgical recovery requirements, and progressive governmental strategies that encourage aging in place and home-based rehabilitation. Notably, Germany exemplifies this trend, where statutory health insurance actively facilitates access to specialized rehabilitation equipment for home use, reinforcing the broader movement toward decentralized, patient-centric care solutions. Additionally, technological advancements have led to the launch of smart and connected mobility aids, such as powered and app-integrated wheelchairs with remote monitoring, fall detection, and customizable ergonomic designs, making them more suitable and attractive for home use. For instance, manufacturers such as Sunrise Medical and Karma Medical are introducing tailor-made wheelchairs and lightweight, foldable models that cater to home environments and individual patient needs. In September 2022, Karma Medical, a leading wheelchair manufacturer, launched the Flexx Adapt, a highly adjustable manual wheelchair designed for pediatric users. The Flexx Adapt features a dynamic backrest that absorbs sudden movements and offers tilt-in-space and recline functions to provide pressure relief and support for growing children. Additionally, Karma's pediatric wheelchair lineup includes the Flexx Junior, a versatile manual chair intended for children aged 7-15. Expanding e-commerce and robust distribution networks further improve access, while public sector support and reimbursement policies make these devices more affordable for patients. These trends are reinforced by product launches focused on smart wheelchairs with automated navigation and voice control and long-term care beds with integrated safety features, all designed to enhance independence and quality of life for users in home care settings.

As per distribution channel, the walking aids market is bifurcated into online and offline. The offline segment dominated the market in 2024. Pharmacies, medical supply stores, and healthcare facilities are the main offline points of sale of walking aids. Large pharmacy chains in North America and Europe, such as CVS, Walgreens, Boots, and Best Buy Health, continue to serve as important retail hubs that make various walking assistive devices accessible to customers. They also provide them with professional recommendations and access to fitting sessions. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers directly prescribe and supply walking aids to patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or other chronic conditions, extending accessibility and inculcating trust in these devices. This hands-on approach fosters consumer confidence and improves proper device selection and fitting, leading to higher user satisfaction and consistent adoption. As the market expands