The global electric wheelchair market size is expected to reach USD 1576.97 million by 2029 from USD 1382.55 million in 2024 growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period.
Electric wheelchairs are motor-driven wheelchairs, also called power-driven wheelchairs. These chairs run on electric batteries and do not require any human help for movement. Electric wheelchairs are lightweight and compact after folding, so they are easy to carry. However, out of these needy people, only 5% to 15% of people have access, which shows more than 85% of people need a wheelchair. There is a space for new entrants to create demand for an electric wheelchair. There are several types of wheelchairs available in the marketplace to purchase. The front-wheeled-electric wheelchair is one of a kind. As its name suggests, the driving wheel is on the front side. This development is done over a rear-wheel wheelchair as it is found better for rough surface and weight distribution, and it also provides more space for feet position as its batteries are placed at the rear end.
Self-driving wheelchairs are being developed, but due to the high cost and maintenance cost of such wheelchairs, fewer people prefer such types of electric wheelchairs. On the other hand, standing wheelchairs are more advanced, and this gives the user a standing capability, but such types of wheelchairs are users for now. In lightweight wheelchairs by use of carbon alloy, the weight is reduced, but it costs high over aluminum and other metals. Smart wheelchairs are gaining traction. In the past few years, using technology, there have been many developments and reinventions in the electric wheelchair design to enhance safety and mobility, which led to the invention of a smart wheelchair. In this digital world, by using the Internet of Things, self-driven smart wheelchairs are being made with digital twin maps and additional safety sensors.
Increasing orthopedic patients, post-surgery mobility requirements, and the increasing global aging population are driving the global market growth. According to a report by WHO, people above 60 years of age are susceptible to declining physical wellness; this factor can support the increasingly global market for electric wheelchairs. The simplicity and ease of an electric wheelchair over a traditional manually driven wheelchair is another factor to consider for driving the market.
The restraints include the high cost of the electric wheelchair, lack of awareness, and low government support. Various NGOs and charities make wheelchairs available locally with public donations and donate locally to needy people, which hinders the market's growth. There is a lack of WHO guidelines in line service providing wheelchairs in the market and well-developed infrastructure.
The creation of demand for an electric wheelchair is a major challenge, as globally there are less than 15% of people are using a wheelchair for needy people. So, there is a need to increase awareness among the end-users and service providers and at the policy level. Governments are preferring for local manufacturers at low cost. Due to high costs, people are still using traditional self-driven wheelchairs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created many difficulties for the key players in every sector. Disruptions in the supply chain and production unit have brought huge losses for the companies, especially in 2021. From the start of 2021, the shares started to rise with the unlock guidelines released by the government everywhere. The electric wheelchair market shares are expected to reach the highest values in the coming years.
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REPORT METRIC |
DETAILS |
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Market Size Available |
2023 to 2029 |
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Base Year |
2023 |
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Forecast Period |
2024 to 2029 |
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CAGR |
6.8% |
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Segments Covered |
By Type, End-user, and Region |
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Various Analyses Covered |
Global, Regional and Country Level Analysis; Segment-Level Analysis; DROC; PESTLE Analysis; Porter’s Five Forces Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Analyst Overview of Investment Opportunities |
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Regions Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
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Market Leaders Profiled |
DeVilbiss Healthcare, Invacare (USA), Pride Mobility Products, Roma Medical, Sunrise Medical (Germany/USA), OttoBock Healthcare GmbH (Germany) and Permobil (Sweden) |
The front wheel-driven wheelchair is the second most consumer-preferred type of wheelchair while the center wheel-driven wheelchair segment has the highest demand and around 50% market share, so it is considered the major segment in the future.
Due to increasing emergency conditions, the hospital use of wheelchairs is the fastest CAGR segment in the next 4 to 5 years.
Out of the total revenue share of North America, 84% of revenue share is accounted by the adult age category, and the drivers are low cost and low weight of the product, which led to high demand in the market.
High-cost products lead to high income and in terms of revenue generation, Europe follows North America. Major European players focus on providing customized products to generate high revenue.
The Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for electric wheelchairs and will dominate the market in the next five years with the increasing population of India and China. Due to the increase in China's aging population, China holds more than 240 million people aged more than 60 years, and this will drive the electric wheelchair market in upcoming years. On the other hand, India, 2nd largest country by population, recorded more than 4,40,000 accidents in the year 2019, more than 4,50,000 injuries, and more than 1,50,000 deaths, creating the need for a wheelchair in the market and counting in the Asia Pacific. China manufactures low-cost electric wheelchairs using aluminum.
In South America, the major key players like Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare are located, bringing innovation in technology to provide user-friendly and low-cost products, thus creating demand in South America.
Middle East and African countries are bringing new innovations like solar charging for batteries. The market is mainly in Argentina, UAE, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia.
Companies playing a promising role in the global electric wheelchair market include Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Invacare (USA), Pride Mobility Products, Roma Medical, Sunrise Medical (Germany/USA), OttoBock Healthcare GmbH (Germany) and Permobil (Sweden).
There is direct competition between the old and new brands in the market based on technological innovation. Due to government support for local manufacturers, local manufacturers are entering the market and making a presence locally, and that reduces the place in the market for big brands. Due to the unavailability of low-cost electric wheelchairs in the market, many NGOs are entering the market to provide demand-based, quality products at a low cost.
By Type
By End-User
By Region
Frequently Asked Questions
The global electric wheelchair market was valued at USD 1382.55 million in 2024.
The growing aging population, increasing disability rates and technological advancements are key drivers of market growth.
High costs, limited insurance coverage, and competition from other mobility aids are some of the major challenges in the global market.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased awareness of mobility solutions and remote healthcare consultations, driving market growth.
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