Electric Wheelchair Market is Estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Technological Advancements in Battery Life and Performance
The electric wheelchair market provides convenient mobility for people suffering from disabilities, obesity, and chronic diseases like old age. Electric wheelchairs offer advantages like lightweight, easy maneuverability, long-range, and comfortable seating for the user. They have rechargeable batteries that allow longer mobility compared to manual wheelchairs. The rising geriatric population, increasing cases of road accidents causing paralysis, and growing obesity rates have fueled the demand for electric wheelchairs. The Global electric wheelchair Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 8.71 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 11% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the electric wheelchair Market are Invacare Corporation, Sunrise Medical (US) LLC, Permobil Inc., Pride Mobility Products Corporation, Drive Devilbiss Healthcare, Hoveround Corporation, Ottobock Healthcare, 21st Century Scientific, Inc., Meyra GmbH, LEVO AG, Merits Co. Ltd., Segway Inc., Scewo, GF Health Products Inc., Karman Healthcare, Inc., KYMCO Healthcare, SOWECARE B.V, and Nanjing Jin Bai He Medical Apparatus Co., Ltd.
The electric wheelchair market offers growth opportunities in custom designs, foldable models, automatic electric wheelchairs, and advanced features like cruise control, anti-topple system, dual batteries, and altitude climbing ability. Technological advancements are focused on expanding battery backup through improved lithium-ion batteries, lightweight frames, and digital control systems for easy handling.
Market Drivers
The increasing elderly population prone to mobility issues and rising health issues like obesity driving the electric wheelchair market. As per WHO, the world's population aged 60 years and older is expected to double from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050. Moreover, advancements in lithium-ion batteries allowing longer backup per charge and growing awareness through social media marketing are fueling the electric wheelchair adoption.
Current challenges in Electric Wheelchair Market
The electric wheelchair market is facing challenges due to the low awareness about the availability and benefits of electric wheelchairs in many regions across the world. High costs associated with advanced electric wheelchairs prevent many patients from accessing these life-improving mobility devices. Strict regulations related to the design, efficacy and safety of electric wheelchairs also pose compliance challenges for manufacturers. Additionally, lack of proper reimbursement policies and insufficient insurance coverage create financial barriers for users. The market also witnesses challenges from the rising prices of raw materials and components coupled with evolving end-user requirements.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths: Growing geriatric population and rising cases of paralysis are driving the demand for electric wheelchairs. Technological advancements are enabling the development of smart and lightweight chairs.
Weaknesses: High product and maintenance costs restrict the adoption. Limited mobility and dependence on caretakers.
Opportunities: Expanding healthcare infrastructure in developing nations. Growing preference for home healthcare is creating opportunities.
Threats: Intense competition from other mobility aids. Stringent regulatory framework in medical device sector. Fluctuating prices of raw materials.
In terms of value, North America dominates the electric wheelchair market currently with a share of over 35% in 2024. Presence of major players, supportive reimbursement policies and higher discretionary spending on assistive devices drive the market in the region. However, Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to rising geriatric population, growing healthcare expenditure and improving accessibility of electric wheelchairs in fast-developing countries.
Europe holds the second largest share in the global electric wheelchair market led by countries such as Germany, UK and France. Significant government funding for disability services and favorable reimbursement policies boost the regional market. China, Japan and India represent major opportunities within Asia Pacific due to increasing cases of mobility impairments amid growing aging demographics. Additionally, expanding healthcare infrastructure and medical tourism are also boosting the electric wheelchair market in Asia Pacific.