The Global Market for Wheelchairs is Forecast to Exceed 15 Million in Unit Sales by 2022

Aging Population and its Vulnerability to Various Diseases and Disabilities Drive Demand for Wheelchairs, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

                                                                                                

GIA launches comprehensive analysis of industry segments, trends, growth drivers, market share, size and demand forecasts on the global Wheelchairs (Powered and Manual) market. The global market for Wheelchairs is forecast to exceed 15 million in unit sales by 2022, driven by the rapidly aging world population and its vulnerability to innumerable medical conditions resulting in loss of mobility, and wheelchair innovations and advancements targeted at personal, social, and professional fulfillment of the disabled.

Wheelchairs represent a commonly used assistive technology intended to help people who are unable to walk or move normally owing to congenital, degenerative, and acquired disability, either under-treatment or permanent. Despite advancements in medical science extending life expectancy rates around the world with improved drugs and therapies, the consequences of progressing age are extreme for the physique especially when afflicted with debilitating illnesses. The elderly are among the most vulnerable to innumerable medical conditions resulting in loss of mobility due to injuries sustained by falling, apoplexia or other ailments affecting the legs, and numerous illnesses such as diabetes, neurological disorders and cardiovascular diseases disorders, certain cancers, and other degenerative conditions anticipated to begin their onset between the ages of 45 and 60. The burgeoning population of the elderly, particularly the groups over the ages of 65, 75 and 85 represent the primary growth driver for the wheelchairs market.

Future growth in the market will be driven by the growing demand for powered wheelchairs supported by their superiority over manual wheelchairs in terms of integration of advanced components for enhanced efficiency; balancing functionality and accessibility; and consistent focus on progressive needs of the user. Spike in demand for power wheelchairs globally is also attributed to technological advancements that are improving chair functions and pushing down unit prices to make them affordable for a large number of people. Other important growth drivers include rising number of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis procedures; shift in nature of medical care towards non-hospital environment; increasing spinal cord injuries; and surge in global obesity levels. Wheelchair innovations and advancements that are poised to benefit market prospects in the near term include smart wheelchairs with artificial intelligence control systems; advanced wheelchair models that incorporate latest and effective techniques such as Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Human Computer Interface (HCI); iPhone-voice control system integrated wheelchairs; advanced user interface systems built on control mediums including bio-signals and non-bio-signals; and mobile augmented reality based architecture for developing indoor navigation systems for wheelchair users.

As stated by the new market research report on Wheelchairs (Powered and Manual), the United States represents the largest market worldwide in value terms, followed by Europe. Asia-Pacific represents the largest and the fastest growing market in terms of volume sales with a CAGR of 17.2% over the analysis period. Populous countries such as China and India are witnessing a rise in strokes, heart ailments and diabetes, all of which are known to cause disability either temporary or permanent, thus fuelling demand for wheelchairs. Economic growth, corresponding increase in living standards, and aging population also represent key growth drivers in the region.

Key players covered in the report include Invacare Corporation, Sunrise Medical LLC, Drive Medical Design and Manufacturing, 21st Century Scientific Inc., GF Health Products Inc., Karman Healthcare, LEVO AG, Medline Industries Inc., Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH, Permobil Inc., Pihsiang Machinery MFG. Co. Ltd., and Pride Mobility Products Corporation, among others.

The research report titled “Wheelchairs (Powered and Manual): A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a  comprehensive review of market trends, growth drivers and challenges, the changing reimbursement scenario, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The report provides market estimates and projections in both value and volume terms for major product categories including Manual Wheelchairs, Powered Wheelchairs, and Mobility Scooters. Geographic markets analyzed in the report include the US, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil and Rest of Latin America), and Rest of World.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc. 6150 Hellyer Ave., San Jose CA 95138, USA, All Rights Reserved.