Powered Wheelchair Market Analysis

Powered Wheelchair Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is bifurcated into front wheel, mid wheel, rear wheel, and others. The mid wheel segment held substantial revenue share and was valued at around USD 640 million in 2022. The significant segmental share is attributed to advantages such as exceptional manoeuvrability in tight spaces, improved stability, and a smoother ride, enhancing user comfort.

• The mid wheel drive (MWD) wheelchairs use technology to allow for greater indoor mobility, stability over obstacles, and the ability to turn the wheelchair in place. Additionally, these wheelchairs are the most user-friendly and have the shortest learning curve for novice electric wheelchair users. They also feature the smallest turning diameter in comparison to other wheelchairs, which maximizes user movability.
  
   
• Moreover, the rise in prevalence of patients undergoing amputations due to chronic conditions has proved to be a fuelling factor for the market globally. For instance, in a research article published in the Lancet in April 2021, it was estimated that around 1400,000 diabetes related amputations take place in the U.S. every year.
   

Based on technology, the powered wheelchair market is categorised into standard power wheelchair and smart wheelchair. Smart wheelchair segment is set to witness robust growth at 7.6% CAGR over the analysis timeframe. The high segmental growth can be attributed to the capabilities of the smart wheelchair that can transform the mobility impairment issues for the patients.

• For the comfort of the patient, smart wheelchairs contain many built-in features. Intelligent designs, sensors for fall detection, remote control of powered wheelchairs, Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone applications integration, and data collecting are just a few of the technological innovations that benefit both patients and healthcare professionals. For instance, the Clou 9.500 is a smart wheelchair which can be remotely locked via software and can be customized to have stair climber, operating hour counter, error diagnosis among other features for enhanced patient comfort.
   
• Patients with cognitive impairments can benefit from smart wheelchairs by lessening the effort needed to steer the chair. These wheelchairs come with voice control, gaze control, and facial expression control capabilities.
   

Based on patient, the powered wheelchair market is segmented into pediatric and adult. The paediatric segment held a substantial share in the market in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. The incidence and prevalence of neurological diseases in children are among the key attributes fuelling the market growth. For instance, according to a recently published report, children in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level IV typically choose a power wheelchair because they need mobility support in most environments.
 

• Additionally, in a study group of pediatric patients with cerebral palsy, over 85% of the subjects used powered wheelchair for their daily activities. These wheelchairs were also employed by patients suffering from spina bifida, spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and polio.

• Pediatric wheelchair advancements have given parents a variety of options for giving their impaired children a normal way of life. For instance, the K300 PS Jr., a powered wheelchair manufactured by Permobil has technology integrated to make infinite adjustments to the wheelchair.
   

Based on portability, the powered wheelchair market is segmented into standalone and portable. The standalone segment held a dominating revenue share of over 88% in 2022 and is anticipated to witness a similar trend over the analysis timeframe.
 

• Standalone power wheelchair has been employed for a long period by the patients suffering from mobility disorders as well as neurological conditions affecting their daily activities. Spinal cord injury is another indication which requires the wheelchair assistance.  According to the United Spinal Association report published in 2022, around 17,700 new cases of spinal cord injury are recorded in the U.S. every year, out of which over 39% are caused by vehicular accidents.
   
• Additionally, the rising cases of road traffic accidents globally contributes to the growing number of mobility disorders amongst the global population.
   

Based on application, the powered wheelchair market is categorised into mobility and neurological conditions. The mobility segment was valued at USD 2,510 million in 2022 and is set to witness robust growth over the analysis period.
 

• Patients recovering from serious injuries also benefit from electric wheelchairs. Along with their standard forms, they are also available in several modifications, such as independent drive, standing wheelchairs, and portable wheelchairs.
   
• The easily modifiable seating systems, cushions, backrests, and the recline & tilt-in technology further attributes to the high demand for these products amongst patients suffering from chronic mobility disorders.

Based on distribution channel, the powered wheelchair market is bifurcated into brick and mortar and e-commerce. The brick-and-mortar segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 1,729 million in 2022. The segment is expected to steadily expand following a similar trend over the forecast period.
 

• Motorized wheelchairs are generally distributed via brick-and-mortar channels such as large pharmacies, retail shops, medical device distributors, etc. The established retail stores, pharmacies also offer the consumers counselling, physician assistance, etc. in choosing the wheelchairs
   
• Additionally, the elderly patients accounting for the large share of powered wheelchair users usually opt for in person buying of these products.
   

Based on end-use, the powered wheelchair market is segmented into hospital, home care, long term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The rehabilitation centers segment was valued at USD 805 million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at 5.8% growth rate during the estimation timeframe.
 

• Patients suffering from severe trauma require long-term supportive care available in rehabilitation centers. Rehabilitation centers help patients by understanding their needs and providing a range of services, including power wheelchair assistance
   
• Rehabilitation centers are equipped to assess patient needs and provide expert opinion from assistive technology specialists to assist with mobility, posture, positioning and customized seating for comfort. According to statistics, there are around 43,000 rehabilitation centers in the U.S., which was a 1.7% increase since 2021.

North America region held a leading share in the powered wheelchair market owing to the presence of numerous key players of the industry. The growing prevalence of disabilities amongst the regional population, increasing number of geriatric patients suffering from chronic diseases, increasing number of road traffic accidents among others are some of the major factors contributing to the market growth.

• According to the CDC statistics 2021, around 13.7% of adults suffering from disabilities had severe mobility impairments during the year. A surge in patient pool is anticipated to propel the market forward in coming years 
   
• Additionally, advanced healthcare infrastructure, availability of wide range of products, increased awareness amongst end users also contribute to the product demand in the region.