Smart Wheelchair Market Size (2024-2030)

As of 2023, the valuation of the Smart Wheelchair Market stood at $163.38 Million, with a projected expansion to $283.65 Million by 2030. Forecasts indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% throughout the forecast period spanning 2024 to 2030.

Smart Wheelchair Market

Market Overview:

The smart wheelchair, categorized under power wheelchairs (PWC), is equipped to collect data concerning user behavior and environmental interaction. These electric smart wheelchairs eliminate the necessity for upper body strength in operation and provide significant advantages to individuals with limited arm or hand mobility. Mobility is facilitated through joystick maneuverability, showcasing notable advancements in mobility technologies in recent years. The increasing adoption of smart wheelchairs, particularly within commercial sectors such as airports, hospitals, tourist attractions, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, is expected to propel market demand during the forecast period.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Smart Wheelchair Market:

Since its onset in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected over 100 countries, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a global public health emergency in January 2020. The pandemic has wrought significant economic disruptions across various sectors, influencing production, demand-supply dynamics, distribution channels, and financial markets. Global shutdowns particularly impacted economies like China, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt, leading to transportation challenges for goods and services. Furthermore, individuals with physical disabilities faced heightened difficulties accessing healthcare services and hospitals due to lockdown measures. The pandemic's toll on the economy and healthcare access exacerbated vulnerabilities for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy. According to data from VaccinesWork, a digital platform by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, disabled individuals in the UK were three times more likely to succumb to COVID-19 between January and November 2020 compared to non-disabled individuals. The smart wheelchair market experienced setbacks during the pandemic's peak due to raw material shortages and supply chain disruptions. Nonetheless, the gradual reopening of economies in 2021 presented growth prospects for industry stakeholders.

Market Drivers:

The burgeoning elderly population and increased prevalence of disabilities necessitating wheelchair assistance are anticipated to drive smart wheelchair market growth:

The rising incidence of disabilities among individuals is poised to fuel demand for smart wheelchairs in the forecast period. Additionally, the global increase in the elderly population contributes to heightened demand for these advanced mobility aids, further bolstering market revenues. A November 2021 report from the World Health Organization revealed that over 1 billion people worldwide experience some form of disability annually, underpinning the growth trajectory of the global smart wheelchair market.

Advancements in wheelchair and mobility technology, coupled with product innovations, are expected to propel global market growth:

Continued technological progress in wheelchair development, including the integration of artificial intelligence by industry leaders, is forecasted to drive market expansion. With substantial investments in research and development within the sector, businesses are focused on introducing new features and technologies while streamlining costs, thereby broadening the market's scope worldwide.

Market Restraints:

The elevated cost of wheelchairs acts as a barrier to the global market's expansion:

A primary impediment to the global wheelchair market's size is the considerable associated costs. According to Mobility Deck's December 2020 report, smart wheelchairs can range in price from USD 1,000 to USD 15,000. Factors influencing wheelchair costs include brand, quality, size, features, and specifications.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Type.

• Conventional Powered Wheelchairs
• Enhanced Powered Wheelchairs
• Tailored Powered Wheelchairs

The Conventional Powered Wheelchair emerged as the predominant segment, securing the highest revenue share in the market due to its widespread user base and cost-effectiveness. Serving as an entry-level option, it provides a straightforward solution to individuals entering the smart wheelchair market, addressing their mobility requirements. The Enhanced Powered Wheelchair stands out as the fastest-growing segment, driven by the escalating demand for slightly advanced features without the complexities and costs associated with custom-built alternatives. The segment's growth is primarily fueled by the allure of improved comfort and maneuverability.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Product.

• Joystick-controlled Smart Wheelchairs
• Bluetooth-enabled Smart Wheelchairs

Joystick-controlled Smart Wheelchairs have emerged as the dominant segment, accruing the highest revenue share in the market. These wheelchairs have gained widespread adoption owing to their user-friendly interface and immediate impact on enhancing mobility. Bluetooth-enabled Smart Wheelchairs have also witnessed significant traction in the market, emerging as the fastest-growing segment. This growth is attributed to the integration of Bluetooth technology, which enhances user experiences and appeals to tech-savvy individuals seeking innovative mobility solutions.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Application.

• Mobility Challenges
• Visual Impairment
• Aging Population
• Multiple Disabilities
• Others

The Aging Population segment dominates the application market, holding the highest revenue share, driven by demographic shifts in developed countries. Individuals with multiple disabilities necessitate comprehensive solutions to address their diverse needs. Smart wheelchairs in this segment offer versatile control options, personalized adjustments, and integrated support systems, playing a crucial role in providing holistic mobility solutions. The Visual Impairment category is the fastest-growing market segment, propelled by advancements in sensing technologies and auditory feedback systems, catering to the needs of individuals with visual impairments.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By End-Use.

• Rehabilitation Centers
• Healthcare Facilities
• Homecare Environments
• Others

Healthcare Facilities emerge as the dominant segment, commanding the highest market revenue share as major consumers of smart wheelchairs, driven by the critical role they play in patient care. Their demand for efficient patient transportation and streamlined workflows fuels the adoption of advanced mobility solutions. Homecare Environments represent the fastest-growing segment in the end-use market, fueled by the aging demographic shift and the demand for independent mobility in familiar settings, driving rapid segment expansion as individuals seek to enhance their quality of life at home.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Distribution Channel.

• Traditional Retail
• E-commerce Platforms

Traditional Retail emerges as the dominant segment, securing the highest market revenue share due to its extensive physical presence and customer interaction. Brick-and-mortar establishments offer users the opportunity to experience products firsthand, fostering trust and confidence in purchasing decisions. E-commerce Platforms are recognized as the fastest-growing segment, projected to hold a significant revenue share in the coming years due to the convenience of online shopping and access to a diverse range of products, particularly appealing to tech-savvy consumers comfortable with online transactions and doorstep delivery.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Region.

• North America
• Europe
• South America
• Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

The global smart wheelchair market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. North America leads in revenue share and market dominance due to increasing awareness, rising healthcare expenditures, and advanced technological integration.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Companies.

1. INVACARE CORPORATION (U.S.)
2. MEYRA GROUP GMBH (Germany)
3. SUNRISE MEDICAL (Germany)
4. OTTOBOCK (Germany)
5. MATIA ROBOTICS (U.S.)
6. KARMAN HEALTHCARE INC (U.S.)
7. PITSCO EDUCATION LLC (U.S.)
8. WHEEL INC (U.S.)
9. MEDICAL DEPOT INC (U.S.)
10. Permobil AB
11. WHILL Inc (Japan)
12. Pride Mobility Products Corp. (U.S.)
13. Quantum Rehab (U.S.)
14. GF Health Products Inc. (U.S.)
15. Karman Healthcare Inc. (US.)
16. Levo AG (Switzerland)
17. UPnRIDE Robotics Ltd. (Israel)
18. DEKA Research & Development Corp (U.S.)

Recent Key Industry Developments:

• In February 2022, Ottobock announced the acquisition of Livit B.V., as part of their expansion project in Western Europe.
• In January 2022, Invacare Corporation, a manufacturer of non-acute medical equipment launched ‘One Solution’ initiative and integrated its most popular wheelchairs with the best features.
• In October 2021, CoMoveIT NV, the spin-off company of KU Leuven Campus Bruges (Belgium), launched CoMoveIT, a smart wheelchair steering system with integrated sensors and artificial intelligence.
• In December 2021, IRIS, a European SME, received HORIZON EU funding for developing an app, which will enable a manual wheelchair to be automatically driven.
• In August 2020, Meyra Group acquired TA Services A/S to strengthen its position in the Danish market for smart wheelchairs.
• In February 2020, Numotion, a provider of complex rehab technology (CRT) services, acquired Monroe Wheelchair, expanding its global market reach.