Trends in Electric Wheelchair Market

Posted by Swati Tamhankar on April 1st, 2021

The electric wheelchair is a type of wheelchair that is propelled employing electrical-based power sources such as batteries and motors. Electric wheelchair consists of a seat on a platform with wheels and a steering mechanism. It is a popular means of locomotion among non-ambulatory individuals.

Global Electric Wheelchairs Market–Market Dynamics

The growing trend of the geriatric population is a significant factor propelling the electric wheelchairs market in upcoming years. According to the World Bank, the geriatric (age group of 65 years and above) population increased from 7.5% in 2010 to around 9.1% in 2019. Further, the rising number of strokes or cerebrovascular cases worldwide is contributing to the growth of the electric wheelchairs market. According to WHO, around 5 million people become permanently disabled due to stroke across the globe annually.

Moreover, the increasing number of road accidents is a key factor that is expected to drive the electric wheelchairs market in the forthcoming years. Road accidents lead to temporary disability but sometimes it can cause permanent disability as well.

The technological advancements in the production of electrical wheelchairs offer the patient the ease of operation and ability to move independently (without human assistance). Latest innovations such as self-driving mechanisms, installation of sensors, installation of comfortable seats, etc. boosted the demand for electric wheelchairs among the consumers. Technological upgrades such as the addition of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and suspension enhancement of the electric wheelchairs will also act as a driver to the market.

Upcoming trend/opportunity in the global electric wheelchair market

Automation of wheelchairs has been a hot topic of research since the last few decades. Various features like gesture control, speed control, object avoidance, and others, have been developed, but controlling the movement of wheelchairs using Infrared sensors is yet to be witnessed by the market. R&D activities regarding IR sensors are still being carried out by the researchers. This type of wheelchairs will allow the user to self-control the wheelchair using an infrared sensor and a microcontroller-based circuit. It will also be installed with an emergency message transmitting technology. This will reduce the stress on the body during the movement. It is an eco-friendly design that will require solar energy to charge its battery.

This IR sensor based technology is expected to create new opportunities for the market players of the electric wheelchair market in the future.

Various factors such as the high cost of electric wheelchairs and regular maintenance costs involved might limit the usage of electric wheelchairs among low-income consumers. Moreover, the manufacturing cost is also high due to regular R&D, technological advancements, and innovations that are a compulsion for the market players to compete in the market.

Demand from developing nations are expected to grow rapidly

According to data published by NCBI, 33 million individuals worldwide are affected by strokes every year and two-thirds of them transpire in developing nations. Stroke is a major issue in Asia. More than 60% of the global population resides in Asia and most of the economies in Asia are in the developing stage. Therefore, Asia-Pacific is forecasted to be the fastest-growing market for electric wheelchairs. In North America and Europe, the number of stroke affected cases is reducing due to increased health awareness and developed medical infrastructure & facilities.

Generally, center-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are the most popular among consumers as they are best suited for both indoor and outdoor use due to its small turning radius, stability, and easy maneuvering. Therefore, the center-wheel drive electric wheelchair is expected to dominate the market followed by the front-wheel-drive segment.

The care homes segment accounts for the highest use of electric wheelchairs. Hospitals may witness an increased usage of electric wheelchairs owing to rising medical emergencies.

Global Electrical Wheelchair Market-Competition Tracking/Top players Analysis

 The global electric wheelchair market is highly competitive due to the presence of several global players. The key manufacturers are OttoBock Healthcare GmbH, Pride Mobility Products Corp, Invacare Corporation, Sunrise Medical Ltd., Matsunaga Manufactory Co. Ltd., Permobil AB, Miki Kogyosho Co. Ltd., and various other players. The top players are continuously engaged in acquisitions, mergers, and partnerships to increase their market share and global presence.

 One example is Permobil AB established a partnership with Invacare Corp. for manufacturing and supplying electric-powered wheelchairs.

In January 2020, OttoBock Healthcare GmbH invested in Cascade Orthopedic Supply, a leading orthotic & prosthetic distributor in North America. OttoBock aimed to strengthen its logistical capabilities and ensure smooth mobility of products in North America.

Author:

Dinesh Thakur

Research Associate

Consumer Goods Domain

Allied Market Research