Electric Wheelchair Market Size & Trends

The global electric wheelchair market size was estimated at USD 4.49 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2025 to 2030. An electric wheelchair, also known as a motorized wheelchair, is a mobility device designed for individuals who find walking challenging due to health conditions, accidents, or other medical barriers. Unlike manual wheelchairs, which require physical strength for direction and movement, electric wheelchairs utilize electric motors. This enables users to manage their motion through a joystick or a similar control system. The growing elderly population and rising cases of injuries requiring mobility support are key contributors to the market expansion.

Rising road accident rates drive demand for electric wheelchairs. According to the WHO article published in December 2023, every year, road traffic accidents result in the loss of 1.19 million lives and leave an additional 20 to 50 million people with varying degrees of non-fatal injuries. Among those injured, a significant number suffer from long-term or permanent disabilities, often requiring mobility assistance for the rest of their lives. This frightening increase in accident-related disabilities is contributing to increased demand for electric wheelchairs, which offer essential support for individuals who face daily mobility challenges.

The anticipated demand increase in the future is attributed to the high prevalence of chronic illnesses, the growing population, and the increasing risk of developing lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, among a significant portion of the population. Moreover, easy product access in several countries is a significant factor in market expansion. For example, in Asia, Singapore is known for its commitment to accessibility.

According to a study by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Singapore has the best infrastructure for wheelchair users, with specially designed buses and lifts across all public transport systems. The United Arab Emirates is another country making substantial strides in accessible travel. The UAE has invested heavily to ensure that individuals with disabilities can move freely throughout the country, offering complimentary passes on public transport and reserved parking spots for disabled drivers. The country also supports various events and initiatives to increase awareness about accessibility and inclusivity issues.

In addition, the ongoing technological advancements in product design are anticipated to fuel future sales in the market. The introduction of battery-electric wheelchairs is expected to offer enhanced assistance to users. Moreover, design improvements now enable wheelchairs to store and link the device with the patient’s medical records and monitor the user’s health. For instance, in March 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras developed NeoStand, a customizable power-standing wheelchair in India. The device is designed to benefit patients by offering versatile usage options.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The shift toward providing care at home or bedside is fueling the creation of wheelchairs with advanced therapeutic, diagnostic, display, and monitoring tools while being more adaptable, accurate, and compact. These systems represent a consumer-centric approach to healthcare, which encourages the adoption of innovations, such as personalized wearable devices, digital patient records, and systems connected to the internet wirelessly. All these technologies are expected to provide smart, user-friendly, and convenient healthcare services at home. Several market players are focused on this progress.

Numerous merger and acquisition activities are observed among top product manufacturers aimed at broadening their footprint in the country. For example, in October 2023, Sunrise Medical acquired Ride Designs, specializing in high-quality custom seating products for wheelchair users. This acquisition represents a notable extension of Sunrise Medical’s custom seating offerings and service capabilities, enhancing its current manual and electric mobility product lineup.

Efforts by the government to enhance financial support for patients in need of long-term care are anticipated to bolster the growth of this market. For example, in the U.S., several initiatives have been introduced to aid people with disabilities, which is predicted to stimulate market expansion. The U.S. government, for instance, has started several programs to help people who have disabilities, and this is likely to drive the market’s growth.

The market is poised for expansion, driven by product advancements and a surge in demand for electric wheelchairs, which will subsequently enhance sales. Dominant entities such as Numotion, Permobil, and Sunrise Medical hold most of the revenue share. Furthermore, Sunrise Medical has been making significant strides and increasing its market share.

Regional expansion significantly drives the market’s growth. Though strict safety and accessibility standards can challenge market penetration and expansion in certain areas, varying cultural perceptions of disability and accessibility increase market acceptance. Policies that govern insurance coverage and compensation for motorized wheelchairs can affect market accessibility and adoption. In different countries, wheelchair-friendly infrastructure, such as ramps and lifts, is vital for the broad acceptance of motorized wheelchairs. This can fuel the market growth for companies to expand to different regions.

The successful cooperation with Australian electric wheelchair importers fully demonstrates IHKTECH’s strength in customized production of electric wheelchairs. In the future, we will continue to deepen our cooperation with global customers, provide high-quality and customized electric wheelchair products for more people with disabilities, and contribute to the realization of barrier free travel.

Regional Insights

North America electric wheelchair market dominated the global industry and accounted for a share of 37.7% in 2024. The growth was driven by the rising incidence of disability, increasing demand for electric wheelchairs, supportive government initiatives, and technological advancements. According to an article published by The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania in January 2023, arthritis impacts over 50 million adults in the U.S., making it the leading cause of disability in the nation. Moreover, as per a CDC article published in May 2023, almost 61 million adults in the U.S. are living with a disability.

U.S. Electric Wheelchair Market Trends

The U.S. electric wheelchair market held a share of 93.2% in 2024. This can be attributed to the growing need for mobility solutions, increasing demand for electric wheelchairs, and technological advancements fueling the market’s growth. According to the CDC article published in July 2024, in the U.S., more than 1 in 4 adults (28.7%) are living with some form of disability, highlighting the significant demand for assistive technologies. Among these individuals, 12.2% face serious mobility challenges, including difficulties with walking or climbing stairs. The rising incidence of mobility-related issues emphasizes the critical role of electric wheelchairs in improving quality of life.

Europe Electric Wheelchair Market Trends

The Europe electric wheelchair market held the second-largest revenue share in 2024.Factors such as a growing geriatric population and a rise in conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, necessitating mobility aids drive the market growth. While the market is still in its early stages, its availability and acceptance are anticipated to grow due to increasing consumer knowledge and favorable government policies. As the population ages, more individuals will likely face mobility issues, increasing the demand for wheelchairs. In addition, advancements in wheelchair technology and heightened awareness of sophisticated products are expected to propel market growth.

Germany electric wheelchair market held the dominant revenue share of 25.7% in 2024. Germany is recognized as one of the world’s most aged societies, with individuals aged 65 years and above projected to constitute approximately one-third of the total population by 2050. The country is at the forefront of utilizing digital technology to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle among older adults, and the government has implemented programs to help seniors acquire basic tech skills. In 2021, Germany had approximately 7.8 million individuals classified as severely disabled, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This group constituted 9.4% of the total population of Germany.

The electric wheelchair market in the UK held the second-largest share in 2024 due to the high geriatric population and a rise in the number of individuals with physical disabilities. The UK is home to over 11 million disabled individuals, who make up 45% of the country’s disabled population, compared to 16% of working adults and 6% of children. An estimated 1.2 million people in the UK use wheelchairs, with most users aged over 60 years, representing over two-thirds of all wheelchair users in the country. The UK’s public health system includes reimbursement policies for disabled and elderly citizens. Furthermore, the government has implemented measures like the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to construct ramps, acquire heating systems, and provide financial aid for equipment and assistive devices for people with disabilities.

The France electric wheelchair market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period. In France, for every 10,000 individuals, 62 are wheelchair users. These individuals typically face multiple limitations and/or impairments. The average age of these wheelchair users is 70 years, and 64% of them are women. Moreover, wheelchair use is associated with factors such as the severity of impairments and disabilities, confinement, exposure to environmental risks, and life in institutions.As per French disability law, any company in France with more than 20 employees is mandated to employ at least 6% of workers with disabilities. Furthermore, the rising number of road accidents in the country is a significant factor contributing to the growth of the wheelchair market during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific Electric Wheelchair Market Trends

The electric wheelchair market in Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. In this region, wheelchairs are a predominant mobility aid. The rising target population fuels the demand for these devices. In addition, the prevalence of chronic illnesses and the high frequency of road accidents contribute to market growth. According to WHO data from 2023, between 20 and 50 million people sustain non-lethal injuries, with a significant number resulting in disabilities within the region.

China Electric wheelchair market is expected to grow over the forecast period. China has a significant elderly population of over 254 million. The country also has over 85 million disabled individuals, with 20 million of them depending on temporary aids for disability. This substantial and growing number of senior citizens and disabled individuals has led to an increased demand for electric wheelchairs. The market growth in China can be attributed to the rising instances of accidental injuries.

The electric wheelchair market in Japan is expected to grow over the forecast period. Elderly individuals, particularly in countries like Japan, represent a significant demographic. Japan’s health ministry reports that over 7% of the population, or 9.36 million people, have been identified with some form of disability. The Commonwealth Fund indicates that Japan’s statutory health insurance system (SHIS) has plans to include durable medical equipment, such as oxygen therapy devices, prescribed by doctors in their coverage. Government subsidies are available to individuals with disabilities who need other devices like hearing aids or electric wheelchairs, helping to offset the cost. These subsidies are primarily aimed at low-income households and alleviate the cost-sharing burden for individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, and certain chronic diseases.

India electric wheelchair market is expected to grow rapidly over the forecast period on account of the increasing need for a secure and convenient method of patient mobility in hospitals and homecare environments. The enhancement of healthcare facilities, coupled with a substantial elderly population, are key factors anticipated to propel market growth.

Latin America Electric Wheelchair Market Trends

The electric wheelchair market in Latin America is expected to witness lucrative growth during the forecast period. The market is anticipated to grow due to increased life expectancy, heightened awareness of home healthcare services, a growing incidence of disabilities, and a surge in demand for long-term care medical devices. Furthermore, Brazil has a significant influence on economic activities in this region. The average lifespan in this region is said to exceed 75 years.

Brazil electric wheelchair market is expected to grow over the forecast period due to the country’s increasing healthcare spending and a growing number of disabled individuals nationwide. For instance, more than 16 million people in Brazil are living with disabilities. In addition, the market growth in Brazil can be attributed to the increasing instances of accidental injuries.

Middle East & Africa Electric Wheelchair Market Trends

The electric wheelchair market in MEA is expected to grow lucratively owing to the expanding geriatric population and intensified efforts by governments to enhance healthcare accessibility. These are anticipated to draw the attention of international medical device companies interested in penetrating this market. The market could see growth over the forecast period due to increased healthcare spending, an aging population, and a rise in disability cases.

South Africa electric wheelchair market held the largest revenue share in the MEA regional market. Disabled individuals constitute 10% of Africa’s population, potentially rising to 20% in poorer regions. Disabled children’s school attendance is estimated at 5-10%. The South African Department of Health has been criticized by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) for its ineffective wheelchair provision. Despite the NCPD’s advocacy, the persistent wheelchair shortage remains unresolved.

Key Electric Wheelchair Company Insights

Leading companies are enhancing their offerings and incorporating new technologies to expand their customer reach, secure a greater market share, and diversify their product range. For example, In November 2023, Magic Mobility, part of the Sunrise Medical brand, introduced the Magic 360 crossover wheelchair in North America. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in off-road and all-terrain wheelchair design, the Australian company developed the Magic 360 to deliver adaptability and high performance across different settings.

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