Global Smart Wheelchair Market Size (2023-2030)

In 2022, the Global Smart Wheelchair Market was valued at $151 Million and is projected to reach a market size of $283.66 Million by 2030. Over the forecast period of 2023-2030, market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2 %.  

Market Overview:

A smart wheelchair is a type of power wheelchair (PWC) that gathers data on driver behavior and interaction with their environment. No upper body strength is required to operate these electric smart wheelchairs. Also, people with restricted arm or hand movement are benefitted hugely from these wheelchairs. The mobility of this smart wheelchair is made possible by a joystick movement. They have made significant advancements in the field of mobility technologies in the past few years. The growing use of smart wheelchairs, especially in the commercial sector, such as airports, hospitals, tourist attractions, educational institutions, and the healthcare industry, is predicted to drive demand during the forecast period.

COVID-19 Impact on the Smart Wheelchair Market:

Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in December 2019, the virus has stretched to over 100 countries across the globe and the World Health Organization announced it a public health emergency on January 30, 2020. It adversely affected the economic growth in almost all sectors. But it majorly impacted the economy in three main ways: by directly influencing the production and demand-supply of products, by creating disturbances in distribution channels, and through its financial effect on firms and financial markets. Due to global shutdowns, several economies, such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and others, faced problems with regard to the transportation of goods and services. The pandemic also had a critical negative impact on people with physical disabilities. Due to lockdowns, access to healthcare services and hospital visits became more restrictive. It became difficult for the immune system to defend against illnesses in patients with cerebral palsy or other disabilities. According to an article by the VaccinesWork, a digital platform by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, between January 2020 and November 2020, disabled people were more on the riskier end and three times more likely to die of COVID than non-disabled people in the UK. Globally, the pandemic had unprecedented effects on the world’s economy, sending all the sectors into a hyperdrive. It negatively impacted the smart wheelchair market during the peak of the pandemic, due to the scarcity of supply of raw materials and other supply chain disruptions. However, the partial opening up of the economy in 2021 opened up a variety of growth opportunities for the key players in the industry.

Market Drivers:

The growing geriatric population and increase in the number of disabilities requiring wheelchair support are likely to propel the growth of the smart wheelchairs market:

The increasing rate of disabilities among individuals is anticipated to drive market growth for smart wheelchairs over the forecast period. Also, there has been a significant rise in the geriatric population worldwide augmenting the demand for these smart wheelchairs further escalating the total revenues generated by this market. According to a study report provided by the World Health Organization in November 2021, over 1 billion people have some form of disability worldwide each year. Therefore, these are the factors responsible for the growth of the global smart wheelchair market.

The rise in technological advancements in the wheelchair and mobility sector and new launches of products is predicted to drive the market growth globally:

The growing technological evolution in the development of wheelchairs along with the integration of artificial intelligence by key players in the market is anticipated to drive market growth over the forecast timeline. With huge capital invested in the R&D of the sector, the businesses are aiming at developing and integrating new features and technologies with minimizing the costs involved thus, growing the scope of the market worldwide.

Market Restraints:

The high cost of wheelchairs is slowing down the growth of the global market size:

The major factor hindering the size of the global wheelchair market is the high costs involved with it. According to a report by the Mobility Deck, in December 2020, the cost of a smart wheelchair can fall between the range of USD 1,000 to USD 15,000. The factors affecting the cost of wheelchairs are the brand, quality, size, features, and requirements.

SMART WHEELCHAIR MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

This research report on the Smart Wheelchair Market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on Type, Product, Application, End-Use, Distribution Channel, Region, and Companies.   

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Type.    

• Standard Powered Wheelchairs
• Standard Plus Powered Wheelchairs
• Custom-Built Powered Wheelchairs

The Standard Powered Wheelchair emerged as the most dominant segment by holding the highest revenue share in the market owing to its broad user base and affordability. They serve as an entry point for individuals venturing into the smart wheelchair market, offering a straightforward solution to their mobility needs. The Standard Plus Powered Wheelchair stands out as being the largest-growing segment. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for slightly more advanced features without delving into the complexities and expenses associated with custom-built options. The appeal of enhanced comfort and maneuverability is the major reason behind the growth of this segment.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Product.    

• Joystick-based Smart Wheelchairs
• Bluetooth Connected Smart Wheelchairs

Joystick-based Smart Wheelchair turned out to be the most dominant segment by accumulating the highest revenue share in the market. These wheelchairs have garnered widespread adoption due to their straightforward interface and immediate impact on enhancing mobility. Bluetooth Connected Smart Wheelchair has also been gaining traction within the market and has emerged as the largest growing segment. This is due to the integration of Bluetooth technology that has opened doors to enhance user experiences and appeal the tech-savvy individuals seeking innovative ways to interact with their mobility devices.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Application.    

• Mobility Impairment
• Ocular Disability
• Geriatric Group
• Multiple-Disability
• Others

The Geriatric Group was the most dominant segment within the application market and held the highest revenue share in the market owing to the aging demographic shift in the most developed countries in the world. Individuals with multiple disabilities require comprehensive solutions to address their complex needs. Smart wheelchairs in this segment are equipped with versatile control options, personalized adjustments, and integrated support systems. This segment serves a crucial role in providing holistic mobility solutions. The Ocular Disability category has emerged as the largest growing market within the segment due to the ongoing advancements in sensing technologies and auditory feedback systems which is the major reason behind its growth this segment is witnessing steady growth as it addresses the needs of individuals with visual impairments.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By End-Use.    

• Rehab Centers
• Hospitals
• Homecare Settings
• Others

Hospitals emerge as the dominant segment as they hold the highest market revenue share as the consumers of smart wheelchairs due to the critical role they play in patient care. Their demand for efficient patient transportation and streamlined workflows drives the adoption of these advanced mobility solutions. The homecare setting is the largest growing segment in the end-use market owing to the increasing aging demographic shift and the need for independent mobility in familiar environments that is contributing to the rapid expansion of this segment. As more individuals seek solutions to enhance their quality of life at home, the demand for smart wheelchairs in this setting continues to soar.

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Distribution Channel.

• Retail
• E-commerce

The Retail segment stands out as being the dominant segment by having the highest market revenue share due to its widely prevalent physical presence and customer engagement. Its brick-and-mortar establishments offer a unique opportunity for users to experience the product firsthand, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in the purchasing decision. The E-Commerce segment is recognized as the largest growing segment and is estimated to hold a significant revenue share in the coming year owing to the convenience of online shopping, coupled with the ability to access a diverse array of products, has led to a significant increase in user adoption. This growth is particularly pronounced among tech-savvy consumers who are comfortable with online transactions and appreciate the convenience of doorstep delivery..

Smart Wheelchair Market – By Region.

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

Based on region, the global smart wheelchair market has been segmented into 5 major regions – North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.

North America holds the maximum share of the revenue and dominates the smart wheelchair market due to the growing awareness among people and increasing health expenditures along with the integration of advanced technology.

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, Merya Group acquired TA Services A/S. This strategic acquisition was made in order to improve Merya’s position in the Danish market for smart wheelchairs.
• In February 2020, Numotion, a service provider of complex rehab technology (CRT) services, had acquired Monroe Wheelchair, a company providing medical and complex rehab technology equipment services extending its reach in the global market.