Active Wheelchair Market

Market Overview

The global active wheelchair market size was valued at USD 1.63 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.72% from 2022 to 2030.

Active wheelchairs are utilised on a regular basis and are typically regarded as a product with a higher price point than standard wheelchairs. People who want to continue their active lifestyles can use the wheelchairs that are included. The vast majority of athletes who use sports wheelchairs participate in activities. These wheelchairs are simple to manoeuvre and are normally offered in two distinct variants: the folding model and the stiff model. They can be altered to meet the requirements of the user as well as the demands of their busy lifestyle. Over the course of the forecast period, the market is anticipated to be driven by factors such as the ongoing improvement in the efficiency of active wheelchairs, the growing population of elderly people who are disabled, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the growing number of government initiatives designed to assist the elderly and disabled population.

Market Dynamics

Global Active Wheelchair Market Drivers

Rising awareness

People that are physically active often use active wheelchairs because they find them to be helpful in their day-to-day activities. Because of the fact that people may use them even while participating in sports, conventional wheelchairs have a lot to learn from them. It is anticipated that the expansion of the market would be supported by the simplicity of use and the rapid advancement of technology, both of which help to cater to the requirements of the user. Active wheelchairs also comprise a significant component of the overall pool of sports wheelchairs. It is projected that the rise in awareness of disability sports, as well as the growing interest in these activities, will drive market growth.

Increase in the geriatric population and worldwide diabetic people

According to the information provided by the World Bank, there were 723,18 million persons in the world who were over the age of 65 in the year 2020. It is anticipated that the growth of the market will improve as a result of the increase in the elderly population as well as the increase in the number of government initiatives for the betterment of the geriatric population.

According to the findings of the tenth edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, which was published by the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 537 million persons will have diabetes by the year 2021. It is anticipated that there will be 643 million new cases by the year 2030 and 783 million new cases by the year 2045. People who have diabetes and foot problems associated with neuropathy, such as ulcers and poor circulation, may be recommended to have their feet amputated. Patients in this category are the ones who are most likely to choose assistive mobility technology, which is anticipated to be a primary factor in the market's future expansion.

Global Active Wheelchair Market Restraints

High cost and low awareness

The sale of wheelchairs is relatively slow in countries with a middle-income level of economic development, such as India, South Africa, and Brazil. This is due to the expensive cost of wheelchairs as well as the low level of awareness that exists among the general population, both of which are inhibiting the expansion of the industry.

However, the government is now pursuing several steps that should lead to an improvement in the situation throughout the course of the projected time period.

Global Active Wheelchair Market Opportunity

Government initiative

The growth of the active wheelchair market is aided by a number of initiatives carried out by governmental organisations. These programmes concentrate on improving the accessibility and availability of wheelchairs for people who are impaired. For instance, in the United Kingdom, those who are disabled can obtain wheelchair services from the National Health Service (NHS), which also is responsible for the repair and upkeep of the wheelchairs. Because of how expensive they are, the number of wheelchairs that are sold in countries with a middle income like India is not particularly high. The Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances programme was established by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities of the Indian government in February 2022. The purpose of this programme is to provide grants-in-aid for the distribution of motorised tricycles and wheelchairs. It is anticipated that the increasing number of programmes being launched by governments will push the growth of the active wheelchair market.

Regional Analysis

The market is split by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

It is anticipated that the increasing adoption of highly advanced processes and systems in the manufacturing of active wheelchairs, in addition to the technical breakthroughs achieved in the wheelchair segment, will contribute to the expansion of the market in the North American region. The high level of awareness among the people regarding the availability of novel active wheelchair models on the market is one factor that contributes to the rapid expansion of the market in the region.

A further factor that is predicted to increase demand for active wheelchairs in this region is the growing elderly population that can be found in the United States. In 2020, the United States had a population of 54.796 million persons who were over the age of 65, as indicated by data from the World Bank. The population of adults aged 65 and older in the United States is projected to reach 59.71 million by the time the next census is carried out in 2022. It is anticipated that the expansion of the market in the North American area will be helped along by the swift rise in the region's elderly population as well as the growing reliance of the elderly on assistive mobility technologies.

Due to rising costs associated with medical care as well as an expanding elderly and disabled population, Europe accounted for the greatest proportion of total revenue in 2019. This was the case in 2019. A further factor that is driving growth in the active wheelchairs market in the region is the rising popularity of powered wheelchairs.

However, due to improving awareness levels and rising disposable income in the region, Asia Pacific is likely to exhibit the quickest growth rate during the forecast period. This is expected to be the region with the largest market share by the end of the forecast period. In addition, increasing investments by businesses in the development of innovative active wheelchairs and the rising awareness regarding powered wheelchairs are other factors that are predicted to boost market expansion in the area.

Segmental Analysis

The most significant portion of the active wheelchair industry is made up of people who suffer from cerebral palsy. As of December 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that roughly 1 to 4 out of every 1000 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy over the world. There are three cases of cerebral palsy for every one thousand children in the United States, which is a rate that is considered to be relatively high. It is the motor handicap that affects children in the United States at a higher rate than any other. The large pool of potential patients and the growing demand for active wheelchairs are likely to be the primary drivers of market expansion during the period covered by this estimate.

In addition, the spinal cord injury takes up a significant portion of the market for active wheelchairs. According to the findings published on the National Health Portal of India in February 2020, the number of people living with spinal cord injuries worldwide ranges from approximately 250,000 to 500,000. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the number of cases in the United States is expected to reach 54 per million persons in the year 2020. It is anticipated that the development of the market will be propelled forward by the annual rise in the number of instances with spinal injuries.

Market expansion is being driven in large part by an increase in the number of government programmes aimed at improving the lives of people who use wheelchairs. For instance, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) runs a wheelchair programme that investigates the development of novel, cutting-edge technology with the goal of removing obstacles and fostering progress in the wheelchair industry. It is anticipated that organisations like the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO), which provides structured professional training for wheelchair technicians, will have a positive impact on the active wheelchair market.

Recent Developments

• In October 2021, People who are afflicted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) will benefit from Numotion and Team Gleason's newly announced strategic relationship, which will last for five years and aim to promote access to and the development of technologies as well as modern equipment (ALS). Through Numotion, Team Gleason has contributed more than 400 wheelchair lifts throughout 2020.
• In August 2021, James Leckley Design and Firefly Friends are two of the most successful companies in the pediatric industry, and Sunrise Medical has just announced that they will be joining their portfolio. The acquisition will give Sunrise Medical's pediatric mobility portfolio a fit that is complementary to existing offerings.
• In August 2020, The MEYRA Group and TA Service A/S combined their businesses. The firm's market position will be strengthened as a result of the combination of MEYRA's extensive international footprint, TA Service's expertise in high-end electric wheelchairs, and the excellent position the company already holds in the Danish market.
• In January 2020, MEYRA GmbH and Alu Rehab ApS agreed to work together under the terms of a new collaboration agreement. By the terms of the agreement, both businesses will collaborate on developing market solutions for electric wheelchairs as a joint venture.