The global assisted walking devices market size was valued at USD 3.37 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 6.36 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.57% during the forecast period 2022-2030.
Sometimes, walking aids are also called ambulatory assistive devices. A walking assistance is one of several devices a patient may be issued to improve their walking pattern, balance, or safety while independently mobile. When a reduction in weight bearing on the lower limb is desired, they can also be used to transfer weight from the upper limb to the ground.
The increase in the elderly population has increased the market for walking assist devices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 report, the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis ranges from 0.3% to 1% and is more prevalent in developed countries and among women. In addition, within ten years of the disease's onset, at least fifty percent of patients in developed nations were unable to maintain a full-time job. Consequently, as the global geriatric population grows, so does the global demand for walking assist devices. In addition, the walking aids provide balance, support, and subsequently, the ability to survive independently. These factors are responsible for the increasing number of senior citizens who are attracted to these devices.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15% of the global population is impaired in some way. This equates to easily more than a billion people worldwide. As a result of people living longer lives throughout the world, the United Nations notes a rise in the risk of disability.
On average, older individuals are more likely to be disabled. Due to advancements in mobility devices, this segment of the population could participate in all aspects of life to the same extent or to the same extent as everyone else. With enhanced mobility, not only can individuals realise their full potential at work, but these solutions can also help them extend their mobility. The increased demand for Walking Aids encourages the development of new technologies.
Increased prevalence of target diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Parkinson's disease, has contributed to the rise in the proportion of the population with a walking disability. As a result of their use in rehabilitation programmes to gradually restore body balance and promote muscle function in sedentary, disabled individuals, the rising number of surgical procedures generates a high demand for assisted walking devices. Consequently, the increasing prevalence of debilitating neurological diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis has contributed to the growth of the assisted walking device market over the forecast period.
The pandemic of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the market. During the pandemic, the government issued a stay-at-home order, which halted the production of walking aids. This has created a disorganized supply chain. In addition, there is less investment in the research and development of walking aids due to limited financial resources. However, the market has shown slight growth in the second half of 2020 and is expected to continue growing post-pandemic due to an increase in the prevalence of diseases such as obesity, which occurred due to inactivity and isolation during the pandemic.
Access to equipment demonstrations at centres that provide patients with pertinent advice regarding the selection of equipment suited to a specific disability is made possible by initiatives sponsored by government and private organisations. In addition, patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities of long duration are exempt from paying VAT on mobility products. The governments of the countries, the United States and the United Kingdom, provide special grants to physically-challenged patients to purchase this equipment. Independent organisations, such as Charity search, the Disabled Information and Advice Lines (DIAL) network, Rica, and Shop mobility, are actively engaged in providing a variety of services for physically disabled people seeking solutions. The Priority Assistive Products List has been published by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote equitable access to assistive mobility devices for those in need, as well as to outline reimbursement policies and provide guidance regarding the purchase of these devices.
| Study Period | 2018-2030 | CAGR | 6.57% |
| Historical Period | 2018-2020 | Forecast Period | 2022-2030 |
| Base Year | 2021 | Base Year Market Size | USD 3.37 Billion |
| Forecast Year | 2030 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 6.36 Billion |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
Due to the presence of a large geriatric population in this region, North America held the highest revenue share in 2021 at nearly 35.6%. The market in this region is primarily driven by the presence of advanced healthcare facilities and well-established reimbursement policies. In addition, the high prevalence of target diseases, such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic disabilities in this region is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the market's growth over the next nine years. Moreover, the availability of these mobility devices at subsidized prices for disabled patients is anticipated to drive this market over the forecast period.
During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to experience the highest CAGR of nearly 7.5%. The staggering geriatric population count in Asia-Pacific nations such as China, India, and Japan, the rising prevalence of chronic deformities in the population residing in this region, the increase in public and private healthcare expenditures, and the rise in disposable incomes are significant contributors to the rapid expansion.
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This market can be segmented based on product type, geographical regions and competitors.
Under the product type segment, in 2021, the walker segment accounted for nearly 62.7% of the market share and is anticipated to continue to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. Walkers are preferred over other mobility devices due to the increased stability provided by this equipment, which enables walking independently without assistance, and the wider support provided by these mobility devices as compared to other walking devices, thereby encouraging physical activity in physically challenged individuals. These factors also contribute to the increasing demand for walkers as rehabilitation equipment.
However, the segment of gait trainers is anticipated to experience the highest CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. This is a result of the increasing prevalence of cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease, the rise in the number of spinal injuries, and the rise in the number of adult stroke cases.
As a result of the high global demand for crutches as walking aids and as equipment used to provide rehabilitative care, the crutch segment is anticipated to be the second fastest-growing segment. Crutches lessen the weight-bearing effect on the disabled leg and enhance the individual's balance and stability while walking. 18.0 percent of women and 9.6 percent of men over the age of 60 have symptomatic osteoarthritis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 report. In addition, 80% of osteoarthritis patients have mobility limitations, and 25% are unable to perform their major daily activities. As a result, increasing innovations in crutches and the increasing prevalence of arthritis are anticipated to lead to stable growth in the future.
The walking assist devices market report covers the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA)
