Bariatric Transport Wheelchairs - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2019 - 2029

The bariatric transport wheelchairs market studied is anticipated to register a CAGR of nearly 7.5% during the forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on the bariatric transport wheelchairs market initially. With the outbreak of COVID-19, the studied market experienced a slight decline in growth, driven by the disruption in the supply-demand of bariatric transport wheelchairs and the cancellation or postponement of the therapy of overweight or obese patients. For instance, a research study published in the UK Research and Innovation in November 2021 stated that wheelchair users were confined to their homes only. It further stated that over 30% of wheelchair users relied on their powered wheelchairs to move around, even within the home.

During the pandemic, the situation became significantly adverse as supply was limited through manufacturing closures and social distancing practices. However, in the post-pandemic period, the lifting of the lockdown and the decrease in the number of COVID-19 patients led to the resumption of all trade and medical practices that were canceled or restricted amid the pandemic. Thus, the COVID-19 outbreak adversely impacted the market's growth in its preliminary phase. Moreover, the market is expected to grow further with the increasing demand for bariatric transport wheelchairs globally.

Further, the factors that are driving the market growth include the rising prevalence of obesity, technological advantages and advancements, and increasing healthcare expenditure with the rise in disposable income. For instance, as per the data published by the Global Obesity Observatory in 2021, over 28.1% of adults aged 18 to 64 years were estimated to be overweight in New Caledonia in 2021. The same source stated that over 36.4% of adults aged 16 years and above were estimated to be overweight in Scotland in 2021.

Also, advanced technology provided by the upcoming bariatric wheelchair is able to provide comfort and various advantages to the users. The incoming advanced features of the bariatric chair are expected to boost the growth of the market further. For instance, in May 2021, Quantum Rehab launched its single-power heavy-duty power base wheelchair, J4. The wheelchair has a capacity of 400lb weight and is equipped with a Q4 HD power tilt function. The power chair has a Q4 HD power tilt system that offers 55 degrees of power tilt and is also compatible with Quantum's power articulating foot platform. Such launches augment the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Therefore, owing to the aforementioned factors of the rising burden of obesity and the technologically advanced features of the wheelchair, the studied market is anticipated to witness growth over the analysis period. However, the associated cost constraints and the low acceptance rate with a lack of skilled staff or caregivers are likely to impede market growth.

Bariatric Transport Wheelchairs Market Trends

The Automated Bariatric Wheelchair Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period

The automated bariatric wheelchair is a pedestrian-operated, battery-electric mover that enables the passenger on the automatic wheelchair to move around smoothly and effortlessly. The major benefit of having an automated or powered wheelchair over a manual one is a small electric motor. The electric motor has the capacity to move the power wheelchair in a much easier and simpler manner. Powered wheelchairs also offer the benefit of quick and easy maneuvering, owing to the fact that, by providing free movement of the automated wheelchair while turning circles, the user can direct through small areas very easily.

As the majority of obese patients often have lesser upper body control, problems associated with free movement, and lesser core arm strength, using an automated wheelchair is the most convenient way of their mobility. An electric wheelchair enables the patients to move around easily without resulting in any kind of strain on their bodies. The increasing obesity in different countries around the world is also boosting the growth of the market segment. For instance, the World Obesity Atlas, accessed in April 2023, reported that in Iran, the prevalence of obesity in adults was 25%, and 38.10% of the adults in the population were overweight in 2021.

Several technological advancements in the area of an automatic wheelchairs for overweight or obese individuals' mobility are expected to boost the growth of the segment during the forecast period. For instance, in August 2021, Invacare Corporation launched its Invacare AVIVA STORM RX power wheelchair. The automatic wheelchair is a next-generation rear-wheel drive power wheelchair.

Therefore, owing to the advantage and ease of usage of the automatic bariatric wheelchair, the growth of the segment is expected during the forecast period.

North America is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period

North America is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the increasing number of obese populations across the region. Another driving factor is the availability of better healthcare infrastructure in the region and the rising awareness about facilities available for obese people. The number of obese and overweight people in the United States is significant, which can drive the demand for bariatric transport wheelchairs. For instance, as per the data published by the Trust for America Health in 2021, over 41 states in the United States have an adult obesity rate of 30% and higher in 2021. The same source also stated that the adult obesity rate was 39.9% in Alabama in 2021. Further, as per the data published by Statistics Canada in 2021, over 2,398,200 and 1,727,000 individuals aged 18 to 34 years were reported to be overweight and obese, respectively, in 2021, in Canada.

Furthermore, the region has significant healthcare expenditure, which is expected to boost the adoption of bariatric transport wheelchairs by obese and overweight individuals. For instance, as per the data published by the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2022, healthcare expenditure increased by 2.7% in 2021 from 2020, reaching USD 4.3 trillion or USD 12,914 per person in 2021 in the United States. Further, as per the data published by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) in November 2022, it was estimated that the total health expenditure in Canada would increase to CAD 331 billion (USD 241.99 billion) in 2022.

Also, the recent developments by the market players would also boost the growth of the market in the region. For instance, in March 2021, Invacare Corporation and its subsidiary, Alber USA, LLC, launched their next generation of power assist devices, the Alber e-motion (M25,) which is an electrically powered wheelchair and push rim activated device that features wheels with a powerful in-hub motor and lithium-ion batteries.

Therefore, with the above-mentioned factors of a high burden of obesity and overweight and the launch of products by the market players in the region, the studied market is expected to grow further during the forecast period.

Bariatric Transport Wheelchairs Industry Overview

The global bariatric transport wheelchairs market is semi-consolidated and consists of a few major players. The strategic initiatives taken by the market players such as the launch of new products, collaboration is also boosting the growth of the market. The key players in the market include 21st Century Scientific Inc., Invacare Corporation, Medline Industries Inc., Drive Medical Design and Manufacturing, and Bios Medical.

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