Europe Wheelchair Market Outlook, 2028

Europe is a mature wheelchair market, with a major portion of its demand being met by local manufacturers. The EU has stringent regulations governing hospital or healthcare facility equipment, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of international manufacturers. The wheelchair industry is expanding as Europe's population ages. The European market is being driven by an ageing population and an increase in the number of disorders requiring mobility support, such as spinal cord injuries. The European wheelchair market is still in its early stages; however, with growing consumer awareness and supportive government policies, demand for wheelchairs is expected to rise in the coming years. During the forecast period, European countries are expected to experience moderate revenue growth. The presence of a large number of players in these countries is propelling the wheelchair market forward. On January 18, 2022, for instance, Permobil, a seating product manufacturer, announced the launch of Progeo Noir 2.0, a carbon fiber active wheelchair with energy-efficient benefits for consumers in the U.K. Because of the benefits of carbon and the maneuverability of a made-to-measure wheelchair, Progeo Noir 2.0 provides users with an optimally balanced ride. Germany is a super-aged society, with people aged 65 and up expected to account for roughly one-third of the total population by 2050. Germany has been a pioneer in using digital technology to support a healthier and more active older population. The government has established initiatives to assist older people in learning fundamental technology skills.

According to the research report, Europe Wheelchair Market Outlook, 2028 the market is projected to grow by USD 697 Million from 2023 to 2028. The European region is still at an embryonic stage in terms of wheelchair availability and adoption; however, with increased consumer awareness and supportive government measures, demand for wheelchairs is likely to grow during the forecast period. The evolution of technological advancements in wheelchair designs is a prominent trend that is expected to accelerate market growth in the near future. Sunrise Medical manufactures a variety of mobility products, including lightweight wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and others. The company is making strategic moves such as expanding its product portfolio through acquisitions of other market companies. In September 2022, Sunrise Medical acquired two companies, namely Helping Hand Company and Now Tech, in Europe. The company Now Tech has a strong portfolio of products, including a special head control that is part of the Sunrise SWITCH-IT power wheelchair special control product. The region held the second-largest market share after North America. Europe would follow the Americas in terms of value during the forecast period due to favourable government initiatives and a large target population base, owing to the increasing number of physically challenged people in the region. A rising population of geriatrics, an increase in the aging population, the need for an automated wheelchair for disabled people, and the rise in the number of disorders are the growth drivers in the European wheelchair market.

Based on the report, the market is segmented into six major countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, and Russia. Among them, Germany and the United Kingdom are considered major markets, occupying over 30% of the market in 2022. The German wheelchair market had the highest revenue share in 2020 and is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period. This is due to improved technologies, widespread product availability, a good reimbursement framework, and a strong healthcare system. Rapidly evolving technological improvements in wheelchairs, as well as the development of other products, such as powered wheelchairs, by a number of companies, are expected to boost wheelchair sales in the future. On the other hand, according to the research, it is estimated that in the UK, the proportion of people aged 85 and above is set to double in the next 25 years. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the health of the elderly in the UK. Around 1.5 million people aged 65 and older suffered from difficulty walking, which did not exist before the restrictions imposed for the pandemic. Additionally, around 23% of the geriatric population has suffered from a decrease in their abilities to perform daily activities since the lockdown.

Old age brings its own array of diseases to a person, such as motor disabilities, debilitating diseases, and decreased mental capacity, and tends to hamper the quality of life among the elderly. A powered wheelchair allows the elderly to move around easily both indoors and outdoors, improving the quality of their lives. As a result, the market for electric wheelchairs is expected to grow due to an increase in the elderly population, which will further benefit the market. Furthermore, the pandemic has slowed the implementation of new medical device policies, as well as delayed regulatory approvals and disrupted processes. Sunrise Medical, a wheelchair company based in Germany, for example, has published guidelines for handling wheelchairs during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to these guidelines, proper cleaning and disinfection of a wheelchair are critical to preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses like COVID-19. However, according to the British Red Cross, in 2020, the organization will have provided wheelchair service to around 140 communities across the UK. Also, the organization supplied over 50,000 wheelchairs for patients with permanent as well as temporary mobility conditions.

According to the report, the market has been segmented into two major categories, including adult and paediatric. Young people (0 to 14 years old), people of working age (15 to 64 years old), and older people (65 and over) made up 15.1%, 64.1%, and 20.8% of the EU population in 2021, respectively. The adult wheelchair market in Europe is driven by the increasing prevalence of disabilities and the growing aging population in the region. Adults with disabilities, mobility impairments, or injuries may require a wheelchair for mobility and independence. However, paediatric wheelchairs are designed to meet the specific needs of children, with features such as adjustable seating, lightweight materials, and child-friendly designs. The market for paediatric wheelchairs is also driven by factors such as rising healthcare spending, growing awareness of children's health and welfare, and the development of advanced paediatric wheelchair technology.

Several features are particularly popular among European users. Adjustability is one of the most common. In Europe, wheelchairs are frequently adjustable to accommodate different body types and needs. Portability is another popular feature. In Europe, many wheelchairs are designed to be easily folded and transported. This is particularly important for users who must travel frequently. Finally, among European users, comfort is a major concern. Wheelchairs in Europe frequently have more padding and cushioning than those in other parts of the world. Wheelchair technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with new innovations making them easier to use and more comfortable. Power assist wheels that help users move around more easily are among the most recent innovations, as are chairs designed specifically for outdoor use. In Europe, there are several wheelchair industry innovators. Sunrise Medical is one of the most notable, having developed several new products in recent years. Ottobock, another industry innovator, has created several cutting-edge technologies, such as power wheelchairs that can be controlled with gestures. These businesses are altering the game and making it easier for people to obtain the equipment they require. Invacare recently introduced its smallest foldable power chair, designed specifically for people who want to live active, independent lives. The Kompas can be used at home, on sporadic day trips, or on regular outings to help you get through those long and exhausting days. The Kompas is one of the lightest folding electric wheelchairs on the market, weighing less than 21kg without batteries and easy to lift into a car or apartment trunk.

Further, the report is segmented into various function types, including basic, sports, bariatric, and others. Among them, the basic wheelchair is projected to acquire nearly half of the market share owing to higher adoption compared to other segments. On the other hand, bariatric wheelchairs are designed to support individuals who are overweight or obese and require additional weight-bearing capacity. In Europe, there is a growing demand for bariatric wheelchairs due to the increasing prevalence of obesity. Several manufacturers offer bariatric wheelchairs on the European market, including Invacare, Drive Medical, and Sunrise Medical. These wheelchairs are typically designed to support weights of up to 500 lbs. or more, with reinforced frames, wider seats, and other features to accommodate larger individuals. Also, sports wheelchairs are specialized wheelchairs designed for athletes who participate in sports such as basketball, rugby, and tennis. They are built to be lightweight and highly manoeuvrable, with specific features that make them suitable for different sports. Other wheel chairs, such as standing wheelchairs, reclining wheelchairs, foldable wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs, three-wheeled wheelchairs, and dog wheelchairs, are projected to witness higher market growth by 2028.

Furthermore, Ambient Assisted Living's (AAL) iWalkActive program intends to combine ICT technology with traditional walkers to create a smart walker platform to assist the elderly European population in walking. As a result of such activities, the market for mobility aids is expected to grow. Furthermore, the government's rising measures to provide improved wheelchair accessibility in this region are likely to enhance market growth. Furthermore, the rising geriatric population, coupled with the rising prevalence of diseases such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, and paralysis, is anticipated to increase the demand for mobility aids. For instance, in the U.K., one of the most important economies in Europe, the geriatric population accounted for nearly 18.65% of the country’s population in 2020. Moreover, approximately 20,000 new cases of rheumatoid arthritis are diagnosed in the country annually, eventually increasing the demand for rehabilitation equipment. Based on these factors, the application of rehabilitation centers for wheel chairs is expected to grow by the end of the forecast period.

Recent Product Launches for 2021:

• The Invacare Matrx Elite E2 wheelchair cushion features a multi-layered foam design that provides superior pressure relief and support for wheelchair users.
• The Handicare WAVE Rollator is designed for users who have difficulty standing for long periods of time and features a built-in seat and backrest, as well as adjustable handlebars.
• The Meyra iChair power wheelchair features an innovative design that allows users to adjust the seat height and angle, as well as the footrest and backrest, for optimal comfort and support.
• The TopChair-S electric wheelchair features a unique design that allows users to navigate stairs and other obstacles with ease, making it a versatile option for outdoor use.
• The Alber Twion M24 Power Assist Wheelchair features lightweight wheels with built-in motors that provide extra power when needed, making it easier for users to navigate inclines and other obstacles.
• The Benoit System Loopwheels Carbon Fiber Wheelchair features carbon fiber wheels with Loopwheels suspension technology, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
• The Karma Ergo Lite 2 Wheelchair features a foldable frame and weighs only 8.7 kg, making it easy to transport.

Companies Mentioned in this Report:

Karma Medical Products Co., Ltd., Ride Designs, Invacare Corporation, Levo AG, Matia Mobility, Medline, Otto Bock, Permobil AB, Pride Mobility Products Corporation, Sunrise Medical LLC, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Etac AB, Meyra GmBH, Eurovema AB.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Europe
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Europe wheelchair market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise wheelchair market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia

By Product type:

• Electric & Powered Wheelchair
• Manual Wheelchair

By Category Type:

• Adult
• Paediatric

By Application Type:

• Homecare
• Hospitals
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Rehabilitation Centers

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Wheelchair industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.