Mobility Aids Market Size and Forecasts, Global and Regional Share, Trends, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Product Type, Application, End User, Distribution Channel, and Geography

The mobility aids market size is expected to grow from US$ 7.554 billion in 2022 to US$ 13.344 billion by 2030; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 7.4% during 2022-2030.

The mobility aids market growth is attributed to the increasing geriatric population and rising mobility impairment disorder cases. However, the high cost of devices hinders the market growth.

The availability of more efficient, user-friendly, and accessible devices with technological advancements offers significant growth opportunities to the market. Technological advancements have the potential to revolutionize the mobility aids market by supporting the development and launch of more efficient, user-friendly, and accessible devices. The geriatric society faces mobility issues due to poor balance, chronic diseases, and the inability to walk long distances or even walk around the house. As people age, they suffer from poor vision and slower reflexes. This affects their mobility, physical activity, and access to commodities. People may need a wheelchair for a variety of reasons, such as mobility issues or mental disabilities. Technology can help overcome some of these problems. Newer innovations in wheelchair design make wheelchairs capable of climbing stairs, going off-road, and even propel using segway technology or additional add-ons such as handbikes, or power assists. Developing technologies may make it possible for individuals to control the chair through eye movements. With digitalization, the wheelchair segment has improved significantly. Below mentioned are some of the breakthrough innovations in this sector:

• Self-driving wheelchair, developed by Guru IoT, is based on the digital twinning concept. The wheelchair is equipped with a map of the area in which it is to be used to help the user move around easily. The wheelchair is also equipped with an additional safety feature and proximity sensors to make sure that the user is not injured. This can be beneficial for elderly people with mobility issues combined with dementia.
• Luci is a smart wheelchair that was designed to enhance the features of powered wheelchairs. It was developed in the US with safety in mind. It has sensors that use radar, ultrasonics, and cameras and detect an impending collision and slow the chair down, making it much safer than powered wheelchairs that need manual intervention. This is especially useful for elderly people who may not have the ability to stop the chair in case of emergencies.
• Phoenix i wheelchair was developed by a Scottish designer and entrepreneur, Andrew Slorance, using 3D printing technology. The 3D-printed carbon fiber helps to create an ultra-lightweight chair that offers great agility and stability. The chair also has an intelligent mode where the chassis and wheels move in sync with the rider.
• Development of Eyedrivomatic to provide people living with conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a chance to gain more control over their movement through the use of motorized wheelchairs and an eyegaze system.

Improvements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, have been able to help people with different types of disabilities. Other types of improvements in technology include adaptive keyboards, AI-powered smart canes, smart glasses, wheelchairs that can climb stairs, and much more. This presents significant opportunities for market players, allowing them to cater to a broader range of individuals with mobility impairments.

Product Type - Based Insights

Based on product type, the mobility aids market is segmented into wheelchairs and walking aids. In 2022, the wheelchairs segment held a larger share of the market and is anticipated to register a higher CAGR during 2022-2030. A wheelchair, a chair mounted with wheels and incorporated with a propeller, provides mobility to people who cannot walk because of an illness or a temporary or permanent disability. It is one of the most widely used assistive devices used to facilitate personal mobility. It can be used by children, adults, and elderly people, and a wide range of wheelchairs are available, depending on patients’ requirements, control mechanisms, propulsion methods, and technology. Using appropriate wheelchairs improves the quality of life, reduces common problems such as deformities and pressure sores, and improves digestion and respiration among patients. A backrest, a cushion, a footrest, and an armrest all provide users with postural support when adjusted to suit the size of the wheelchair user. United Nations provides appropriate legislation to request its Member States to support the development, manufacturing, distribution, and servicing of such mobility devices. Low cost, ease of use, and broad range of applications in clinics and other settings fuel the demand for wheelchairs. Electric or powered wheelchairs available in the market refer to any seating surface or chair affixed with wheels and propelled by an electrical power source. Powered wheelchairs benefit patients having weak arms, especially those suffering from neurological disorders.

Growth of the mobility aids market for the wheelchair segment is ascribed to a rise in accidental and innate mobility deformities, a growing geriatric population, patients’ preference for independent mobility in indoor and outdoor settings, and a high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the growing availability and accessibility of wheelchairs in middle and low-income countries, and advanced features such as lockable wheels, oxygen tank holders, hemiplegic handles, friction brakes, light frame, larger wheel diameter, and expanded weight-bearing capacity benefit the market for this segment.

Market players across the world are focusing on developing and introducing newer versions of wheelchairs to simplify movement for physically challenged patients. In March 2020, Invacare Corporation launched the Invacare AVIVA FX Power Wheelchair with best-in-class design, technology, and performance. The newly introduced product incorporates high-performance technology along with leap-forward mobility. In September 2020, Magic Mobility, an Australia-based company, launched an advanced customized powered wheelchair named Magic 360. The mid-wheel power drive wheelchair can operate on off-road terrains. In February 2022, Invacare Corporation introduced the Alber e-fix eco power assist, which uses a joystick, a battery, and in-wheel motors to transform a manual wheelchair into a transportable power chair.

Application-Based Insights

Based on application, the mobility aids market is segmented into neurologically impaired, handicap patients, and other applications. In 2022, the neurologically impaired segment held the largest share of the market and is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2022-2030. Neurologically impaired individuals include people suffering from Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc., who may experience difficulties moving around. Neurological impairment is a consistent process hampering intellectual function, mobility, communications, and multiple other specific medical issues. It can be mild with reduced muscle tone and coordination, or severe enough to disrupt a person's ability to stand or walk. Mobility aids help these individuals maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Mobility aids used by neurologically impaired patients include wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and scooters.

Different types of mobility aids are frequently used by older people with various neurological conditions to move from one place to another with optimum balance, alongside preventing falls and injuries. Canes and walkers are very helpful for people with walking difficulty as they address mild balance or weakness issues. Neurologically impaired patients also use wheelchairs, crutches, and sticks. A mobility scooter is an electrically powered product designed for those with limited mobility. It can offer independence to people who can no longer drive but still wish to commute alone.

National SCI Data Sheet, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) are among the primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing the mobility aids market report.