Patient Handling Equipment Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2032

Patient Handling Equipment Market Size and Trends Analysis

The global patient handling equipment market is likely to be valued at US$ 18.5 Bn in 2025 and expected to reach US$ 29.1 Bn by 2032, registering a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. Rise in aging global population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and demand for advanced healthcare infrastructure encourages the need for patient handling equipment.

Technological advancements in patient handling equipment, growing awareness of caregiver safety, and the expansion of homecare and elderly care facilities in emerging economies. Patient handling equipment plays a critical role in improving patient mobility, reducing the risk of injuries for healthcare workers, and enhancing the overall quality of care across various healthcare settings.

Key Industry Highlights:

• Leading Region: North America, holding a 37% market share in 2025, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare spending, and a growing elderly population.
• Fastest-growing Region: Asia Pacific, fueled by rapid urbanization, increasing healthcare investments, and rising demand for elderly care solutions.
• Dominant Product Type: Wheelchairs, commanding nearly 29% market share, driven by their wide applicability, technological innovations, and high demand across healthcare settings.
• Leading Application: Bariatric Care, accounting for over 38% of market revenue, driven by safe handling and mobility of overweight and obese patients across hospitals, homecare, rehabilitation, and elderly care settings.

Global Market Attribute	Key Insights
Patient Handling Equipment Market Size (2025E)	US$ 18.5 Bn
Market Value Forecast (2032F)	US$ 29.1 Bn
Projected Growth (CAGR 2025 to 2032)	6.7%
Historical Market Growth (CAGR 2019 to 2024)	6.3%

Market Dynamics

Driver - Aging global population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases

The aging global population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases are among the most significant drivers of the patient handling equipment market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 years and older is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, up from 1.4 billion in 2020. This demographic shift is increasing the demand for patient handling equipment, such as medical beds, patient lifts, and wheelchairs, to support mobility and care for elderly individuals with limited physical capabilities.

Chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, which often impair mobility, are also on the rise. For instance, the International Diabetes Federation reported that 537 million adults were living with diabetes in 2021, a number projected to increase to 643 million by 2030. These conditions necessitate specialized equipment to assist with patient transfers, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, the growing focus on caregiver safety has led to increased adoption of ergonomic equipment, such as ceiling lifts and powered wheelchairs, to minimize musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers. The integration of automation and smart technologies, such as IoT-enabled medical beds, further enhances patient comfort and operational efficiency, driving market growth.

Restraint - High cost of advanced patient handling equipment

The growth of the patient handling equipment market is restrained by the high cost of advanced equipment. Modern equipment, such as motorized patient lifts, electric wheelchairs, bariatric beds, and automated transfer systems, incorporates sophisticated technologies to ensure safety, ergonomics, and ease of use.

For instance, Arjo’s Sara Plus motorized patient lift and Hill-Rom’s Advanta 2 bariatric bed are designed to handle heavy patients safely while reducing caregiver strain. While these innovations improve patient care and reduce caregiver injuries, they come at a significant price, making them less accessible for small hospitals, clinics, and home care providers, particularly in emerging economies. Additionally, ongoing maintenance, spare parts, and training requirements add to the overall expenditure, further limiting adoption. For instance, electric bariatric beds can cost several times more than manual alternatives, and training staff to operate them safely adds additional costs.

Budget constraints and reimbursement challenges in certain regions can delay procurement or push facilities to opt for lower-cost, manual alternatives, which may compromise efficiency or safety. As a result, the high cost of advanced patient handling equipment remains a key barrier, potentially slowing market growth despite increasing demand driven by aging populations, rising chronic diseases, and the need for improved patient care standards.

Opportunity - Growing demand for homecare and elderly care solutions

The global aging population is expanding rapidly, with the World Health Organization projecting that the number of people aged 60 years and above will reach 2.1 billion by 2050. This demographic shift has increased the need for medical devices that support mobility, safety, and independence at home. Patient handling equipment such as wheelchairs, transport chairs, patient lifts, and bathroom assist devices are increasingly being adopted in homecare settings to ensure safe and convenient patient transfers. For instance, Invacare’s Homecare Wheelchairs and Arjo’s Sara Stedy patient lift are widely used in residential care to facilitate safe mobility for elderly patients.

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity, requires long-term support and specialized care, which further drives demand for home-based solutions. Homecare and elderly care providers are investing in ergonomic, easy-to-use, and compact equipment that reduces caregiver strain while enhancing patient comfort. Examples include Hill-Rom’s CareAssist motorized lifts and Drive Medical’s foldable transport chairs, which are designed specifically for home use. Technological advancements, including motorized lifts, foldable wheelchairs, and smart monitoring systems, have made these solutions more accessible and efficient. As a result, the homecare and elderly care segment represents a substantial revenue and growth opportunity for manufacturers in the patient handling equipment market.

Category-wise Analysis

Product Type Insights

Wheelchairs hold a dominant position in the patient handling equipment market, commanding nearly 29% of the total market share. Their wide applicability across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, homecare, and elderly care facilities drives consistent demand. Technological innovations, including lightweight frames, foldable designs, powered mobility options, and ergonomic seating, have further enhanced their functionality and user convenience. These factors, combined with the growing geriatric population and increasing prevalence of mobility-related health conditions, make wheelchairs a key revenue-generating product segment globally.

The Patient Lifts segment is the fastest-growing, driven by the increasing focus on caregiver safety and the need for efficient patient transfer solutions. Patient lifts, including ceiling lifts, floor lifts, and sit-to-stand devices, are gaining traction in hospitals and homecare settings due to their ability to minimize manual lifting and reduce workplace injuries. The rising prevalence of obesity and bariatric care needs is also accelerating the demand for heavy-duty patient lifts, particularly in North America and Europe.

Application Insights

Bariatric Care is a leading application segment in the patient handling equipment market, accounting for over 38% of total market revenue. Its growth is driven by the increasing need for safe handling and mobility solutions for overweight and obese patients across hospitals, homecare, rehabilitation centers, and elderly care facilities. Specialized equipment such as bariatric wheelchairs, patient lifts, stretchers, and beds ensures patient safety, reduces caregiver injuries, and supports comfortable mobility, making this segment a significant contributor to overall market growth.

Long-Term Care is the fastest-growing segment, driven by the growing geriatric population and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Facilities providing long-term care, including nursing homes, assisted living centers, and rehabilitation facilities, require specialized equipment to ensure safe patient mobility, comfort, and caregiver efficiency.

End-use Insights

Hospitals hold the largest market share, accounting for approximately 47% of revenue. Their dominance is driven by the high volume of patient admissions, the need for advanced patient handling equipment in surgical and intensive care units, and the availability of substantial healthcare budgets. Hospitals rely on a wide range of equipment, including medical beds, stretchers, and patient lifts, to ensure safe patient handling and compliance with workplace safety regulations.

Homecare is the fastest-growing end-use segment, driven by the increasing demand for home-based care solutions and the growing elderly population. The rise in chronic diseases, coupled with advancements in portable and affordable patient handling equipment, has made homecare a viable alternative to institutional care. Companies such as Invacare Corporation and Etac Ltd. are focusing on developing lightweight and easy-to-use devices tailored for home environments, further accelerating this segment’s growth.

Regional Insights

North America Patient Handling Equipment Market Trends

North America is expected to hold a significant position in the global patient handling equipment market, accounting for approximately 37% of the global market share in 2025. The region’s dominance is driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, which includes state-of-the-art hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and specialized elderly care facilities. High healthcare spending in countries such as the United States and Canada enables healthcare providers to invest in sophisticated patient handling equipment such as motorized patient lifts, bariatric beds, automated transfer systems, and advanced wheelchairs.

The region is experiencing a growing elderly population, increasing the demand for devices that ensure safe patient transfers and reduce caregiver injuries. Technological advancements, strict regulatory standards, and a strong focus on patient safety further contribute to market growth. North American manufacturers and healthcare providers are also adopting innovative and ergonomic solutions that enhance patient comfort, optimize operational efficiency, and address the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, solidifying the region’s position as a key driver in the global market.

Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Trends

The Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the region’s aging population, the rising incidence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, and a heightened focus on caregiver safety. Regulatory frameworks in Europe, including policies on safe patient handling and minimal lifting, are encouraging hospitals and rehabilitation centers to implement advanced equipment.

Major product categories encompass medical beds, patient repositioning devices, mobility aids, and bathroom safety solutions, which are extensively utilized in hospitals, homecare environments, and elderly care facilities. Key trends include the adoption of smart technologies, automated systems, ergonomic designs, and foldable solutions to improve patient comfort and operational efficiency. Additionally, increased investment in training programs for safe patient handling is further promoting the uptake of these devices, positioning Europe as a leading market for innovative and effective patient handling solutions.

Asia Pacific Patient Handling Equipment Market Trends

The Asia Pacific Patient Handling Equipment Market is experiencing strong growth, fueled by rapid urbanization, increasing healthcare investments, and rising demand for elderly care solutions. The region is experiencing significant demographic changes, with a growing geriatric population that requires specialized equipment for safe mobility and daily care. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and Australia are investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and homecare facilities, which drives the adoption of advanced patient handling solutions.

Healthcare providers are increasingly implementing motorized patient lifts, bariatric beds, wheelchairs, and mobility aids to ensure patient safety, reduce caregiver injuries, and enhance operational efficiency. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity, further increases the need for patient handling equipment across hospitals, elderly care facilities, and homecare settings. Additionally, technological advancements, such as ergonomic designs, foldable equipment, and smart monitoring systems, are making these devices more accessible and user-friendly. Growing awareness about patient and caregiver safety, along with supportive government initiatives and increasing healthcare expenditure, positions the Asia Pacific region as a high-growth market for patient handling equipment over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The global Patient Handling Equipment Market is characterized by intense competition, regional strengths, and a mix of international and local manufacturers. In developed regions such as North America and Europe, large firms such as Arjo, Hill-Rom, Invacare, and Drive DeVilbiss dominate through scale, advanced R&D capabilities, and established partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and elderly care providers. In the Asia Pacific, rapid growth in healthcare infrastructure, increasing elderly populations, and rising healthcare expenditures are attracting substantial investments from both international players, such as Mindray Medical and Arjo, and regional leaders in China, India, and Japan. Companies are focusing on product innovation, affordability, ergonomic designs, and strategic alliances with healthcare providers to strengthen their market position. The development of smart, automated, and AI-enabled patient handling systems has emerged as a key differentiator, enhancing patient safety, caregiver efficiency, and adoption rates. Strategic collaborations, acquisitions, and digital-first strategies are further intensifying competition. Overall, the domain is consolidated at the top by global giants while remaining fragmented across numerous regional and niche players catering to local needs, cost-sensitive segments, and emerging applications.

Key Developments

• In March 2024, Stryker Corporation launched an advanced patient lift system with IoT integration, designed to enhance patient safety and caregiver efficiency in hospitals.
• In June 2024, Hill-Rom Holdings announced a partnership with a leading European healthcare provider to supply smart medical beds with real-time patient monitoring capabilities.

Companies Covered in Patient Handling Equipment Market

• Stryker Corporation
• Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
• Invacare Corporation
• Getinge Group
• ArjoHuntleigh, Inc.
• Joerns Healthcare, Inc.
• Stiegelmeyer, Inc.
• Benmor Medical Ltd.
• Prism Medical Ltd
• Etac Ltd.
• Mangar International Ltd
• Linet Americas, Inc