ID: PMRREP12961| 199 Pages | 2 Dec 2025 | Format: PDF, Excel, PPT* | Healthcare
The global wheelchair and components market size is valued at US$ 12.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 16.0 billion growing at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.
The market is poised for tremendous expansion as a result of the introduction of new products that offer features that are more practical and user-friendly. Although the current situation suggests that manual wheelchair sales are high, notable improvements in powered wheelchairs have occurred in recent years. Over the ensuing years, it is anticipated that this will cause the target population to switch over to powered wheelchairs.
| Key Insights | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair and Components Market Size (2025E) | US$ 12.4 Bn |
| Market Value Forecast (2032F) | US$ 16.0 Bn |
| Projected Growth (CAGR 2025 to 2032) | 3.7% |
| Historical Market Growth (CAGR 2019 to 2024) | 3.2% |
Every year, there are about 2 million new users, which results in a rise in the need for wheelchairs in the nation. The main drivers of the wheelchair market expansion are the rising global elderly population, chronic diseases, and rising powered wheelchair adoption.
According to the FWM, i.e. Free Wheelchair Mission, there are an estimated 75 million persons lacking access to wheelchairs worldwide. Its goal is to give disabled persons who live in developing nations more autonomy. FWM has provided more than a million wheelchairs since 2001, and by the end of 2025, they hope to have made available another million.
Increased healthcare spending is required to meet the unmet requirements of the growing elderly population and enhance their quality of life. Healthcare is one of the biggest costs for seniors. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that by 2060, health spending among its 35 countries might account for 14% of global GDP.
During the projected period, increasing investments are anticipated to increase demand for wheelchairs and their components. To make life easier for elderly persons who require assisted living, many start-ups are investing in home health programmes.
Over conventional wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs provide several advantages. Some recent innovations in electric wheelchairs include the ability to pair the wheelchair with smart devices, the ability to record medical history, alerts for distress calls in emergency scenarios, monitoring patients' welfare for critical indications, and design enhancements.
Additionally, the user's independence is increased by other characteristics that make it simpler to travel longer distances without becoming exhausted. For instance, in March 2024, QUICKIE Q50 R Carbon launched the lightest folding power wheelchair from Sunrise Medical with a transport weight of just around 32 lbs.
Product recalls and high costs remain significant restraints in the global power wheelchair market. While powered wheelchairs provide vital mobility assistance to elderly and disabled individuals, they are complex medical devices that occasionally experience technical malfunctions, design flaws, or software failures. These issues can compromise user safety, leading to product recalls and reduced consumer confidence.
For example, in June 2024, the U.S. FDA announced a recall of the Permobil M3 Corpus power wheelchair due to a defect in the joystick module that could cause unintended movement, posing a risk of injury. Such incidents not only affect brand reputation but also result in financial losses for manufacturers.
Additionally, the high purchase and maintenance costs of power wheelchairs driven by advanced electronics, batteries, and customization-limit accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. Combined, frequent recalls and affordability challenges hinder consistent adoption and market expansion across both developed and emerging economies.
The growing integration of digital technologies is creating a major opportunity in the global wheelchair and components market. Smart and connected wheelchairs, equipped with IoT sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and AI-based control systems, are transforming mobility for the elderly and disabled by offering enhanced navigation, safety, and independence.
These wheelchairs enable real-time health monitoring, tracking parameters such as heart rate, posture, and movement patterns, while also providing fall detection and GPS-based assistance. With rising adoption of telehealth and homecare models, such connected solutions align perfectly with evolving healthcare delivery systems.
Moreover, government initiatives across developed and emerging markets are encouraging digital health innovation and funding assistive technology startups.
For instance, in January 2024, LUCI Mobility launched its LUCI+ platform, an intelligent add-on system that converts conventional power wheelchairs into connected smart devices featuring obstacle detection, cloud analytics, and caregiver communication tools.
The growing focus on safety, personalized control, and data-driven healthcare integration makes smart wheelchairs a high-potential growth area, offering lucrative opportunities for manufacturers, component suppliers, and digital health providers globally.
The wheelchair product category dominated the global wheelchair and components market, accounting for around 54% of total market share in 2024. Within this category, manual wheelchairs continue to lead due to their simplicity, affordability, and wide institutional adoption across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and elderly care facilities.
Their ease of use, minimal maintenance, and suitability for short-term mobility needs make them the preferred choice for both patients and caregivers.
Additionally, advancements in design and materials such as lightweight high-strength alloys, foldable frames, and modular component systems have significantly improved durability and comfort, encouraging greater acceptance in both developed and emerging markets.
While powered wheelchairs are gaining traction with technological integration, manual wheelchairs maintain dominance due to large-scale procurement by healthcare institutions and government programs aimed at affordable mobility. The segment’s stability and broad accessibility position as the backbone of the global wheelchair and components industry.
In 2024, lightweight wheelchairs held a leading position in the global market, capturing around 32.3% share in the modality segment. Their growing popularity stems from a combination of practicality, comfort, and ease of mobility.
These wheelchairs are particularly beneficial for individuals who retain partial upper body strength or for elderly users who may tire easily but still wish to maintain independence. The compact and portable design allows for smooth handling, effortless transportation, and convenient storage, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Moreover, the use of lightweight aluminium frames enhances maneuverability without compromising on durability or safety. Healthcare institutions and homecare users like these models due to their low maintenance and versatility.
As mobility needs rise across aging populations and rehabilitation programs expand, the demand for lightweight wheelchairs continues to grow. Their balance of comfort, portability, and affordability positions them as a preferred mobility solution worldwide.
North America continues to dominate the global wheelchair and components market, accounting for approximately 34.3% of total market share in 2024. This leadership is driven by a robust healthcare infrastructure, high per-capita healthcare spending, and favorable reimbursement policies that promote accessibility to mobility aids.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 291,000 Americans live with spinal cord injuries, creating a sustained demand for technologically advanced and customized wheelchairs.
The region is also witnessing rapid adoption of powered, smart, and connected wheelchairs integrated with IoT and AI-based control systems, enhancing user comfort and independence. Furthermore, strong R&D investments by U.S.-based companies and partnerships with rehabilitation centers are fostering continuous innovation in lightweight materials, ergonomic seating, and modular components.
Government initiatives such as Medicare and Medicaid coverage for assistive devices further boost market penetration, particularly across aging and disabled populations. Overall, North America remains a frontrunner in wheelchair innovation, accessibility, and commercialization.
Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing regional market for wheelchairs and components, fueled by demographic transitions, rapid urbanization, and expanding healthcare access. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are leading this growth, supported by favorable government initiatives, aging populations, and advancements in mobility aid technology.
China benefits from strong local manufacturing capabilities, social welfare expansion, and innovation hubs that encourage the production of cost-effective and smart mobility devices. In India and ASEAN nations, government-backed subsidy programs and public-private partnerships are enhancing affordability and bridging accessibility gaps for disabled and elderly users.
Moreover, regional manufacturers are scaling up production capacities and adopting export-oriented business models to cater to international markets. Rising healthcare expenditure, rehabilitation needs, and technological integration such as foldable electric designs and IoT-enabled components are further shaping market expansion.
Collectively, these factors position the Asia Pacific region as a dynamic hub for affordable innovation and long-term growth in the wheelchair and components market.
The top players in the wheelchair and components markets want to increase their regional acquisitions. Europe, Latin America, and Asian nations like China and Japan have all noticed this tendency. Medical device corporations continue to seek out prospective assets from smaller businesses, which often have fewer resources to complete projects and bring them to market, in order to stay competitive and maintain a strong product pipeline.
Companies obtain these new items through licencing agreements and collaborations while still pursuing their own development initiatives.
The global wheelchair and components market is projected to be valued at US$ 12.4 Bn in 2025.
Demand is primarily propelled by the rising aging population, prevalence of mobility disorders, and increasing accessibility regulations.
The global wheelchair and components market is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.7% between 2025 and 2032.
Development and adoption of smart and lightweight sports wheelchairs, driven by material advancements and rising participation in adaptive sports.
Major industry participants include Invacare Corporation, Sunrise Medical Inc., Permobil AB, Ottobock Healthcare GmbH, among others.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical Data/Actuals | 2019 - 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2032 |
| Market Analysis | Value: US$ Bn and Volume (if Available) |
| Geographical Coverage |
|
| Segmental Coverage |
|
| Competitive Analysis |
|
| Report Highlights |
|
By Product
By Modality
By Distribution Channel
By Region
Delivery Timelines
For more information on this report and its delivery timelines please get in touch with our sales team.
About Author
