Rising Global Demand for Wheelchairs: Key Factors and Market Growth

NEW YORK - Oct. 17, 2024 - PRLog -- Mobility can be hindered by numerous factors, both natural and artificial, including debilitating diseases such as paralysis, ALS, and polio, congenital limb malformations, amputations, and severe injuries. Additionally, old age significantly contributes to mobility challenges, making wheelchairs essential not only in healthcare facilities but also at home. According to the CDC, 18% of U.S. adults aged 18 and above have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

As the global population with mobility issues continues to rise, P&S Intelligence predicts a 7.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the global wheelchair market, from $5,386.0 million in 2020 to $7,818.5 million by 2025. A major factor driving this growth is the increasing prevalence of neuromuscular diseases like ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, which affects around 18,000 individuals in the U.S. at any given time. This condition impairs the spinal cord and brain, leading to a loss of voluntary muscle control.

Similarly, data from the RA Network highlights that approximately 350 million people globally suffer from over 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., often causing issues such as muscle weakness around the joints, prolonged morning stiffness, fatigue, and joint pain. Stroke is another significant medical event that impacts mobility, with The Lancet reporting 12.2 million cases globally in 2019.

Due to these issues, many patients require wheelchairs to perform everyday tasks. There are two primary types of wheelchairs: manual and powered. Manual wheelchairs, which need to be pushed by someone, are more commonly used because they have minimal electrical components, making them cost-effective. This affordability is crucial for economically disadvantaged individuals, who generally experience higher disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The 2017 Global Burden of Disease study recorded 44% more DALYs among the poorest billion people compared to wealthier populations.

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North America currently leads the global wheelchair market, a trend expected to continue. The CDC reports approximately 795,000 strokes each year in the U.S., with 87% being ischemic strokes, which interrupt blood flow to the brain and can cause immobility due to impaired muscle control. Furthermore, ongoing efforts by the CMS to enhance patient reimbursement policies are likely to drive wheelchair sales.

As the population ages and the incidence of debilitating diseases rises, the demand for wheelchairs and other mobility aids is set to increase substantially.