Home > Healthcare > Medical Devices > Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices > Pediatric Wheelchair Market
Based on type, the pediatric wheelchair market is segmented as manual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs. The powered wheelchairs segment held the considerable market share in 2022 and was valued at over USD 600 million. The revenue from this segment can be attributed to the various advantages associated with powered wheelchairs. Powered wheelchairs are equipped with an electric motorized system that enhances mobility. The integration of joysticks and touchscreens makes it easier for children with limited dexterity or coordination to operate the wheelchair. Additionally, in comparison to manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs offer more safety features, including anti-tip devices, seat belts, and programmable speed limits, ensuring user safety during operation. For instance, Airwheel automatic folding wheelchair is an example of effortless power wheelchair with integrated wireless remote-control facility coupled with easy portability.
Based on portability, the pediatric wheelchair market is segmented as standalone and portable. The portable segment accounted for a considerable market share in 2022 and was valued at over USD 809 million. The portable wheelchairs offer many benefits such as travel-friendly features, lightweight frames, and compact storage among others. Portable wheelchairs are versatile and can be used in various environments, both indoors and outdoors due to their ability to be transported easily. For instance, the launch of the Smoov One portable wheelchair by Invacare Corporation has the ability to dissemble while storage and transportation. Similarly, the Titan LTE portable powerchair has the ability to dissemble coupled with Bluetooth-enabled features for troubleshooting & diagnostics. Such technological advancements, innovative product launches by key industry players, and ongoing research activities in the portable wheelchair field will drive the segment growth during the projected period.
Based on application, the pediatric wheelchair market is segmented as mobility and neurological conditions. The mobility segment held a dominant market share in 2022 and was valued at around USD 1.3 billion. Pediatric patients with chronic mobility impairments frequently need to use wheelchairs for everyday activities. The users of a motorized wheelchair can move around freely in indoor settings and as well as in the outdoors. Pediatric patients recovering from serious injuries also benefit from wheelchairs. Along with their standard forms, they are also available in several modifications, such as independent drive, standing wheelchairs, and portable wheelchairs. The easily modifiable seating systems, cushions, backrests, and the recline & tilt-in technology further attributes to the high demand for these products amongst pediatric patients suffering from chronic mobility disorders. Technological advancements in the field are also fueling the demand for pediatric wheelchair products.
Based on distribution channel, the pediatric wheelchair market is segmented as brick & mortar and e-commerce. The brick & mortar segment held a dominant market share in 2022 and was valued at around USD 1.2 billion. Pediatric wheelchairs are generally distributed through brick-and-mortar channels such as large pharmacies, retail shops, medical device distributors, etc. The established retail stores, pharmacies also offer the consumers counselling, physician assistance, etc. in choosing the wheelchairs. The key industry players have established their own distributors chain for efficient product penetration globally. For instance, Invacare Corporation has a sophisticated worldwide distribution network for effective reach of its products. Thus, the aforementioned factors are projected to fuel the business growth positively.
Based on end-use, the pediatric wheelchair market is segmented as hospital, home care, others. The home care segment is projected to reach more than USD 1.5 billion by the end of 2032. This high segmental share can be attributed to the exponential rise in demand for smart home healthcare services after the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to COVID-19 demand for the home care segment further increased as hospitals and clinics were accommodated with a high number of COVID-19 patients. Pediatric home healthcare provides several advantages such as comfort, personalized care, and individual attention among others.
For instance, according to a report published by Definitive Healthcare in 2021, the number of patients receiving home care in 2019 was around 5 million that increased to 12 million by the end of 2020. These statistics indicate substantial adoption of homecare that is anticipated to drive the market progress.
The U.S. pediatric wheelchair market accounted for USD 551 million in revenue size in 2022 and is predicted to witness substantial market growth over the analysis timeline. This high market share is attributable to an increasing prevalence of disability among children, supportive government initiatives, and technological advancements among others. Technological advancements including the development of innovative and compact designs have improved the acceptance and adoption of pediatric wheelchairs. Favourable reimbursement policies in the U.S. will make pediatric wheelchairs more accessible and affordable for the population, therefore driving the demand.
Additionally, robust healthcare infrastructure, availability of a wide range of products, and increased awareness amongst caregivers & healthcare professionals also contribute to the product demand in the country. Therefore, the aforementioned factors are instrumental in spurring the demand for pediatric wheelchairs in the industry and thereby augment the market revenue.