The global manual wheelchair market size is projected to reach USD 5.2 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2023 to 2030, according to a recent report by Grand View Research, Inc. This anticipated growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for mobility assistance devices, particularly due to the rising geriatric population worldwide. As stated in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a wheelchair is specifically designed to assist individuals with physical disabilities in achieving greater mobility. Manual wheelchairs are versatile and can be used effectively for both indoor and outdoor environments, making them a preferred choice for many users. One of the major contributing factors to market expansion is the global increase in life expectancy, which in turn is leading to a higher proportion of elderly individuals requiring mobility aids.

The market experienced a significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, as government-imposed restrictions and lockdowns negatively impacted production and sales of manual wheelchairs. This led to a temporary decline in demand and a slowdown in distribution. However, despite a reduction in routine hospital visits during the lockdown period, there was a notable rise in mobility-related complications stemming from COVID-19, especially among elderly and at-risk populations. This led to a renewed focus on assistive mobility devices. Following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, manufacturing operations resumed, and the manual wheelchair market began to recover, showing signs of continued growth.

Another important factor contributing to market expansion is the increasing prevalence of physical disorders that require assistive devices for daily movement and independence. Among these, spinal cord injuries represent a significant portion of mobility-related disabilities. According to data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 294,000 individuals in the U.S. are currently living with spinal cord injuries, with an estimated 17,730 new cases reported annually. Given these figures, the United States is expected to remain a key market for manual wheelchair manufacturers and suppliers throughout the forecast period.

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Manual Wheelchair Market Report Highlights

• In 2022, the adult segment accounted for the highest revenue share. This dominance is attributed to the large elderly population and the increased incidence of disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, that require mobility devices.

• The hospital application segment generated the highest revenue in 2022, driven by the increasing number of medical emergencies and the critical need for mobility support in clinical care settings.

• North America led the global market in 2022, capturing the largest revenue share, thanks to a high target population, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and widespread adoption of advanced wheelchair technologies.

Manual Wheelchair Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global manual wheelchair market report based on category, end-use, and region:

Manual Wheelchair Category Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Adult

• Pediatric

Manual Wheelchair End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Hospitals

• Outpatient Facilities

• Homecare  

Manual Wheelchair Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

• Europe

o Germany

o U.K.

o France

o Italy

o Spain

o Sweden

o Denmark

o Norway

• Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o South Korea

o Thailand

• Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

o Argentina

• MEA

o South Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

o Kuwait

List of Key Players in Manual Wheelchair Market

• Carex Health Brands, Inc.

• Drive Medical Design & Manufacturing

• Graham-Field Health Products Inc.

• Invacare

• Medline

• Sunrise Medical LLC

• Karman Healthcare

• Quantum Rehab

• Numotion

• Sermax Mobility LTD.

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