A mobility aid is a technologically advanced and ergonomically designed device that assists people with mobility problems to walk or improve their movements. Mobility aids are used to help elderly people with disabilities get around. These devices are also used to improve the mobility independence of children recovering from injuries, disabled people, and elderly adults. The increasing geriatric population and rising mobility impairment disorder cases are among the major factors contributing to the growing mobility aids market size. However, the high cost of devices hinders the mobility aids market growth.
Increasing Mobility Impairment Disorder Cases Drive Mobility Aids Market Growth
Common mobility impairment disorders include arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease. In 2019, the Deerfield Institute reported nearly 362 cases of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and 65.4% of the patients were under the age of 20. Per the March 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) data, an estimated 1.3 billion people experience some form of disability, representing 16% of the global population.
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the symptoms of Parkinson’s are common at an average age of 60. For instance, ~90,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD yearly. The organization also states that the incidence of PD increases with age; nearly 1 million people in the US are living with PD, and the number is expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030. According to statistics from Parkinson’s Foundation UK, ~145,000 people were diagnosed with PD in the UK in 2020. With population growth and aging, the number of cases is likely to surge by nearly a fifth to reach 172,000 by 2030.
There is a rapid increase in the number of spinal cord injuries, which further triggers the demand for mobility assistance devices. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, as of 2019, ~291,000 Americans suffer spinal cord injuries (SCI) every year, and ~17,730 new SCI cases occur annually in the US. The National SCI Data Sheet 2022 also states that nearly 18,000 new SCI cases are diagnosed yearly in the US. According to the Spinal Injuries Association, ~2,500 people sustain an SCI annually in the UK, while ~50,000 persons are living with these injuries. These conditions can cause significant mobility limitations, making it challenging for individuals to move around independently.
Thus, the number of people suffering from physical and mobility impairments has skyrocketed worldwide. As a result, there is a growing need for assistive or mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, canes, and crutches, to help people with mobility impairment disorders. Mobility aids such as mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, and stairlifts provide individuals with the necessary support and assistance to overcome these limitations. These devices enable individuals with mobility impairments to maintain independence and participate in daily activities. Thus, the increasing prevalence of these disorders requiring mobility assistance is creating a high demand for mobility aids.
Mobility Aids Market: Segmental Overview
The mobility aids market is segmented on the basis of product type, application, end user, and distribution channel. Based on distribution channel, the market has been segmented into online and offline. The offline segment held a larger market share in 2022. However, the online segment is expected to register a higher CAGR during 2022–2030. The offline channels of mobility aids include hospitals, pharmacies, and retailers. Larger chain pharmacies offer over-the-counter mobility aids such as canes and walkers (basic versions) for direct purchases. Pharmacies are known for their accessibility, and the range of mobility aids available to them can vary depending on enterprise size and specialization. Many retailers specialize in mobility aids and have physical stores where customers can visit and trial different products before purchasing them. In addition, hospitals have their own supply of mobility aids for patients in need. They may have dedicated departments or stores where patients can access and obtain the necessary aids.
The growth of the mobility aids market for the offline segment is attributed to the strong preference for offline purchases due to advantages such as in-person assistance provided by pharmacists (or other equivalent personnel) and immediate access to products. The offline channel provides patients with the opportunity to personally evaluate comfort, seating settings, and positioning feel, thereby aiding in the selection of the most suitable mobility aid devices, particularly for first-time users. The choice of a wheelchair is influenced by the patient’s lifestyle, such as whether it will be used indoors or outdoors and the frequency of usage. Offline retailers often provide expert guidance and assistance, ensuring that patients make informed decisions regarding their mobility aids.
Mobility Aids Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Invacare Corporation; Stryker Corporation; Medline Industries, Inc; NOVA Medical Product; Sunrise Medical LLC; Otto Bock HealthCare; Karman Healthcare; Carex Health Brands Inc.; Pride Mobility Products Corporation; and ETAC AB are a few of the key companies operating in the mobility aids market. These companies focus on product innovation strategies to meet evolving customer demands, along with maintaining their brand name.
A few of the recent developments in the global mobility aids market are mentioned below:
- In July 2023, Sunrise Medical launched the QUICKIE QS5 X wheelchair. The company redefines a folding wheelchair through this lowest-weight product in its class, along with conferring over 40% energy savings with every fold owing to the highly innovative FreeFold design.
- In January 2022, Invacare Corporation launched the Invacare AVIVA STORM RX power wheelchair, setting a new standard for rear-wheel drive power mobility.
- In March 2021, Invacare Corporation and Alber USA introduced the next generation of power assist devices—the e-motion (M25). The Alber e-motion power assist for manual wheelchairs is a push-rim-activated device that features wheels with a powerful in-hub motor and lithium-ion batteries.