The wheelchair market is segmented based on usage duration and postural support. Categories include temporary use, long-term use, and those designed for specific postural support needs. Further differentiation arises in reference to technology and terrain.
By users: Wheelchairs specifically designed for children are different from those for adults, wheelchairs for children accounted for over 31 per cent of the revenue share in 2022. 150 The adaptability of wheelchairs to accommodate the changing needs of children with disabilities is crucial for long-term usability and effectiveness. Understanding these variations and providing flexibility in wheelchair design, particularly in terms of adjustable width and length, significantly enhance the wheelchair’s utility and lifespan. For children with conditions like cerebral palsy, who often exhibit greater growth in height, extending the wheelchair’s length becomes a primary concern to ensure continued comfort and support. Conditions such as spina bifida, on the other hand, may lead to increased width and weight over time, necessitating adaptability in those dimensions. 151 Flexibility allows the wheelchair to be useful to the child for a longer period. Adjustability is also vital for children who have conditions that may change over time, such as muscular dystrophy, where a wheelchair could be adapted to provide more posture support at the trunk. Besides adjustability, appropriate selection of materials is essential and depends on specific needs for back support (solid back system vs. sling back system), seat (solid vs. sling), and various head-support features and types.
By technology: Wheelchairs are technologically classified into manual and powered variants, with the latter also known as motorized or electric-powered wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs may be propelled by the attendant or self-propelled by the user.
116In addition, manual wheelchairs can be modular and have features such as recline or tilt in space to allow for accommodations for people with complex disabilities. Based on published market reports, manual wheelchairs account for over 60 per cent revenue share in 2022 due to their extended durability and comparatively lower cost. 152 Absence of batteries and motors along with less moving parts results in extended durability and comparatively lower cost of manual wheelchairs as compared to electric wheelchairs. 153 Notably, electric wheelchairs garnered a larger customer base in high- and-upper-middle-income countries, particularly in high-income countries such as the United States, where the availability of advanced healthcare facilities has influenced consumer preferences.
Figure IV: Wheelchair market value in 2022
Image Description
A bar chart representing the global wheelchair market divided into three categories:
- Manual-Temporary Use Wheelchair: 33%
- Manual-Active Use Wheelchair: 27%
- Electric Wheelchair: 40%
The chart is divided into three colored sections:
- Light blue for Manual-Temporary Use Wheelchair
- Red for Manual-Active Use Wheelchair
- Dark blue for Electric Wheelchair
The percentages are displayed within each section, and the x-axis ranges from 0 to 100, representing the total market share. The y-axis is labeled "Global Wheelchair Market."
Source: (as per published global market reports on wheelchair by Grand View Research)
By terrain functionality: Further categorization is based on terrain functionality, distinguishing between wheelchairs designed for indoor and urban settings, those suitable for outdoor/rural/rough terrain, and those with dual functionality catering to both indoor and outdoor environments.
117Table 49: Different wheelchair types for different usage durations and terrains
Temporary Use | Long-term or Active use | Postural Support | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Indoor/urban/ even surface | Outdoor/ rural/ rough- terrain | Dual use/ indoor-outdoor | ||
Depot, transport, orthopaedic or ‘hospital’ chairs Does not provide the user with additional fitting, postural support or pressure relief Often pushed by attendant or carer |
Adjustable for proper fit, provides pressure relief, and basic postural support mode, postural support devices may be added to fit user needs Divided into manual and powered wheelchairs |
Designed for users requiring a higher degree of postural support Highly adjustable Has additional postural support systems for back and head support and a positioning cushion Can be active users or attendant- propelled, manual or motorised |
||
Lightweight Has a fixed/ rigid or foldable frame Transportable Easy to manoeuvre in small spaces |
Designed to be robust and stable Easier to propel over uneven ground Often three- wheel with longer wheelbase |
Have level of compromise for both environments E.g., robust wheelchair with large castor wheels but with a short wheelbase |
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This segmentation provides a nuanced understanding of the diverse needs and preferences within the wheelchair market, reflecting the dynamic nature of the assistive device landscape.
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