Robotic wheelchairs market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The industry growth is attributed to pivotal factors such as the growing aging population probable to have immobility problems, an increasing number of cases of obesity, neurological diseases, paralysis, strokes, and knee injuries which drive the growth of the market. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in January 2022, there are over 100 million people who need or use wheelchairs globally. 66.5% of individuals with disabilities ranked self-driving or Robotic Wheelchairs (RWs).

Market Dynamics

Increasing Technological Advancements in Robotic Wheelchairs

The expanding artificial intelligence and machine learning in robotic wheelchairs combined to improve obstacle avoidance and navigation, is contributing considerably to market growth. The use of IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity with modern sensors to strengthen control and real-time monitoring and, the creation of gesture and voice control technologies for hands-free use, are some of the recent developments. The advancement of robotic wheelchairs has the potential to significantly improve the lives of individuals with mobility impairments by expanding their opportunities for employment, education, and leisure activities, while also lessening their need for careers. Nonetheless, the development and application of robotic wheelchairs necessitate a multidisciplinary strategy involving knowledge in human aspects, robotics, control engineering, and user-centered design. 

Growing Disability Rates Globally 

Rising rates of disability owing to accidents, medical conditions, and aging are boosting demand. According to the Wheelchair Foundation. In the 34 developed countries, it is estimated that 1.0% or 10,000,000 people require a wheelchair. The global population is increasing by 187,500 each day, there is an additional need for almost 3,500 wheelchairs every day (1.8% of the global population). Each wheelchair costs $150 to manufacture (in China) and ship to one of the developing countries. Almost all people who reported using mobility support devices (96.0%) said that they had a disability. The main cause—reported by about half of them— was disease or illness. Natural aging was cited by one-quarter and one-fifth said that their disability stemmed from an injury. More than half of males in the 12-to-44 age group who needed a mobility support device reported that their disability resulted from an injury, reflecting the high prevalence of injury among males of these ages.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the type, the market is segmented into rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and mid-wheel drive.

• Based on the application, the market is segmented into personal use and commercial use.

• Based on the end-user, the market is segmented into home care settings, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals and clinics.

The Mid-Wheel Segment is Projected to Hold the Largest Market Share

The primary factors supporting the growth include the growing popularity of the wheelchair type. This is attributed to its grip on any surface, including hills, valleys, and uneven surfaces. The wheelchair cannot tip forward or backward as it has caster wheels on both the front and back. Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs continue to lead the market in terms of indoor application and customer satisfaction to these advantages, which also boost wheelchair sales. For instance, in November 2023, Permobil, a manufacturer of power wheelchairs, introduced its latest innovation, the M Corpus. The M Corpus VS is a powerchair designed to redefine mobility for individuals with complex needs. This revolutionary chair combines the maneuverability of a mid-wheel drive base with Permobil's proven power-standing technology, providing users with unparalleled freedom and independence.

Regional Outlook

The global robotic wheelchairs market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Growing Demand for Robotic Wheelchairs in Asia-Pacific

The regional growth is attributed to increasing technological improvements made by startups and companies for the ease of the immobile population. The major players provide seniors and the disabled with intelligent robotic wheelchairs that come with obstacle detectors and navigation software. They are creating robotic wheelchairs that utilize robotic operating systems and LiDAR sensors, respectively. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), an estimated 43 million children with disabilities live in East Asia and the Pacific. Thus, RWs are in great demand in the region.

Global Robotic Wheelchairs Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

North America Holds Major Market Share

North America holds a significant share owing to the presence of robotic wheelchairs offering companies such as Invacare Corp., Matia Mobility Inc., Sunrise Medical (US) LLC, and others. The market growth is attributed to the increasing introduction of robotic wheelchairs for independent mobility support by enterprises and medical research organizations and is primarily driven by the expanding senior population and early adoption of technology. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in July 2024, more than 1 in 4 (28.7%) adults in the US had some type of disability. 12.2% of US adults had a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. 

Robotic wheelchairs provide functionality, efficiency, and benefits to users and caregivers. Innovative design reduces manufacturing costs and enables dealers to significantly shorten users' wait time. For instance, in May 2021, Cheelcare, a Canadian innovator of assistive mobility products, introduced Companion Plus – an enhanced version of their front-mount power-assist device for adult and pediatric users of folding and rigid manual wheelchairs. The Companion Plus has the same sleek footprint as the base model from which it is derived. However, it features key upgrades to its motor, controller, tire, mounting hardware, and LCD.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the robotic wheelchairs market include Biobase Biodusty (Shandong), Co., Ltd., Invacare Corp., Ottobock SE, Permobil AB, and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. 

Recent Development

• In February 2024, Rollz introduced Rollz Motion Electric, a rollator-electric wheelchair combo designed for effortless mobility. The Rollz Motion Electric combines the stability of a traditional rollator with the ease of an electric wheelchair, making it the perfect solution for people who need support with their mobility but do not want to sacrifice their independence.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global robotic wheelchairs market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.