U.K. Mobility Devices Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Wheelchairs {Manual and Powered}, Mobility Scooters {3 Wheels and 4 Wheels}, Walking Aids, Patient Lifts & Hoists, and Others), By End User (Healthcare Facilities and Homecare Settings) and Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.K. mobility devices market size was valued at USD 712.8 million in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 754.7 million in 2023 to USD 1,152.2 million by 2030, recording a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period of 2023-2030.

The increasing number of accidents that cause disabilities is leading to growing inpatient and outpatient admissions in healthcare facilities. Along with this, an increasing aging population is supporting the focus of prominent players in the market to launch innovative products including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, and others to cater to the needs of the patient population.

• For instance, according to the Office for National Statistics, there was an increase in the number of disabled people from 9.4 million in 2011 to 9.8 million in 2021.

The rising research and development activities for various novel products are increasing the technological advancements in mobility aids and further supporting the growth of the U.K. market.

However, higher costs associated with power wheelchairs and mobility scooters, along with the increasing use of refurbished products, are some of the factors anticipated to hamper the market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Supply Chain Disruptions During COVID-19 Pandemic Restrained Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the market negatively due to supply chain disruptions and gap between the demand and supply of mobility machines in the market.

The restrictions imposed during the pandemic resulted in supply chain disruptions among manufacturers and decline in their revenues. Also, the pandemic resulted in decreased demand for mobility aids including wheelchairs, and others among the patient population.

• For instance, Invacare Corporation witnessed a decline of around 18.7% in its mobility & seating segment in 2020 as compared to 2019.

However, in 2021, with the lifting of restrictions, access to healthcare facilities increased, leading to an increased demand for these devices in 2021. This factor boosted the focus of manufacturers toward catering to the overwhelming demand for these products among patients.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing Shift toward Circular Economy

There is an increasing shift toward circular economy among the key players to extract maximum value from the resources used, minimize waste, and promote resource efficiency. Circular economy primarily refers to the reusing, reducing, and refurbishing of raw materials used in mobility aids. This is a new eco-friendly approach for producing and consuming resources that ensures sustainable growth over time.

The rising demand of this novel approach for these devices is emerging as a key trend among the market players to introduce innovative products, such as completely recyclable wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and others. The aim of these players is to expand their product portfolios and combine this new approach to develop more circular products in the market.

• For instance, in March 2022, Etac launched its first circular wheelchair, Etac Cross re:vive, in partnership with Medux, a Dutch supplier of mobility aids including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, and others.

The concept of circular economy can support the reduction of waste and create more sustainable and efficient products that can reduce the energy and resource consumption. Therefore, increasing adoption of the circular economy model to manufacture mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and others owing to its distinct advantages for the environment can be seen as an upcoming trend in the market.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Prevalence of Mobility Impairment Among People to Spur Demand for Mobility Devices

Mobility impairment comes under a wide range of disabilities that limits various movements, such as walking, movement of limbs, and fine motor movements. The rising number of road accidents that increase the risk of disability is boosting the number of patients requiring mobility devices. Along with this, the rising number of sports injuries resulting in complete or partial disability is another factor supporting the adoption of these devices.

• For instance, according to 2021 disability statistics published by the U.K. Parliament, an estimated 14.6 million people in the U.K. i.e., 22% of the population, had a disability. Also, mobility impairment accounted for 46% of this disabled population.

Additionally, the rising geriatric population is contributing to the large pool of disabled people owing to their high risk of fractures, falls, and other injuries. According to a 2022 article published by Patient Information, frailty is found in 20-30% of the elderly population aged 75 years and above, and it increases with advancing age.

• According to a 2022 article published by the Office for National Statistics, about 11 million people in the U.K. were aged 65 years or older.

Rising patient population is leading to the increased adoption of these devices including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and others. Increasing adoption of these products is further driving the focus of key players on expanding their reach through acquisitions and collaborations with the major players in the country, thus supporting the growth of the market.

• In October 2021, RMS Limited partnered with Soloc to supply an innovative range of single handed lap belt buckle designed for wheelchairs.

Thus, the demand for mobility aids among the healthcare facilities and homecare settings in the country is anticipated to fuel the market progress during the forecast period.

New Entrants Along With Introduction of Novel Products to Augment Market Growth

The increasing prevalence of disability is majorly contributing to the growing demand for mobility products in the country. The rising research & development activities for these products, along with increasing number of domestic and regional players in the market, are expected to fuel the product demand.

Additionally, the increasing focus of prominent players on introducing novel products with advanced features is driving the patient population toward these devices, thereby increasing the usage among them. These factors are expected to spur the growth of the market.

• For instance, in September 2021, Pride Mobility Products Corp. launched the Go Endurance Li Mobility Scooter with lithium-ion batteries to diversify its product portfolio.

Along with this, the key players focusing on collaborating with the other players in the market to introduce innovative products is likely to spur the growth of the market in the country. Also, the rising initiatives by key market players, government, national & regional organizations, and other entities to support the adoption of these devices among the population are likely to fuel the market development.

• For instance, according to a 2022 report published by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), in July 2021, the U.K. Government launched the National Disability Strategy to support the disabled population in the country.

Moreover, few organizations are providing mobility aids including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other machines on rental basis for a temporary period. For instance, AgeSpace provides lightweight, foldable wheelchairs for USD 20 per week.

Therefore, the growing demand of mobility products among the country’s population and rising number of novel product launches are expected to spur the market growth during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Costs Associated with Powered Wheelchairs to Hinder Market Growth

The adoption of mobility devices including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, hoists, and others is increasing owing to their several advantages. However, the overall cost associated with these devices can be higher. These costs include assessment, service & equipment provision costs, repair & maintenance costs, and others.

• For instance, according to an article published by LITH-TECH Mobility, the average cost of a standard electric wheelchair can range from USD 2,000 to USD 4,000 and the associated costs for replacement batteries is around USD 350 each, with an average lifespan of two years.

Also, certain devices, such as powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and others are more expensive than manual wheelchairs owing to the advanced features incorporated in them. Majority of the wheelchairs are custom built according to a user’s requirement, which takes a lot of time and effort, further increasing the cost of these customized wheelchairs. For instance, Sunrise Medical has offered bespoke wheelchairs which are specially built according to the requirement of the user.

• According to a 2022 article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), manual wheelchairs can cost around USD 100-300 whereas the electric/powered wheelchairs can cost up to USD 15,000-20,000, depending on the type and features included.

Moreover, the use of recyclable raw materials over traditional materials, such as carbon fiber and others is also contributing to the rising cost of these devices in the country.

• According to a 2020 article published by Disability Horizons, the average retail cost of powered wheelchairs made of aluminum can be around USD 2,500 – 5,000, whereas the average retail cost of powered wheelchairs made of carbon fiber can cost around USD 5,000-9,000.

Therefore, the high cost of these devices, along with refurbishment services offered by manufacturers, is anticipated to restrain the market growth during the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Type Analysis

Wheelchairs to Dominate Market Due to Increasing Disability Prevalence Among Population

On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, patient lifts & hoists, and others. The wheelchair segment is further bifurcated into manual and powered. The wheelchair segment dominated the U.K. mobility devices market share in 2022. This was due to the increasing prevalence of disabilities among the population owing to rising road accidents and injuries, resulting in the strong demand for wheelchairs. Along with this, the rising focus of the market players on developing and introducing mobility devices with new technology is expected to fuel the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, in March 2022, Sunrise Medical launched Veypr Sub4 with a significant innovation inspired by F1 technology to measure carbon fiber wheelchairs in the U.K.

The mobility scooter segment is further bifurcated into 3 wheels and 4 wheels. Similarly, the mobility scooter segment is anticipated to grow steadily due to the rising geriatric population. The aging population is at a higher risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and knee pain, which limits their movement, thereby increasing the demand for mobility scooters among the population. According to a 2018 article published by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the number of people aged 85 years or over is predicted to double in the next 20 years in the U.K.

The increasing demand for mobility scooters is supporting the focus of prominent players on research & development activities, further boosting the growth of the segment.

Additionally, the walking aid segment, which includes canes, rollators, and others is also expected to grow due to the rising adoption of these devices among the geriatric population, which offers them a comfortable and easy lifestyle.

The benefits offered by patient lifts, hoists, stairs, rails, and others, such as low cost and comfort are important factors contributing to the high demand for these devices during the forecast period.

By End User Analysis

Increasing Per-Capita Healthcare Expenditure to Boost Product Adoption in Homecare Settings

On the basis of end-user, the market is segmented into healthcare facilities and homecare settings.

The homecare setting segment dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to record a higher CAGR during the forecast period. The segment’s growth is primarily driven by the increasing per capita healthcare expenditure, thereby improving the focus of individuals on their health and wellness. This is boosting the penetration of mobility devices among the patient population in the U.K., which has led to a strong demand for these devices in homecare settings in the country.

• For instance, according to several interviews with KOLs, 90% of mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, canes, and other products are purchased in the homecare settings.

Additionally, the growing focus of government and non-government organizations on introducing initiatives, such as schemes to increase the penetration of these devices is one of the key factors likely to propel the growth of the homecare setting segment.

• According to the National Health Service (NHS), the Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease new mobility scooters or wheelchairs in exchange for their old mobility components.

The healthcare facility segment is also expected to grow steadily due to the increasing inpatient and outpatient admissions with serious injuries, which require wheelchairs to shift these patients from one ward to another. Along with this, rising collaborations of hospitals with organizations to support rental services for wheelchairs among the patient population will support the segment’s growth in the country.

• For instance, Northumbria Healthcare partnered with Wheelshare to introduce a digital solution to provide wheelchairs on rental basis to patients. The wheelchairs will be available free of charge to patients via a user-friendly automatic station, backed by a 24/7 helpline and on-site maintenance support.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Invacare Corporation Dominated Market Owing to New Product Launches

The U.K. mobility devices market is a fragmented one, with several players operating in the market producing various types of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, and others.

However, Invacare Corporation dominated the market share in 2022. The rising focus of the company on developing and introducing newer versions of its products with technological advancements to strengthen its product portfolio in the country is a major factor contributing to the company's growing share in the industry.

• In August 2021, Invacare Corporation launched the Invacare AVIVA STORM RX, a next generation rear wheel drive power wheelchair, to increase its product offerings.

Additionally, Sunrise Medical, Permobil, Pride Mobility Products Corp., and others are growing owing to the rising focus of these key players on expanding and strengthening their presence by collaborating with other players in the country. Rising mergers and acquisitions among the prominent players for mobility aids is driving the U.K. mobility devices market growth.

• In February 2020, Sunrise Medical acquired Oracing to expand its product offerings for wheelchairs, e-mobility power products, and others.

 Similarly, Ottobock and Etac AB are prominent players operating in the market with a strong focus on research and development activities to launch novel mobility aids including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other products in the country.

• In May 2022, Etac AB launched R82 x: Panda-shaped adjustable seat to enable infants to live a better quality of life.

Thus, the rising efforts of these key players and several small players are expected to increase their penetration and market share in the U.K. market, thereby boosting the growth of the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Sunrise Medical (Germany)


• Permobil (Sweden)


• Pride Mobility Products Corp. (U.S.)


• Invacare Corporation (U.S.)


• Etac AB (Sweden)


• AATGB (U.K.)


• Ottobock (Germany)


• RMS Limited (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2022 - Ottobock launched special wheelchairs for children to strengthen its neuromobility business.


• January 2022 - Permobil launched customizable Progeo Noir 2.0 carbon fiber active manual wheelchair in the U.K. to increase its product offerings. The wheelchair combines the benefits of carbon with the comfort of a wheelchair to provide an optimal ride to the user.


• January 2022 – Invacare Corporation launched the Invacare AVIVA STORM RX Narrow Base Power Wheelchair to increase its product offerings.


• August 2021 - Pride Mobility Products Corp. introduced the Jazzy Evo Power Wheelchair to expand its product portfolio.


• November 2021 - Permobil acquired Panthera to strengthening its product offerings for manual wheelchairs. This acquisition helped the company increase the quality of life of people living with disabilities.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed market analysis. It focuses on key aspects, such as market overview, market segmentation & analysis, product type, end-user, and competitive landscape of the key players. Besides this, it offers insights into the latest market trends and highlights key industry developments. The report further includes a COVID-19 impact analysis on the market.

Report Scope & Segmentation 

ATTRIBUTE	DETAILS
Study Period	2019-2030
Base Year	2022
Estimated Year	2023
Forecast Period	2023-2030
Historical Period	2019-2021
Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030
Unit	Value (USD million)
Segmentation	By Product Type and End User
By Product Type	Wheelchairs Manual Powered Mobility Scooters 3 Wheels 4 Wheels Walking Aids Patient Lifts & Hoists Others
By End User	Healthcare Facilities Homecare Settings