United States (USA) Wheelchair Market Overview, 2028

The first recorded use of a wheelchair in the United States was in 1670, when a disabled man in Philadelphia used a modified wheelbarrow to move around. In the early 1900s, wheelchairs were often made of wood and were very heavy. It wasn't until the 1930s that lightweight aluminum frames began to be used. In 1933, Harry Jennings and his friend Herbert Everest invented the first mass-produced wheelchair. The first powered wheelchair was invented in 1916 by a British engineer named George Klein. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that power wheelchairs became more widely available in the US. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990, requires public facilities to provide equal access to people with disabilities, including wheelchair users. This has led to significant improvements in wheelchair accessibility in the US over the past few decades. The wheelchair has become a symbol of disability rights and empowerment, and many disabled activists and organizations have used the image of the wheelchair in their advocacy efforts. In recent years, advances in technology have led to the development of high-tech wheelchairs, such as those with computerized controls and advanced suspension systems. According to the research report "The United States Wheelchair Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The U.S. Wheelchair market is expected to grow at above 5% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. The U.S. wheelchair market is growing because, as the population ages, the incidence of mobility impairments and disabilities also increases. This has led to an increased demand for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. There is a growing awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and the importance of accessibility. This has led to an increased demand for wheelchairs and other mobility devices that can help people with disabilities live more independently. Advances in technology have led to the development of more advanced and innovative wheelchairs that offer greater functionality and comfort. Chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and arthritis are becoming increasingly prevalent in the US population, which can lead to mobility impairments and an increased need for mobility devices like wheelchairs. Overall, the growing demand for wheelchairs in the US is driven by a combination of factors, including demographic changes, increasing awareness and accessibility, technological advances, insurance coverage, government initiatives, and the prevalence of chronic conditions. Wheelchairs help people who are physically incapacitated travel from one location to another, either permanently or temporarily, and this is likely to boost market growth. The wheelchair is one of the most widely used assistive devices for enhancing and facilitating personal mobility, which is a prerequisite for exercising human rights and living with dignity and for helping people with mobility disabilities become more productive members of their communities. A wheelchair that satisfies the physical, lifestyle, and environmental needs of persons who have difficulty walking is a crucial instrument for them to enjoy dramatically enhanced health, social, and economic well-being. Some of the main drivers propelling the market are the rising elderly population and the increase in conditions like spinal cord injuries that require assistance with mobility.

In the U.S., the electric wheelchair is dominating the market because of its ease of use. Electric wheelchairs are easy to operate and require minimal physical effort, which makes them ideal for people with limited upper body strength or mobility impairments. Electric wheelchairs allow people with mobility impairments to move around independently and perform daily activities without assistance, so people in the U.S. preferred the electric wheelchair more than the manual wheelchair. In the U.S., as people age, they are more likely to experience mobility impairments and disabilities that require the use of a wheelchair. Adults are more likely than children to have medical conditions that require the use of a wheelchair, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis. In the U.S., people used more wheelchairs in the hospital after surgery. Patients may need to use a wheelchair during the initial recovery period to avoid putting stress on the affected area. This can speed up the healing process and prevent further injury. In the U.S., hospitals are often large and spread out, and patients may need to be transported from one area to another for tests, treatments, or procedures. Wheelchairs provide a safe and efficient way to transport patients, which is why they are more commonly used in hospitals in the United States. In the United States, the government has implemented several regulations and initiatives to support the wheelchair market and ensure the safety and accessibility of mobility devices for people with disabilities. The American with Disability Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and requires public spaces, including healthcare facilities and transportation services, to be accessible to people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is a federal agency that supports research and the development of new technologies and interventions to improve the lives of people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. These regulations and initiatives demonstrate the US government's commitment to supporting the wheelchair market and ensuring that people with disabilities have access to safe, effective, and affordable mobility devices. There are several challenges in the U.S. wheelchair market, like the fact that wheelchairs can be expensive and many people may not be able to afford them. This can limit access to necessary mobility devices and lead to a lack of independence for people with mobility impairments. Also Wheelchairs require regular maintenance and repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. This can be a challenge for people with mobility impairments who rely on their wheelchairs for daily activities. As well as several opportunities, advancements in technology, such as lightweight and portable wheelchairs, can provide more options for users and increase their mobility and independence. This creates an opportunity for companies to develop and market new and innovative products. Also The US government provides funding and support for programs that help people with disabilities access assistive technology devices, including wheelchairs. This creates an opportunity for companies to develop and market products that are eligible for government funding, which can increase affordability and accessibility for users.

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Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

Considered in this report • Geography: United States • Historic year: 2017 • Base year: 2022 • Estimated year: 2023 • Forecast year: 2028 Aspects covered in this report

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• United States Wheelchair Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Product Type: • Electric & Powered Wheelchair • Manual Wheelchair By Electric & Powered wheelchair: • Central Wheel Drive • Front Wheel Drive • Rear Wheel Drive • Others (Standing Power Wheelchair, Pediatric Power Wheelchair, Portable Power Wheelchairs, Elevating-Seat Capable Power Wheelchairs, Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs, etc.) By Categories: • Adult • Pediatric By Application: • Homecare • Hospitals • Ambulatory Surgical Center • Rehabilitation Centres By Function: • Basic Wheelchair • Sport Wheelchair • Bariatric Wheelchair • Others(Standing Wheelchair, Reclining Wheelchair, Foldable Wheelchair, Beach Wheelchairs, Three-wheeled Wheelchairs, Dog Wheelchairs, etc.) The Approach of the Report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience: This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Office Chair industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.