The global walking aid market value is estimated to total USD 3.0 billion in 2024. Over the forecast period, global sales of walking aids are anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.7%. By 2034, the global market for walking aids is set to reach a valuation of USD 5.2 billion.
The walking aid industry held a value share of around 22.4% of the global personal mobility device market, valued at USD 12.0 billion in 2022. This share is predicted to further increase amid the rising incidence of road accidents and technological advancements in walking aids.
The rising prevalence of disabilities and growing geriatric populations are expected to drive demand for walking aids. These devices can be utilized temporarily throughout the healing and recovery process or permanently in cases of disability, aging, or degenerative disease.
Rollators, forearm crutches, armpit crutches, walking frames, and canes are the most common walking aids. Growing usage of these devices is anticipated to create growth prospects for the global walking aid industry.
Other Factors Expected to Drive Growth of Walking Aid Market Include-
Key Walking Aid Market Trends-
Key Tactics that Could Help Walking Aid Manufacturers to Stay Ahead-
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Base Value (2023) | USD 2.8 billion |
| Estimated Walking Aid Market Size (2024) | USD 3.0 billion |
| Projected Walking Aid Market Revenue (2034) | USD 5.2 billion |
| Anticipated CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.7% |
| Market Share of Top 5 Countries | 57.0% |
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Global sales of walking aids expanded at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2019 to 2023. This was due to the increased prevalence of disabilities and road accidents. For the assessment period, the target market is poised to surge at a 5.7% CAGR, driven by the growing incidence of arthritis, especially among older people.
| Historical CAGR (2019 to 2023) | 4.8% |
|---|---|
| Forecast CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.7% |
As the market competition becomes fiercer, leading walking aid manufacturers are incorporating new robotic technologies into their products to assist people with limited mobility in their daily lives. Presently, a variety of intelligent walking aids are created for persons with varying needs based on practical applications in everyday life.
Patients with a total disability, spinal cord injury, or muscle weakness can use intelligent wheelchairs. Users who require extremely comprehensive assistance and have lower limb weakness are advised to use wearable exoskeletons.
People who are physically disabled can fit the intelligent prosthetic perfectly. Intelligent mobile walking aids (IMWs) are being created to address daily mobility requirements. IMWs are mobile robots resembling traditional walkers or crutches in shape and can help the user move for extended periods.
Two of the most crucial roles of IMWs are directing users to the intended location and assisting them in avoiding potential hazards on the road. Through physical engagement with the handles or voice synthesizers, these IMWs may direct users to walk away from impediments in the proper direction.
Intelligent mobile walking aids can easily detect impediments and create an environment map using the camera, sonar, or laser sensors attached to them. Thanks to these advantages, IMWs are gaining immense traction globally.
The growing disabilities in the population are providing a greater opportunity for walking aid market growth. According to estimates, there are more than 1 billion disabled individuals globally. These people often use walking aids, thereby fueling their demand.
There has also been a spike in falls globally. It is estimated that around 6.5 lakh people die due to falls globally, while around 37 million falls are severe enough that they require special attention every year.
Falls may cause pelvis, femur, hip, and spine fractures, impairing a person's ability to move or walk normally. This is anticipated to drive sales of walking aids as these people rely on them for movement.
The government is also taking initiatives to provide the population with affordable walking aids by giving subsidies. For instance, The Queensland state government in Australia runs Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS), under which it provides funding for medical aids and equipment.
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The high cost of advanced walking aids is a significant restraint to the market growth. The advancements in walking aids increase the price of the product. In developing countries, the high cost of walking aids restricts the market growth opportunities.
Lack of awareness among people regarding the subsidies and various schemes provided by the government to make walking aids affordable is limiting market expansion. The adoption of walking aids can also be hindered due to the various issues associated with product handling.
Walkers are susceptible to anterior tipping risk. They also require more space and cannot be used for climbing the stairs. Similarly, canes are also associated with the chances of getting slipped.
This section highlights the walking aid industry in leading countries. With expected CAGRs of 7.6%, 7.0%, and 6.7%, respectively, Germany, the United Kingdom, and India are expected to remain the leading consumers of walking aids.
High market competition, strict regulatory standards, and growing demand for advanced walking aids can make it difficult for companies to survive in the United States and other developed nations. On the other hand, low competition, expanding healthcare sector, and lax government regulations are making India and China lucrative markets for walking aid manufacturers.
| Countries | Expected CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| United States | 6.4% |
| India | 6.7% |
| Germany | 4.1% |
| China | 5.2% |
| United Kingdom | 7.1% |
Accounting for a share of 30.1% in 2023, the United States dominates the global walking aid market. Over the forecast period, demand for walking aids is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.4%. Several factors are expected to drive walking aid demand in the United States. These include:
Arthritis-related problems are a big concern in the United States. For instance, arthritis affects 58.5 million adults, or 24% of the population, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This, in turn, is expected to propel demand for walking aids through 2034.
The growing adoption of intelligent walking aids is another key factor expected to improve the United States’ walking aid industry share. Subsequently, the introduction of AI-powered exoskeleton suits could revolutionize the target market.
India's walking aid market size reached USD 177.2 million at the end of 2023. Over the assessment period, sales of walking aids in India are predicted to soar at 6.7% CAGR, driven by factors like:
It is estimated that rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 crore individuals in India, and it is not just an issue for the elderly. The increasing number of patients will likely create demand for walking aids through 2034.
The Indian government is also launching new initiatives and policies to help people suffering from mobile impairments. This will further improve India's global walking aid market share.
Germany accounted for a revenue share of 27.0% in the Europe walking aid industry at the end of 2023. In the assessment period, the Germany walking aid market is poised to advance at a CAGR of 4.1%, driven by factors like:
Germany's general population had 9.4% of people with severe disabilities as of 2021. Due to the rising prevalence of disabilities, Germany is becoming a lucrative market for walking aids. Similarly, surging demand for walking aids for seniors will foster market growth in Germany.
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The below section provides compelling insights into leading segments and their respective values & shares. This information can help businesses to invest in demanding products and form partnerships and alliances with leading end users.
| Product | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Rollators | 6.0% |
| Walkers & Gait Trainers | 5.6% |
| Canes | 5.2% |
| Crutches | 4.3% |
As per the latest analysis, sales of rollators are expected to outpace those of canes, crutches, and other walking aids. The rollators accounted for a revenue share of 47.1% in 2023 and are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% in the forecast period.
Rollators have become the most popular walking aids globally. This is due to their advantages, including better convenience, improved stability and balance, and increased portability. They allow people to move more easily and gain more independence.
The ability of rollators to improve the lives of people with disabilities, as well as seniors, is expected to fuel their demand through 2034. Rollators feature three or four wheels, handlebars, and an in-build seat, allowing people to walk more quickly on most surfaces and rest if needed.
Another key factor making rollators popular is their enhanced mobility and stability. Unlike basic walkers, which require more strength and endurance, rollators allow improved mobility and stability. The ability of the rollators' wheels to avoid the necessity of raising the device and permitting directional control encourages their adoption.
Rollators are becoming more advanced as a result of the addition of technologies like digital software, sensor technology, and brakes. Integration of these novel technologies allows users to control the rollator with just one hand.
| Technology | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Manual | 6.0% |
| Automated | 5.1% |
The manual segment of walking aids accounted for a market share of 64.2% in 2023. Over the forecast period, demand for manual walking aids is anticipated to rise at a higher CAGR of 6.0%.
People across the world prefer manual walking aids due to their multiple advantages. These include their simplicity & ease of use, cost-effectiveness, durability, and health benefits, among others.
The ease of handling makes manually operative walking aids popular among the general public. Also, the cost of manual walking aids is less compared to automated ones, making them ideal choices for people.
For instance, manual walking aids like walkers and canes are much cheaper than powered exoskeletons and electric wheelchairs. This cost-effectiveness makes them more accessible to the general public, especially across developing regions and individuals with limited financial resources.
| End User | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | 6.3% |
| Rehabilitation Centers | 4.7% |
| Ambulatory Surgical Centers | 5.6% |
| Home Care Settings | 5.9% |
As per the latest walking aid industry analysis, the adoption of walking aids is predicted to remain high in hospitals. The target segment held a market share of 37.8% in 2023 and is poised to thrive at 6.3% CAGR during the assessment period.
The hospital segment will continue to dominate the global walking aid industry due to several factors. These include a rising number of hospitals due to the increasing healthcare expenditure and the increasing volume of surgeries being performed in hospitals.
Developing innovative products, such as automatic ones, is becoming a key strategy for top manufacturers of walking aids. For instance, leading producers like Invacare Corporation and Medline Industries regularly introduce new product categories to meet evolving end-user demand. Several walking aid companies also employ tactical strategies like collaborations, mergers, partnerships, and distribution agreements to expand their reach and boost sales.
Recent Developments in the Walking Aid Market:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Market Value (2024) | USD 3.0 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2034) | USD 5.2 billion |
| Anticipated Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) | 5.7% CAGR |
| Forecast Period | 2024 to 2034 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2019 to 2023 |
| Market Analysis | USD billion for Value and Units for Volume |
| Key Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; Europe; South Asia; East Asia; Oceania; and Middle East & Africa |
| Key Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, France, BENELUX, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye, GCC Countries, North Africa and South Africa |
| Key Market Segments Covered | Product, Technology, End User, and Region |
| Key Companies Profiled | Invacare Corporation; Medline Industries; Hoveround Corporation; Levo AG; Permobil AB; GF Health Products, Inc.; OttoBock Healthcare GmbH; Sunrise Medical LLC; Meyra GmbH; Besco Medical; Hill-Rom; Matsunaga; Cardinal Health; Bischoff and Bischoff; Briggs Healthcare |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, Competition Intelligence, Market Dynamics and Challenges, Strategic Growth Initiatives |
The global walking aid market size is expected to reach USD 3.0 billion in 2024.
Sales of walking aids are projected to expand at a 5.7% CAGR through 2034.
The walking aid market value is set to total USD 5.2 billion in 2034.
Increasing automation and the development of robot-assisted walking aids are key trends.
The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, India, and China.
Demand for walking aids in Europe is expected to surge at a 6.2% CAGR.
The United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Invacare Corporation, Medline Industries, and Hoveround Corporation, among others.
A device that helps people with mobile impairments walk independently and safely.
Canes and rollators are commonly used walking aids.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Market Trends & Dynamics 4. Value Added Insights 5. Market Background 6. Global Market Demand Volume (Units) Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034 7. Global Market - Pricing Analysis 8. Global Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD Billion) Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034 9. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Product 9.1. Rollators 9.2. Walkers & Gait Trainers 9.3. Canes 9.4. Crutches 10. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Technology 10.1. Automated 10.2. Manual 11. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by End User 11.1. Hospitals 11.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers 11.3. Rehabilitation Centers 11.4. Home Care Settings 12. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Region 12.1. North America 12.2. Latin America 12.3. Europe 12.4. South Asia 12.5. East Asia 12.6. Oceania 12.7. Middle East & Africa 13. North America Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 14. Latin America Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 15. Europe Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 16. East Asia Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 17. South Asia Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 18. Oceania Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 19. Middle East & Africa Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 20. Market Structure Analysis 21. Competition Analysis 21.1. Invacare Corporation 21.2. Medline Industries 21.3. Hoveround Corporation 21.4. Levo AG 21.5. Permobil AB 21.6. GF Health Products, Inc. 21.7. OttoBock Healthcare GmbH 21.8. Sunrise Medical LLC 21.9. Meyra GmbH 21.10. Besco Medical 21.11. Hill-Rom 21.12. Matsunaga 21.13. Cardinal Health 21.14. Bischoff and Bischoff 21.15. Briggs Healthcare 22. Assumptions and Acronyms Used 23. Research Methodology
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Walking Aid Market
