Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 11, 2025 – Global Personal Mobility Devices Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 22.4 Billion by 2034 from US$ 11.7 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. In 2023, North America led the market, achieving over 35.7% share with a revenue of US$ 1.6 Billion.
The global market for Personal Mobility Devices is witnessing sustained growth, supported by the rising elderly population, growing prevalence of mobility impairments, and increasing focus on independent living. Personal mobility devices include wheelchairs, mobility scooters, canes, crutches, and walkers used widely in rehabilitation centers, homecare settings, and hospitals to enhance patient mobility and reduce caregiver dependence.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people about 15% of the global population experience some form of disability, and at least 75 million require a wheelchair daily. With rising life expectancy and chronic conditions such as arthritis, stroke, and musculoskeletal disorders, the demand for mobility aids continues to rise.
Technological innovations such as powered exoskeletons, smart canes, and all-terrain electric wheelchairs are also contributing to the evolving landscape of assistive mobility solutions. These innovations are designed to enhance user comfort, safety, and autonomy, particularly in urban and long-term care settings.
North America leads the market due to its well-developed healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies, and high awareness levels. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth, driven by a large aging population base, increasing healthcare access, and supportive government initiatives promoting inclusive mobility. The market outlook remains positive, with ongoing R&D and policy efforts focused on accessibility, affordability, and customization of mobility aids.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the global personal mobility devices market recorded a total revenue of US$ 11.7 billion. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%, reaching approximately US$ 22.4 billion by 2033.
- By product segmentation, the market is categorized into wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, and others. Among these, wheelchairs emerged as the leading segment, accounting for 46.8% of the market share in 2023.
- In terms of end users, the market is segmented into personal users and institutional users. Personal users dominated the segment, contributing 58.4% of the overall market share, highlighting the growing trend of independent mobility solutions at the household level.
- Regionally, North America maintained its leadership position by capturing 35.7% of the global market share in 2023. This dominance is attributed to strong healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement systems, and high adoption of advanced mobility aids.
Segmentation Analysis
- Product Analysis: In 2023, the wheelchair segment led the personal mobility devices market with a 46.8% share, driven by the rising need for mobility support among the aging population and individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities. Technological improvements—such as lightweight frames and enhanced comfort features have increased user preference for advanced wheelchairs. Growing demand in home care settings and rising awareness of assistive mobility products in healthcare facilities are also expected to support segment growth in the forecast period.
- End-User Analysis: The personal users segment accounted for a dominant 58.4% market share in 2023, supported by rising health concerns such as arthritis, neurological disorders, and age-related mobility challenges. Increasing demand for independent living solutions, particularly in home care environments, is fueling adoption. The global trend toward aging in place, coupled with a broader range of customizable and easy-to-use mobility aids, is projected to further strengthen this segment. Personal users continue to prioritize autonomy, comfort, and quality of life.
Market Segments
Product
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility Scooters
- Walking Aids
- Others
End-user
- Personal Users
- Institutional Users
Regional Analysis
As of 2024, North America holds the leading position in the personal mobility devices market, accounting for 35.7% of the global share, with a market value of approximately USD 4.2 billion. This dominance is driven by a rapidly aging population, a high burden of chronic diseases, and a well-developed healthcare system that facilitates the adoption of advanced mobility aids. The region’s strong focus on improving the quality of life for elderly and physically impaired individuals continues to fuel market expansion.
Europe remains a key regional market, supported by proactive government programs promoting disability support and a steadily aging demographic. Technological advancements and favorable regulatory frameworks across European countries are enhancing the uptake of innovative mobility solutions.
Asia Pacific is expected to record the fastest growth due to the increasing elderly population in countries such as Japan and China, improved healthcare access, and rising health expenditures. The region’s substantial population base offers significant growth opportunities for device manufacturers.
Middle East & Africa are experiencing gradual growth, aided by rising healthcare investments and supportive government initiatives focused on infrastructure improvement. Growing awareness of mobility assistance also contributes to market expansion.
Latin America is witnessing upward momentum driven by increasing urbanization, expanding healthcare services, and supportive health access policies. The growing middle-class population and demand for quality care are boosting the adoption of personal mobility devices.
Emerging Trends
- Demographic Drivers: Demand for personal mobility devices is being driven by an aging population. In the United States, people aged 65 and older accounted for 16.8% of the total population in 2020, up from 13.0% in 2010, and grew faster than any other age group. Within this cohort, 29.4% reported using an assistive mobility device when outside the home, and 26.2% used such devices indoors in 2021. The growth of the older population can be attributed to increased life expectancy and the aging of the baby-boomer generation.
- Global Unmet Need and Policy Response: Worldwide, over 2.5 billion people require one or more assistive products including wheelchairs and mobility scooters but nearly one billion are unable to access them, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This gap has prompted governments and health organizations to scale up distribution programs. For example, an Indian district administration distributed 461 mobility aids including motorized three-wheeled bicycles and manual wheelchairs to 217 beneficiaries in May 2025, reflecting a broader push to improve access through public initiatives.
- Technological Advancements and Device Diversification: Technological integration has led to the emergence of advanced personal mobility devices. Analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicated that the prevalence of powered wheelchairs and scooters nearly doubled over a recent decade, while use of walkers remained twice as common as wheelchairs and scooters. This shift is attributed to innovations such as compact motors, longer-lasting batteries, and customizable controls, which have enhanced device performance and user independence.
- Digital Integration and Smart Features: The scope of personal mobility devices is expanding beyond hardware. Modern scooters and wheelchairs are being equipped with digital features such as Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps—that enable remote diagnostics, route planning, and fall detection alerts. The World Health Organization has recognized apps as part of essential assistive technologies, alongside traditional devices, underscoring the trend toward smart, connected mobility solutions.
Use Cases
- Mobility Outdoors and Indoors: Older adults constitute the largest user base of personal mobility devices. In a 2021 survey, 29.4% of U.S. adults aged 65 and over used an assistive mobility device outside the home, while 26.2% used such devices indoors during the same period. Additionally, 9.3% of this group reported using more than one type of device within a month illustrating how canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are combined to support varied mobility needs.
- Addressing Mobility Impairments: In the U.S., approximately 7.4 million people use assistive technology devices specifically for mobility impairments, making it the most common category of assistive technology use. These devices ranging from canes (used by nearly 4.8 million individuals) to wheelchairs (1.56 million users) and walkers (1.80 million users) are prescribed to improve independence in daily activities, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Supporting Rehabilitation and Disability Services: Personal mobility devices are integral to clinical rehabilitation and disability services. For instance, 24% of adults aged 65 and older reported using at least one mobility device in 2011, with 9.3% using multiple devices in the past month, highlighting their role in fall prevention and post-surgery recovery. Mobility aids are also provided through community health programs and insurance plans to support individuals recovering from injuries or living with chronic conditions.
- Enhancing Quality of Life in Low-Resource Settings: Government-led distribution programs are being scaled up to meet the enormous unmet need in low-resource areas. The recent distribution of 461 assistive devices in India not only provided immediate mobility support but also demonstrated how targeted government interventions can reach hundreds of beneficiaries in a single campaign. Such initiatives are critical for reducing dependence on caregivers and enabling participation in education, work, and social activities.
Conclusion
The global personal mobility devices market is poised for sustained growth, driven by demographic shifts, increasing chronic health conditions, and rising demand for independent living solutions. With strong regional performances in North America and rapid expansion in Asia-Pacific, the market benefits from technological innovations, supportive policies, and rising healthcare awareness.
Continued investment in smart, accessible, and affordable mobility solutions will be key to meeting global demand, especially in underserved regions. As personal mobility devices become more integrated with digital health and rehabilitation services, their role in enhancing quality of life and promoting inclusive mobility will continue to expand significantly.
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