The wheelchair industry is witnessing a significant shift in 2024, with a growing competition between traditional manual models and innovative intelligent options.

In the first quarter of 2024, the online wheelchair market recorded sales of nearly 600,000 units, amounting to around 450 million yuan, an increase of over 35% year-on-year. Additionally, the average price of wheelchairs has seen a substantial rise of 33% compared to the previous year.

The industry is transforming along two main fronts. 

The first transformation is the substantial upgrade of manual wheelchairs. These wheelchairs, once known for their bulkiness, low efficiency, and potential for shoulder and wrist injury, have been revamped to be lighter, safer, and more versatile.

The current best-selling manual wheelchairs online are characterised by their foldability, portability, and compact size. 

The second direction of change is the widespread adoption of smart or electric wheelchairs. Advances in AI, IoT, and related technologies have led to the iteration of market offerings. 

Many brands have launched high-end smart wheelchairs that build on the basics with safer braking systems, intelligent assistance/resistance modes, and more.

From a sales perspective, smart wheelchairs are gaining significant traction, with sales volumes and values doubling from the previous year, posting increases of over 120% and 110% respectively. In contrast, the demand and growth rate for manual wheelchairs, which have several drawbacks, are noticeably declining.

Today, smart wheelchairs are not only a mobility aid for the elderly but also a potential “travel tool” for younger individuals. For younger people with mobility limitations, smart wheelchairs are increasingly seen as more convenient, intelligent, easy to use, aesthetically pleasing, and offering a better user experience compared to crutches or traditional manual wheelchairs.

 In the future, it is expected that intelligent, multifunctional, and lightweight electric wheelchairs will be the focus of industry development, with a particular emphasis on folding and portable designs.