Summary

Growing life expectancy and awareness of home healthcare services, rising disability prevalence, and rising demand for medical devices for long-term care are all expected to drive the wheelchair market. The large population can present significant opportunities for market participants across the South America. The rising healthcare spending is expected to boost the market over the forecast period. South America is expected to be one of the fastest-growing markets for wheelchairs during the forecast period, due to an increase in awareness about diseases such as diabetes and depression among people in this region. The growing number of spinal disorders, such as spinal cord injuries, contributes significantly to the growth of the wheelchair market. The constantly expanding elderly population is one of the primary drivers for the wheelchair market. As people become older, they are more likely to develop mobility issues expected to raise demand for wheelchairs, propelling the market forward throughout the projected period. According to a United Nations, over 250 Million people worldwide are currently experiencing moderate to severe mobility. Along with the rapid rise in the number of spinal cord injuries among the elderly, the market is expected to grow at a high rate over the projected period. In addition, the government rising measures and policies to provide advanced wheelchair accessibility in low-resource nations are likely to promote market growth throughout the projection period. According to World Bank, there have been progressive legal and institutional changes for the 85 million people with disabilities in South America in the last decade. However, there is still a long way between advances in theory and implementation. In South American region, Over 50 Million households have at least one person with some type of disability, and where accelerated aging translates into more people with disabilities, the need becomes imminent.

According to the research report, “South America Wheelchair Market Outlook, 2028” published by Bonafide Research, the market is projected to add USD 324 Million market size from 2023 to 2028. The rise in the senior population and an increase in the number of people with mobility impairment illnesses are driving regional market growth. Furthermore, essential players in the mobile device industry in South America are expected to boost market growth. In addition, the increased usage of powered wheelchairs and the expanding unmet needs in the region, South America is expected to see significant market expansion. Emerging countries such as Argentina and Brazil are expanding the South American wheel Chair market. Key companies are constantly active in the industry, launching new wheelchairs and associated products, stimulating growth in the wheelchair market. Yamaha Motor Corporation of the United States, for example, has announced its NAVIGO joystick power system for wheelchair users. NAVIGO is a portable and powerful joystick power system that is compatible with manual wheelchair frames. Like many regions of the world, South America faces challenges with accessibility for persons with disabilities. Wheelchairs provide mobility and enable users to access public spaces, transportation, and other services that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach. Many people in South America require wheelchairs due to illness, injury, or disability. Access to medical care, including assistive technology such as wheelchairs, is critical for improving health outcomes and quality of life for persons with disabilities.

On the other hand, poverty is a major issue in many parts of South America, and persons with disabilities are often disproportionately affected. Many people with disabilities cannot afford to purchase a wheelchair, making it difficult or impossible for them to access education, employment, and other opportunities. South America has diverse and often challenging physical terrain, including mountainous regions, rainforests, and other difficult-to-navigate areas. Wheelchairs can enable users to navigate these areas more easily and safely, improving their mobility and independence. Generally, there are two types of wheelchairs on the market including manual and electric. Manual wheelchairs do not have a battery and must be operated by hand. Because the majority of users are elderly or disabled, they must rely on others to push their wheelchairs. Powered or electric wheelchairs, which run on electricity and may be operated by patients, are an alternative to manual wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs are a convenient and practical mobility aid for people with disabilities or limited mobility. In countries where there may be limited access to public transportation or where the infrastructure is not very wheelchair-friendly, an electric wheelchair can provide a degree of independence and mobility for its users. There are some cultural factors that contribute to the popularity of electric wheelchairs in South America. For example, some cultures may place a high value on independence and self-sufficiency, and an electric wheelchair may be seen as a means of achieving these goals. Additionally, the use of electric wheelchairs are more socially accepted or normalized in some countries, which could contribute to their popularity and higher market growth.

Based on the report, the market is segmented into three major countries including Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Among them, Brazil is one of the largest markets for mobility aids in South America, including wheelchairs. The Brazilian market for wheelchairs is driven by an aging population and an increasing prevalence of disabilities. The government also provides financial support to low-income families to purchase mobility aids. The market growth is also driven owing to an increase in the number of children with developmental disabilities and the number of unintentional injuries resulting in loss of mobility. Argentina is another significant market for wheelchairs in South America. The Argentine government has implemented several initiatives to support people with disabilities, including providing financial assistance to purchase wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Wheelchairs are an essential tool for improving mobility, independence, and quality of life for persons with disabilities in South America, as well as other parts of the world. Access to wheelchairs is important for ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal access to healthcare, education, employment, and other opportunities.

South America Wheelchair Market is anticipated to register sound revenues in the forthcoming years on the back of the rising number of surgeries across the region has led to a boost in the demand for wheelchairs that are required post-surgery period. Further, the growing prevalence of childhood disorders such as cerebral palsy is leading to an increase in the establishment of more paediatric centers across the region where wheelchairs are mandatory in order to provide mobility assistance, which is further estimated to proliferate the growth of South America wheelchair market in the coming timeframe. Additionally, the growing geriatric population across the country is likely to boost the demand for wheelchairs. Based on the category, adult wheelchair segment is leading the overall market in 2022 with over 65% market share. The markets in Argentina and Colombia are expected to contribute to the growth of the electric wheelchair market in this region owing to the increasing number of road accidents resulting in high demand for wheelchairs. Based on the function, basic wheelchair is dominating the South America market in 2022. These wheelchairs are widely available in South America, and their affordability and accessibility can propel the higher market growth. Basic wheelchairs are also available through government-funded programs or through charitable organizations that provide mobility aids to people in need in South America.

The specific regulations for wheelchairs in South America may vary by country, as each nation has its own laws and standards for mobility aids. However, in general, many South American countries have regulations in place to ensure that wheelchairs are safe and functional for users. For example, in Brazil, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality, and Technology (INMETRO) have established technical regulations for wheelchairs to ensure that they meet minimum safety and quality standards. These regulations cover areas such as stability, durability, and ease of use. Similarly, in Argentina, the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT) regulate the design, manufacturing, and sale of wheelchairs, as well as other medical devices. ANMAT has established standards for wheelchairs to ensure that they are safe and effective for users. Other countries in South America may have their own specific regulations for wheelchairs, but in general, these regulations are designed to protect the health and well-being of wheelchair users and ensure that they have access to safe and reliable mobility aids.

Many medical supply stores in South America specialize in providing mobility aids and medical equipment, including wheelchairs. These stores may be found in urban areas and may also offer repair and maintenance services. Hospitals and healthcare providers in South America may also sell or rent wheelchairs to patients who require them. These institutions may have a physical store or online platform where customers can browse and purchase wheelchairs. Some countries in South America have government programs that provide financial assistance for the purchase of wheelchairs and other mobility aids. These programs may distribute wheelchairs directly to users or work with retailers and suppliers to provide discounts or subsidies. There are several charitable organizations in South America that provide free or low-cost wheelchairs to people in need, particularly those who cannot afford them. These organizations may work with local partners to distribute wheelchairs or provide them directly to users. With the growth of e-commerce in South America, online retailers have become a popular sales channel for wheelchairs. Several online retailers specialize in selling medical equipment, including wheelchairs, and they may offer delivery services to customers.

Wheelchair-bound visitors or those with limited mobility can find facilities to meet their needs in South America's most popular tourist destinations, such as the heights of Machu Picchu in Peru or the Iguazu Falls on the border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, among others. These are some of the most important places in South America where wheelchair travellers can enjoy the nature and culture of various sites such as Machu Picchu (Peru), Iguazu Falls (Argentina), Los Copihues (Chile), Costa Rica, and Cancun (Mexico), among others. In addition, there is a gap in the literature concerning disability sport in South America. South American countries made up 20 of the 164 nations competing in the London Paralympic Games in 2012. Countries in South America also support 14 national basketball teams, 15 international tennis programmes, and six wheelchair rugby programmes.

Product Launches in South America:
• Sunrise Medical announced the release of two new electric wheelchairs, one in the adult QUICKIE line and one in the paediatric ZIPPIE line. Because of its innovative, all-wheel independent suspension, the narrowest genuine mid-wheel drive base available, and an extremely short 17-inch turning radius and seat-to-floor height, the ZIPPIE Mini gives kids the independence to safely explore a variety of situations.
• Children can drive up to 3 miles per hour while elevated up to 12 inches by the optional C-Me seat elevation, without locking out the suspension or having to come to a complete stop while transitioning. JAY cushions and backs, up to 50 degrees of motorised tilt, and WHITMYER headrests can meet any sitting requirement.
• Footplates, leg supports, back height, seat breadth, and seat depth, among other features, can be adjusted individually and grow with the child. The ZIPPIE Mini can be customised with seven eye-catching accent colours or a selection of painted shrouds for a one-of-a-kind, expressive look.
• Sunrise Medical is also introducing the new QUICKIE Q200 R, a small rear-wheel-drive power wheelchair that doesn't skimp on performance.
• The result is the QUICKIE Q200 R, a truly small motorised wheelchair with exceptional grip, stability, and even the ability to scale three-inch bumps. With a starting weight of 216 pounds, the Q200 R is an excellent choice for hoist and boom-style vehicle lifts.
• Due of its completely retractable back and detachable leg and arm supports, the Q200 R will fit comfortably in most SUVs or vans. The power wheelchair's small, 23-inch wide base provides excellent grip when navigating ramps, and its large, 9-inch front casters outperform those found in other rear-wheel-drive power chairs.

Companies Mentioned in this Report:
Karma Medical Products Co., Ltd., Levo AG, Matia Mobility, Medline, Pride Mobility Products Corporation, Sunrise Medical LLC, Etac AB, Eurovema AB

Considered in this report
• Geography: South America
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• South America wheelchair market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise wheelchair market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia

By Product type:
• Electric & Powered Wheelchair
• Manual Wheelchair

By Category Type:
• Adult
• Paediatric

By Application Type:
• Homecare
• Hospitals
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Rehabilitation Centers

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 listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing 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 conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Wheelchair 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.

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