Electric wheelchairs emerging as one of the high-quality and advanced mobility device in healthcare sector

 

Electric wheelchairs, also known as electric powered wheelchair, manual wheelchair, or electrical wheelchair, any movable seating surface with no wheels attached to it which is powered by an electrical power source, usually batteries and motors. Batteries power electric wheelchairs by producing small amounts of electricity which are stored in rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries, which can be recharged when they are discharged.

Growing cases of physical disability is a key factor driving the market growth of the electric wheelchair. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people are estimated to live with some form of disability. This corresponds to about 15% of the world's population, with up to 190 million (3.8%) people aged 15 years and older having significant difficulties in functioning, often requiring healthcare services. An increasing number of accidents around the globe leading to injuries and disability is also projected to augment the market growth of the electric wheelchair. According to the same source, every year the lives of around 1.35 million people are cut short as a result of a road traffic crash. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury.

 

North America is expected to exhibit significant growth over the forecast period and this is attributed to the continuous product innovation by key manufacturers in the region. For instance, in March 2020, Invacare Corporation announced the launch of the Invacare® AVIVA™ FX Power Wheelchair, setting a new standard for the front-wheel-drive power mobility market.

Key Developments:

1. In August 2019, Droom has launched the electric wheel chair category on its platform. Along with the electric wheelchair, Droom has also launched products like mobility scooters and manual wheelchair on its platform.

2. In August 2020, A Chennai based startup, IIT-M has developed a personalized wheelchair and a battery-powered clip-on device that converts the wheelchair into a roadworthy electric vehicle.

3. In May 2019, ANA and Panasonic partner to test self-driving electric wheelchairs for increasing mobility and accessibility options at Tokyo Narita International Airport.

4. In January 2017, WHILL, the intelligent personal electric vehicles (EVs) provider, presents its new FDA-cleared electric vehicle wheelchair, the Model M, at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show

5. In January 2020, Italian multinational firm Enel, through its energy services subsidiary Enel X, has announced the launch of its first device to charge electric wheelchairs with car charging infrastructure.