Wheelchair, Scooter Markets to Hit $5.3 Billion by 2012

DUBLIN, Ireland–The markets for wheelchairs and scooters are
expected to increase to $5.3 billion by 2012, a research firm said
Thursday, with growth based on new technology and increasing
demand.

A report from Research and Markets said the markets for these
products–which reached $1.7 billion in 2005–have shifted
considerably in the last year, with vehicles moving beyond the
medical arena to personal use. Scooters and power wheelchairs are
often used in shopping centers, airports, in gated communities and
for local transport.

These markets are also expected to grow as the baby boomers age,
the firm said. According to a release, “the aging of the population
is expected to change markets. Older people need more support for
continued mobility through disability. Rehabilitation becomes more
prevalent.”

Most PWCs and scooters are paid for by Medicare or private
insurance, the research firm said.

The report includes information on products, technology and
company profiles on Invacare, Convaid, Convaquip, Drive Medical,
Graham-Field, Hoveround, Permobil, Pride Mobility, Shoprider
Mobility and Sunrise Medical, among others.