PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1829390
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1829390
Walking aids are devices crafted to aid individuals with mobility challenges, whether stemming from injury recovery, disabilities, or age-related walking difficulties. They enhance balance, mitigate fall risks, and foster independence by furnishing support during walking endeavors. Often adjustable, these aids ensure a comfortable and ergonomic fit for users of varying heights and requirements.
The primary product types within walking aids encompass crutches, canes, walkers, rollators, and others. Crutches serve to expand an individual's base of support and redistribute weight from the legs to the upper body. These aids may feature diverse technologies including automated and manual mechanisms. They find utility across various end-user settings such as hospitals and clinics, home care environments, among others.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are significantly impacting the medical equipment sector, especially for imported components used in imaging machines, surgical-grade stainless steel, and disposable plastics. With hospitals and clinics pushing back against price increases, manufacturers are facing margin pressure. The situation is further complicated by regulatory challenges, as switching suppliers due to tariffs often necessitates re-certification of medical devices, leading to delays in market entry. In response, companies are mitigating risks by dual-sourcing key components, ramping up domestic production of standardized items, and accelerating research into more cost-effective materials.
The walking aids market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides walking aids market statistics, including walking aids industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with walking aids market share, detailed walking aids market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the walking aids industry. This walking aids market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The walking aids market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.03 billion in 2024 to $3.22 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to aging population, prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, awareness and education, healthcare infrastructure development, rehabilitation programs, government initiatives, and changing lifestyles.
The walking aids market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.13 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising chronic diseases, urbanization and accessibility, active aging trends, global health challenges, supportive policies, and economic growth. Major trends in the forecast period include innovative product designs, integration of smart technologies, rise in customization options, emphasis on lightweight materials, and telehealth integration.
The forecast of 6.4% growth over the next five years indicates a slight reduction of 0.1% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through supply chain disruptions for lightweight aluminum frames and ergonomic handgrip components, sourced from key regions such as Mexico and Malaysia, could lead to mobility device shortages and higher prices for elderly and disabled patients.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The anticipated rise in the prevalence of physical disabilities is set to drive the growth of the walking aid market in the future. Physical disabilities, which significantly restrict one or more major life activities due to a physical condition, affect individuals' mobility and independence. Walking aids play a crucial role in supporting individuals with physical disabilities by improving mobility, stability, and independence. For example, as reported by the World Health Organization in March 2023, approximately 16% of the global population, equivalent to around 1.3 billion people, are projected to experience significant disabilities in 2023, representing one out of every six individuals. Consequently, the heightened prevalence of physical disabilities acts as a catalyst propelling the growth of the walking aid market.
Leading companies in the walking aids market are advancing technologically sophisticated products, such as precision-controlled rollators, to improve safety and stability. A precision-controlled rollator is a mobility aid equipped with enhanced braking and steering mechanisms to provide greater stability, control, and user safety, often utilized by individuals requiring support with walking or balance. For instance, in May 2024, Drive Medical, a US-based medical equipment supplier, introduced the Nitro Sprint rollator. The Nitro Sprint is designed with innovative precision-control features that boost safety and mobility for users needing balance or strength support. Its unique patented features include a Euro-style frame supporting up to 350 pounds, an upgraded braking system for efficient component replacement, and a specialized slowdown brake for better control on slopes and uneven terrain. Additional features include an extended backrest with a viewing window for improved obstacle visibility, a built-in accessory mount, and a versatile storage bag with three mounting options, enhancing its functionality and reliability.
In June 2024, Etac, a Sweden-based provider of assistive devices and patient handling equipment, acquired Klaxon Mobility GmbH for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Etac's manual wheelchair portfolio is now complemented by advanced power-assist solutions, allowing Etac to offer a comprehensive range of mobility options for wheelchair users. Klaxon Mobility GmbH is an Austria-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of walking aids.
Major companies operating in the walking aids market report are Cardinal Health Inc., Hill-Rom Holdings Inc., OttoBock Healthcare GmbH, Invacare Corporation, Numotion LLC, Permobil AB, Sunrise Medical LLC, Pride Mobility Products Corporation, Etac Ab, Golden Technologies, Direct Healthcare Group Ltd., Graham-field Health Products Inc., Kuschall, Vermeiren Group, Medical Depot Inc., Levo AG, Merits Health Products Co. Ltd., Nova Medical Products Inc., Meyra GmbH, Medline Industries LP, Human Care HC AB, Karman Healthcare Inc., Timago, Besco Medical Limited, TOPRO Industri AS, Bischoff & Bischoff
North America was the largest region in the walking aids market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the walking aids market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the walking aids market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The walking aids market consists of sales of knee scooters, gait trainers, portable wheelchair ramps, stair climbing aids, power scooters, and electric wheelchairs. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Walking Aids Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on walking aids market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for walking aids ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The walking aids market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.