Global Walking Assist Devices Market Outlook, 2028

In the realm of assistive technology, walking assist devices have emerged as transformative tools, revolutionizing the lives of individuals with mobility challenges. These devices, ranging from traditional canes to cutting-edge exoskeletons, not only provide physical support but also embody the spirit of innovation and inclusivity. Walking assist devices play a crucial role in restoring independence and dignity to individuals facing mobility challenges. By providing support and stability, these devices empower users to navigate the world on their terms. The evolution of walking assist devices has directly contributed to an improved quality of life for users. Increased mobility fosters social engagement, access to education, and participation in the workforce, positively impacting mental and emotional well-being. The advancements in walking assist technology underscore the commitment to creating an inclusive society.

By continually innovating and improving these devices, manufacturers and designers contribute to breaking down physical barriers and promoting accessibility for all. The walking assist devices industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by an aging population, increased awareness of mobility challenges, and advancements in technology. The market has expanded globally, with manufacturers, designers, and healthcare providers collaborating to meet the diverse needs of users. The industry encompasses a wide range of products, from traditional aids like canes and walkers to cutting-edge technologies such as exoskeletons and smart canes. This diversity ensures that individuals with varying levels of mobility impairment can find suitable solutions tailored to their unique needs.

The market is expected to grow in the coming years as a result of factors such as an increase in the number of initiatives launched by governments around the world to ensure the availability of walking assist devices to a large consumer base, an aging population, and rising incidences of Debilitating Neurological Diseases and Injuries. Furthermore, trends in the patient population, as well as increased technology improvements and product leasing, are projected to boost market expansion. The expense of purchasing walking assist equipment, on the other hand, is substantial.

According to the research report, “Global Walking Assist Devices Market Outlook, 2028”, the market is anticipated to cross USD 6 Billion by 2028, increasing from USD 3.95 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow with more than 8% CAGR by 2023-28. The journey of walking assist devices began with traditional canes and walkers. These simple yet effective tools provided stability and support, enabling individuals with mobility impairments to navigate their surroundings independently. Over time, these devices have seen design improvements, incorporating lightweight materials and ergonomic features.

Building upon the concept of canes, crutches and forearm crutches emerged as more robust solutions, distributing the user's weight across the upper body. Adjustable height settings and comfortable grips enhanced usability, catering to a wider range of mobility needs. Innovations continued with the introduction of rolling walkers and rollators, equipped with wheels for smoother movement.

These devices offer a balance between support and maneuverability, often featuring additional amenities such as seats, baskets, and hand brakes. The infusion of artificial intelligence into walking assist devices is a game-changer. AI-powered devices, such as smart canes, can analyze surroundings, detect obstacles, and provide real-time feedback to users. This technology not only enhances safety but also fosters a more intuitive and responsive user experience. Exoskeletons, once confined to the realms of science fiction, are now a reality in the walking assist devices industry. These wearable robotic devices, often equipped with advanced sensors and actuators, enable individuals with paralysis or weakened limbs to stand, walk, and even climb stairs. The potential for exoskeletons in rehabilitation and daily life is a testament to the transformative power of technology. The era of smart devices has permeated the walking assist industry.

Smart canes and walkers with connectivity features offer users the ability to sync with smartphones, provide navigation assistance, and even alert emergency contacts in case of a fall. These features not only enhance functionality but also contribute to a sense of security for users. Moreover, as the geriatric population is growing, the demand for walking assist devices is also rising across the world. Also, the walking assist devices provide balance, support, and ultimately, the subsequent ability to survive independently.

North America is leading the market due to the rise in the aged population, completely designed healthcare sectors, technological advances in the region and top players, and private organizations delivering various supporting services for the advantage of physically disabled people.

The presence of superior healthcare facilities and well-developed reimbursement policies are the primary driving factors in this region's industry. Furthermore, the high prevalence of target diseases in this region, such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic impairments, is predicted to drive market expansion over the next nine years. Furthermore, the availability of these mobility devices at reduced prices for challenged people is projected to drive this market throughout the forecast period. Furthermore, increased initiatives from leading market participants on the creation of innovative products, as well as FDA approvals in the United States, will boost market expansion in this area. For example, Samsung Electronics plans to seek FDA approval in May 2022 for its wearable assistive robot, the"GEMS Hip," which serves as an exoskeleton for persons with mobility issues and employs an active assist algorithm to improve gait and muscle movement.

Furthermore, the high prevalence of target diseases in this region, such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic impairments, is expected to have a significant impact on market growth over the next nine years. Furthermore, it is expected that the availability of these mobility devices at subsidized costs for impaired patients will drive this market over the projection period. Furthermore, increased rental product activity, as well as the region's taxing neurological disorders and ailments, may contribute to a rise in the use of walking aid devices. Rising government reimbursement and economic aid from other investment firms are also projected to boost expansion in the worldwide walking assist device market.

The growing geriatric population will propel the market forward. Furthermore, the growing prevalence of neurological illnesses will drive up demand for assistive walking aids. The rising incidence and prevalence of muscular and skeletal ailments, accidents, and traumas will also drive market expansion.

The offline distribution channel is leading the global walking assist devices market, highlighting the enduring importance of traditional retail and healthcare channels in this industry.

Walking assist devices often require personalized fittings, adjustments, and expert guidance to ensure optimal functionality and user comfort. In offline channels, such as medical supply stores, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare facilities, trained professionals can assist individuals in selecting the most suitable walking aid based on their specific needs, physical condition, and preferences. Additionally, offline distribution channels facilitate a hands-on experience for customers. Potential users can physically interact with different walking assist devices, assess their features, and test their suitability before making a purchase. This tactile engagement is particularly crucial for individuals with mobility challenges, as they can gain confidence in the chosen device's stability and usability through direct interaction.

Moreover, healthcare professionals in offline settings can provide valuable advice, ensuring that the selected walking aid aligns with the user's medical condition and rehabilitation requirements. Furthermore, the offline distribution channel is well-established and trusted, especially in the healthcare sector. Healthcare professionals often prefer to prescribe and recommend walking assist devices through direct consultations with patients. This personal interaction allows for a thorough assessment of the user's needs and facilitates the provision of appropriate information and guidance. As a result, offline channels play a pivotal role in building trust and credibility, factors that are particularly important when dealing with assistive devices that directly impact an individual's mobility and well-being.

Despite the increasing prevalence of online shopping across various industries, the walking assist devices market remains somewhat resistant to a complete shift to online distribution. This resistance is primarily due to the specialized nature of the products and the importance of a personalized, hands-on approach in the selection and fitting process.

Based on the category, the adult category is leading the walking assist devices market, holding a dominant market share of around in 2022.

Adults, especially those over 65, are more likely to experience mobility issues requiring assistance. The market offers a broader selection of walking assist devices designed specifically for adults, including walkers, canes, crutches, rollators, and mobility scooters. Adults are generally more aware of the benefits of using walking assist devices and are less likely to be stigmatized by using them. As individuals age, they may experience a decline in physical abilities, leading to mobility challenges. Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and other age-related issues increase the demand for walking assist devices among adults. Adults are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, such as neurological disorders, muscular degeneration, and orthopedic issues, which can affect mobility. Walking assist devices are often essential tools in managing and maintaining mobility for individuals dealing with these conditions.

Adults are more prone to injuries due to accidents, sports, or workplace incidents. Walking assist devices play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, aiding individuals in recovering from injuries, surgeries, or orthopedic procedures. Certain degenerative disorders, such as degenerative joint diseases or spinal conditions, are more common in adults. These conditions can significantly impact an individual's ability to walk and may necessitate the use of walking assist devices. Adults typically have greater financial capacity compared to children, allowing them to invest in and afford walking assist devices. This demographic has the means to purchase a variety of assistive technologies, including advanced and technologically sophisticated devices. The spectrum of mobility challenges among adults is diverse and encompasses a broad range of conditions.

Adult walking assist devices are designed to address this diversity, offering solutions for individuals with varying levels of mobility impairment. Many technological innovations in the walking assist devices market, such as advanced exoskeletons, smart canes, and robotic prosthetics, are often designed with the needs and challenges of adults in mind. These devices may target specific age-related conditions or address common mobility issues in the adult population. Adults often prioritize maintaining independence and a high quality of life. Walking assist devices contribute significantly to achieving these goals by enabling adults to remain mobile and engaged in daily activities despite mobility challenges.

Major Drivers

• Rapidly aging global population: With a significant increase in life expectancy, there has been a parallel rise in age-related mobility issues and conditions such as osteoarthritis and neurological disorders. As a result, the demand for walking assist devices, including canes, crutches, and walkers, has witnessed a substantial surge. These devices provide crucial support to individuals facing mobility challenges, enabling them to maintain an active and independent lifestyle. Moreover, advancements in technology have led to the development of innovative walking assist devices with features such as sensors and smart functionalities, further enhancing their appeal to a diverse consumer base.
• Growing prevalence of chronic diseases and injuries: Conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders often lead to impaired mobility, necessitating the use of assistive devices. The rising awareness about the benefits of early intervention and rehabilitation has spurred the adoption of walking assist devices both in healthcare settings and among individuals seeking to enhance their daily mobility. Additionally, governments and healthcare organizations across the globe are actively promoting assistive technology to improve the quality of life for those with mobility impairments, contributing to the expansion of the market.

Major Challenges

• High cost associated with advanced assistive technologies: While innovative features enhance the functionality of walking assist devices, they often come at a premium, limiting accessibility for some segments of the population, especially in lower-income regions. Affordability remains a critical factor influencing the adoption of these devices, and addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort from manufacturers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to develop cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
• Stigma attached to the use of walking assist devices: Societal perceptions and stereotypes surrounding mobility aids can deter individuals from seeking the support they need. Overcoming this stigma requires extensive awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and advocacy efforts to promote the acceptance of walking assist devices as tools that empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives despite mobility challenges. Breaking down these barriers is essential for ensuring that those in needs are willing to embrace and benefit from the assistance provided by these devices.

Major Trends

• Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies: Manufacturers are incorporating sensors, machine learning algorithms, and connectivity features into walking aids to provide real-time data on user movement, gait analysis, and fall detection. This trend not only enhances the overall functionality and safety of walking assist devices but also opens avenues for remote monitoring by healthcare professionals, fostering a more proactive approach to patient care. As technology continues to advance, the market is likely to witness further integration of smart features, making walking assist devices more personalized and efficient.
• Emphasis on design aesthetics and customization: Recognizing the importance of user experience and personalization, manufacturers are offering walking assist devices in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. This trend aims to reduce the stigma associated with using these devices by making them more visually appealing and aligned with individual preferences. As the market evolves, the convergence of functionality and aesthetic considerations is expected to play a crucial role in shaping consumer choices and driving the overall growth of the walking assist devices market.

COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic led to widespread disruptions in supply chains worldwide, affecting the production and distribution of various goods, including walking assist devices. Lockdowns, restrictions on movement, and disruptions in manufacturing facilities created challenges for companies in maintaining regular production levels. Delays in the procurement of raw materials and components impacted the availability of walking assist devices in the market. Many elective surgeries and non-urgent medical procedures were postponed or delayed during the peak of the pandemic. This delay had implications for the rehabilitation needs of individuals recovering from surgeries, injuries, or conditions that would typically require walking assist devices as part of the recovery process. As elective procedures resumed, there was a subsequent increase in the demand for walking assist devices. The economic impact of the pandemic, including job losses and financial uncertainties, influenced purchasing decisions.

Individuals may have been more cautious in spending on non-essential healthcare products, impacting the sales of walking assist devices. Affordability became a significant consideration for many consumers, and this economic uncertainty affected the market dynamics. With concerns about exposure to the virus in healthcare facilities, there was a notable shift in consumer preferences towards home-based healthcare solutions. This trend positively affected the walking assist devices market, as individuals with mobility issues sought ways to manage their conditions within the safety of their homes. The demand for assistive devices that facilitate mobility and independence in home settings experienced an upswing during the pandemic.

Competitive Landscape

The walking assist devices market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The major players covered in the walking assist devices market report are Karma Medical Products Co., LTD., Medline Industries, Sunrise Medical, Inc., GF Health Products, Inc., Invacare Corporation, Besco Medical Co., LTD., Direct Healthcare Group, Drive Medical, Comfort Orthopedic Co., Ltd, Cardinal Health,Performance Health, Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA,, Meyra GmBH and Etac AB.

Recent Developments

• In July 2022, Cionic launched bionic clothing to help patients with walking difficulties arising from neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and cerebral palsy.
• In June 2022, CAN Mobilities develop the world's smartest walking cane to boost motion through data. The CAN Go is an ultra-comfortable, sturdy and sleekly designed cane hewn from aircraft-grade aluminum and sporting a soft, non-stick non-slip grip for enhanced safety.
• In 2021, the Invacare AVIVA STORM RX rear-wheel drive power wheelchair was launched by Invacare Corporation. This design allows the user to move closer to the objects in the surrounding.
• In 2021, Moovit partnered with brilliant cane company WeWALK to improve the mobility of the visually impaired.

Considered in this report:

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:

• Global Walking Assist Device market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & Country-wise Walking Assist Device market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions & Countries covered in the report

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)
• Middle-East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)

By Products

• Walkers and Rollators
• Canes & Crutches
• Other Mobility Care Products

By Distribution Channel:

• Offline
• Online

By Category:

• Adult
• Pediatric

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

Intended audience:

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Walking Assist Device, 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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