Abstract
Worldwide power wheelchair and scooter all terrain and regular personal
vehicle markets have shifted dramatically in the last year. Vehicles are
useful as personal vehicles in controlled settings, going beyond medical
necessity to personal transport. Most vehicles are paid for by Medicare or
private insurance as users are usually not as mobile as they wished.
There is a small proportion of the market that is not paid for by public or
private insurance. Scooter and power wheelchair vehicles are used in shopping
settings, airports, in gated communities, and for local transport. Scooters
and power wheelchairs are evolving a market presence that goes beyond
handicapped transport to personal transport.
Forecasts for 2006-2012 indicate the start of fuel cell personal vehicles and
electric vehicles with longer lasting travel capability. There is a measurable
sub segment of the market that addresses all terrain vehicles.
Power wheelchair and scooter markets are expected to grow as the baby boomers
age. The aging of the population is expected to change markets. Older people
need more support for continued mobility through disability. Rehabilitation
becomes more prevalent.
Power wheelchair, scooter, and all terrain market forecasts indicate strong
growth based on new technology and demand from people wanting a vehicle in
between a heavy expensive to drive car and a manual wheelchair.
Wheelchair and scooter markets at $1.7 billion in 2005 are expected to grow to
$5.3 billion by 2012. Power wheelchairs and scooters provide mobility and move
the healthcare delivery system toward the lower cost homecare.
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