Transport Chairs Market Report Scope & Overview:

Transport Chairs Market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 2.26 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.28% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

This report on the Transport Chairs Market delivers key statistical insights and emerging trends shaping the industry. It underscores the prevalence of mobility-related disorders propelling demand, as well as regional prescription patterns and increasing uptake among healthcare institutions. The report highlights production and distribution volumes, providing a forward-looking business outlook. It also looks at healthcare spending by government, private insurers and out-of-pocket. Analysis of cost trends and pricing shows changes in consumer preference and in product innovation. It also assesses user-specific adoption patterns by facility, focusing on the need for lightweight, foldable, and bariatric capabilities.

Increasing aging population and increasing prevalence of disabilities related to mobility are major driving factors for the transport chairs market. In 2023, approx. 16.5% of the population was aged 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which represented more than 54 million Americans. As this demographic continues to grow, the need for mobility aids including transport chairs has increased greatly in both healthcare facilities and home care environments. Coupled with this, chronic conditions that influence mobility, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, are on the rise among adults. Between 2023 and 2032, U.S. transport chairs market grew at a CAGR of 7.18%, increasing from USD 0.40 billion in 2023 to USD 0.74 billion by 2032. This rise can be attributed to the increase in the geriatric population, the high prevalence of mobility impairments, and the rising need for home healthcare and rehabilitation centers. Ongoing innovations and encouraging reimbursement scenarios also boost the growth market.

Market Dynamics

Drivers:

• Growing number of surgeries and rehabilitation cases is fueling the demand for transport chairs across healthcare and homecare environments

An increasing number of surgeries and rehabilitation cases is contributing towards the growth of transport chairs market in healthcare and homecare settings. The increase in the number of chronic disease patients, major trauma, and orthopedic illness continues to increase the number of surgical subjects worldwide. Patients recovering from surgeries, particularly orthopedic and cardiovascular ones, often deal with temporary mobility challenges. This requirement has led to an increased dependence on transport chairs for ease of movement in a hospital or at home. Exercise bicycles and transport chair (in charge of other patients) also help In the Rehabilitation Centre. They are lightweight, collapsible, and comfortable making it suitable for post-operative and disabled patients. This phenomenon is most prominent in countries with highly developed medical environments that prioritize patient recovery solutions. As a result, the market continues to gain traction due to the rising need for assisting patients to walk after being operated in their mobility.

Restrain

• Limited awareness about transport chair benefits in emerging regions is slowing adoption among potential users and care providers

Limited awareness about transport chair benefits in emerging regions is slowing adoption among potential users and care providers. In many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, mobility assistance devices like transport chairs are not commonly promoted or integrated into standard patient care routines. The emphasis is often on wheelchairs, which are more common but less suitable for short-distance travel or rapid transitions in clinical settings. Limited education initiatives and low-profile presence in local healthcare markets further add to this lack of knowledge. Moreover, due to cultural norms and cost-saving tendencies, caregivers and family members tend to use traditional or manual methods of mobility assistance. With limited proactive promotion by manufacturers and health authorities, uptake in these regions has been poor. This restricted awareness has a serious impact on the growth of the transport chairs market globally.

Opportunities

• Technological advancements in lightweight materials and ergonomic design are driving innovation and expanding the transport chairs market potential

Advancements in technology in terms of lightweight materials and ergonomic design are expected to drive innovation and boom to the market of transport chairs. Manufacturers are beginning to create chairs that are more durable, portable, and comfortable for patients and caregivers alike. Aluminum alloys, carbon fiber, and advanced polymers are being used to achieve a reduction in weight alongside an increase in structural strength. And ergonomic upgrades such as breathable cushions, adjustable armrests, and footrests address a wide range of user needs. These advances make a patient’s stay more comfortable while also easing transportation and handling in cramped hospital hallways or small residential corridors. Additionally, such designs come with compact and foldable designs that make for easy storage and transportation, thus rendering them perfect for travel and emergency usage. These innovations are making transport chairs more appealing to a broader range of users, driving market expansion across sectors.

Challenges

• Lack of standardized quality regulations for transport chairs is affecting product reliability and end-user trust in several regions

The absence of standards on quality for transport chairs is likely to hinder the reliability of products, thereby reducing end-user trust in respective regions. In contrast to wheelchairs, which are often subject to specific certifications, transport chairs are intended to operate in a comparatively under-regulated environment, particularly in emerging markets. The lack of any global or regional quality standards has resulted in several low-quality or counterfeit products flooding the market. Weak frames, ineffective brakes, and non-ergonomic designs are just some examples of user and healthcare provider problems that can compromise the safety of patients or cause discomfort. This has led to distrust among consumers and a strong preference for established mobility solutions instead. The absence of consistent regulation also prevents manufacturers from ensuring quality across products, making it difficult to access and comply with global markets. Overcoming this challenge will involve industry participants and regulatory organizations working together to establish uniform quality and safety standards.

Segmentation Analysis

By Category

In 2023, the adult population segment accounted for a revenue share of 47% of the transport chairs market, which can be attributed to the rising rate of disabilities and disorders that affect mobility such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease. A 10 million Americans most of them older adults also have osteoporosis, which also increases the need for mobility aids, such as transport chairs. Such conditions typically result in sedentary lives that breed the need for solutions to help keep users mobile and self-sufficient. Another vital factor propelling this segment is the aging population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people aged 65 and older represented 16.5% of the U.S. population in 2023, and this share is projected to continue rising steadily as life expectancy increases. This demographic of people can particularly benefit from transport chairs, as they tend to offer broader designs and ergonomic features in comparison to their other wheelchair counterparts. Moreover, the development of chair designs like foldable chairs or height adjustable designs has helped adult users in usability and comfort.

By Frame Material

The aluminum frame materials segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 61% in 2023 owing to their lightweight, durability, and corrosion resistance properties. Aluminum transport chairs can be easily carried and stored comfortably, owing to the lightweight feature where its strength-to-weight ratio is better than mild steel, composite, or heavy plastic. Aluminum does not absorb heat as easily as steel frames nor does it corrode, making it more desirable in healthcare environments, where durability is paramount. Aluminum has been prized for its malleability and ductility, enabling manufacturers to come up with ergonomic designs to cater to patient requirements. Aluminium foldable chairs, for instance, are highly in demand in hospitals and nursing homes as they are very easy to store and take around with you. This relatively low cost versus that of advanced composites fuels the up-take of the material by healthcare professionals searching for cost-efficient solutions.

By End Use

In 2023, healthcare facilities held the largest revenue share 63% because of increasing demand for patient transportation equipment, such as wheelchairs and crutches, in hospitals, nursing homes, and specialty clinics. This segment is largely driven by the growing geriatric population that requires regular medical care. Over 54 million Americans were aged 65 or older in the United States in 2023, according to government statistics, and many use mobility aids when visiting hospitals or going to rehabilitation sessions. Transport chairs are popularly used in healthcare settings as these chairs are compact and can be maneuvered in tight spaces such as hospital corridors or elevators. They are used extensively and require simple transport of patients can be brought to various departments in the hospital, for example, older and post-operation patients suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis.

Public health initiatives related to the care of the elderly population have also augmented the demand for transport chairs in healthcare facilities. For instance, Medicare provides coverage for mobility aids through durable medical equipment (DME) provisions, giving patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds access. Specialty clinics specializing in orthopedic or neurological disorders can also utilize transport chairs extensively for patient mobility during treatment sessions.

Regional Analysis

In 2023, North America held the largest share of the transport chairs market, accounted for 42.0% revenue share, owing to well-developed healthcare infrastructure and high disposable income to afford premium mobility products. The U.S. accounted significant share of the global market and benefited from favourable government initiatives such as Medicare reimbursements for assistive devices and strong insurance coverage policies that promote product adoption across clinical and residential settings. Canada also contributed significantly to regional growth through government-supported programs aimed at improving elderly care services. Increasing awareness among patients recovering from surgery or suffering from chronic conditions about mobility aids also drove demand in the residential segment.

Europe held significant share of the global market in 2023 owing to favourable reimbursement policies and a geriatric population requiring advanced mobility aids. Use of durable materials such as aluminum in chair designs has improved product acceptance across healthcare facilities. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Such growth is driven by rising healthcare spending in nations such as China and India. These regions have experienced mobility disability systems due to rapid urbanization and industrialization as their older populations grow. Government efforts to enable affordable healthcare options have had a positive impact in making transport chairs more affordable.

Key Players

• Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare (Fly-Lite Aluminum Transport Chair, Aluminum Transport Chair TR37E-SV)

• Invacare Corporation (Tracer SX5 Recliner Transport Chair, Transport Aluminum Chair)

• Medline Industries, LP (Ultralight Transport Chair, Lightweight Transport Chair with Hand Brakes)

• Nova Medical Products (Steel Transport Chair 19", Lightweight Transport Chair 352B)

• Graham-Field Health Products (Lumex) (Everest & Jennings Transport Chair, HybridLX Rollator Transport Chair)

• Karman Healthcare (LT-980 Ultra Lightweight Transport Chair, S-115 Ergonomic Transport Chair)

• Compass Health Brands (Roscoe Transport Chair, ProBasics Aluminum Transport Chair)

• Carex Health Brands (Classic Transport Chair, Ultra Lightweight Transport Chair)

• Invamed Medical (Transit Lite Wheelchair, Elite Transport Chair)

• Sunrise Medical (Quickie Iris Tilt-in-Space, Breezy EC2000 Transport Chair)

• Ottobock Healthcare (B400 Transport Chair, Avantgarde DV Transport Wheelchair)

• Hoveround Corporation (MPV5 Power Chair, Transport Folding Chair)

• Permobil (including TiLite brand) (TiLite Aero X, TiLite Twist)

• Vive Health (Foldable Transport Wheelchair, Compact Lightweight Wheelchair)

• Invacare Europe (Rea brand) (Rea Azalea Transport Chair, Rea Clematis Pro)

• Pride Mobility Products Corp. (Jazzy Passport, Go-Chair)

• Merits Health Products (P101 Folding Power Wheelchair, Junior Transport Chair)

• Nissin Medical Industries (Active Ultra Light Transport Chair, Lightweight Foldable Chair)

• Excel Wheelchairs (Med-Mizer) (Excel Translator, Excel K3 Wheelchair with Transport Option)

• Besco Medical (Aluminum Folding Wheelchair, Lightweight Transport Chair BSC-808)

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Sunrise Medical introduced lightweight transport chairs with advanced ergonomic features designed specifically for outpatient care settings.

• In March 2025, Drive DeVilbiss cooperated with Canadian healthcare providers to make affordable mobility aids broadly accessible.