Manual wheelchairs market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The manual wheelchair market in Germany opened the period at 438.6 thousand units in 2018, within a diversified supplier landscape offering a wide range of mobility solutions from adapted cars to buses. Market volume then contracted over the next two years, falling to 342.7 thousand units by 2020.

After stabilizing near 343 thousand units in 2021, the market expanded to 376.4 thousand units in 2022. This growth was supported by available state subsidies for disabled vehicle buyers and the emergence of new product segments like compact and electric vehicles adapted for wheelchair users. However, volume receded again to 328.7 thousand units in 2023.

A sharp recovery followed in 2024, with the market reaching 427.7 thousand units—the highest level in the reviewed period. This surge was driven by regulatory amendments to vehicle registration rules, the mandatory inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems in new cars from July 2024, and sustained subsidies and manufacturer discount programs for people with disabilities.

Production manual wheelchairs in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's manual wheelchair production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 97.7 million US dollars, representing a 9.3% decrease compared to 2019. Production fell by 9.2% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized decline of 3.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 108.8 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 1.1% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany's manual wheelchair production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 76.9 thousand units were produced, marking a significant 18.9% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 24.7%, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of -9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports manual wheelchairs from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Germany's manual wheelchair exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 149.9 thousand units, which represents a 15.7% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 20.4%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 6.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 124.2 thousand units, with the largest decline of 0.3% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

The structure of Germany's manual wheelchair exports in physical terms remained diversified from 2017 to 2020. France accounted for 12.7% of exports, Austria for 11.5%, and the Netherlands for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 33.3% of total export flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Germany's manual wheelchair export value declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 69 775 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual decrease of 6.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 9.7%, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 74 449 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 12.2% occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's manual wheelchair export value distribution remained scattered across multiple countries. The Netherlands accounted for 10.5% of export value, Switzerland for 9.2%, and the United Kingdom for 8.3%. Together, these three partners represented just 28.0% of total export flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports manual wheelchairs to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

After two years of decline, Germany's manual wheelchair import volume increased. In 2020, imports reached 415.6 thousand units, corresponding to a slight rise of 1.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 411.7 thousand units, with the largest decline of 11.8% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Germany's manual wheelchair imports in physical terms, accounting for 55.0% of the total. The Netherlands followed with 13.8%, and India with 6.6%. Together, these three countries represented 75.4% of total import flows, remaining the primary sources for manual wheelchairs entering Germany.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Germany's manual wheelchair import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 60 367 thousand US dollars, representing a 4.3% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 14.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China was the leading source of Germany's manual wheelchair imports in value terms, accounting for 35.5% of the total. The Netherlands followed with 19.6%, and India with 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented 64.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020