Wheelchairs market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German wheelchair market began the period supported by demographic trends such as an aging population and technological innovations, including the introduction of standing and stair-climbing wheelchairs. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain disruptions and a temporary decline in demand from healthcare facilities, leading the market volume to drop to 411 thousand units.

After a further contraction in 2021, the market volume recovered by 12% to 391.5 thousand units in 2022. This rebound was facilitated by manufacturers' focus on cost-effective, innovative wheelchairs and growing demand through e-commerce channels, which improved access. Concurrently, the market value declined, reflecting a shift toward more affordable products.

In 2023, while market volume decreased, its value rose by 9% to 153.6 million $, driven by the launch of new models with advanced features like the Invacare AVIVA STORM RX and increasing demand for electric wheelchairs in home care. A significant expansion followed in 2024, with volume reaching 459.3 thousand units and value soaring to 188.6 million $, bolstered by enhanced government support, improved reimbursement regulations, and Germany's active role as the world's second-largest wheelchair exporter.

Production wheelchairs in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's wheelchair production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 177.7 million US dollars, representing an 11.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 14.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.0%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 212.0 million US dollars, with the largest year-over-year increase of 2.4% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Wheelchair production in Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 111.1 thousand units were produced, marking a 13.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 21%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -7.6%.

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

Exports wheelchairs from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Germany's wheelchair exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 184.0 thousand units, an 8.6% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 159.9 thousand units, which also saw the largest decline of 3.9% that year.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 shows that Germany's wheelchair exports in kind were not concentrated on a few key destinations. France accounted for 14.0% of exports, Austria for 11.9%, and the United Kingdom for 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 33.9% of total export flows.

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, M $ US

Germany's wheelchair export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 129.1 million US dollars, down 13.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 152.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 4.9% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany supplied wheelchairs to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands—together accounted for only 37.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports wheelchairs to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year increase, Germany's wheelchair import volume declined. In 2020, imports registered 484.0 thousand units, a 2.1% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 494.4 thousand units, while the largest increase of 0.6% occurred in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, the Netherlands, and India formed the core group of markets for Germany's wheelchair imports in kind. China accounted for 54.2% of imports, the Netherlands for 13.1%, and India for 5.9%. Together, these three countries represented 73.2% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

Germany's wheelchair import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 106.5 million US dollars, up 0.9% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—China, the Netherlands, and Sweden—together absorbed 52.8% of total wheelchair imports to Germany in value terms.

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

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