The mobility aids market - Italy (2023)

1.1 Introduction

Mobility aids are devices designed to assist and improve the mobility of people with disabilities or mobility impairments. This market offers a wide range of products and solutions to facilitate movement for people with disabilities or mobility impairments. Some examples include:

• Manual and electric wheelchairs: equipped with wheels and controls that enable users to move around independently.
• Canes and crutches: aids for support and balance during walking.
• Power lifts: devices that help lift and transfer a person with disabilities from one surface to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair.
• Ramps and stair lifts: structures that provide access to stairs and overcome architectural obstacles.

Personal mobility aids have undergone an evolution related to society's perception of people with reduced mobility. From a lack of social responsibility in the Middle Ages, this led to the creation of rudimentary wheelchairs in the 5th century BC. Over the centuries, walkers, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and rollators were developed. In the 19th century, wheelchairs were mainly made of wood and wicker, while the 20th century saw the introduction of the first folding and electric wheelchairs. The mobility aids market has been influenced by the needs of war veterans and technological advances. Today, the industry continues to evolve to provide more advanced and customized solutions for people with reduced mobility.[Atlas]

The European mobility aids market in 2021 was worth US$2.8 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2 percent from 2022 to 2030.[GrandViewResearch]