Analysis of the demand for electric wheelchairs in the South American market

Analysis of the demand for electric wheelchairs in the South American market

1. Overview of the South American market
South America is a vibrant and diverse continent consisting of 12 countries including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, etc., with a population of about 430 million. In recent years, the economy in South America has gradually developed, the level of medical and health care has continued to improve, and people’s requirements for quality of life have also increased. As an important rehabilitation aid, electric wheelchairs are increasingly widely used in the South American market.

2. Reasons for the growth in demand for electric wheelchairs in the South American market
(I) The aging of the population is intensifying
With the improvement of medical conditions and the improvement of living standards, the life expectancy of the population in South America is constantly increasing, and the aging process is accelerating. The physical functions of the elderly are gradually declining, and the problem of mobility is becoming increasingly prominent. The demand for electric wheelchairs is increasing to help them restore their ability to move independently, improve their self-reassurance and social participation.
(II) The prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing
The incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis in South America is relatively high. These diseases often lead to limb dysfunction or decreased mobility in patients, and they need to use electric wheelchairs for daily activities. For example, about 16.9 million elderly people in Brazil suffer from various chronic diseases, and the demand for electric wheelchairs is relatively urgent.
(III) The medical security system is gradually improving
Many South American governments have increased their investment in medical and health care and improved their medical insurance policies. Some countries have included electric wheelchairs in the scope of medical insurance reimbursement or provided subsidies, which has reduced the purchase cost of patients, improved product accessibility and affordability, and further stimulated market demand.
(IV) Changes in social concepts and increased awareness of the protection of the rights and interests of people with disabilities
In modern society, people’s awareness of the protection of the rights and interests of people with disabilities is constantly improving. South American society pays more attention to the quality of life and rehabilitation needs of people with disabilities and is willing to provide them with advanced rehabilitation equipment, including electric wheelchairs, to help them better integrate into society and enjoy equal life rights.

3. Characteristics of the demand for electric wheelchairs in the South American market
(I) High requirements for cost performance
The economic development level in some parts of South America is relatively backward, and the per capita income of residents is not high. Therefore, cost performance has become an important consideration when purchasing electric wheelchairs. Wholesalers are more inclined to look for products with reasonable prices and reliable quality to meet the needs of the majority of middle- and low-income consumers.
(II) Focus on product adaptability
South America is a vast region with complex and diverse terrain, including different environments such as urban roads, mountainous areas, and beaches. Electric wheelchairs need to have good adaptability, such as strong climbing ability, stable driving performance, and good shock absorption effect to cope with various complex road conditions.
(III) Preference for lightweight products
The living environment of South American families and urban public transportation facilities have certain restrictions on the applicability of large electric wheelchairs. Lightweight electric wheelchairs are easy to carry and transport, suitable for use at home, on public transportation, and between different places, and are more popular with consumers.
(IV) There are certain requirements for product appearance design
When choosing electric wheelchairs, consumers pay more and more attention to product appearance design in addition to focusing on functions and performance. Fashionable and beautiful appearance can enhance user experience and self-confidence and meet consumer psychological needs.

4. Demand scale and growth trend of electric wheelchairs in the South American market
(I) Current market scale
The current market scale of electric wheelchairs in South America is constantly expanding. According to relevant data, the sales volume of electric wheelchairs in South America reached a certain scale in 2024, among which Brazil occupied a major market share and is expected to continue to maintain a rapid growth trend in the next few years.
(II) Growth trend forecast
With the continuous promotion of factors such as the aging of the population, the increase in the number of patients with chronic diseases and the improvement of the medical security system, the electric wheelchair market in South America is expected to usher in a broader development space. It is expected that the electric wheelchair market in South America will maintain a high growth rate in the next few years, and the market scale will continue to expand.

5. Demand analysis of major countries in the South American market
(I) Brazil
Brazil is the largest economy and the most populous country in South America, and its electric wheelchair market scale ranks among the top in South America. Brazil has a relatively complete medical security system, and the government has strong support for rehabilitation assistive devices for people with disabilities and the elderly, and the demand for electric wheelchairs is strong. In addition, there are also a number of electric wheelchair manufacturers in Brazil, but the product performance and quality are uneven, and a large number of high-quality electric wheelchair products still need to be imported to meet market demand.
(II) Argentina
Argentina has a relatively developed economy, high income levels of residents, and a high level of attention to quality of life and health care. Its electric wheelchair market demand is mainly concentrated in the field of mid-to-high-end products, and consumers have high requirements for product comfort, controllability and intelligent functions. At the same time, some remote areas in Argentina are relatively scarce in medical resources, and the popularization and application of electric wheelchairs is of great significance to improving local medical rehabilitation conditions.
(III) Chile
Chile has stable economic development, a sound social welfare system, and a large government investment in the field of medical and health care, and the electric wheelchair market has shown a good development trend. Chilean consumers have a high degree of recognition of imported electric wheelchair brands, especially well-known brands from Europe, the United States and the Asia-Pacific region, which occupy a large share of the local market.

6. Analysis of sales channels for electric wheelchairs in the South American market
(I) Medical distributors and retailers
This is one of the main channels for the sale of electric wheelchairs in the South American market. Local medical device distributors and retailers have established extensive cooperative relationships with medical institutions, rehabilitation centers, etc., and can provide consumers with professional sales, installation, commissioning and after-sales services.
(II) E-commerce platform
With the popularization of the Internet and the development of e-commerce, the proportion of e-commerce platforms in the sales of electric wheelchairs in the South American market has gradually increased. Some internationally renowned e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Meikeduo are continuously expanding their business in South America, providing consumers with a convenient shopping experience, and also providing electric wheelchair companies with a wider market coverage.
(III) Government bidding and procurement
In order to meet the rehabilitation needs of the disabled and the elderly, some South American governments purchase electric wheelchairs in bulk through bidding for use in medical institutions, welfare institutions and other places. This provides a stable source of orders for companies, but requires companies to have certain qualifications and bidding capabilities.