Overview of electric wheelchairs in the South American market

Overview of electric wheelchairs in the South American market

The electric wheelchair market in South America has shown a steady growth trend in recent years. According to relevant reports, the wheelchair market in South America and Central America is expected to grow from US$291.3 million in 2021 to US$438.6 million in 2028, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 6.0% from 2021 to 2028. Electric wheelchairs, as an important part of it, also benefit from this growth trend.
In terms of market demand scale, the electric wheelchair market in South America reached US$285 million in 2024. Among them, Brazil, Argentina and other countries are the main market growth points. As the largest economy in South America, Brazil’s huge population base and relatively complete healthcare system have driven the demand for electric wheelchairs. Argentina is relatively active in the import and application of medical equipment, which also provides a broad space for the electric wheelchair market.

Driving factors for the growth of demand for electric wheelchairs in the South American market

Aging population: Many countries in South America are facing the challenge of an aging population, and the proportion of the elderly population is increasing year by year. As they age, the physical functions of the elderly gradually decline, and the problem of mobility problems becomes increasingly prominent, and the demand for electric wheelchairs also increases. For example, in Argentina, the elderly population over 60 years old accounts for a considerable proportion of the total population, and this proportion is still rising, which makes electric wheelchairs play an increasingly important role in assisting the elderly in their daily travel.
Rising prevalence of chronic diseases: The incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis in the region is increasing, and these diseases often lead to limb disability or limited mobility in patients. Taking Brazil as an example, a large number of diabetic patients are prone to foot ulcers and gangrene due to long-term vascular and neuropathy, which may lead to amputation in severe cases, so they need to use electric wheelchairs to restore their mobility. Electric wheelchairs can provide these patients with a convenient way to travel and improve their quality of life.
Improved medical care: South American countries continue to increase their investment in the field of medical care, medical infrastructure continues to improve, and people’s attention to health and medical care is also increasing. This enables more patients to receive timely and effective treatment, and also increases the demand for rehabilitation assistive devices. In some large hospitals and rehabilitation centers, electric wheelchairs are widely used in patients’ rehabilitation training and daily care. In addition, as people’s understanding of the importance of rehabilitation treatment deepens, more and more patients are willing to use assistive devices such as electric wheelchairs to assist the rehabilitation process, which has driven the growth of market demand.

Increased government support: The governments of many South American countries have introduced a series of policies and regulations to support the disabled and the elderly, requiring barrier-free environments in public places and transportation facilities, and providing certain subsidies and discounts for the purchase and use of relevant assistive devices. For example, the Chilean government stipulates that public transportation must be equipped with a certain number of seats and passages for the disabled, electric wheelchair users can ride public transportation for free, and a certain proportion of subsidies are given to disabled people who purchase electric wheelchairs. The implementation of these policies has reduced the cost of consumers buying electric wheelchairs and increased market demand.
Changes in social concepts: Social concepts in South America have gradually changed, people’s attention and support for the disabled have continued to increase, and their acceptance of the use of assistive devices by the disabled has also increased. At the same time, the disabled’s own awareness of rights and self-worth has also continued to increase. They are more actively involved in social life and have higher and higher requirements for travel tools. As an assistive device that can provide independent travel capabilities, electric wheelchairs have been favored by more and more disabled people, and market demand has also increased accordingly.

Special demands and preferences of the South American market for electric wheelchairs
Product performance and quality: Since the infrastructure construction in some countries in South America is not yet perfect and the road conditions are relatively complex, the performance and quality requirements of electric wheelchairs are relatively high. For example, in some remote areas of Brazil, the roads are rugged and uneven, and electric wheelchairs need to have good climbing ability and shock absorption performance to cope with various road conditions. At the same time, due to the diverse local climatic conditions, ranging from tropical rainforest climate to temperate continental climate, electric wheelchairs also need to have strong high temperature resistance, moisture resistance, corrosion resistance and other properties to adapt to different environmental conditions.
Product design and function: South American consumers also have certain special requirements for the design and function of electric wheelchairs. In terms of design, they pay attention to the comfort, beauty and convenience of the product. For example, some consumers hope that the seat of the electric wheelchair can be adjusted according to the individual’s physical condition to provide better support and comfort; the appearance design of the body should be fashionable and beautiful, in line with local culture and aesthetic concepts. In terms of function, in addition to the basic driving function, it is also hoped that some intelligent functions can be possessed, such as automatic braking, automatic obstacle avoidance, remote control, etc., to improve the safety and convenience of use.
Product price and cost performance: The economic development level in South America is still somewhat behind that in developed countries such as Europe and the United States, and consumers’ purchasing power and willingness to pay are also different. Therefore, they are more sensitive to the price of electric wheelchairs and pay more attention to the cost performance of products. In the procurement process, wholesale buyers usually consider factors such as product quality, performance, function and price, and choose products with higher cost performance. China’s electric wheelchair products have a more obvious price advantage in the international market, which makes Chinese products highly competitive in the South American market, but at the same time, they also need to continuously improve the quality and performance of products to meet consumers’ requirements for cost performance.

Competition pattern of electric wheelchairs in the South American market
At present, the competition pattern of the electric wheelchair market in South America is relatively fierce, and the main competitive forces include internationally renowned brands, local enterprises and manufacturers from China.
Internationally renowned brands: such as Invacare and Sunrise Medical in the United States, OTTOBOCK in Germany, etc. These brands have great advantages in technology research and development, product quality, brand awareness, etc., and their products are widely used in high-end medical markets and rehabilitation institutions in South America. For example, Invacare’s electric wheelchair products have occupied a certain share in Brazil’s high-end medical market with its advanced technology and reliable performance, but its products are relatively expensive and are mainly aimed at high-income groups and medical institutions.
Local local enterprises: Some local enterprises in some South American countries have also occupied a place in the electric wheelchair market. They are familiar with local market demand and consumer habits and can provide localized sales and services. For example, some local enterprises in Brazil have launched some electric wheelchair products suitable for local consumer needs by taking advantage of their local resource advantages and market channels. Although their technology and brand influence are relatively weaker than internationally renowned brands, they have certain competitiveness in the local market.
Chinese enterprises: In recent years, Chinese enterprises have gradually expanded their share in the South American electric wheelchair market with their strong manufacturing capabilities and cost advantages. China’s electric wheelchair products are constantly approaching the international advanced level in performance and quality, and the price is relatively affordable, with a high cost performance. For example, some electric wheelchair enterprises in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, have cooperated with local distributors and agents in South America to sell their products to Brazil, Argentina and other countries, which have been welcomed and recognized by local consumers.

Sales channels and after-sales services of electric wheelchairs in the South American market
Sales channels: In the South American market, the sales channels of electric wheelchairs mainly include medical device dealers, rehabilitation institutions, hospitals, pharmacies and e-commerce platforms. Among them, medical device dealers are one of the main sales channels. They have professional sales teams and extensive customer resources, and can provide consumers with professional consultation and after-sales services. Rehabilitation institutions and hospitals recommend and sell electric wheelchair products in the process of providing rehabilitation treatment services to patients. With the popularization of the Internet, e-commerce platforms have also become an important sales channel. Some large e-commerce platforms, such as Mercado Livre in Brazil, provide consumers with convenient shopping experience and rich product choices.
After-sales service: Since electric wheelchairs are a relatively complex medical device, their after-sales service is crucial. In the South American market, consumers have high requirements for after-sales service, including product installation and commissioning, maintenance, parts supply and technical support. Some internationally renowned brands usually have service centers and repair stations in large local cities, which can provide consumers with timely and professional after-sales services. Local local companies rely on their local advantages to provide more convenient after-sales services. When expanding the South American market, Chinese companies have gradually realized the importance of after-sales service. By cooperating with local dealers and agents, they have established an after-sales service network and improved the level of after-sales service to enhance the market competitiveness of their products.

Future development trend of electric wheelchairs in the South American market
The market size continues to grow: With the increasing aging of the population in South America, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the continuous improvement of medical care levels, the electric wheelchair market is expected to continue to maintain a steady growth trend. In the next few years, the market size is expected to further expand, providing more market opportunities for electric wheelchair manufacturers and sellers.
Technological innovation promotes product upgrades: In order to meet consumers’ higher requirements for electric wheelchair products, technological innovation will become the main driving force for market development. For example, research and development of more efficient and environmentally friendly battery technology to improve the endurance and charging efficiency of electric wheelchairs; development of more intelligent control systems to realize functions such as automated driving and intelligent obstacle avoidance of electric wheelchairs; use of lightweight and high-strength materials to reduce product weight and improve product performance and reliability. These technological innovations will promote the continuous upgrading of electric wheelchair products and improve the added value and market competitiveness of products.
Strengthening trend of localized production and cooperation: In order to reduce costs, improve market response speed and better adapt to local market demand, some internationally renowned companies may choose to carry out localized production in South America. At the same time, Chinese companies may also cooperate with local local companies to achieve resource sharing, complementary advantages and jointly develop the South American market through technical exchanges, joint ventures and other means. This trend of localized production and cooperation will help promote the development of the South American electric wheelchair industry and improve the localization rate and market supply capacity of products.
Market integration and standardized development: With the development of the market and the intensification of competition, the South American electric wheelchair market will gradually move towards integration and standardization. Some small companies may be acquired or merged by large companies, and the market share will be concentrated on companies with technological advantages, brand advantages and channel advantages. At the same time, the government will also strengthen the supervision of the medical device market, improve relevant laws, regulations and standards, raise the market access threshold, and promote the healthy development of the market.

Marketing strategy suggestions for electric wheelchairs in the South American market
In-depth understanding of market demand: Before entering the South American market, companies need to conduct in-depth market research to understand the local consumers’ demand characteristics, purchasing habits, consumption capacity, and awareness and acceptance of electric wheelchair products. According to the results of the market research, formulate corresponding product strategies and marketing strategies, develop products that meet the needs of the local market, and improve the market adaptability and competitiveness of products.
Establish a localized marketing team: Establish a professional localized marketing team, recruit sales and marketing personnel who are familiar with the local market, language and culture, and can better communicate and communicate with local consumers, understand market dynamics and competitors, adjust marketing strategies in time, and improve market promotion effects.
Strengthen brand building and promotion: Brand building is crucial for the sales of electric wheelchair products in the South American market. Companies need to increase their brand awareness and reputation in the local area through various means such as participating in local medical device exhibitions, holding product launches, and conducting advertising. At the same time, pay attention to the shaping of brand image, convey the core value and advantages of the brand, and enhance consumers’ trust and recognition of the brand.
Expand diversified sales channels: In addition to traditional sales channels, companies should also actively expand diversified sales channels, such as e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, etc. Establish cooperative relationships with local e-commerce platforms, open official flagship stores, and use the traffic advantages and convenience of e-commerce platforms to expand the sales scope and market share of products. At the same time, promote products and brands through social media platforms, interact and communicate with consumers, and increase brand exposure and consumer participation.
Provide high-quality after-sales service: As mentioned above, after-sales service is one of the important factors affecting consumer purchasing decisions. Companies need to establish a complete after-sales service system, provide timely, efficient and professional after-sales service, and solve consumers’ worries. Strengthen the training of the after-sales service team, improve the technical level and service quality of after-sales service personnel, ensure that they can respond to consumers’ repair and maintenance needs in a timely manner, and improve consumer satisfaction and loyalty.