Portering chairs are essential medical equipment used for transporting patients within healthcare facilities. Portering chairs are easy to maneuver and offer comfort and support to patients who are unable to walk or need assistance. Portering chairs have cushioned seats, backrests, and footrests for enhanced comfort. They also have five caster wheels with brakes that allow for smooth movement. Additionally, portering chairs are lightweight yet durable and have stretcher-like frames made of materials such as aluminum and steel.
The global portering chair market is estimated to be valued at US$ 709.74 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030. The growing geriatric population who are prone to disabilities and chronic diseases is fueling the demand for portering chairs. As per estimates, over 12% of the total world population will be aged 65 and above by 2030. Rise in the number of hospitals and nursing homes along with increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases is further driving the portering chair market.
Key Takeaways
- Key players operating in the portering chair market are Stryker Corporation, Medline Industries, Inc., PandG Manufacturing Corp., Prism Medical Ltd., Linette Hellas SA, HARD Manufacturing Co., Inc., Bristol Maid Hospital Metalcraft, Kazunga.com, and Accora Ltd.
- Growing demand from hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities is pushing leading manufacturers to innovate new portering chair models with enhanced features.
- Technological advancements like integration of batteries and motors for self-propelled portering chairs are helping reduce strain on caregivers and patients. Introduction of anti-bacterial, water-resistant fabrics is making portering chairs hygienic.
Market Trends
- Increasing popularity of bariatric portering chairs: Obese population is rising rapidly across regions which is driving demand for extra-wide and extra-strong bariatric portering chairs that can support weights over 500 pounds.
- Surge in e-commerce sales: Manufacturers are partnering with online retailers and launching their own e-commerce sites to sell portering chairs directly to consumers and healthcare facilities for improved access and convenience.
Market Opportunities
- Developing regions in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East present substantial growth opportunities for key players. Rising healthcare infrastructure in these regions will fuel portering chair demand.
- Integration of tech-driven features like battery display, brake control, power assistance can make portering chairs more user-friendly and help address needs of aged population better. Such innovations open up new avenues for players.
Impact of COVID-19 on Portering Chair Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted of the Portering Chair Market Growth globally. During the initial lockdown phases imposed by various governments, production facilities and supply chains were disrupted. This led to reduced availability of portering chairs in the market. With people staying indoors, demand from healthcare facilities also declined significantly.
However, as the pandemic intensified, demand increased from hospitals and healthcare centers that were overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. Portering chairs helped transfer patients between wards and facilities safely and efficiently. With social distancing norms in place, these chairs provided contact-less transportation. Many producers ramped up their manufacturing capacity to meet the sudden spike in demand from the healthcare sector.
As the vaccination drive gained momentum in 2021, lockdown restrictions eased in several regions. While demand from hospitals remained robust, other end users like old age homes and nursing facilities also resumed normal operations. This further aided the recovery of the portering chair market. However, supply chain issues and increasing costs continue to pose challenges. Producers will need to explore newer materials, technologies and innovation in portering chairs to boost efficiency and lower costs in the post-pandemic scenario.
Portering Chair Market Concentration in North America
In terms of value, the portering chair market is currently concentrated in North America. The region accounted for over 30% of the global market share in 2023 owing to several factors. North America has a well-developed healthcare industry with advanced medical infrastructure and facilities. It is also home to some leading portering chair manufacturers. Additionally, growing prevalence of chronic diseases, neurological disorders and mobility issues has consistently driven demand. The high per capita healthcare spending further aids market growth in the region. Other developed markets like Western Europe are also major revenue generators.
Fastest Growth of Portering Chair Market in Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region is poised to register the fastest growth in the global portering chair market during the forecast period. This can be attributed to improving healthcare infrastructure, rapid economic development and rising elderly population in emerging countries. China and India specifically offer immense growth opportunities due to their huge population base and increasing health awareness. Additionally, growing medical tourism is augmenting the demand from hospitals and clinics. The presence of low-cost manufacturing facilities also allows regional producers to offer products at competitive rates. Overall, Asia Pacific represents a lucrative market for portering chairs with projections of over 8% CAGR during 2024-2030.
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