2009-10-28 18:22:03 -

Research and Markets( www.researchandmarkets.com/research/e7e6d1/european_mobility : ) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report " European Mobility Aids Markets : " to their offering.

Increasing Social Presence of Disabled People Drives Demand for Mobility Aids


The United Nations (UN), related organisations and the EU governments have been making earnest efforts to provide equal opportunities to the disabled populations. Governments believe that getting them into a working environment will improve not only their social status, but also the country's economy. One of the biggest gainers of these initiatives is the mobility aids market, as most countries have systems that partially or fully finance the disabled person's adaptation to the workplace. Moreover, mobility aids are no longer considered mere

supporting devices, but a measure of the status and social acceptance of the disabled. The increased employment and the consequent improved lifestyle have created a huge market for aids that are attractive, colourful and multifunctional. In such a scenario, continuous research is imperative to stay abreast of customer demands. Market participants are working on developing unique materials for various types of aids to enhance the posture of patients as well as make the products flexible and portable. Such innovative devices are likely to find higher uptake.

Small and regional manufacturers of mobility aids will feel heartened by the rising levels of obesity in Europe, across age groups. The changing patient demographic of mobility aids is throwing up huge opportunities for these manufacturers to increase production to meet the escalating demand from the expanding geriatric population. "Demographic changes have also led to a higher need for homecare," says the analyst of this research. "With growing pressure to curb hospital spending, homecare is considered the best alternative." Further, as more numbers of elderly people are trying to be socially active, the demand is not being restricted to standard wheelchairs, but has extended to include mobility scooters as well.

However, although market trends favour mobility aids manufacturers, they will be feeling the pressure of customers' reduced spending power during this current economic slowdown. The segment that will be hardest hit by the downturn and the inadequate reimbursement is the high-end product segment. Another challenge that participants will have to deal with is the influx of low-cost foreign mobility aids. "The market for foreign imports is a substantial niche that must not be ignored by marketers, as overseas manufacturers are improving their production process to compete in the European market," notes the analyst. "Small manufacturers with market niches in low-end mobility aids are the most threatened by these imports." Manufacturers can combat competition from overseas manufacturers by reformulating their strategies and bundling products or combining accessories with the aids to increase the volume sales. They can also lobby with governments through various organisations to offer or increase the reimbursement for various devices.

Market Sectors


Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research.

By Products.

- Manual wheelchairs
- Powered wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
- Tricycles
- Walking aids


By Geographic Region.

- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- The United Kingdom
- Scandinavia
- Benelux


This Frost & Sullivan research service titled European Mobility Aids Market provides industry challenges, revenue forecasts and Market Engineering measurements. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters, tricycles and walking aids.



Key Topics Covered:

- Executive Summary
- European Mobility Aids Market: Market Dynamics
- Regulations and Impact on the Market
- European Mobility Aids Market: Technology Trends
- European Manual Wheelchairs Market
- European Powered Wheelchairs Market
- European Mobility Scooters Market
- European Walking Aids Market
- European Mobility Aids Market: Geographic Analysis
- European Mobility Aids Market: Strategic Recommendation
- Key Industry Participants
- Decision Support Database


For more information visit www.researchandmarkets.com/research/e7e6d1/european_mobility :



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