Global Patient Handling Equipment Market Size, Share, Growth & Trends Report Segmented by Product Type (Patient Lifts, Wheelchairs, Stretchers), Application (Acute, Bariatric Care, & Long-term Care), End-user (Hospitals, Homecare Settings, Elderly Care) & Regional Forecast to 2030

Overview

Patient handling equipment refers to the range of tools and devices designed to assist in the movement, transfer, and repositioning of patients safely across various healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, or home healthcare. These equipment’s ensure the safety and comfort of patients while also protecting caregivers from injuries associated with manual handling. Key categories include wheelchairs and mobility aids, patient lifts and hoists, transfer boards and slide sheets, hospital beds and stretchers, standing and walking aids, & ceiling and floor-based lifting systems. Overall, patient handling equipment enhances the patient safety, dignity, and mobility, reduce the physical strain on healthcare providers and contribute to improved patient outcomes and workplace safety.

To learn more about this report, download the PDF brochure

Aging population and obesity fueling demand for advanced patient handling solutions

The rise in the geriatric population is directly linked to the rise in mobility-related health challenges. As people age, they are more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders, balance issues, arthritis, osteoporosis, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke, all of these conditions significantly impair mobility and increase dependence on caregivers. World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2030, one in every six people globally will be over 60 years, and by 2050, the number will reach 2.1 billion. Also, according to an article published by the Population Reference Bureau, in US the number of people aged 65 or more is estimated to increase by 42%, reaching about 82 million in 2050. This demographic shift is accompanied by an increase in age-related comorbidities such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and obesity, all contributing to the rising demand for patient handling equipment.

Further, the growing prevalence of obesity has also amplified the demand for specialized patient handling solutions. In 2024, the UK government reported that 64% of adults were obese or overweight. Handling bariatric patients often requires considerable physical effort, which can lead to a higher risk of back and joint injuries to the caregivers over time. To address these challenges, med-tech companies are actively developing patient handling solutions, such as motorized wheelchairs, motorized lifts, slings, and bariatric beds, and healthcare systems are increasingly adopting these innovations to enhance patient safety, reduce the burden on clinical staff, & improve operational efficiency, particularly in hospitals and long-term care settings.

To learn more about this report, download the PDF brochure

Portable and space saving solutions gain popularity in patient handling equipment market

Healthcare facilities are increasingly adopting portable, space saving patient handling equipment to accommodate the rising patient volumes, optimize clinical workflows, and enhance accessibility in space-limited areas within healthcare facilities like intensive care units (ICU), surgical recovery areas, and rehabilitation wards. Portable patient handling equipment are lightweight, foldable, or modular which allow healthcare professionals to easily reposition and store them as needed, and also support quick reorganization of clinical layouts during peak demand or emergency situations, ensuring continuity of care and operational efficiency.

Additionally, the portable and compact design of these patient handling devices make them highly suitable for homecare settings, enabling non-professional caregivers to assist patients safely. Moreover, such solutions reduce clutter, minimize hazards, enhance ergonomics and contribute to a safer environment for both patients and caregivers. As healthcare systems continue to evolve towards more dynamic and space-efficient infrastructure, the adoption of portable and compact patient handling equipment is becoming an essential element of modern care delivery.

Recent developments in the patient handling equipment market

Recent innovations in the patient handling equipment market highlight a strong focus on enhancing patient safety, improving caregiver ergonomics, and supporting efficient clinical workflows. For instance,

• In April 2025, Arjo launched the Maxi Move 5 a next generation‑ mobile floor lift featuring touch sensor–activated motion assist and advanced positioning capabilities, designed to reduce caregiver effort and enhance patient transfer safety
• In March 2025, GF Health Products, Inc. introduced the Hausted 5B800ST All‑Purpose Bariatric Electric Stretcher, designed for patient mobility from pre-operative to recovery phases. The stretcher includes smart caster technology and handles up to 800 lb capacity
• In September 2024, Sunrise Medical introduced the Red Dot award-winning Empulse R90 push-assist device designed to enhance manual wheelchairs mobility and enables users to travel longer distances with less strain, particularly when navigating ramps or uneven terrain
• In February 2024, Xodus Medical introduced two new versions of its Pink Pad Air‑Assist patient positioning system: the Trendelenburg+ and EXT+ models which are designed to safely and efficiently position patients, especially those with higher body weight, during surgeries, enhancing comfort for patients and ease of use for surgical teams

Competitive Landscape Analysis

The global patient handling equipment market comprises of several well-established and emerging players, including Arjo AB; Baxter International Inc.; Stryker Corporation; Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Inc.; Etac AB; GF Health Products, Inc.; Invacare Corporation; Permobil Holding AB; Savaria Corporation; Medline Industries, LP; LINET Group SE; Joerns Healthcare LLC; among others. Key strategies adopted by these players include the development of innovative mobility aids and transfer solutions, strategic mergers and acquisitions, partnerships with healthcare providers, and increased investment in R&D to improve caregiver ergonomics, enhance patient safety, and meet the growing demand driven by aging populations and rising chronic illnesses.

Report Scope

Global Patient Handling Equipment Market Segmentation

This report by Medi-Tech Insights provides the size of the global patient handling equipment market at the regional- and country-level from 2023 to 2030. The report further segments the market based on product type, application, and end-user.

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Product Type, USD Million

• • Patient Lifts
  • Medical Lifting Slings
  • Wheelchairs
  • Transport Chairs
  • Stretchers
  • Medical Beds
  • Bathroom & Toilet Assist Devices
  • Others

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Application, USD Million

• • Bariatric Care
  • Acute Care
  • Long-term Care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Others

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By End-user, USD Million

• • Hospitals
  • Homecare
  • Elderly Care
  • Others

Market Size & Forecast (2023-2030), By Region, USD Million

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Key Strategic Questions Addressed

• What is the market size & forecast of the patient handling equipment market?
• What are historical, present, and forecasted market shares and growth rates of various segments and sub-segments of the patient handling equipment market?
• What are the key trends defining the market?
• What are the major factors impacting the market?
• What are the opportunities prevailing in the market?
• Which region has the highest share in the global market? Which region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the next 5 years?
• Who are the major players operating in the market?
• What are the key strategies adopted by players?

Related Reports

• Patient Engagement Solutions Market Size is Set for Remarkable 13-17% CAGR Growth from 2024 to 2029
• Global Patient Access Solutions Market Size & Trends Report Segmented by Product and Service (Software, Services), Delivery Mode (Web and Cloud-based, On-premise), End-user (Healthcare Providers, HCIT Outsourcing Companies) Industry Analysis & Regional Forecast to 2030