Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Size

• The Europe patient handling equipment market size was valued at USD 4.28 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 10.67 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population, and a heightened focus on improving patient safety and caregiver ergonomics in healthcare settings
• Furthermore, technological advancements in patient handling equipment, such as powered lifts, transfer aids, and repositioning devices, along with stringent regulations promoting safe patient handling practices, are driving adoption across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care services, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth

Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Analysis

• Patient handling equipment, including medical beds, patient repositioning devices, mobility aids, and bathroom safety equipment, is increasingly essential in healthcare facilities and home care settings due to their ability to enhance patient safety, reduce caregiver injuries, and improve operational efficiency
• The rising demand for patient handling equipment is primarily driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and heightened focus on ergonomics and safe patient mobility practices
• Germany dominated the Europe patient handling equipment market with the largest revenue share of 25.3% in 2024, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure, strict workplace safety regulations, and the presence of key market players offering innovative lifting and transfer solutions
• Poland is expected to be the fastest-growing country in the Europe patient handling equipment market during the forecast period due to increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, rising geriatric population, and growing awareness of safe patient handling practices
• Medical beds dominated the product type segment of the patient handling equipment market with a market share of 39.6% in 2024, driven by their critical role in providing comfort, supporting mobility, and enabling safe care delivery in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care settings

Report Scope and Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Segmentation

Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Trends

Integration of Smart and IoT-Enabled Patient Handling Solutions

• A significant and accelerating trend in the Europe patient handling equipment market is the integration of IoT-enabled sensors and smart connectivity into medical beds, lifts, and repositioning devices, enhancing real-time monitoring, remote management, and operational efficiency in healthcare settings
  • For instance, Hill-Rom’s NaviCare Nurse Communication system integrates smart beds with hospital IT infrastructure, allowing nurses to monitor patient movement, bed exits, and vital signs remotely for improved care and safety
• Smart patient handling equipment can track patient repositioning schedules, detect falls, and provide alerts to caregivers, reducing the risk of injuries while improving workflow efficiency in hospitals and long-term care facilities
• Integration with broader hospital management systems facilitates centralized control over multiple devices, enabling automated notifications, data analytics for patient care optimization, and improved compliance with safety protocols
• This trend toward connected, intelligent, and automated patient handling solutions is redefining expectations for patient safety and caregiver ergonomics, prompting manufacturers such as Arjo and Joerns Healthcare to develop smart beds and lifts with predictive analytics, automatic adjustments, and remote monitoring capabilities
• The demand for smart, connected, and automated patient handling equipment is rapidly growing across hospitals, long-term care, and home care settings as healthcare providers increasingly prioritize safety, efficiency, and data-driven patient care

Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Dynamics

Driver

Increasing Need Due to Aging Population and Chronic Disease Prevalence

• The growing geriatric population and rising incidence of chronic illnesses in Europe are major drivers boosting the demand for patient handling equipment to ensure safe mobility, efficient care delivery, and reduced caregiver strain
  • For instance, in 2024, Arjo launched advanced ceiling lifts and patient repositioning systems in Germany to cater to the increasing needs of elderly care facilities and hospitals managing mobility-impaired patients
• As hospitals and long-term care facilities seek to enhance patient safety and minimize manual handling injuries, equipment such as powered lifts, repositioning aids, and mobility-assist devices are becoming essential investments
• Rising awareness of ergonomics and regulatory compliance for safe patient handling is further driving adoption of advanced patient handling solutions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home care settings
• The integration of patient handling equipment with smart hospital management systems, along with the demand for more efficient care workflows, is accelerating uptake across acute, long-term, and bariatric care applications
• Increasing government and private funding for elderly care and home healthcare infrastructure in countries such as Germany, France, and the UK is creating additional growth opportunities for patient handling equipment providers
• Partnerships between equipment manufacturers and healthcare providers to develop customized solutions for specific care environments are expanding the market reach and driving adoption

Restraint/Challenge

High Cost and Regulatory Compliance Complexity

• The relatively high cost of advanced patient handling equipment and complexity of meeting stringent European safety and regulatory standards remain key challenges limiting broader market penetration
  • For instance, specialized bariatric lifts and IoT-enabled smart beds often require significant capital investment, which can be prohibitive for smaller healthcare facilities and home care providers
• Compliance with EU Medical Device Regulations (MDR) and workplace safety directives requires rigorous testing, certifications, and documentation, increasing time-to-market and development costs for manufacturers
• Additionally, maintenance, training, and integration of advanced patient handling systems can create operational challenges for hospitals and care facilities, slowing adoption despite proven benefits
• Overcoming these hurdles through cost-effective designs, simplified training, and streamlined regulatory compliance is critical to enable wider adoption of patient handling solutions in Europe
• Limited awareness and reluctance among caregivers and facility managers to adopt advanced technology-based patient handling equipment can slow market penetration
• Supply chain disruptions and dependency on specialized components for IoT-enabled or motorized patient handling devices may delay production and delivery, affecting market growth

Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of mode, product type, type of care, accessories, application, and end user.

• By Mode

On the basis of mode, the Europe patient handling equipment market is segmented into mechanical equipment and non-mechanical equipment. The mechanical equipment segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 54.1% in 2024, driven by the widespread use of manual lifts, slings, transfer boards, and repositioning devices in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Mechanical devices are often preferred due to their reliability, low maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in smaller clinics and home care settings. Healthcare providers also value mechanical equipment for its simplicity and ease of training, ensuring safe patient handling with minimal technical dependence. These devices are widely used for patient transfers, repositioning, and mobility assistance. The ease of deployment and durability in daily operations further reinforces their dominance. Non-mechanical equipment, which includes motorized lifts, smart beds, and IoT-enabled devices, is increasingly being adopted to enhance safety and caregiver efficiency.

The non-mechanical equipment segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate of 11.8% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising adoption of motorized lifts, smart beds, and IoT-enabled repositioning devices. Non-mechanical solutions offer enhanced safety, reduced caregiver strain, and integration with hospital IT systems for remote monitoring and operational analytics. Increasing demand in advanced hospitals and rehabilitation centers is accelerating the uptake of non-mechanical patient handling solutions. Smart beds with sensors, automatic repositioning features, and remote alerts are gaining popularity. The growing focus on ergonomics and reducing workplace injuries among caregivers is further driving adoption. Technological innovation and integration with electronic health records are key growth enablers.

• By Product Type

On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into medical beds, patient repositioning equipment, mobility aids, bathroom safety, and ambulatory aids. Medical beds dominated the market with a share of 39.6% in 2024, due to their critical role in patient comfort, mobility support, and care delivery across hospitals and long-term care facilities. They are widely adopted for acute care, bariatric care, and post-operative recovery. Smart medical beds now feature pressure sensors, automatic height adjustment, and IoT connectivity. Hospitals prioritize beds that enhance patient safety while supporting caregiver ergonomics. Medical beds also integrate with nurse call systems for improved workflow efficiency. The availability of diverse configurations, such as ICU beds, semi-electric, and fully electric models, contributes to their market dominance.

Patient repositioning equipment is expected to witness the fastest growth at 12.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by rising awareness of caregiver ergonomics, fall prevention, and pressure injury management. Innovations such as motorized repositioners, ceiling lifts, and modular transfer aids are improving patient mobility and reducing caregiver injuries. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home care settings are increasingly adopting these devices. Technological advancements, such as smart sensors and automated movement detection, are enhancing safety and efficiency. Patient repositioning devices also improve compliance with regulatory guidelines for safe handling. Rising investments in elderly care infrastructure further propel growth in this segment.

• By Type of Care

On the basis of type of care, the market is segmented into long-term care, bariatric care, acute and critical care, wound care, fall prevention, and others. Long-term care dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 35.6% in 2024, reflecting the growing geriatric population and increasing demand for assisted living and rehabilitation facilities. Patient handling equipment in this segment ensures safe transfers, mobility assistance, and pressure injury prevention for long-term bedridden patients. Devices such as lifts, repositioning aids, and adjustable beds are commonly deployed. Healthcare providers prioritize equipment that supports caregiver ergonomics. Long-term care facilities are increasingly adopting smart beds and IoT-enabled monitoring systems. The segment also benefits from regulatory mandates promoting safe patient handling practices.

Bariatric care is expected to witness the fastest growth rate of 13.2% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising prevalence of obesity in Europe and the increasing need for specialized lifts, beds, and mobility devices to safely handle high-weight patients. Healthcare facilities are increasingly investing in bariatric solutions to improve caregiver safety and patient comfort. Bariatric equipment includes heavy-duty lifts, reinforced beds, and wider transfer chairs. The segment growth is supported by hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities addressing the needs of heavier patients. Technological innovations such as motorized and adjustable bariatric beds enhance patient mobility and reduce injury risk. Increasing awareness of ergonomic care solutions among caregivers is further propelling adoption.

• By Accessories

On the basis of accessories, the market is segmented into hospital bed accessories, medical bed accessories, lifting accessories, transfer accessories, stretcher accessories, and others. Lifting accessories dominated the market with a share of 33.7% in 2024, driven by their importance in ensuring safe patient transfers, reducing manual lifting, and minimizing caregiver injuries. Devices such as slings, straps, hoist attachments, and harnesses are widely used in hospitals and home care settings. Lifting accessories enhance operational efficiency and patient safety. The segment benefits from increasing adoption of ceiling and mobile lifts. Rising awareness of caregiver safety and compliance with workplace regulations further drives demand. Hospital procurement policies prioritize high-quality lifting accessories.

Transfer accessories are expected to witness the fastest growth at 12.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, fueled by demand for innovative solutions such as sliding boards, pivot discs, and modular transfer devices. These accessories enable safer, faster, and more ergonomic patient handling, particularly in acute care, rehabilitation, and home care environments. Smart transfer devices integrated with sensors for pressure and movement monitoring are gaining popularity. Rising adoption of mobility assistance programs supports growth. Transfer accessories improve patient comfort and reduce strain on caregivers. Growing investments in hospital and home care infrastructure further accelerate uptake.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into acute and critical care, long-term care, mobility assistance, fall prevention, and others. Acute and critical care dominated the market with a revenue share of 36.5% in 2024, owing to the high adoption of patient handling equipment such as ICU beds, ceiling lifts, and repositioning aids in hospitals. These devices ensure patient safety, optimize caregiver workflows, and improve recovery outcomes. Integration with hospital IT systems enables real-time monitoring and alerts. Regulatory compliance and ergonomic standards drive equipment adoption. Advanced features, such as motorized adjustments and pressure monitoring, enhance patient comfort. The segment also benefits from high healthcare spending in countries such as Germany, France, and the U.K.

Mobility assistance is expected to witness the fastest growth rate of 12.3% from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing adoption of mobility aids and smart repositioning devices in elderly care facilities and home care settings. These solutions improve patient independence, reduce fall risks, and support post-operative and rehabilitative care. IoT-enabled mobility aids allow remote monitoring and caregiver notifications. Home care adoption is rising due to aging populations preferring in-home care. Rehabilitation centers increasingly integrate mobility assistance devices with patient monitoring systems. Demand for portable and user-friendly solutions accelerates growth.

• By End User

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, home care settings, elderly care facilities, and others. Hospitals dominated the market with a revenue share of 45.2% in 2024, due to high patient inflow, regulatory requirements for safe patient handling, and adoption of advanced beds, lifts, and repositioning equipment. Hospitals invest in both mechanical and non-mechanical equipment to enhance patient safety, streamline workflows, and reduce caregiver injuries. Acute care, bariatric care, and long-term care departments heavily rely on patient handling equipment. Integration with hospital IT systems improves operational efficiency. Regulatory mandates ensure safe and ergonomic handling.

Home care settings are expected to witness the fastest growth at 13.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, fueled by the rising preference for home-based care, aging population, and increasing availability of compact, portable, and user-friendly patient handling solutions suitable for residential environments. These solutions support caregivers and family members in safely managing patient mobility at home. Portable lifts, adjustable beds, and mobility aids are in high demand. IoT-enabled home care devices allow remote monitoring by healthcare providers. The growth is further driven by increased awareness of patient safety and ergonomic handling techniques. Adoption of lightweight and modular equipment accelerates penetration in home care.

Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Regional Analysis

• Germany dominated the Europe patient handling equipment market with the largest revenue share of 25.3% in 2024, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure, strict workplace safety regulations, and the presence of key market players offering innovative lifting and transfer solutions
• Healthcare providers in the country highly prioritize equipment that ensures patient safety, reduces caregiver injuries, and integrates with hospital management systems, including smart beds, motorized lifts, and repositioning aids
• This widespread adoption is further supported by a technologically advanced healthcare workforce, stringent regulatory compliance requirements, and increasing investments in hospitals, long-term care, and rehabilitation facilities, establishing Germany as a key hub for patient handling solutions in Europe

U.K. Patient Handling Equipment Market Insight

The U.K. patient handling equipment market is projected to grow at a noteworthy CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by increasing awareness of caregiver ergonomics, patient safety regulations, and rising demand for home-based and long-term care solutions. Hospitals and elderly care facilities are adopting advanced lifting and repositioning equipment, including motorized lifts, smart beds, and transfer accessories, to reduce caregiver strain and prevent patient injuries. The U.K.’s robust healthcare infrastructure, combined with high adoption of technology and training programs, further supports market growth. Regulatory mandates promoting safe patient handling practices drive adoption across both public and private care settings. The trend toward home care and assisted living is increasing the demand for portable, easy-to-use patient handling solutions. Integration with digital monitoring systems and hospital IT infrastructure is also enhancing workflow efficiency and patient care outcomes.

France Patient Handling Equipment Market Insight

The France patient handling equipment market is anticipated to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, driven by increasing government initiatives for elderly care, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and growing demand for safe patient mobility solutions. Hospitals and long-term care facilities are prioritizing ergonomic lifting, transfer, and repositioning equipment to reduce workplace injuries and improve patient safety. Advanced solutions such as ceiling lifts, adjustable beds, and IoT-enabled monitoring systems are gaining adoption across acute care and rehabilitation centers. The country’s strong healthcare regulations and focus on caregiver training support market expansion. Rising awareness among home care providers is also driving demand for portable and user-friendly patient handling equipment. Additionally, the increasing integration of equipment with hospital IT systems is optimizing operational efficiency and patient outcomes.

Italy Patient Handling Equipment Market Insight

The Italy patient handling equipment market is poised for substantial growth during the forecast period, supported by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, the aging population, and heightened focus on patient safety and caregiver ergonomics. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and elderly care facilities are adopting advanced medical beds, lifts, and transfer accessories to enhance patient care and reduce manual handling risks. The trend of home care services and long-term care adoption is further driving demand for portable and modular patient handling solutions. Regulatory standards for workplace safety and patient handling encourage the uptake of modern equipment. Italian healthcare providers are increasingly integrating smart beds and motorized lifting devices with monitoring and alert systems. This integration improves workflow efficiency, patient comfort, and compliance with safety protocols.

Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market Share

The Europe Patient Handling Equipment industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Arjo (Sweden)
• Etac AB (U.K.)
• Guldmann A/S (Denmark)
• Handicare Group AB (Sweden)
• Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (U.S.)
• Invacare International Holdings Corp (U.S.)
• Joerns Healthcare (U.S.)
• LINET (Czech Republic)
• Medline Industries, Inc. (U.S.)
• Permobil AB (Sweden)
• Prism Medical Ltd (U.K.)
• Rowa Automatisierungssysteme GmbH (Germany)
• Stryker (U.S.)
• Stiegelmeyer GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)
• Sunrise Medical LLC (U.S.)
• V. Guldmann A/S (Denmark)
• Welch Allyn, Inc. (U.S.)
• Getinge AB (Sweden)
• Oxford Healthcare Ltd (U.K.)

What are the Recent Developments in Europe Patient Handling Equipment Market?

• In June 2025, the European Union introduced updated standards for patient handling equipment used in ambulances, including power-assisted stretchers. These revisions aim to enhance safety and ergonomics during patient transport, reflecting the EU's commitment to improving emergency medical services across member states
• In May 2025, researchers introduced a mechanically programmed soft growing robotic sling designed to assist in patient transfers. This innovative technology allows a single caregiver to safely move patients from bed to chair, enhancing mobility and reducing physical strain
• In April 2025, the European Commission published Implementing Decision EU 2025/681 under the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), which includes patient handling equipment used in ambulances. This decision aims to harmonize standards across the EU, ensuring safety and performance consistency in emergency medical services
• In April 2025, Arjo AB launched the Maxi Move 5® mobile patient floor lift in Europe, the device features “Motion Assist™” touch sensors for push/pull/pivot control, a Powered Dynamic Positioning System for precise seated positioning, and is aimed at reducing caregiver injuries and improving workflow efficiency
• In February 2024, the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) (EU medical-tech research programme) announced the new “HEU-EFS” project to develop a harmonised framework for early feasibility studies (EFS) of medical devices in the EU, aiming to speed up development and access of innovative med-tech across Europe

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