White Canes Market Assessment, By Type [Standard, Folding, Telescopic, Electronic, Others], By End-user [Non-Profit Organizations, Non-Government Organizations, Government Agencies, Individuals, Others], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Regio

White Canes Market Assessment, By Type [Standard, Folding, Telescopic, Electronic, Others], By End-user [Non-Profit Organizations, Non-Government Organizations, Government Agencies, Individuals, Others], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities, and Forecast, 2016-2030F

Global white canes market is expected to register a strong growth rate of 7.3% compounded annually for the forecast period between 2023 and 2030. In 2022, global white canes market was valued at USD 241.5 million, estimated to reach USD 424.34 million in 2030. White canes are one of the mobility aids used by those with visual impairments or blindness. White canes are intended to help users navigate their environment, detect impediments, and gain a feel of their surroundings through tactile input. These canes are typically white and red in colour, with a few variations such as long canes and support canes. The ageing population, growing incidences of visual impairment or blindness, and growing awareness of white canes are driving the global white canes market.

In an ever-evolving world where independence and mobility are fundamental, the white canes market stands as a vital beacon of support and innovation. As the demand for enhanced accessibility and inclusivity grows, the global white canes market finds itself at the intersection of technology, design, and compassion, driving advancements that transcend mere aids into indispensable companions.

Customization and Ergonomics

Some companies have started offering customization options for white canes, allowing users to select cane length and grip style to meet their specific needs and preferences. Manufacturers have been focusing on creating white canes that are lighter and more ergonomically designed to improve user comfort and reduce fatigue during extended use. Customization options can contribute to the safety and functionality of the white cane. A user can choose a grip that provides them with a more secure hold, reducing the risk of slipping or dropping the cane.

Likewise, selecting the appropriate cane length ensures the right size for the user's height, optimizing its effectiveness in detecting obstacles and provide support. Global white canes market is focused on providing the best user experience and fulfilling at least the basic needs of visually impaired people in their mobility tool. White canes have a customization option of reflective tapes around them, which makes them safer to use at night.

The IO carbon fiber white cane, created by Whitecane in collaboration with Refitech and CG Tec, is exceptionally light weight, enhancing the ease of handling, minimizing fatigue, and the potential for injury, and simultaneously enhancing sensory perception.

Awareness and Advocacy

Awareness plays a crucial role in driving the global white canes market. As more people become informed about the needs of individuals with visual impairments and blindness, the demand for white canes and other assistive devices tends to increase. Awareness campaigns led by advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, and individuals with visual impairments themselves can drive attention towards the importance of mobility aids, such as white canes. These efforts often result in increased funding, support, and resources for individuals who need these devices. Awareness initiatives focus on educating individuals with visual impairments about the available tools and resources, including white canes. Proper education and training help users maximize the benefits of white canes for safe and independent navigation.

In October 2022, in collaboration with the KZN Society for the Blind and eThekwini Municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society organized a White Cane Safety Rally. The event aimed to raise awareness about the secure mobility and independence of individuals with visual impairments.

Higher Demand for White Canes from Ageing Population

The ageing population plays a significant role in the demand for white canes and other mobility aids. Vision-related issues become more prevalent with ageing. Conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are more common in older adults. These conditions can lead to varying degrees of vision loss, making mobility and navigation more challenging. As a result, many old adults carry white canes as a tool to help them safely move around their environment. One of the primary goals for older adults is to maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. Vision loss can be a significant barrier to independence, as it limits the ability to perform daily activities safely. White canes empower older adults to continue living independently by providing them with a means to navigate and detect obstacles in their surroundings.

Globally , the number of people with moderate or severe Visual Impairment is expected to rise from 217 million in 2015, to 588 million by 2050. As people age, the global white canes market is expected to grow.

Technology Integration

One significant trend in the global white cane market is the integration of advanced technologies into these mobility aids. It includes the development of smart canes with features like GPS navigation, obstacle detection sensors, smartphone connectivity, and haptic feedback systems, which enhance the user's ability to navigate their environment safely and independently. The integration of advanced technologies into white canes enhance their functionality and safety. These technological advancements make white canes more attractive to users and drive global white canes market growth.

In 2021, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), and Beno Holdings introduced a Smart White Cane (SWC) at Masaka Resource Centre . Ultrasonic range technology is used in the high-tech white canes to identify obstructions from 1.2 metres distance and inform the user via vibrations and sound. It features sensors that allow the user to distinguish between day and night. The GPS capability enables the user's geographic location to be determined.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had various effects on markets worldwide, including the global white canes market. The pandemic disrupted supply chains globally, leading to challenges in the distribution of white canes and other related mobility aids. Manufacturers faced challenges in sourcing materials and components, which impacted their ability to meet demand. Social isolation and other limits of new normal were especially tough for individuals with visual impairments. As blind people often compensate for their blindness by relying on other senses, it became increasingly difficult with maintaining health precautions due to physical distancing, facemasks, and gloves. The pandemic highlighted the importance and need for white canes, which led to increased awareness programs around the globe, leading to increased sales and global white canes market expansion.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

For the forecast period, global white canes market is anticipated to expand steadily. With an increasing ageing population and expanding mortality age, visual impairment cases are expected to continue to increase the role of white canes in the daily lives of individuals. Local, regional, and national market players are likely to play a major role in the expansion.

Global white canes market outlook is likely to remain positive due to product development and technological integration in white canes by major brands. In December 2022, smart cane firm WeWALK announced an investment of USD 2.5 million to evolve its technology and grow its market globally .

Non-profit organizations and government agencies play a role in the distribution of white canes. They may collaborate with manufacturers or procure white canes to provide the individuals with visual impairments.