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Reports
estimate the number of UK wheelchair users at up to 1.2Million1
and the number of US wheelchair users at up to 3.4Million2.
European data varies from various countries but is consistent with
US data of approximately 1% of the total population using
wheelchairs or approximately 5Million.
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It
is estimated that 25% of the European market or 124Million have
disabilities. Of these, it is estimated that 70% are physically and
financially able to travel. It is estimated that 15% of the US
population are disabled and this is expected to rise to 25% 3by
2030.
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As
mortality rates decline, there is also a growing awareness of a
major demographic shift. The UK now has 11 million people over
retirement age4 and it is likely that they will wish to travel.
Sources
1 - NHS
Purchasing & Supply Agency & Audit Commission
2 - US
Census 2000
& Survey of Income and Program Participation 2005
3 - Open
Doors Organisation - 2005 research
4 - Older
people in the UK, Key facts and statistics 2008, Age Concern
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