If you’re in the mobility or home medical equipment space, Medtrade is one of the biggest events of the year. It’s where new products are introduced, and industry changes are discussed to give attendees a clearer idea of what’s coming next.

Whether you’re a provider or just someone considering their mobility options, read our breakdown of the 2026 Medtrade conference and this year’s top trends below.

Key Takeaways:

  • Medtrade is a major industry event where providers, manufacturers, and vendors come together to share new products and ideas.
  • The conference focuses heavily on real-world topics like insurance and compliance.
  • Trends from Medtrade typically shape the future of mobility equipment and how care is delivered across the industry. 

What Is Medtrade?

Medtrade is a trade show where manufacturers, providers, and industry professionals come together to showcase new products and connect with peers. You’ll typically find everything from power wheelchairs to scooters to software, billing tools, and compliance services.

What Is the History of Medtrade?

Medtrade started in the early 1990s as a way to bring the home medical equipment industry together in one place. The first event was held in Atlanta, and over time, it grew into one of the largest mobility and durable medical equipment (DME) conferences in North America.

As the industry has changed, Medtrade has also changed with it. It’s expanded to include more technology and focus more on educating attendees on compliance, insurance, and patient care.

How Many People Attend Medtrade?

The event typically draws thousands of attendees each year. Medtrade’s expo floor alone features hundreds of vendors, which gives attendees the chance to see new equipment and test products.

Reasons to Attend Medtrade

There are a few reasons people attend Medtrade year after year, the first being the chance to see new equipment in person. It’s one thing to read about a product online, but it’s different when you can compare it to other items on the market and talk directly with the manufacturer.

Another, as mentioned above, is for educational purposes. The sessions usually focus on topics that directly impact providers, like insurance requirements and changes in regulations. For example, at the 2026 conference, there was a concentration on payer relationships, contract strategy, and how to avoid claim denials.

And finally, there’s networking. Being able to talk with other providers and vendors in one place makes it easier to share ideas and learn what’s working for others.

The Top Mobility Trends of 2026 According to Medtrade

A large part of Medtrade is seeing where the industry is going. In 2026, there have been several trends, so far, that have affected both the equipment people use and how providers deliver care.

Smarter Technology

Mobility devices are becoming more advanced and practical to use. For example, many power wheelchairs now include app-based controls and performance tracking. Not only does this allow users to adjust settings to their specific day-to-day needs, but it also gives providers additional insight into how equipment is being used over time.

Lighter, More Portable Equipment

Manufacturers are putting more of a focus on weight without sacrificing the overall durability of their equipment. Materials like aluminum and carbon fiber are becoming more common. This makes equipment easier to transport and handle, especially for users who travel often or need to load their device into a vehicle.

Better Battery Performance

Battery improvements were another main focus this year. Some devices can now last longer on a single charge and recharge faster and more efficiently than ever before. For power wheelchair users, that means fewer interruptions and less need to plan their day around limited battery life.

More Customization

Mobility equipment is becoming more adaptable. There’s been a clear shift away from one-size-fits-all equipment, which means many devices now include modular or adjustable parts that can be changed over time. This is particularly useful for people whose mobility needs may evolve. Instead of replacing the entire device, adjustments will be able to be made to better match the user.

Comfort-Focused Design

Comfort is also becoming a higher priority across the board. Seating systems, cushions, and controls are now being designed to reduce strain and support long-term use. Proper positioning and pressure relief are becoming more standard features rather than optional upgrades.

How Freedom Mobility Is Adopting These Trends

At Freedom Mobility, we use these industry trends to guide both the equipment we offer and how we support our clients. Our goal is always to provide reliable solutions that are practical for everyday use.

Spending More Time on Setup

With more equipment becoming adjustable and customizable, there’ll be a shift toward spending more time on setup. Instead of solely focusing on the chair itself, it makes more sense to pay attention to how it’s configured for the person using it and how that might need to change over time.

Improving the Process on the Backend

A major topic at Medtrade this year was how administrative hurdles can slow down the process of getting a wheelchair. Looking ahead, the industry is shifting toward stricter documentation rules, which means waiting on insurance approvals could become even more frustrating if it is not handled correctly.

To prepare for these changes, Freedom Mobility is adjusting how we manage the behind-the-scenes workflow. We’re restructuring our process to work more closely with doctors' offices from day one to make sure paperwork is audit-proof before it ever gets submitted.

Have Questions for Us? Get in Touch Here!

Our RESNA-certified team helps with everything from picking out wheelchairs to handling insurance paperwork, so you end up with a solution that actually works for your situation.

Want to learn more? Get in touch today to set up a FREE consultation or to see if you qualify for a power wheelchair!