Huawei is preparing a special "wheelchair mode" for its wearable devices, aiming to offer more accurate and inclusive health monitoring for wheelchair users. This new feature, set to launch this month, reflects Huawei’s commitment to expanding accessibility and delivering technology that serves diverse user needs.
The development of wheelchair mode addresses a significant gap in mainstream wearables, which typically track activity based on metrics like steps or walking rhythm. These do not suit the unique motion patterns of wheelchair users. Huawei’s new mode evaluates physical activity by measuring pushes, duration, and calories burned, providing data that is both personalized and relevant.
Inspiration from the Disabled and Paralympic Community
Huawei’s innovation was inspired partly through discussions with Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee. Zhu Ping, Huawei’s President of Consumer Business Sales and Marketing Services, explained that extensive research focused on the activity needs of wheelchair users. This research revealed that their exercise routines and health monitoring require tailored approaches rather than standard step counts.
Zhu said, "After conducting a thorough study, we created this function to scientifically assess activity by recording pushes, durations, and calorie consumption." He emphasized the importance of helping users manage daily exercise more precisely, with data that reflects their actual movements.
Huawei’s Global Leadership in Wearables
Huawei’s launch of the wheelchair mode coincides with its ongoing dominance in the global wearable market. In the first half of 2025, Huawei shipped over 200 million wearable units worldwide, ranking it first globally for wearable shipments. The company leads in more than 20 international markets, showcasing resilience amid industry challenges and strong local integration.
The Kantar BrandZ 2025 ranking elevated Huawei to 39th place, an indicator of its growing global influence. Zhu attributes Huawei’s success to consumer trust, stating that no brand can endure without loyalty and confidence from its users.
Expanding a Strong Health Technology Ecosystem
Alongside introducing wheelchair mode, Huawei continues to expand its digital health ecosystem. New wearable products were launched in Paris, and the company hosts tech events globally. Huawei collaborates with over 150 research institutions specializing in health and fitness, building a vast, validated database.
Currently, Huawei has released more than 70 types of health data for research purposes. This transparency supports innovation beyond internal development, allowing medical and scientific experts to create advanced health technologies.
The company also enriches its health app ecosystem, offering customizable features like exercise tracking, sleep monitoring, stress measurement, and biological cycle tracking. Wheelchair mode adds another dimension to Huawei’s vision for inclusive digital health wearables.
A Long-Term Commitment to Inclusivity
With the brand promise "Now is Yours," Huawei highlights its dedication to supporting lifestyles and identities worldwide. Zhu explains that consumer trust is the most valuable asset and that Huawei aims to connect authentically across cultures. This approach prioritizes emotional bonds with users, not just sales volume.
The introduction of wheelchair mode underscores Huawei’s belief that wearable technology’s future depends on both sophistication and inclusiveness. By enabling wheelchair users to benefit from precise health tracking, Huawei affirms that technology should be accessible to everyone without exception.
This innovation marks an important step toward a truly comprehensive smart device ecosystem that embraces all users, reflecting the growing demand for technology to be both advanced and empathetic.
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