About the Kera
What is the Kera sit2sit? The Kera sit2sit is a manual hoist that lets one caregiver transfer a person who cannot stand from one seat to another — wheelchair, bed edge, commode, toilet, car seat — without a sling. It supports the upper body with a Chestpad and Backstrap and moves the person between seated positions.
Who is it for? People who can no longer bear weight through their legs, hold on or balance, and the caregivers who transfer them. It’s widely used by people living with motor neurone disease (MND/ALS), multiple sclerosis(MS), muscular dystrophy (MD), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury, stroke and double leg amputation, at home and in aged-care and disability facilities.
Who is it not for? People who need lifting from the floor or from lying flat, anyone over the safe working load (120kg / 265lbs on the Kera 120, 100kg / 220lbs on the Kera Travel). Your Therapist will confirm suitability in a trial.
How is it different from a sling hoist? There is no sling to fit under the person, no suspended lift, and it’s built for one caregiver. Because the lower body stays open during the transfer, toileting and dressing can happen without a second lift.
How is it different from a sit-to-stand hoist? A sit-to-stand hoist needs the person to bear weight through their legs and hold on. The Kera doesn’t — it’s designed for the point where standing is no longer safe.
What’s the difference between the Kera Home and the Kera Travel? Same sit2sit technology, different purpose. The Kera Home is built for daily use at home or in a facility. The Kera Travel packs into a carry case for the car, holidays and flying.
Using the Kera
Does it really take only one caregiver? Yes. The handle gives the caregiver mechanical leverage, so the effort is roughly a quarter of the person’s weight on the Kera 80 and a fifth on the Kera 120, with no lifting or pulling.
How long does a transfer take? Typically under two minutes, including fitting the Backstrap.
Does it need power or batteries? No. The Kera is entirely mechanical, which is why it has nothing to charge, and can go anywhere.
Can it be used for toileting? Yes — this is one of the main reasons people choose it. The person is supported from the front with their lower body open, so clothing can be adjusted and continence care done while they’re supported.
Can it transfer someone from bed? Yes, from a sitting position on the edge of the bed. It doesn’t lift from lying flat; the person is brought to sitting first.
Can it lift someone off the floor? No. The Kera is a sit-to-sit device. If floor recovery is a regular need, a sling or ceiling hoist is the right tool for that job.
What seat heights does it work with? The low base suits seats 40–55cm / 15.7"-21.7" high (manual wheelchairs, day chairs, toilets); the high base suits 50–65cm / 19.7"-25.6" (power wheelchairs, tilt-in-space chairs, commodes). Your Therapist is guided to the right choice by using our scripting guide.
Which model do I need — Kera 80 or Kera 120? The Kera 80 has a shorter handle and smaller footprint for people up to 80kg / 175lbs; the Kera 120 has a longer handle for people between 80Kg / 175lbs and 120kg / 265lbs. Our scripting guide walks through the choice.
Can it be used with children? Yes, there are a range of options and accessories to adapt the Kera for children and small adults.
What about someone with a PEG tube or catheter? The configurable Chestpad accommodates a PEG or catheter. Tell your Therapist or dealer before the trial.
What if the person’s feet or legs move uncontrollably? Footboxes hold the feet in place for people with tremor or uncontrolled leg movement, and riser blocks are available if the feet don’t reach the footplates.
Can the Kera Travel go on a plane? Yes. It weighs 23kg / 50lbs when packed into its 60 × 55 × 53 cm / 23.6" x 21.7" x 20.9" carry case that goes in the aircraft hold like a suitcase. Mobility equipment is usually carried free by airlines — check your airline’s policy.
Buying, cost and funding
How much does a Kera cost? The Kera Home has a recommend price of NZ$7,500 (+GST) which includes the Backstrap. The Kera Travel has a recommend price of NZ$8,500 (+GST) which includes the Backstrap. Check with your Dealer for pricing and accessories.
Is the Kera funded by the NDIS? Yes. It’s mid-cost assistive technology, funded from the Capital budget of an NDIS plan on the written advice of an OT or physio. See Funding in Australia.
Is it funded in New Zealand? Yes. See Funding in New Zealand for the Whaikaha / Enable New Zealand and ACC pathways.
Is it funded in the UK or the US? In the UK, through NHS community equipment services, local authority social care or self-funding; in the US most Keras are self-funded, depending on the state and plan. Our dealers in each country can advise.
Can I try before I buy? Yes. Our dealers bring a demonstration Kera to your home or facility so you, your caregiver and your Therapist can trial it.
Can I hire one? A number of dealers offer short-term hire, which is useful while funding is approved or for a holiday with the Kera Travel.
Where can I buy one? From our dealers in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, or directly from HT Systems. See Where to buy.
Is it a registered medical device? Yes. Kera Home (ARTG 388973) and Kera Travel (ARTG 522375) are Class I medical devices registered with the TGA in Australia and Medsafe (WAND) in New Zealand, and both are tested to AS/NZS 10535 in a NATA-accredited laboratory.
Our Kera Hoists are not currently registered with the FDA in the US but you can still purchase and import a Kera with a personal use exemption.
Delivery, setup and support
Does it need assembly? Minimal — the Kera arrives largely assembled and your dealer or our assembly guide covers the rest.
Is training included? Yes. Your dealer will demonstrate and train the caregivers at delivery, and our Learn pages have documentation and videos for self guided training or refreshes. Contact HT Systems if you need troubleshooting to improve your Kera transfer.
What maintenance does it need? It’s a simple, reliable, mechanical system designed to require minimal ongoing attention. Our servicing guide covers periodic checks of the frame, straps, pads and castors.
What’s the warranty? HT Systems, at its sole discretion, warrants that it will repair or replace defective components or faulty workmanship for a warranty period of one (1) year from the date of manufacture of the product.
Who designed it? The Kera was invented by Professor Keith Alexander of the University of Canterbury, inventor of the Springfree trampoline, and developed by HT Systems in Christchurch, New Zealand. It won ATSA Best New Product in 2023.
