The trip
Getting a mobility device into the car decides whether a day out happens at all.
Assistive mobility · Rochester Hills, Michigan
Independence shouldn't stop at the stairs.
We're building ProjectX: one platform that climbs stairs, stands, handles rough terrain and rides along in your vehicle.
- 65+interviews with users, caregivers and clinicians
- Every awardin our NSF I-Corps Medical Jumpstart cohort (Oct 2025)
- 12.2%of U.S. adults live with a mobility disability (CDC)
- Prototypefunctional prototype in development now
The problem
Three barriers decide where people can go
In our interviews, the same three things came up again and again. Today each one needs a different device, or someone to help.
Why we started
Nobody waits behind
Kehela Mobility began on a family camping trip, watching a family member stay behind at the trailer while everyone else hiked. ProjectX is the device we wanted that day and couldn't buy.
"I won't plan my day around the availability of caregivers anymore."What we heard in customer discovery
Where we are
The climb so far
- 2023
Started
The idea, the first sketches, and the question that drives everything.
- Oct 2025
Validated
NSF I-Corps Medical Jumpstart. Every cohort award. 65+ interviews.
- Now
Prototype
Building and testing the functional prototype.
- Next
User testing
With early-access members and clinical partners, then pilot units.
From the workshop
Designed in CAD. Printed. Tested. Repeat.
A first look at the parts going into the ProjectX prototype.
Help us build it
Pick your way in
Users and families
Shape the design, tell us what your day really looks like, and test early versions.
Join early accessClinicians
OTs and PTs: help us get safety, seating and fitting right for real patients.
Advise usPartners and investors
Manufacturing, engineering, grants and investment to take ProjectX to pilot units.
Partner with usFounder
Adam Kehela, Founder & CEO
Electrical engineer with nearly two decades in automotive software, driver-assistance and safety-critical systems. He started Kehela Mobility to build the device his family needed.
ProjectX
One platform. Every barrier.
Today a normal day can take a wheelchair, help on the stairs and an adapted vehicle, plus a caregiver to switch between them. ProjectX is being designed to replace that patchwork with one integrated device.
Four modes, one device
MODE 1ClimbStairs, so homes and venues stop being off-limits
MODE 2StandEye level for conversations, counters and shelves
MODE 3TerrainGrass, gravel, trails and sand
MODE 4TravelGoes along in your vehicle
Inside the prototype
Teasers from the build
Prototype parts and CAD. Final design will change.
Designed with users
Built from 65+ conversations
Every feature traces back to interviews with users, caregivers and clinicians. Getting through stairs, rough terrain and travel came up again and again as the biggest unmet needs.
Questions we hear a lot
When will it be available?
We're building and testing the functional prototype now. Early-access members hear first about user testing and pilot units.
How much will it cost?
We'll share pricing closer to launch.
Is it a medical device?
We're working through the regulatory pathway as part of development.
Can I try it?
Join the early-access list. We'll invite members to user testing as soon as it starts.
Build log
Updates from the build
We build in the open. Here's where ProjectX stands and what we've learned along the way.
Building the functional prototype
We're building and testing the functional prototype of ProjectX. Next up: user testing with early-access members and clinical partners.
NSF I-Corps Medical Jumpstart
We completed the National Science Foundation I-Corps Medical Jumpstart program and won every award in our cohort. It pushed us out of the lab and into conversations that have grown to 65+ interviews.
Where it started
A family camping trip and a simple question: why should anyone wait behind while everyone else hikes?
Hear about the next step first
Join the early-access listPartner with us
Help take ProjectX from prototype to people
We're an early-stage Michigan startup. More than 30 million U.S. adults live with a mobility disability (CDC), and one platform that handles stairs, terrain and travel is still missing.
Who we're looking for
Investors and grant partners
Fund prototype testing and the first pilot units.
Clinical partners
OT/PT teams and rehab centers for user testing and safety input.
Manufacturing and engineering
Design for manufacture, suppliers and production planning.
Disability organizations
Advocates and community groups who help us reach the people we're building for.
Let's talk
Get in touchContact
Get early access
Tell us who you are and we'll be in touch. Early-access members hear first about user testing and pilot units.
Prefer email?
adamkehela@kehelaholding.com
Rochester Hills, Michigan