Nov 12 2025

How the Veloped Helps People with Parkinson’s Stay Active: Bob Hardy’s Inspiring Story

When Parkinson’s disease entered Bob Hardy’s life, it brought with it the kind of physical and emotional challenges that would make most people slow down. But Hardy—known as The Walker Runner—had other plans.


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At 75, the Canadian endurance walker decided that Parkinson’s wouldn’t stop him from chasing his goals. Instead, it inspired him to redefine what staying active means with the help of his trusted companion: the Trionic Veloped.

From Setback to Comeback

A lifelong advocate for active aging, Hardy has made it his mission to “keep getting older, going faster—and further.” Despite the tremors, stiffness, and balance issues brought on by Parkinson’s, he continues to compete in walking races. His most recent milestone, Bucket List #5—a 5 km race—was completed in 36 minutes and 19 seconds, at an impressive 6.7 km/h pace.

But beyond the time and distance, it’s the journey itself that stands out. Hardy credits his progress to his Trionic Veloped, calling it the perfect training partner for life with Parkinson’s. “Parkinson’s changes your stride, balance, and confidence,” he explains. “The Veloped gives me my feedback—rhythm, stability, and trust. It’s not a cure, but it’s the right tool so I can keep going.”

The Right Tool for the Right Challenge

Unlike traditional walkers or rollators, the Trionic Veloped was designed with real-world movement in mind. It’s an all-terrain, stability-focused rollator that adapts to a user’s environment rather than limiting them to smooth, flat surfaces. With its large pneumatic tires, low center of gravity, and wide, stable frame, the Veloped provides unmatched comfort and security on uneven ground, curbs, and trails.

For people living with Parkinson’s, these features make all the difference. The ergonomic grips and responsive brakes offer control and confidence, while the open, outdoor-friendly design reduces postural instability and the risk of tipping—common challenges in Parkinson’s mobility.

“The Veloped lets me focus on my stride instead of fighting the surface,” says Hardy. “It supports me without doing the work for me. That’s important—it keeps me training, upright, and moving with purpose.”

Staying Active with Parkinson’s

Exercise is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to manage Parkinson’s symptoms and slow the progression of mobility loss. However, many patients face obstacles such as balance issues and fear of falling. The Veloped’s unique engineering helps bridge that gap, encouraging safe movement while maintaining independence and confidence.

“My racing world changed when I moved to an all-terrain platform,” Hardy shares. “It allows me to train safely and consistently. The Veloped gives me stability, rhythm, and a sense of normalcy.”

Empowering Movement, One Step at a Time

While the Trionic Veloped is not a medical treatment or diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s disease, it has become an empowering mobility solution for people who want to keep moving despite the challenges. By combining intelligent design with a passion for real-world activity, Trionic enables users like Bob Hardy to reclaim their mobility, rediscover the outdoors, and continue living with purpose.

As Hardy puts it: “The Veloped doesn’t do the work for me—it makes the work possible.”

Product Reviews    

  • Trionic Veloped…

    The Veloped came within a week from Sweden so can’t complain there. Before I purchased, I phoned Customer Support and the gentleman was very helpful. I have a light weight walker for going to the shops but wanted something to allow me to go on countr…

  • Overall, I am satisfied.…

    I am 86-year-old and weigh 58 kg.
    The device looks good (to be envious), is well thought out and easy to assemble. What struck me:
    The heavy strain on the arm muscles
    - on uneven forest paths,
    - on inclines (effort needed to push uphill and to h…

    Veloped Tour 14er M black/reflex/red
    by Friedhelm Friedrichs
  • John and Sharon Hancock…

    I have waited to write this review as i wanted to experience my husband using it for a few weeks. We are absolutely delighted with it. my husband, once an active even hyperactive runner, cyclist and mountain climber is now quite disabled. he was unab…

  • Expensive but unmatched performance…

    I already had a pretty good rollator with hard rubber wheels a little less robust build. But on rough surfaces like my street or even worse trails, all the vibrations go straight to my arms - very uncomfortable. The Veloped solves all that with a stu…

  • Brilliant walker…

    Can’t believe that this walker has made such a difference to my life. I can walk over uneven ground, cobblestone paths and rough ground without needing to push any harder than on even terrain, thus avoiding painful arms and shoulders. The walker is r…

  • THANK YOU Trionic!…

    My Veloped Sport has brought me back to being outdoors and walking with much greater ease, comfort and joy! I have Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis, with progressive spasticity in my legs, which has moved me from a former very happy long-distance/marat…

  • Streets paved with old cobblestones…

    My husband had fallen a few times in the last few months, but he still refused to use a rollator. That's why I looked around for a better one than the ones usually offered in German medical shops. I found the Walker and suggested it to my husband. He…

  • Thank you…

    I am now out walking with my neighbour on the quiet local road.…

  • Walker cane holder…

    Lightweight two part holder is easily fitted to the walker,making the perfect fitment to carry walking stick.Walking stock is easily secured into the quick release holder.…

    Walker Cane Holder
    by Eileen Baxter

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