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    

  • Due to Spinal Stenosis and nerve damage…

    Due to Spinal Stenosis and nerve damage, my balance is not good and have a tendency to fall a lot. I discovered the Trionic 3 years ago and have enjoyed walking my dogs on all sorts of terrain with no falls and have been able to enjoy the scenery ins…

  • Fran Grundy…

    you were quite right!!! It changes your life This feels like driving a Rolls Royce after a Mini! I’m just so very pleased it ,I’ve been to places I haven’t seen for years…

  • I have been meaning to write for some time to thank you!…

    I have been meaning to write for some time to thank you for all the help my Veloped gives me - I use it for hanging out the washing and fetching peat from the shed as well as walking on the mostly rough terrain here on the Isle of Barra in the Wester…

  • Rollator Trionic Walker 12er…

    The Walker 12er has been a transformative experience for my father. He feels safe and enabled to walk outside again and with much greater confidence and ability. The med/large is the perfect size for his 6ft frame and he can manoeuvre it easily, due …

  • Quality…

    The Veloped is actually intended for my wife, but occasionally I use it too (92). Our satisfaction is probably best expressed by the fact that we will probably buy another one.

    Sincerely,
    Dr. Werner Hill…

  • Excellent quality…

    Walker has proved an excellent investment allowing my wife more freedom and confidence walking outside.
    Sturdy construction although a little heavier than most competitors.…

  • Can’t beat the Veloped!…

    I recently purchased the Veloped 14er Tour. It is the best ‘rollator’ yet, and I have been using several other walking aids since 2008.

    The Veloped allows me to improve my posture, I can walk so much better for longer. Kerbstones become so easy, …

  • A Dream Machine…

    I spent many, many hours at the Trionic facebook group, asking questions, reading all member comments about every aspect of the Veloped. I placed my order for the 12" Tour version based on those glowing and also quite candid reviews. As it transpired…

  • Perfect…

    I bought this rollator for my mother. She is very happy with it and it gives her the confidence she needs. She can walk on her own whenever she wants without the fear of falling. The Veloped is perfect for country paths and roads. It looks elegant a…

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