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 8.3 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 tyres, 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    

  • Rain Cover…

    Good value rain cover that fits nicely. Compact cover that folds away inside the zip compartment of the Trionic Trek.…

  • Saw your ad in DN and thought...…

    Saw your ad in DN and thought that the walker had to be seen in person. I was pleasantly surprised by your response and all the information I received and now I am the owner of the Rolls Royce of walkers. It looks heavy but it is light as a feather. …

  • The Veloped in south-west Germany (Black Forest)…

    I am very enthusiastic about my Veloped. As I am almost 87 years old and unfortunately can no longer walk in the woods with Nordic walking poles, my daughter was looking for a real alternative to the ‘normal’ walker and she found it very quickly, she…

  • We are very satisfied!…

    The Walker is perfectly suited for cobblestones and is very easy to handle! It is more flexible than the conventional walkers and offers much more comfort; we are highly satisfied!…

  • The Trionic walker gave me some of the freedom I had lost.…

    The Trionic Veloped Rollator changed my life. I thought I would never be able to take walks again, but the Trionic changed that. Not only can I go on long walks, but I am able to hike many of the mountain trails that I love. I'm not saying I can go r…

  • V Simpson…

    I am very pleased with my new walker it tackles the uneven paths and stony areas so easily and I can get about so much better without the possibility of it getting stuck in the ruts. Thank you
    It was so easy to order and arrived in great condition…

  • Rick Pope…

    I have both the 12” for inside and around the house and a 14” for outdoor travel. Love them both.…

  • The assembly was easy and quick…

    The first ride with the Veloped was fantastic. We were able to walk with my mother again on paths in the forest, which was where we had last walked together years ago. This was simply not possible with the standard walker. There were also no problems…

  • The Amazing Trionic Walker 12er…

    This Trionic Walker 12er is AMAZING. I just got it today 10/1/22, and it's flawless. I tested on my grassy, bumpy yard and indoor hardwood floors and carpet of my house. What a game changer!!! Finally, a walker that I can use with comfort and confide…

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