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 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    

  • Trionic Veloped…

    Having seen the veloped advertised in Saga magazine and being not very happy with my current rollator (small solid tyres) I ordered the Trionic. Very impressed with the ordering and delivery process. On unpacking and assembling the device (very easy …

  • 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…

  • Makes mum active…

    We bought the Tour 12er for our 92-year-old mother so that she can continue to walk her beloved forest paths after a triple pelvic fracture, which has permanently limited her mobility. After initial protests (I don't need a rollator, I'm not that fra…

  • My brake pads came very quickly…

    I had asked my handyman, Derek, to deal with the pads for me.

    He did a good job, and I was thankful for it. I’m not able to walk for miles while taking my dog for a walk (maybe one mile) but, because I have my Veloped, it makes life a great deal e…

  • I am so thankful for my Veloped which has transformed my walking enormou…

    I am so thankful for my Veloped which has transformed my walking enormously. Having suffered from balance issues for the past year walking has been extremely difficult and frustrating; even a variety of sticks didn’t help very much. I am truly amazed…

  • Mrs Lorraine Bone…

    The Veloped has been everything I hoped for. At only 59 I was keen to have something that looked modern and trendy whilst still providing me with the support I need when walking. I have used it for short trips to the shop and also on a riverside walk…

  • Just fantastic!…

    I am 50 years old, my spine and joints are barely able to bear weight due to rheumatic and orthopaedic health disorders. In 2022 I also had a stroke with hemiplegia, which has improved somewhat, but I still have very serious limitations. (I am severe…

  • 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…

  • Able to walk outdoors again…

    The Trionic Veloped Sport was an excellent purchase. Because of cerebellar ataxia, I am no longer able to walk without a rollator. This device allows me to walk outdoors again, which is huge! It is worth every cent.…

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