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    

  • My new Trionic walking partner…

    I had read positive reviews on the Trionic Sports Veloped after research on a suitable walking aid. I have been using Norwegian walking poles but my osteoporosis and arthritis were limiting my walking. I ordered one through Mobility Smart in Preston …

  • Trionic Walker 14er…

    The Walker delivers what the advertising promises.…

  • The best set of wheels we could find.…

    My wife's Trionic, as I call it, has exceeded our expectations and has given my wife freedom to roam and has coped with rough and uneven ground as though it was flat! Plus whenever she wants to rest, finds the seat comfortable.

    We adjusted the h…

  • It has made my world bigger!…

    I'm a 62-year-old woman from the Netherlands and last year I suffered a CVA, which caused my right side to be permanently unusable. So since then, I have been stuck in a wheelchair.

    During the last year, I went through therapy to try and recover …

  • I wouldn't have had a chance to live normally without a Trionic!…

    I have had a Trionic rollator for several years. Or rather two, one in Stockholm and one in the countryside in Sörmland. The snow removal in Stockholm has had and continues to have great difficulties this season with jagged ice chutes for sidewalks a…

  • A rollator that gives security…

    I use my wife's Walker 14er in addition to the rollator I have owned for years. The stable construction and large wheels of the Walker 14er give a completely different walking feeling, a new sense of safety. The bumpy cobblestones and uneven terrain …

  • Great health and pleasure benefit…

    Due to an increasing neurological problem, I could only walk about 100 m before having to stop and sit down. On my first outing with the Walker, I could easily do a 400 m distance without the need to stop. I have gradually been able to increase my di…

  • Bought for mother, she loves it.…

    My 87-year-old mother with a false hip and two false knees saw this and thought it would be far more comfortable than the standard one she has. She loves it. Easy and comfortable. Goes up kerbs easily. Not small to pack away or get on buses but great…

  • 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…

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