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.


Like this? Share it with your Friends!

Click on a social icon and follow the instructions:

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    

  • The Veloped is a machine for living…

    The Veloped is a machine for living. I'm sure that nearly every Vellie owner will tell you that this beautiful creature gave them back a quality of life they thought they'd lost forever. It restores possibilities, confidence, freedom itself. It spark…

  • 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
  • Veloped Sport 14er M…

    This walker has given me back the joy of living. I can now walk long distances independently and without assistance.

    The sporty aspect of the walker is also always a topic of conversation.

    It is extraordinary that you can walk well with an upri…

  • Excellent…

    Excellent design, high quality components, build quality and packaging.
    My Veloped has given me confidence to expand my horizons.
    It has already proved to be an invaluable aid to carrying out garden tasks and also provides vital safeguard against l…

  • Recieved my Trionic Veloped Trek……

    Recieved my trionic veloped trek yesterday, its a bit of a beast compared to usuall rollators but so much easier and more comfortable to use. Today i went on a 2hr walk with my old dog(who approves of the front basket when his little legs are tired),…

  • Best grips ever!…

    Used crutches for twenty years all different kinds and different grips

    These Ergon BioKork grips are the comfiest, the best grip hold of any grips I’ve had.
    Even when raining my hands are wet but with the biokork I have an amazing grip of the han…

  • Increased quality of life…

    Bought a Veloped for my wife who suffered from a joint problem. She is very extremely satisfied. However, I have to buy one for myself too. I'm having trouble keeping up with her on our walks.…

  • Standing beside my colour coordinated car!…

    I am getting used to it and I’m delighted with it. I just want to say thank you.…

  • 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 …

Subscribe to our newsletter!

"> ?>