Muscular Dystrophy Won’t Stop Jane Herzog from Running Ultras
Jane Herzog doesn’t want to be an inspiration. She just wants to be a runner by any means necessary.
Apr 29 2022
A comparison between the Veloped (AKA Country Beast) and the Walker (AKA Town Beast)
I have been the proud owner of a Veloped Sport 14er for 18 months. I am 76 years old and suffer from arthritis and atrial fibrillation. Mobility for me is an issue.
Since using the Veloped I have been able to continue a daily walk (more or less!) over rough ground, in the woods and around my town. I reviewed it some while ago and I can confirm it is an excellent aid and support for my walking. However, it is unwieldy when it comes to loading in my car and the size and bulk of it can make it difficult if I want to go into shops, etc.
A couple of weeks ago, my wife suggested that I try a lighter aid, specifically a Trionic Walker 14er. We looked at the specification, some videos that users have made, and most important, the cost. We decided to go ahead and order one.
Delivery was by UPS and timely. It arrived already assembled (including the backrest, which is counted as an accessory). Having experience with a Trionic Veloped, I was easily able to adjust the grip height, grip positions and such and within minutes I was ready to go.
The Walker is exactly as I hoped and expected. I have used it for a daily walk, for an expedition into town and over some rough ground. I now use both depending on the purpose – Veloped for rough terrain and Walker for pavements. I’m looking forward to visiting some tourist attractions in the summer (e.g. historic buildings and stately homes, etc.) where I imagine a Veloped would not be really welcome.
So here are some notes of comparison between the Veloped (AKA Country Beast) and the Walker (AKA Town Beast):
The Walker is not a Veloped. Although it works on rough ground (grass, beach, bumpy footpath, etc.) I prefer the sturdiness and strength of the Veloped in that context.
The Walker fits quite well in the back of my car (Vauxhall/Opel Zafira) although I am still getting used to easily loading it. But the principle of “fold and stow” is fine, I’ve just got to get used to aligning it! The Veloped needs partial dismantling (wheels off) before loading. OK, it’s easy to remove the wheels, but no fun when they’re muddy and wet!
Posture is different. The Walker is forcing me to stand more upright, (suggested in the manual!) while that is not so easy with the Veloped on rough ground in the woods.
The Walker does not manage kerbs and steps, etc. with the ease of the Veloped. You need to know that!
The Walker seat is the more comfortable of the two.
The basket on the Walker is slightly smaller. However, they both meet my needs as a photography hobbyist.
As with the Veloped, the Walker is seen by some as expensive. I can only say that the quality is worth it. In the UK, mobility aids such as walkers are exempt from VAT. At 20% that is a significant reduction which can be applied at the source.
