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    

  • Superb product.…

    I love my Veloped Sport 14er M. Without it I would struggle to even go out. Yes, they are expensive, but what price do you put on your health? I mostly use it to walk round our town but I have used it in my local wood where it was great. I recent…

  • It shines on all Terrains…

    Despite Corona! Ordered on Monday (June 22nd, 2020) in Uppsala, and on Friday (June 26th, 2020), my 14-inch Trionic Walker was at my doorstep. Also, thanks to the excellent logistics from UPS.

    In the meantime, I have truly tested the Trionic Walke…

  • An investment in health and independence…

    After five years of loss of mobility due to neurological problems I took the plunge and purchased a Trionic Sport Veloped with a comfort seat. My previous experience had been with a wheelchair, crutches and a lightweight rollator and I had considered…

  • The product fully meets my expectations!…

    The only thing I find annoying is the constant ticking/clacking from the front wheel steering area.…

  • Fran Grundy…

    you were quite right!!! It changes your life This feels like driving a Rolls Royce after a Mini! I’m just so very pleased it ,I’ve been to places I haven’t seen for years…

  • Well-designed Veloped Backpack…

    This backpack has plenty of pockets, fits the Veloped basket shape perfectly. The straps are comfy for wearing the backpack. Good quality fabric.

    I use the backpack regularly and it fits my shopping as well as personal items that I need to car…

  • Tritonic 12 r rollator…

    Built well most helpful firm I’m delighted with the product, what more can I say except it’s brilliant,…

  • It doesn't get any better!…

    Never will I forego the great tool which has given me back so much joy of life! Because of multiple sclerosis I was unfortunately no longer able to move about in nature. This led to great annoyance for me during holidays on the North Sea. No walking …

  • 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…

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