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 8.3 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    

  • Veloped Sport 14er M…

    I do enjoy my Trionic Veloped. However, I think the seat depth could be improved by making the rear verticals slightly further back (which would probably involve major costs!). Also, I do not find the front wheel combination very helpful and have con…

  • Suggestion…

    Good morning,
    I am very happy to write to you. As you know my wife sees only 5% per eye and, after the initial difficulties, now she gets along very well with her walker. Sure, someone always must be there, but that has nothing to do with this great…

  • Freedom…

    I am grateful for the mobility and freedom from falling that trionic provides…

  • My walks in the forest are so good now…

    My veloped has given me back the stability to walk for longer and farther in the forest with our two border terriers.one old and blind spends time in the basket quite happily.with the back seats down I can put my folded veloped intact with a seat bel…

  • The Walker lives up to its promise.…

    With the rollator, I am more versatile and safer on the move again!
    I regret that I didn't try the Walker earlier.…

  • From the neighbor to your own Veloped…

    Saw it at my neighbor's house and bought it because I was impressed by every aspect. It looks great, handles well (the brakes and function)—which is difficult to grasp for someone with dementia (in our case), but otherwise the brakes work perfectly. …

  • 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.…

  • Trionic Walker…

    We are delighted with the 12er S Walker. Well designed and beautifully made. The 4 wheels with linked steering give great stability yet have good maneuverability. We originally intended to buy the 14er with even bigger wheels as our drive has some de…

  • Walking out is FUN again !!…

    A beautifully designed and engineered product, and being so robust gives so much more confidence in comparison to lesser competitors. After a few months of lockdown, I can now get the exercise I need - and really enjoying it.

    Thank You for such an…

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