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 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    

  • Trionic means freedom for me.…

    As an enthusiastic walker who also likes to travel with my dog through woods and meadows, I had to give up this pleasure at some point because of my progressive muscle disease. A rollator I bought from another Scandinavian brand was able to maintain …

    Veloped Tour 14er M black/reflex/red
    by Lucia Bonnet-tullius
  • 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…

  • Trionic, my super ally…

    Now when the poorly plowed roads of winter are just a memory, I once again experience what a super ally the Trionic is. It rolls almost all by itself on the springy air-filled tires. The basket manages almost any heavy loads! The basket is designed s…

  • Everything is great…

    I don't have any photos yet, but other than that, everything is great.…

  • I'll just tell you about my experiences :))…

    Everything positive has already been said in earlier reviews, so I'll concentrate on my experiences here on Coastal Lancashire, with its paths through sand dunes and pine forests.

    About me: I'm 84 and had a very active, not to say athletic, lifest…

  • The best walker out there…

    I have tried the conventional walkers, but none of them compares to the Trionic Walker. This is by far the best in the market; glides over all terrains with the greatest of ease. I would and have recommended this item to all my friends. Thank you so …

  • My Veloped is my good friend…

    My friend and I take daily walks together, both in the city, the forest and countryside.…

  • Hello (Tjänare!). I am very satisfied…

    Very well constructed! Manoeuvrable, good for off-road use, easy to put in the car. Only favourable weather can't be arranged, but spring is coming.
    Many greetings!
    Heinfried (Enricopace)…

  • Rain Cover…

    Good value rain cover that fits nicely. Compact cover that folds away inside the zip compartment of the Trionic Trek.…

    Veloped Rain Cover
    by John Chadwick

Subscribe to our newsletter!

"> ?>