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    

  • Peggy Hollick…

    Due to ongoing health problems, Maurice (as my 12er has been dubbed) and I have not had as many outings as I would have wished but on each occasion, he has not let me down on the rough, uneven ground, whereas my conventional Rollator would balk at th…

  • Best Purchase…

    This was money well spent. I us this everyday and I can go anywhere with it. I have gone on remote trails and sandy beaches. Everywhere I go people ask about this Veloped. If you want your independence back, buy one of these.…

  • Fern howe…

    I am really delighted with my new walker it has completely met and gone above my expectations. I went on a walk last weekend which was very rough and uphill, normally I have a daughter on each arm and still find it very difficult but with my lovely…

  • 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 14er is great for walking on……

    Trionic Walker 14er is great for walking on rough and unpaved streets. With this, I have increased my speed and distance. I added a bicycle speedometer/odometer to monitor my speed and distance. A great improvement over my 8-inch indoor walker.…

  • Finally more freedom of movement and safety…

    After several health challenges, I find walking difficult, especially on uneven surfaces. I hardly ever went outside anymore. I particularly missed walking in the woods. Now my family has ordered me the Veloped Sport. At last I can go for a walk out…

  • Sad to see the missing brand on the Vendor list in Canada…

    This review is specific to the ordering process as I have not yet received my product. I am absolutely impressed at the wealth of information that was provided in order for me to feel comfortable about choosing the right product for me. I was sadly…

  • Veloped Trek…

    We were looking for a product that is suitable for many grounds and street surfaces, has enough storage space for shopping and that is easy to use. The Veloped is all of this.
    It is bigger and wider than other rollators and at the rehab clinic there…

  • 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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