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 tires, 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    

  • The neighbors all love it…

    The Rollator arrived in perfect condition, all I had to do was take it out of the box and start using it. It meets all of my expectations, the neighbors all love it. John…

  • Thumbs Up for Veloped Trek…

    I suffer from Kennedys Disease and my Veloped Trek has been invaluable to me. I have used it daily for the past 9 months and it has opened up the countryside to me. The Trek is an exceptionally well designed machine that works effortlessly over rough…

  • Super article…

    We are absolutely satisfied.
    The rollator is really exclusive.
    You don't feel as if you are using a "walking aid". We are often asked how great it looks, not as "rickety" as all the others you get.
    And it is nice and light.
    We are happy to recom…

  • Works wonderfully…

    I am writing this review for my 95-year-old mother.
    The Walker has significantly increased her mobility. Previously, she had considerable problems with the old cobblestones and unpaved paths in Lübeck. Now with her Walker, she can visit us again. T…

  • Perfect for gravel roads…

    Purchased this for my 88 year old mother. It works perfectly in our rural area. She can now navigate gravel roads with the large tires (the small plastic wheels on her old walker kept getting stuck). It looks good too! She enjoys the positive comm…

  • Genial…

    I am completely satisfied with my Veloped. From the first day it felt familiar and increased my ability to move.

    I couldn't help but test the Veloped in the most difficult terrain conditions. A very steep narrow forest path with deeply washed-out…

  • Finally, a walker that is not unstable…

    Finally, a walker that is not unstable, that does not create problems on the ruined sidewalk of the city, and that moves safely even on forest paths. My wife changed her skepticism into amazement, then into joy and pleasure to move. The opinion of ou…

  • Great Shutterbug Tool…

    Since turning 72, it was getting extremely difficult to attend air shows, races and take nature walks with my photo gear. I bought the Veloped so I could put a large camera bag in the front basket and have a place to sit when I got in position. It ha…

  • Mrs T…

    Meets my needs for support when walking. Very pleased with it. Especially useful over gravel surfaces…

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