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    

  • Quality…

    Handy, with quality.…

  • 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…

  • Fantastic…

    I bought this as I have mobility issues and the rollator I currently have is totally unsuitable for uneven ground. I find it so much easier to use and have received many remarks about it.…

  • 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…

  • Rick Pope…

    I have both the 12” for inside and around the house and a 14” for outdoor travel. Love them both.…

  • Alison , Bristol…

    I have had my Veloped Sport since mid April of this year and it has been fantastic! The ordering and delivery service was easy and quick and, when it arrived, we were immediately impressed with the design, construction and way in which it comes apart…

  • Freedom with safety…

    My wife uses the Walker 12er. She has been severely disabled for years following a serious accident and was only able to participate to our walks with Nordic Walking poles as walking aids. In January 2023, after purchasing the Veloped 14er to allevia…

  • Great confidence builder…

    My husband had a stroke 3 years ago which affected everything - especailly mobility and speech. He has been dogged about exercise and getting out to walk in all weathers and in just 2 months the Veloped has made a huge difference to his confidence an…

  • Excellent front light…

    Lights up a good area in front to enable safe walking…

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