What are Velopeds?
Created for active people, Velopeds offer state-of-the-art walking assistance for users who refuse to slow down just because they require a walker or rollator for secure ambulation. Innovatively designed, Velopeds are a Swedish invention developed at the Royal Technical Institute located in Stockholm. Encompassing decades of bicycle design, racing and coaching, the Veloped’s unique features definitively raise the standard for the rollator industry.
Available in a variety of configurations, Velopeds are especially easy to maneuver on a wide range of outdoor surfaces. Unlike their usual rollator counterparts, Velopeds offer a smooth walk over grass, gravel, cobblestones, snow, sand and off-road trails, while they also highlight the ability to climb over curbs, rocks, roots and other obstacles with ease.
Named for a velocipede, a manually-powered vehicle for land usage that has one or more wheels (such as a bicycle), the modern Veloped design was also influenced by rollator mechanics. Similar to walkers, rollators are devices that users hold and steady themselves with for walking assistance. While walkers may have two wheels, rollators highlight three or four wheels along with brakes and a resting seat.
While rollators often provide users an upgraded experience over using walkers, the basic design remained the same from the early 1970s to the early 2000s. In 2004, Swedish engineers Johan Kuikka and Stefan Kindberg found themselves wondering why no serious innovations had taken place with basic rollator design and decided to do something about how uncomfortable and unsteady these devices could be when used outdoors and/or on rough terrain.
Their brilliant efforts resulted in a combination of the best that the original velocipede and original rollator had to offer as far as quicker mobility and walking support, but added in modern technology and construction with innovative suspension and a unique climbing wheel to invent a wonderfully comfortable new ambulation device for those who require outdoor walking assistance.
What are the Veloped’s Unique Features?
Velopeds offer several features that have revolutionized the rollator industry, and make them the best choice for any outdoor walking aid. Whether utilization will be in the city or in the country, the Veloped can handle any type of terrain with great ease and comfort because of its unique design. Highlights include the patent-pending Trionic Climbing Wheel and specialized wheel technology that offers obstacle climbing, heightened suspension and dual-mode handling control along with air-pressured tires and a 3-wheel design.
Trionic Climbing Wheel Feature
Greatly increasing the ability to roll over various kinds of outdoor obstacles, the Trionic Climbing Wheel spreads the load over two wheels, dividing the climbing motion into two steps by slightly displacing the load lengthwise. Utilizing the pushing force provided by the user, the angled and pivoting link arm combined with the spread load gives the Veloped the capacity to climb obstacles like curbs or rocks that are as high as 5.11 inches.
Suspension is also provided by the link arm as it constantly pivots and suspends the ride on uneven ground surfaces.
Because of its dual adjustability, the Trionic Climbing Wheel can be changed from city-mode to all-terrain mode. City-mode offers easier turning and maneuverability in tighter areas, while all-terrain mode offers smoother suspension, increased directional stability and climbing capabilities for hiking, golfing or working out.
3-Wheel Feature
The retention of constant ground contact is made further possible through the Veloped’s 3-wheel design. Unlike other rollators that often provide a shaky experience on uneven surfaces with slipping, rising and spinning wheels, the Veloped’s wheels stay in permanent contact with the surface, making walking on cobblestones, dirt, gravel, grass, sand and snow a much more comfortable experience.
Hub Brake Feature
Especially designed to protect them from water or gravel contact, the Veloped features hub brakes that work the rear wheels, eliminating wear and tear on the tires. Along with the motion brake, Velopeds also offer parking capabilities with lockable brakes that allow the user to sit and rest whenever required.
Folding/Transport Feature
Velopeds are able to fit through narrow doorways and other small areas with their convenient telescopic folding stay. Just push a button to fold the Veloped through a tight space. Another button on the telescopic stay allows the Veloped to fold the frame down completely, making portability and travel a simple process. Additionally, the wheels of the Veloped can be detached by utilizing the quick release axles.
Types of Velopeds and Who Uses Them
While many more people today may find themselves in need of a walking aid, there’s no reason for many of these active people to slow down or disengage from activities that they enjoy. Velopeds are increasingly popular among all age groups as a stylish way to more efficiently get around and participate in daily living.
Whether you want to walk your dog, play some golf, explore the unbeaten path or do some shopping, there is a Veloped model perfect for your unique needs and requirements. Velopeds are often used to stay in shape as well, providing wonderful stability and support for the active walker, hiker and exercise, hunting or sports enthusiast. They are often used by individuals who want to reap the innumerable health benefits that walking provides, including those with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other physically disabling conditions that respond favorably to movement and exercise.
The Veloped is available in four different types from Rehabmart:
1) The Veloped Sport is especially designed for fitness and walking for exercise. With its ergonomic format, this Veloped faithfully supports you in every way, reducing the usual stress and impact on the back, hips, knees and ankles.
2) The Veloped Tour is a more laid back Veloped, providing comfort and practicality for a wide range of easygoing activities like shopping, sightseeing and leisurely strolls.
3) The Veloped Trek is the type to choose for the active hiker. With its versatile backpack and seat bag, explore off-road trails and experience your next adventure with this perfect companion for traveling, camping and hiking. The Veloped Trek is also perfect for use by hunters.
4) The Veloped Golf lets the active golfer walk the course instead of using an electric golf cart. This one-of-a-kind golf pushcart carries your clubs and other golfing accessories with ease while it smoothly rolls over rough terrain and grass.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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