May 23 2025
Ann-Marie got her life back through the Veloped
A lot of people who, due to their mobility issues, try to get around with the help of a conventional walker or rollator, have noticed how difficult it can be. A curb or even a threshold can be an insurmountable obstacle and a gravel path, lawn or sandy beach is hopeless. Getting out into nature can be more or less imposible. With this in mind, a special all-terrain walker, the Veloped, was invented and developed at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm. The Veloped has changed the lives of ma
-It really opens up the world again for our many users. "No matter how old you get, you always perceive yourself as young in your mind and then it feels extra unfair to be forced into a sedentary life. Older people of today are also used to an active and exciting lifestyle. I have received phone calls from overjoyed customers who have said that it is the first time in fifteen years that they have managed to get muscle soreness when they have finally been able to get out and about properly. But the Veloped is not just for the elderly, it is suitable for all ages", says Johan Kuikka, CEO of Trionic Sweden AB, which produces and sells the Veloped worldwide.
Ann-Marie and her Ninja
One of Trionic's users is Ann-Marie Stålgren, 57, a photographer and artist who has been dependent on a walker since the early 2000s due to a congenital mechanical defect in the spine.
- "I previously had a very active life where I played football at a high level and enjoyed being out in the woods and fields, but my condition worsened over the years and after several years of being bedridden I was given a walker from the municipality. But the wheels came to a complete stop at the slightest obstacle, such as gravel or uneven ground. In 2018 I found information about the Veloped flickering on the Internet and thankfully I received sponsorship from my friend Nina who said Order it and I will buy it". It changed everything! For me, who couldn't even go outside in the winter, it really opened up the world again", says Ann-Marie. Since 2016 her body has not allowed her to be in a sitting position, instead she was transported by stretcher and mobility service.
-"Many who have seen me arrive lying on a stretcher are completely perplexed when they see me walking on the forest path a moment later with my Ninja, that I call my Veloped", she says and laughs. Ann-Marie likes to be out in nature and take photographs, and has made several photo books.
-"I met the King and Queen Silvia and gave them a photo book, and the King was very impressed with my Ninja, which he called "this vehicle". Queen Silvia also dubbed my camera tripod, and I will never wash it!"
Don't be a hostage in your own home
Johan Kuikka at Trionic recognizes Ann-Marie's description from several other users who have also testified to the possibilities the Veloped has opened up for them.
-"The county council's walkers are all the rage, but large groups of users are stuck with them as they lack the arm strength or balance to handle anything other than completely flat surfaces and they become almost hostages in their own homes. The Veloped is designed specifically to promote an active life", says Johan.
The Veloped comes in many different models, specially designed for different activities, such as hunting, golf and trekking.
-"We have users who previously enjoyed hunting or playing golf who can now start doing it again. They have gotten their lives back, which makes us happy", says Johan in conclusion.