As you get older or work at home, you may need a way to exercise and burn some calories. Some people have physical limitations or need to work, so having a pedal exerciser allows them to sit and exercise. Pedal exercisers have some nice features and conveniences, such as different straps or handles, so you may wonder which one will fit your workout style the best.
We created a top 10 list of our favorite pedal exercisers to help you find a solid option. We enjoyed the DeskCycle pedal exerciser due to its shorter height, 500-pound weight limit, and accessibility for those with health issues. Feel free to read through our top 10 list along with the buying guide to find a pedal exerciser that will help you work out!
Quick List - Top Pedal Exercisers
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Finding the right pedal exerciser can pose some difficulties, but this buying guide will help you find a good one! From dimensions to convenient features, you have lots of choices to consider.
These machines come in different shapes and sizes. So, you need to figure out which one works best for you.
The ideal size of a pedal exerciser depends on the length of your legs and if you plan to use it under a desk.
For example, you will want one around seven inches tall if you have longer legs, but you can get by with an 11-inch option if you have shorter legs. If you have a 40-inch desk, someone with shorter legs could use an 11-inch machine under it, but a taller person would hit their knees against the top of the desk.
This is because taller machines will lift up your legs more, making taller people bring their knees up higher. Keep in mind that taller machines are usually for people over six feet, while shorter machines are for those around five feet.
Pedal exercisers vary in weight, with some as light as five pounds, while others weigh over 20 pounds. Lightweight ones allow you to easily move the exerciser as needed, but they might slip or move when you use them. You may prefer this option if you don't want to move your exerciser.
Heavier pedal exercisers are more difficult to transport. However, you may want a heavier one if you plan to leave your exercise machine in one spot or if you want more stability when you use it.
Since you most likely will use a pedal exerciser to work out, you may want to track your exercise information. Luckily, some machines have LCD screens that share this information.
Most pedal exercisers include an LCD display screen that shares information at a glance, such as your distance and speed. This gives you a general idea of how many calories you burned. For example, pedalling at 13 to 15 miles per hour will burn 500 to 600 calories in an hour.
Some will include other useful information, such as the amount of time you cycled, the calories you burned, and the number of times you pedaled. None of them are more important than the others, but you may have a preference. You can check the product description to see what the LCD screens display.
Pedal exercisers will include resistance settings to help you increase the intensity of your exercise. You will come across machines that use adjustable knobs and increment knobs.
Adjustable knobs are nice since you can set them in between the levels, but you may struggle with getting the exact setting. Increment knobs give you exactly what you want, but you can't make the resistance level between any increments.
It's always nice to have some conveniences to make the pedal exerciser easier to use. Consider carrying handles, straps, and foldable machines to help you find something you can easily use or move around your home!
Carrying handles are attached to the top or sides of pedal exercisers. They are convenient since you have a way to grip the machine without wrapping your arms around it. This also helps you transport it quickly since you just need to grab the handle before moving it.
However, it will make the pedal exerciser bulkier since the dimensions will include the handle. You may want an exerciser with a handle if you plan to move it frequently.
Both Velcro and rubber straps are common for pedal exercisers. Velcro straps are useful since you can tug the strap until it is snug around your foot. They are also quick and easy to put on and remove as needed. On the other hand, they could come loose during an intense workout.
Rubber straps are nice since you can set them to one of the preset increments, letting you slip your feet in and out as needed. They are more durable, so they will be less likely to break. Keep in mind they won't fit perfectly around your foot, however, since they have preset increments.
Some machines fold them in half to make their dimensions smaller. Foldable machines are convenient since they don’t take up as much storage space, making them ideal for storing in closets or other small spaces. They are also easier to transport and move around when folded.
However, the folding mechanism could break, or the exerciser could get stuck in the folded position. To see if the folding mechanism holds up over time, check out the customer reviews.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser | ![]() | Tons of Resistance Settings With Good Weight Support | |
2 | Yosuda Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser | ![]() | A Quieter Option for Busy Pedalers | |
3 | MagneTrainer ER Mini Exercise Bike | ![]() | Easy Resistance Adjustment | |
4 | Sunny Health & Fitness Desk Elliptical Mini Bike | ![]() | A Shorter Option to Go Under Your Desk | |
5 | Tabeke Pedal Exerciser Under Desk Bike | ![]() | A Foldable Option That Includes a Security Strap | |
6 | Simpfit Portable Stationary Pedal Exerciser for Senior | ![]() | A Lightweight Option With Tons of Workout Information | |
7 | Cozylifeunion Pedal Exerciser | ![]() | A Fixing Strap and Foot Strap Settings | |
8 | Hausse Portable Exercise Pedal Bike | ![]() | A Solid Option for Light Exercise | |
9 | Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser | ![]() | A Lightweight Option for an Easier Pedaling Experience | |
10 | MaxKare Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser | ![]() | Resistance Bands With a Pedal Exerciser |
The DeskCycle includes eight different resistance settings that you can control with a simple turning knob. It can support about 500 pounds, making it a great option for lots of people. Due to its shorter height, it will work well for shorter desks or people with longer legs.
A few reviewers felt the machine was too noisy, stating it made a noise every rotation. Others noted that the display isn't always accurate. However, many reviewers with health issues said it offers good exercise, saying it's well-made and easy to use. They also liked that it isn't difficult to assemble and feels sturdy.
The machine has a quieter design, allowing you to do other things without the machine causing a distraction. It has a handle on the top, making it more straightforward when moving it to other locations. It even has eight resistance levels and four anti-slide pads so that it doesn't move around.
Some reviewers brought up issues with the left pedal, saying it wouldn't thread on correctly. Luckily, most reviewers found it easy to move around and use. They also said that it's fairly quiet, sturdy, and operates smoothly.
This pedal exerciser has two 15-inch legs for better stability. It includes adjustable Velcro straps, making it easy to tighten the straps around your feet. The shape of the handles also lets you use them for arm workouts!
A couple of reviewers had issues using the machine on high resistances, saying it moves around. On the bright side, many reviewers found this machine useful for both arm and leg exercises. They also liked that they can make precise resistance adjustments.
This one is only about 10 inches tall, so you could use it under desks depending on the length of your legs. It has a magnetic knob to adjust the tension based on your needs. It even includes a handgrip on top, making it easier to move the machine as needed. Plus, you can use it for arm workouts.
A couple of reviewers had issues putting the machine together, stating they couldn't get it to work. Despite that point, lots of users liked that it operates quietly and is easy to move around. They also noticed it easily fits under desks.
This pedal exerciser has a resistance knob and a red button that changes the display information on the LCD. As an added bonus, it comes with a strap you can attach to a chair to keep the exerciser in place. Plus, it's foldable for easier storage.
Some reviewers reported problems with the LCD display not counting information and the machine getting hot with use. On the bright side, most reviewers found it easy to set up and use. They also noticed they could store it in many places since it doesn't take up much space.
This one comes fully assembled, which isn't common for pedal exercisers! It lets you swap between five pieces of workout information by pressing the red button. On top of that, you can fold the exerciser, giving you more storage space.
A few reviewers said it isn't stable and slides around. Luckily, lots of reviewers felt this device worked well as a way to exercise after they had knee surgery. They also noted that it's lightweight and easy to transport.
The pedal exerciser has four different settings for its foot straps, allowing you to choose which one works for you. It also comes with a fixing strap to prevent the machine from moving if you attach it to a chair. You can also easily fold the machine by using the ring on one of the legs.
A few reviewers had issues with the machine sliding around or moving, even when they used the fixing strap. Despite that point, most reviewers said it's easy to set up and put away. They also noted that it works extremely well for people who want to exercise their arms.
This exerciser has an adjustment knob on the front for tension and an LCD display that shares five types of workout information. It even has adjustable foot straps with four settings. Plus, there's a large handle for easy carrying.
A few reviewers noticed the machine tends to slip around when they use it on the floor. Despite that point, many said it works well for people who need physical therapy or those with physical limitations. They also found it easy to use and assemble, making it a good option for beginners.
This pedal exerciser is designed to quickly fold down whenever you need to store it somewhere. The twisting knob at the top allows you to adjust the resistance to the exact setting you want. As a bonus, the product is fully assembled so that you can use it right away.
A few reviewers felt the knob didn't increase the resistance by much, preventing them from getting a workout. However, lots of reviewers liked that this exerciser is lightweight and comes fully assembled. They also noted that it works well for people getting into exercise or working on physical therapy.
This option includes resistance ropes, allowing you to exercise your arms as you pedal. There are 16 different resistance options to choose between. It also has a handle so that you can easily carry it to different parts of your home.
A couple of reviewers had problems with the machine slipping when they pedalled. However, many reviewers noticed this exerciser doesn't make that much noise when used, making it good for use during work. They also enjoyed that the resistance bands and levels let them adjust their workout intensity.
Pedal exercisers give you lots of opportunities to work out your legs, but what about the rest of your body? Check out these lists to find more products that will let you exercise in your own home!
No. 1: DeskCycle|Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
No. 2: Yosuda|Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
No. 3: MagneTrainer|ER Mini Exercise Bike
No. 4: Sunny Health & Fitness|Desk Elliptical Mini Bike
No. 5: Tabeke|Pedal Exerciser Under Desk Bike
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