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With a dizzying array of options available, it can be tough to sniff out the best exercise bike for seniors. Luckily, the team at Garage Gym Reviews has done the heavy lifting for you so you can ride with confidence in your home gym.
Whether you’re looking for a recumbent, upright, or folding exercise bike, we have you covered with our five favorite picks. We’ve analyzed everything from the comfort level of the seat to the user experience (and everything in between). It was important to us to find bikes that have the features seniors may want––comfortable seats, easy to get on and off, and uncomplicated displays.
Dozens of Exercise Bikes Tested
Our expert product testers have researched and had our hands on tons of the best exercise bikes on the market. This isn’t just our day job––the team at Garage Gym Reviews is obsessed with fitness and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise. We’re certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit L1 coaches, and we know good equipment when we test it
5 Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors
- Best Overall Exercise Bike for Seniors: Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
- Best Folding Exercise Bike for Seniors: LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
- Best Budget Exercise Bike for Seniors: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Exercise Bike for Seniors with Back Problems: Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike
Best Overall Exercise Bike for Seniors: Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
Good for: Older adults who need a comfortable bike with an easy-to-read display
Best Overall
Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
Product Highlights
- Foldable recumbent bike
- Small footprint
- 300-lb weight capacity
- Wide seat with backrest
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low-impact for joints
- Wide seat
- Adjustable backrest
- Sturdy and stable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Assembly can be tough
- Not a traditional walk-through design
- Longer than other folding bikes due to recumbent position
- No water bottle holder
- No device holder
Bottom Line
This recumbent bike is surprisingly sturdy, lightweight, and folding exercise bike. It does not require a power outlet and can be used at an adjustable height workstation desk.
The Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike is my overall pick for best exercise bike for seniors. This under-$200 bike has a 300-pound user weight capacity, which lines up with the industry standard. Plus, even though the Exerpeutic 400XL is a recumbent bike, it can also be folded for easy storage. How convenient!
I like that the LCD monitor is uncomplicated and shows the basic metrics you actually want to see. Plus, you can even fold the small screen down in order to use this machine while at a desk or watching television.
This bike provides a simple way for seniors to get moving on a sturdy cardio machine. I was impressed by the lack of shaking from the 400XL, even when the bike was placed on carpet.
I do wish the warranty was longer, as a year doesn’t really stack up to the industry standard. I feel like the machine will last a lot longer than a year based on how sturdy it feels, but you’ll be out of luck if something does go wrong after that year mark. You can get more of our thoughts from our in-depth Exerpeutic 400XL Recumbent Bike review.
| Footprint | 20” L x 17” W x 54” H |
| Weight | 39 lbs |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Professional assembly available | Yes; $59.99 |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Good for: Seniors who want a comfortable recumbent bike with various resistance levels
Best Recumbent
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Product Highlights
- Recumbent bike comes with 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Highly adjustable, contoured and ventilated seat
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Costs $500
- Made with lots of plastic
- Display isn't great
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ventilated seat to keep you cool during long workouts
- Easily adjustable for people of all heights
- Lightweight, at only 80 pounds
- A great value in the $500 price range (with free shipping)
Cons
- Sells out frequently (you may be able to find it on Amazon)
- Made with a lot of plastic
- The console is not backlit
Bottom Line
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike offers a great value with 16 levels of magnetic resistance and plenty of built-in features. And all at $500.
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is probably the best recumbent exercise bike on the market. It’s under $600, has an excellent warranty, and a breathable seat. What more could you ask for in a piece of exercise equipment?
With 13 built-in workout programs, beginners will have little issue getting started on a ride. Plus, the 230 has 16 different resistance levels, so you can continue to challenge yourself as your fitness level improves over time.
Anthony O’Reilly, CPT and GGR performance editor, has also tested the Schwinn 230 and says, “One thing I really like about the Schwinn 230 is that it’s highly adjustable, allowing any rider to find a position that’s comfortable for them. I’m 6 feet, 3 inches and I didn’t feel scrunched using it like I do with some recumbent bikes.”
“It has the high-quality resistance you’d expect from Schwinn, great programming, and a ventilated seat to keep you cool no matter how intense your ride is,” Anthony adds.
Unfortunately, the 230 has a large footprint and isn’t foldable, so it isn’t suitable for seniors in small spaces. It is also worth noting that even though the bike has an excellent warranty, it is made with lots of plastic. Plastic is likely to wear out much quicker than steel or iron components. I did not personally experience any durability issues with the bike, but it is worth keeping in mind.
Check out our full Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike review.
| Footprint | 64” L x 27” W x 44.5” H |
| Weight | 80 lbs |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor |
| Professional assembly available | Yes; $129 |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
Best Folding Exercise Bike for Seniors: LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
Good for: Seniors who are tight on space and want to fold their bike after their home workout
Best Folding
LEIKE X Bike
Product Highlights
- Easily foldable
- Recumbent option
- Comfortable seat
- Media holder
- Basic LCD screen
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Super easy to fold, can fit behind a couch with ease
- Upright and recumbent options
- Comfortable enough to use for an hour plus
Cons
- Slightly shaky if you pedal really hard
- Have had to retighten screws occasionally (every few months)
- Minimal tech and convenience features
Bottom Line
A quiet and budget-friendly folding exercise bike that's perfect for apartment owners.
Garage Gym Reviews writer Anthony O’Reilly was given the LEIKE X Bike during quarantine by a friend, and it has been his trusty sidekick ever since. Anthony previously lived in a micro apartment in New York City, so he knows a thing or two about needing to save space wherever he can. This bike is foldable for easy storage, plus it’s under $200 on Amazon. Win-win.
RELATED: Budget Home Gym on Amazon
Anthony particularly likes that the LEIKE X Bike can be both an upright or recumbent bike, depending on what you prefer. Seniors will enjoy the cushioned seat back, which is similar to what you’d find on a recumbent bike. However, it can also be adjusted to be more over the handlebars, like a traditional upright bike.
I like that there are a variety of components on the LEIKE X Bike that can be adjusted to accommodate various needs. The seat itself has seven different available adjustments, the foot straps can be loosened or tightened, and there are 10 resistance levels, which can be changed with the flick of a dial.
However, there are a few downsides. The LEIKE X Bike has a weight capacity of 220 pounds, which is well below the industry standard of 300. Plus, Anthony reported that the bike will shake slightly at the highest resistance level, which is something to be aware of, but not the end of the world.
| Footprint | 26” L x 16” W x 47” H |
| Weight | 38.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 1-year |
| Professional assembly available | Yes; $89 |
| Weight capacity | 220 lbs |
Best Budget Exercise Bike for Seniors: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Good for: Those who want a sturdy bike at a cheap price
Best Budget
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Product Highlights
- Under $300
- 300-lb weight capacity
- Comfortable seat
- Dual handlebars
- Highly adjustable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 300-lb weight capacity
- Transport wheels
- Dual handlebars
- Cushioned seat
- Under $300
- Adjustable components
Cons
- Batteries needed for display not included
- Lacks a bottle holder
- Short warranty
Bottom Line
This under $300 recumbent exercise bike may be a good choice for seniors, beginners, and anyone looking for a simple cardio machine.
With the cost of pretty much everything going up (thanks, inflation) it is more important than ever to feel like you’re getting a great deal on the things you purchase. Fitness equipment is no exception, which is why I recommend the Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike as the best budget exercise bike for seniors.
This recumbent bike is around $250, which is a great deal for a piece of cardio equipment. According to reviews, the Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike has an intuitive LCD display with large, colorful buttons. This makes it an ideal choice for seniors with eyesight issues, since all the options are easy to see.
The Marcy Bike also features a wide, comfortable seat that is adjustable to accommodate a variety of heights. Customers mentioned this machine was easy to assemble (it appeared it took people about an hour) and move around. Although this recumbent bike weighs just over 70 pounds, the handy transport wheels make it reasonable to move for one able-bodied person.
I don’t have too many complaints about this bike, especially for the price. However, I wish Marcy had included a cup holder for water and the needed AA batteries for the display. In the grand scheme of things, these are minor issues that don’t take away from the excellence of this budget bike.
| Footprint | 56” L x 25” W x 44” H |
| Weight | 71 lbs |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
| Professional assembly available | Yes; $59.99 |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
Best Exercise Bike for Seniors with Back Problems: Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike
Good for: Those who need lumbar support on their recumbent stationary bike
Best for Back Problems
Sunny Health And Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike
Product Highlights
- Just under $300
- Easily adjust the seat, foot pedals, and resistance levels
- Easy to mount and dismount
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Under $300
- User weight capacity of 300 lbs
- Adjustable seat
- 8 levels of resistance
- Pulse sensors
- Transport wheels
Cons
- Second set of handlebars are short
- Lacks a bottle holder
- No device holder
Bottom Line
For under $300, the Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent option for beginners on a budget.
For seniors with back issues, exercise can seem like a real challenge. It might be easy to simply throw up your hands and avoid it altogether, but studies show1 that getting regular exercise is crucial to your health, especially as you age. The Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent option for those who need to get or stay active but want a little extra support.
This recumbent exercise bike features a generously-sized seat with stellar back support and cushioning. Plus, according to reviews, it is easy to mount and dismount since the pedals of the bike aren’t in your way when you sit. I also like the pulse grips on either side of the seat, as they appear convenient for holding onto when pedaling. I do wish the front handlebars were a bit longer, but most people won’t use those much anyway.
Although the digital monitor is simple, it displays all the metrics you’d want to view while exercising, like time elapsed, calories burned, pulse, and distance traveled. You’ll be able to switch between the stats by pressing the large ‘mode’ button on the display.
For the price, it should come as no surprise that the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike doesn’t have any extras. You won’t find a water bottle holder or device stand on this cardio machine. I understand that compromises have to be made in order to keep the cost low, but I do wish there was at least one water bottle holder.
| Footprint | 46” L x 24.5” W x 38” H |
| Weight | 58.7 lbs |
| Warranty | 3-year frame, 180 days other parts |
| Professional assembly available | Yes; $89 |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
Other Exercise Bike Options
Still not finding what you’re looking for? Check out our bike roundups to find something that suits your low-impact workout needs:
- The Best Budget Exercise Bikes
- The Best Air Bike
- The Best Folding Exercise Bike
- Best Peloton Alternatives
- Best Exercise Bikes
How We Picked and Tested
- Type of exercise bike: Is the bike recumbent, foldable, or upright?
- Price: How expensive is the bike? How does it compare to others in the same price range?
- Display: Is the display simple to read and see? Is it LCD, LED, or a touchscreen?
- Extras: Is there a water bottle or device holder? Does it have a cooling fan?
- Ease of use: Is the bike easy to use? Do the buttons make sense?
- Programming: Are there preset programs? Can interactive programming be purchased to use in tandem with the bike?
- Seat: Is the seat cushioned? Is there enough support?
- Adjustability: Are any of the components adjustable?
- Weight capacity: What is the max user weight, and how does this compare to the industry standard?
- Machine weight: How heavy is the machine? Can it be moved easily? Are there transport wheels?
- Durability: How heavy-duty is the bike?
- Footprint: How large is the bike? Can it be folded or stored easily? Will it fit in a compact space?
- Professional assembly: Is there an option for professional assembly? If not, how simple is the bike to assemble for one person? Would you need additional hands?
- Warranty: What is covered under warranty on this bike, and for how many years? How does this compare to the industry standard?
RELATED: How to Choose an Exercise Bike
Benefits of Exercise Bikes for Seniors
Need a little extra convincing that an exercise bike is the best cardio choice for you? Certified personal trainer and GGR writer/editor Amanda Capritto is here to tell you the benefits seniors could reap with frequent bike use.
RELATED: Stationary Bike Benefits
“Stationary bikes can help anyone reach their fitness goals, but they’re a particularly great investment for seniors,” Amanda explains. “Older adults often need to minimize joint impact due to arthritis or other medical conditions, and exercise bikes allow for physical activity of all intensities without the skeletal impact.”
RELATED: How Improving Your Mobility Can Help You Get Stronger
“Recumbent exercise bikes can even further reduce joint discomfort thanks to the reclined position that alleviates pressure from the hips, knees, and lower back. Also, higher-end exercise bikes with interactive programming can be great for seniors who are just starting or reigniting an exercise habit. Instructor-led workouts are engaging and can help keep you safe,” Amanda says.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Exercise Bikes for Seniors
Still not sure what to look for? Check out the five most important attributes your exercise bike should have if you’re a senior:
Ease of Use
You don’t want to get a cardio machine that has way too much going on. Complicated buttons and confusing features can make for a frustrating experience. I recommend making sure all the features are simple to use and more importantly, make sense to you.
Comfortable Seat
Getting a comfortable seat on your exercise machine should be a priority. Most recumbent bikes have a seat back and extra cushioning to make your ride more comfortable. However, if you get an upright bike with a hard seat, you can always purchase a cushioned seat cover to modify your machine.
Durable
The last thing you need is to purchase an exercise bike that breaks within a month. Choosing a bike with a sturdy frame, high weight capacity, and excellent warranty are the keys to a long-lasting cardio machine.
Simple to Get On and Off
For seniors with balance issues, choosing a bike that is easy to get on and off is crucial. Recumbent bikes are generally lower to the ground, and therefore, easier to mount and dismount. If you struggle with tasks like getting into your car or off the couch, a recumbent bike may be your best bet.
Easy-to-Read Display
Who the heck wants to squint at a screen they can’t read while trying to exercise? Certainly not me! Choosing an exercise bike with a display that is easy-to-read is a must for people with less-than-wonderful eyesight.
Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors FAQs
Is an upright or recumbent bike better for seniors?
This truly depends on the senior in question. If the prospective senior has back injuries, general instability, or core weakness, a recumbent bike is the best choice. The slightly reclined position of a recumbent bike coupled with a backrest will make this the best bet for most seniors.
However, I know other seniors who have excellent balance, are injury-free, and would prefer a more traditional stationary bike experience. In that case, an upright bike may suit their lifestyle best.
Is an exercise bike good for a 70-year-old?
Yes! An exercise bike is a great cardio workout for most seniors due to the low-impact nature of the machine. Regardless of your fitness level, a bike workout can be a high-quality way for you to get your sweat on.
RELATED: Best Low-Impact Exercises
What is the difference between an upright exercise bike and a recumbent bike?
A recumbent bike has a slightly reclined seat with a cushioned seat back, and your legs will be out in front of you. This type of bike is also generally longer than an upright bike and is typically easier to get on and off. An upright exercise bike is higher off the ground and features a traditional bike seat without a seat back. Your legs will be directly under you on an upright bike.
Want to learn more about the differences? Check out our Recumbent Bike Vs Upright Bike article.
Will using an indoor cycling bike give me a full-body workout?
Generally speaking, no. Although you’ll be engaging your core sitting on most stationary bikes, the main type of workout you’ll be getting is cardiovascular-based. However, you will be engaging your lower body, although this is not a substitute for regular strength training.
References
- Langhammer B, Bergland A, Rydwik E. The Importance of Physical Activity Exercise among Older People. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Dec 5;2018:7856823. doi: 10.1155/2018/7856823. PMID: 30627571; PMCID: PMC6304477.
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