Who says you can’t fit an exercise bike in your small home? Here are the best folding exercise bike options to choose from. It’s easy enough to understand the benefits of using an exercise bike at home. They’re a great way to burn calories and tone muscle without putting excessive stress on the knees and feet. They’re also great for cardio. You won’t have to worry about getting in a road accident. But if you’re worried about fitting in an exercise bike at home, you can stop worrying now. With the best folding exercise bike, you can make sure that you have the storage space needed for your machine. Here are some of your best options:
6 Top Folding Exercise Bikes Reviews 2022
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike with Adjustable Resistance for Cardio Workout & Strength Training (Editor’s Choice)
Many consider this a truly excellent exercise bike, and the folding advantage just makes it a lot better. It’s not as flimsy as other folding bikes at all, and it offers many features you’d also see in full-sized non-folding bikes. That’s to be expected from the Marcy brand, which was founded by a weightlifter who then founded gyms and this company to make sure that everyone can have access to high-quality exercise equipment. It’s been in the business for 50 years, and it’s not hard to see why the brand endures.
Features and Specs:
- It’s available in a variety of colors (so you don’t have to store it out of sight because it’s ugly).
- It has 8 preset levels of magnetic resistance, letting you simulate various workout scenarios.
- When folded out, it measures 32L x 18W x 42H inches.
- When folded for storage, it measures 32L x 18W x 42H inches.
- Made with durable 14-gauge steel that can support a user weight of up to 250 pounds.
- It has a computer monitor that lets you track speed, distance, time, and calories burned.
- The seat and the pedals are adjustable
You will need to assemble this yourself. The good news is that it’s surprisingly easy, and you can get some assistance from Marcy if it isn’t easy for you. Once you assemble it, it’s easy enough to use with 2 AAA batteries needed for the monitor. Then you can easily move it to your closet or just a corner in the room, since it only weighs 37 pounds.
- Can handle bigger guys up to 250 pounds
- It isn’t all that heavy either
- You can adjust the pedal and seat for comfort
- It lets you “bike” different scenarios, like going uphill
- It’s very quiet so you don’t bother people in other rooms
- You can help track of distance and time, and then you can set daily goals
- Very easy to assemble
- When folded in, it can fit in a closet
- It even looks nice
- It can’t handle super heavyweights
- Batteries not included
Exerpeutic ExerWork 1000 Fully Adjustable Desk Folding Exercise Bike with Pulse
Sometimes the problem with working out even at home is that you have too much work to do with your laptop. You simply don’t have the time. But that’s no longer a viable excuse with this Exerpeutic Exerwork 1000 Desk Station Folding Bike because it comes with a desktop that functions as a work platform. In fact, this is probably the best way for you to work. It’s not really healthy to just sit on a chair for 10 hours a day without doing some type of exercise. Now, this lets you work while you work out and burn calories.
Features and Specs:
- Measures 45.3″ L x 25″ W x 51.3″ H, with a weight of 64.7 pounds
- Can handle up to 300 pounds
- The desktop and the bike seat can be adjusted so it works as a standing desk
- The LCD monitor displays distance, calories burned, time, speed, odometer, scan and heart rate
- 8 levels of magnetic tension resistance
- Precision-balanced flywheel and V-belt drive provide smooth and quiet operation
- The work desk is fully adjustable and comes with 16″ by 25″ area, 2 cup holders, soft foam armrest, and 44-pound maximum weight limit
- It has a cushioned backrest with foam that’s 1.3″ thick
- The seat is oversized (11″ by 15″) and lets air breathe through the fabric
- Has adjustable leg stabilizers
- Pedals are large and come with safety straps
- When folded, the footprint is only 21.3″ L x 25.5″ W
- It also has transport wheels to move it easily from one spot to another
Yes, you can certainly work out with this. But this allows you to work out in comfort, so much so that you can even work while simply pedaling as hard as you can. Multitasking these days isn’t really fashionable anymore, but you don’t have to think about pedaling. This lets you focus on your work.
- Doesn’t require too much space, whether folded or laid out
- Has transportation wheels
- Very comfy to sit on
- Allows you to work while working out (and even drinking coffee)
- Quiet
- Monitors lots of factors, including heartbeat
- Can handle heavier folks
- 3-year warranty (warranties are usually only for a year)
- Somewhat heavy
- Batteries not included
Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike
Yep, it’s another Exerpeutic. This time there’s no work desk to distract you and add to the weight. Instead, there’s just a small functional LCD display located at the seat level showing various bits of data. The handle is on the side of the seat, so you have free space in front of you. Basically, this is meant for people who just exercise while watching their favorite TV shows or exercise videos.
Features and Specs:
- When setting up, measures 48.5″ L x 24″ W x 46″H with a weight of 54.7 pounds
- When folded, measures 27″ L x 18″ w x 48″ H
- Can handle people with height up to 6′ 5″ and weight of 400 pounds
- LCD computer display indicates distance, calories burned, time, speed, pulse, odometer and scan, and all batteries included (2 AA)
- Has a large height-adjustable seat with backrest
- 8 levels of magnetic tension
- Transportation wheels
That 400-pound weight limit is great because usually you only find that kind of capacity for non-folding exercise bikes. With the stabilizers here, you won’t have to worry about wobbling either.
- It’s great if you want to concentrate in what you’re watching on your TV
- It’s very comfy
- You still get a challenging workout with this
- Can handle heavier people
- Comes with LCD display and also with the batteries you need
- Large pedals with safety straps
- Extended leg stabilizer
- If your weight is approaching 400 pounds, the seat won’t feel comfy at all
- Takes time to assemble
Xspec Foldable Stationary Upright Exercise Bike Cardio Workout Indoor Cycling
If you’re not very big or heavy, then it doesn’t make much sense to get a bigger and more expensive machine. This means you should just pick this one instead, as it is meant for height range of 4′ 10″ to 5′ 9″. Its weight capacity is also only for 220 pounds.
Features and Specs:
- When in use, it is very compact at 27″ x 17″ x 44″
- When folded, this becomes 16″ x 14″ x 53″
- The handlebars are in front by the side of the LCD display, and they’re soft and ergonomic
- Has 8 levels of magnetic tension
- Large pedals with secure straps
- Weighs just 32 pounds
- Very compact and lightweight
- Quiet
- Easy to use
- Has heart rate data with LCD display among other info
- Easy to assemble
- Very steady
- Not for big or heavyset folks
FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage Bar
This still comes in the 2.0 version, but you should just go with the newer FitDesk 3.0 Desk Exercise Bike with Massage Bar instead. Again you have the work desk you lets you work and work out. But this time you also have massage rollers to soothe tired muscles.
Features and Specs:
- Work desk, with tablet holder and storage tray
- Massage rollers in the armrest
- Performance meter
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Folds with 16 x 28-inch footprint
- Adjustable seat and backrest
- You can work while working out
- Compact
- Comfy to use
- Very stable
- Easy to fold and roll
- Not everyone finds the seat comfy
- Some wish the backrest can be set back further
Innova XBR450 Folding Upright Bike with Backrest and iPad/Android Tablet Holder
Tablets are great with exercise bikes, as you can watch exercise videos on YouTube or just watch videos to amuse yourself. This comes with a holder for various tablets so you don’t need to find makeshift solutions to hold your tablet.
Features and Specs:
- Built-in Hand Pulse LCD Monitor displays time, distance, speed, calories and pulse
- Weight limit of 250 pounds
- The seat can be adjusted vertically and horizontally
- 8 levels of resistance
- Fairly easy to use
- Can handle taller people
- Works quietly
- Easy to assemble
- Not really meant for smaller people barely over 5 feet
- Uncomfortable seat for some
How Much Space Will A Folding Bike Take Up?
In general, it takes a lot less space than a non-folding exercise bike will require. However, the precise space savings will depend on the folding bike model you get.
When the folding exercise bike is actually folded up, it doesn’t take a lot of space at all. In fact, the most compact of these bikes can take up so little space that you can fit them in the closet, or even under a bed.
When you fold the exercise bike and store them away, you also free up a lot of space in your living room or home gym. Generally, non-folding exercise bikes stay put, so you need space that’s dedicated for that bike. That kind of space is hard to find in a small apartment or condo.
Even when you fold out the folding exercise bike, you’ll also find that it takes out less space than its non-folding counterparts. With the folding bikes, compactness and portability is the name of the game. It means these bikes tend to be more lightweight, with lots of rollers and other features to make them easier to transport from the exercise spot to the storage area.
It also means you can bring it with you as well when you go on vacation. It won’t take up as much space if you have an SUV or a hatchback.
If you’re concerned about space, you can check out the manufacturer’s specs on their dimensions. They’re generally listed for both folded and non-folded configurations.
FAQs
What are the benefits of folding exercise bikes that the non-folding bikes don’t offer?
- They take up less space when used.
- They can be easily stored inside a large closet.
- They’re more portable.
- You can free up space in your home when you’re not using the exercise bike.
- On average, they’re more affordable than non-folding exercise bikes.
What drawbacks are there to folding exercise bikes?
- Because they’re compact and lightweight, they’re not able to support the weight that non-folding bikes can.
- You also have to fold and unfold it every time you use it.
- Also, studies show that people are more apt to exercise more regularly when the exercise bike is visible all the time. It’s easier to forget to work out when the exercise folded in storage. Out of sight, out of mind.
How do I know that a folding exercise bike is better for me?
- You don’t have space in your home to keep an exercise bike laid out all the time.
- You don’t want to spend too much on an exercise bike.
- You wish to lay out the exercise bike in different parts of the house.
- You want to bring your exercise bike to a vacation home.
- You’re not too big.
Conclusion
Exercising indoors with an exercise bike offers numerous benefits for cardio, weight loss, and muscle toning. You don’t even have to worry about road accidents, while you can always watch the TV while you work out. Now not having enough space isn’t a good excuse either, because the best folding exercise bike can just be stored out of the way when not in use. So yourself a favor and get one, even if you live in a cramped apartment!
