8 Best Exercise Bikes For Seniors in 2024

If you’re looking for the best exercise bike for seniors, this guide has you covered. The top list will cover choices for different budgets and fitness levels. Additionally, you’ll find out why experts in rehabilitation and fitness recommend the recumbent exercise bike for seniors over other cardio machines. Let’s get started with the list.

We’ve conducted meticulous testing of 17 different exercise bikes for seniors. Over 280 hours were invested in conducting detailed testing and rating each of the 17 bikes based on adjustability, durability, comfort, drive system, assembly, portability, and price/quality. After the results came in, our team of experts agreed upon these 8 best exercise bikes for seniors. We’ll continuously update this list as new products arrive.

Top 8 Best Exercise Bikes For Seniors Reviewed

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike – Top Pick
2. NordicTrack Commercial R35 Bike – Runner-Up
3. Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike – Budget Pick
4. KEPANE Exercise Foldable Stationary Bike – Best Folding
5. Schwinn Fitness Recumbent Bike 230 (MY20)
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Performance Interactive Recumbent Bike – With Moveable Handles
7. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults & Seniors
8. NISDOKR Pedal Exerciser Bike – For 70+

Product	Total	Adjustability	Durability	Comfort	Drive System	Assembly	Portability	Price/ Quality
Sunny Health Evo-Fit	68	9	10	10	10	10	9	10
NordicTrack	67.5	9.5	10	10	10	10	9	9
MARCY	67	10	10	10	9	9	9	10
KEPANE	66	10	9	9	9	9	10	10
Schwinn Fitness	65	9	9	10	9	9	9	10
Sunny Health Performance	64	9	9	10	10	8	9	9
JEEKEE	63	8.5	9	9	9	9	9	9.5
NISDOKR	62.5	8	8.5	8.5	8.5	9	10	10

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike – Top Pick

Sunny Health & Fitness Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike. This is a feature-rich, quality-built home exercise bike that won’t break the bank.

• Dimensions: 62.6 L x 25 W x 49.2 H inches
• Adjustable height: 18.31 — 21.06 inches
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
• Product Weight: 100 lbs
• Assembly: Yes, tools and instructions included
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise
• Special Feature: Bluetooth, USB charge port, Built-In speakers, integrated fan
• Warranty: 3-year frame, 180 days for parts and components
• Package: Bike, user manual, instruction tools

The bike is equipped with an electromagnetic front-driven flywheel with 24 adjustable levels, offering a high workout variety. Furthermore, it comes with 36 pre-set programs to choose from that automatically adjust the exercise. The intuitive digital monitor displays all essential workout metrics such as speed, distance, time, calories, temperature, watt, pulse, and even BMI, making it easy to track your progress.

The durable alloy steel frame supports an impressive maximum user weight of 300 pounds, which is well above average for exercise bikes. Rubber stabilizing feet provide a balanced ride on any surface without damaging the floor. When not in use, the bike can easily be tilted on its front wheels and moved to store away.

The padded seat and backrest are wide, with handrails on the side for efficient balancing. Furthermore, the distance from the pedals, as well as the tilt angle of the seat, can be adjusted to fit your shape.

The console features two device holders for convenient placement of your devices during workouts, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port for multimedia entertainment and device charging. The integrated cooling fan keeps you cool and comfortable throughout your exercise session, while the built-in speakers can play back the sound coming from your connected device.

2. NordicTrack Commercial R35 Bike - Runner-Up

Our runner-up best stationary bike for seniors spot goes to NordicTrack, specifically the R35 commercial bike. This is a more advanced machine for tech-savvy individuals looking for a high-end exercise experience.

• Dimensions: 68.22 L x 23.69 W x 53.42 H inches
• Adjustable height: Not specified
• Display: 14-inch Touchscreen
• ResistanceMechanism: Magnetic
• Product Weight: 192 lbs
• Assembly: Yes, tools and instructions included
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
• Best Uses For: Advanced cycling workouts
• Special Feature: Immersive display, Bluetooth media playback, iFit compatibility, AutoBreeze™ workout fan
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
• Package: Bike, user manual, instruction tools

The NordicTrack Commercial R35 is built from commercial grade steel and boasts an impressive 350 lbs user capacity. It has 26 levels of magnetic resistance, which can be auto-adjusted by your selected workout using the SmartAdjust™ function.

With its HD Smart Touchscreen Cinematic 14-inch display and sound array speakers, you'll get a fully immersive workout. On top of that, it features an on-demand workout library, letting you stream a variety of cycling workouts.

With Google Maps™ technology, the bike can transport you anywhere in the world, always keeping the workout scenery fresh and exciting. Compatible with the iFit app, the bike lets you enjoy trainer-led workouts and track and manage all your stats, providing valuable insight into your progress.

The R35 is designed for comfort. The large seat uses an ergonomic and ventilated backrest with lumbar support, as seen on premium office chairs. Easyglide™ seat adjustment lets you find the ideal seat position for your body, with strapped workout pedals ensuring your feet stay in place. On the side of the seat, you’ll find a conveniently placed water bottle holder, as well as the important safety clip for emergency stops.

3. Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike - Budget Pick

The final spot in our top 3 goes to the Marcy ME-709. With a good balance of quality and features for a lower-than-average price, this is also the best recumbent bike for seniors shopping on a budget.

• Dimensions: 49-58 (adjustable) L x 24.5 W x 38 H inches
• Adjustable height: 27 — 37 inches
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
• Product Weight: 53 lbs
• Assembly: Yes, tools and instructions included
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise
• Special Feature: Extra-large side handles
• Warranty: 2-year limited manufacturer warranty
• Package: Bike, user manual, instruction tools

The Marcy ME-709 recumbent bike is made from 14-gauge steel tubing. It has a reliable weight capacity of up to 300 lbs. Furthermore, the frame is powder-coated to protect it against rust and basic wear and tear.

With its step-through design and low seat position, the bike offers quick and easy mounting and dismounting. This is especially beneficial for seniors or individuals with mobility issues that find climbing onto regular stationary bikes troublesome. Additionally, the bike can be rolled around using the transportation wheels on the bottom if you need to move it from place to place.

The high-density foam seat and backrest provide a comfortable workout, while the oversized, contoured, foam-covered handles on the side help users maintain balance and posture when necessary.

For added convenience and safety, the textured foot pedals are counterbalanced, promoting smooth and steady pedaling. The adjustable foot straps keep your feet securely in place, preventing any slippage during intense workouts.

The easy-to-read LCD screen displays essential workout metrics, including time, speed, distance, and calories burned in extra-large numbers. The backlit display ensures great readability, even in dimly lit environments, allowing you to track your progress without any hassle at any time of day.

4. KEPANE Exercise Foldable Stationary Bike - Best Folding

Next up, we have the Magnetic Folding Recumbent Bike by Sunny Health & Fitness. This isn’t a feature-packed machine, but rather a small exercise bike for seniors fit for homes with less space.

• Dimensions: 37.4 L x 21.25 W x 46.5 H inches
• Adjustable height: 46.45 — 54.33 inches
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
• Product Weight: 38 lbs
• Assembly: Yes, tools and instructions included
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise
• Special Feature: Folding
• Warranty: 1 year
• Package: Bike, user manual, instruction tools

The compact design and small footprint of this exercise bike make it perfect for tight spaces, such as apartments. When you're done working out, the convenient fold-up mechanism and transportation wheels allow for easy storage, making it ideal for those who have limited space or lack a dedicated workout area.

The eight levels of manual resistance may not be the highest, but provide a decent workout variety for seniors who typically don’t go too high on this function. Resistance levels 1 through 3 are recommended for warmups or light exercise, 4 through 6 for standard sport cycling, and 7 and 8 for intense training.

The basic display is also not revolutionary, but it reliably tracks essential metrics like Calories, Distance, Speed, and Time, keeping you informed of your progress.

The bike's textured seat is made from high-resilient memory foam, which proved quite soft and takes on the shape of your hips well. Both handlebars feature heart rate monitoring sensors, keeping your health in check. Furthermore, the tablet shelf can be used for placing a smart device for entertainment or use of fitness apps as you work out.

5. Schwinn Fitness Recumbent Bike 230 (MY20)

The Schwinn brand boasts over 100 years of experience in bicycle manufacturing. In the 1960s, they expanded their portfolio into exercise machines, particularly stationary bikes. The Schwinn 230 model MY20 is a highly adjustable and ergonomic recumbent bicycle for seniors with a price arguably lower than its true value.

• Dimensions: 64 L x 27.7 W x 49.9 H inches
• Adjustable height: 54 — 78 inches
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
• Product Weight: 80 pounds
• Assembly: Yes, tools and instructions included + official video assembly online
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise
• Special Feature: Ergonomic seat with lumbar support, Bluetooth connectivity
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor
• Package: Bike, user manual, instruction tools

The Schwinn 230 recumbent bike stands out with its ergonomic seat and backrest. Both feature ventilation holes meant to prevent excess sweating from prolonged workout sessions. The wide and contoured backrest offers lumbar support, akin to ergonomic office chairs. The adjustable seat uses an inclined rail slider for easy height changes.

The bike's 5.5-inch LCD shows all essential metrics simultaneously, allowing real-time progress tracking and recording. Moreover, the console has 13 preinstalled workout programs to choose from. With Bluetooth connectivity, it is compatible with major cycling fitness apps like Zwift and Explore The World, and the console has a smart device shelf for holding your phone or tablet.

The bike offers excellent value for money and comes with impressive warranty coverage (10 years on the structural frame) not common in this price range.

6. Sunny Health & Fitness Performance Interactive Recumbent Bike - With Moveable Handles

Another top spot for Sunny Health & Fitness, this time for the Performance Interactive Recumbent Bike. Combining movable handlebars and Bluetooth connectivity, this bike will provide a more well-rounded workout.

• Dimensions: 63.8 L x 26.4 W x 49.6 H inches
• Adjustable height: 29.9 — 38.6 inches
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
• Product Weight: 77.4 lbs
• Assembly: Yes, tools and instructions included
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
• Best Uses For: Full-body workout
• Special Feature: Moveable handlebars, Bluetooth connectivity
• Warranty: 3-year frame, 180 days for parts and components
• Package: Bike, user manual, instruction tools

The Sunny Health & Fitness Performance Interactive Recumbent Bike offers a near full-body workout with its movable handles that you can engage while pedaling. Additionally, the handles have conveniently placed heart-rate trackers for easy exercise intensity monitoring. Thanks to the floor stabilizers on the front and back of the frame, the machine stays comfortably in place on any surface.

The main console features Bluetooth connectivity and can be paired with the Sunny Fit app for progress tracking, setting goals, and finding ideal workouts. Assembly may take some time to complete, but luckily the official tutorial on YouTube is there to assist.

7. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults & Seniors

Next, we have the JEEKEE Recumbent Bike targeted specifically at seniors. This is a good choice for crowded households or people with sensitive hearing, as it creates very little noise.

• Dimensions: 53.5 L x 19.3 W x 39 H inches
• Adjustable height: 27 to 39 inches
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
• Product Weight: 61 lbs
• Assembly: Yes, tools and instructions included
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise
• Special Feature: Carbon steel frame, very quiet
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
• Package: Bike, user manual, instruction tools

Crafted from carbon steel, this bike boasts impressive sturdiness and a solid 300-pound maximum capacity, making it an excellent choice within its price range. The highly adjustable seat height caters to users of various heights, ranging from 4'9" to 6'5", ensuring a comfortable fit for everyone.

With 8 levels of magnetic resistance, this bike offers standard versatility seen in less expensive models. However, the added feature of a flywheel that allows both forward and reverse exercise motion enhances exercise variety and engagement. The best aspect of this bike is its quiet operation, emitting under 20 dBS (decibels) of sound, equivalent to a nearby whisper.

8. NISDOKR Pedal Exerciser Bike - For 70+

Finally, we have something a little different. This isn’t a full exercise machine like our previous picks, but rather a simple pedal exerciser to use at home. It’s also the cheapest option on this list.

• Dimensions: 15.87 L x 18.70 W x 28.35 — 36.42 (adjustable) H inches
• Adjustable height: 28.35 — 36.42 inches
• Display: None
• Resistance Mechanism: Tension screw
• Product Weight: 9.6 lbs
• Assembly: Yes, instructions and tools included
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 200 lbs
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise, rehabilitation
• Special Feature: Minimalist design, Stainless steel frame
• Warranty: None
• Package: Bike, user manual, instruction tools

As indicated in the instructions, this exercise machine is not intended for intense cardio workouts. Instead, it serves as a gentle tool for older adults to engage in light pedaling and arm movements, promoting active living. It comes highly recommended for patients recovering from injuries or wheelchair users seeking to exercise their arms and legs.

Crafted from sturdy stainless steel, the pedaler features a compact footprint, occupying minimal floor space. Even though it has anti-slip feet, it’s advisable to place it on a stable surface. The pedaler features foam handles for comfortable grip and ergonomic pedals suitable for easy barefoot use. Its lightweight design allows easy lifting and moving around, too.

What Are The Differences Between Exercise Bikes For Seniors And Others?

Exercise bikes come in various shapes and sizes, often recommended for different athletic levels. Here are some of the main differences to note between an advanced indoor bike VS the best exercise bike for elderly folk:

1. Comfort & Ergonomics

Experts highly recommend working out on a recumbent stationary bike for seniors over traditional upright position bikes. Recumbent bikes offer more comfortable and ergonomic features, including large seats, backrests, multiple sets of adjustable handlebars, and user-friendly controls.

The large chairs especially provide ample back support for seniors who traditionally struggle with it in later years. Moreover, the Arthritis Foundation recommends recumbent bikes for their joint-friendly nature.

2. User Safety

A recumbent bicycle for seniors is more accessible and safer to use than a typical indoor bicycle. Recumbent bikes have a low seat position and a step-through design, meaning older adults and people with less lower-body mobility can easily mount and dismount them without having to “climb on.”

Furthermore, these bikes have more robust and heavier frames that sit closer to the ground, making them more stable and preventing tilting or falling over during exercise.

3. Display & Control Panel

More and more exercise machines are coming equipped with high-tech touchscreen displays. That not only makes them more complicated to use but also raises their price significantly.

For seniors, we typically recommend avoiding overly complicated control panels and displays, as most of the features will go unused and are unnecessary for the average older adult exercise plan. However, we also acknowledge more tech-savvy seniors might enjoy these modern functions, so we included picks like the NordicTrack R35 as well.

What Are the Differences Between Exercise Bikes for Seniors and Others?

Indoor cycling is among the more popular cardiovascular exercises due to its convenience and effectiveness. A stationary bicycle for seniors offers similar degrees of health benefits as a typical upright bike used by pros. Here are some noteworthy mentions:

1. Cardiovascular Health

Extensive studies on indoor cycling concluded it is effective at improving cardiovascular health, reducing blood pressure, and improving a person's aerobic capacity and lipid profile, among other benefits.

These factors play an especially important role in the quality of life of older adults by reducing the chance of contracting or minimizing issues from common cardiovascular diseases, such as Hypertension (high blood pressure). The study also notes the importance of proper dieting and the incorporation of other physical activities to maximize results.

2. Weight Loss

According to Harvard Medical School reports, stationary cycling for 30 minutes at regular intensity burns between 210-294 calories for adults that weigh between 125-185 pounds. Numbers-wise, this puts cycling among the more impactful exercises for weight loss, only edged out by elliptical machines when performed at moderate intensity.

3. Low Impact Exercise

According to reports, one in four people suffers from chronic knee pain, often caused by arthritis (joint damage we accumulate throughout life). Osteoarthritis (OA), a type of arthritis common in knees, hips, and hands, is the most common cause of disability among the elderly. These conditions can make common exercises like lifting weights and running painful or practically impossible for seniors.

On the other hand, indoor cycling is a low-impact exercise, meaning it’s easy on the musculoskeletal system. Using a recumbent exercise bike for seniors in particular has been shown to put less exercise load on the knees, while stationary cycling proved effective at reducing pain from knee osteoarthritis.

What to Look For in the Best Exercise Bike for Seniors?

An exercise bike for your home or garage gym can be a big investment, so it’s important to get it right on your first purchase. These are the factors we considered when choosing the best stationary bike for seniors:

1. Adjustability

Adults vary not only in shape and size but also in mobility and flexibility. There is no one-size-fits-all stationary bicycle for seniors, making adjustability a crucial factor to consider before making a purchase. Thankfully, most exercise bikes offer various adjustable features, such as moveable seats, backrests, handlebar, pedals, etc.

2. Durability

The durability of your stationary bicycle for seniors varies between brands. It’s no secret that more expensive machines typically outlast more budget-friendly ones. However, it’s noteworthy that premium exercise bikes are designed for use in public gyms, where they go through a variety of users daily. With proper usage and post-workout care, any exercise bike can last for years to come.

3. Comfort

Exercise comfort is a high priority among seniors, and indoor bikes designed for them address this need by providing a host of comfort features. For instance, a typical recumbent bicycle for seniors offers a low-impact exercise thanks to a stride angle that eases the strain on the joints.

Moreover, these bikes come equipped with wide cushioned seats, backrests, ergonomic handles and pedals, and similar to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable workout.

4. Drive System

Stationary bikes come in either a front-drive or rear-drive system. The picks on this list all happen to be front-driven, as it has fewer parts and doesn’t rely on belts or chains transferring the force, making the overall exercise easier and more comfortable for seniors.

5. Assembly

The ease of assembly is a significant consideration for anyone purchasing exercise equipment, not just seniors. Manufacturers strive to minimize the required effort to set up a machine once it's unpacked.

However, it's essential to note that machine retailers often provide on-the-spot paid assembly, as self-assembling the equipment incorrectly may void the warranty, putting you in a tricky situation. Fortunately, a typical exercise bike for old people comes either fully assembled or mostly pre-assembled.

6. Portability

We acknowledge that seniors tend to work out at home as opposed to hitting the gym. Many people can’t designate a permanent place for their exercise bikes, especially if they live in apartments.

This is where portability features like folding and transportation wheels come in handy, helping us store away the bike when not in use. The weight of the bike is also important, as it should be light enough for a single person to move without issue.

7. Price/Quality

When picking the best stationary bike for seniors, quality for the price was arguably the most important consideration. Premium prices don’t always guarantee the best product — sometimes you’re just overpaying for brand name. Likewise, cheaper alternatives can have excellent quality for the price when you stack them up to alternatives. The top picks on this and all of our equipment ranking lists boast the best value for money.

8. User Interface

As briefly touched upon before, we valued simplicity and ease of use when judging the user interface on a typical exercise bike for older adults. However, as you get more knowledgeable about the exercise, feel free to look out for more advanced interfaces and incorporate exercise apps to take your workout to the next level. Seniors would typically prefer large displays with brighter numbers for better visibility.

FAQ

Are Exercise Bikes Good for the Elderly?

Yes, exercise bikes are generally good for the elderly as they provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout, promote balance and stability, and can be safer for seniors compared to higher-impact exercises like running.

How Long Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Stationary Bike?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults aged 65 and above are advised to engage in 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.

Within this timeframe, it is recommended to have at least three exercise sessions per week that focus on activities promoting balance and stability, like exercise bikes. This has been shown to help functional capacity and reduce the risk of falls, which are common issues among older adults.

Is a Stationary Bike Better Than a Treadmill for Seniors?

Stationary bikes are often preferred by seniors for various reasons. Firstly, they exert less stress on the body as the seat provides support for the user's weight. Secondly, they offer a safer workout experience since users remain in a seated position.

In fact, a study comparing the two exercise methods found that while both were effective, stationary cycling showed greater improvements in gait and balance for elderly women.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our guide on the best exercise bike for seniors. By now, you can confidently say you understand why experts recommend a recumbent exercise bike for seniors over other cardio machines, and you should be well informed to make a wise purchase.

Overall, the title of best stationary bike for seniors goes to the Sunny Health & Fitness Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike. However, we also recommend checking out our other picks as well, as they might better suit your preferences. We’d love to hear from you as well. Are you in the market for an exercise bike? Did you know that recumbent bikes are highly recommended for older adults?

Leave a comment letting us know and remember to follow us on social media for more valuable fitness content.

Also read:

• Best Upright Exercise Bike
• Best Recumbent Exercise Bike
• Best Interactive Exercise Bike
• Is the Stationary Bike Good Cardio
• Calories Burned on Stationary Bike
• Best Compact Exercise Bikes

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