If you’re a fan of cycling and want to introduce it to your home workout routine, popular options include stationary bikes and recumbent bike versions. One of the main barriers is the space required, with many people struggling to find enough space for all their exercise equipment at home.
Portable exercise bikes provide excellent value using a relatively small footprint. Finding the best mini exercise bike can be hard, with multiple brands offering different designs and features.
Let’s take a look at my top six choices in more detail!
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Exercise Bike.
Out of my 6 mini exercise bike choices, this one from Sunny Health & Fitness is the most convenient to use and easiest to carry around.
Top 6 Best Mini Exercise Bikes Reviewed
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Exercise Bike - Top Pick
Sunny Health & Fitness believes in the motto ‘Fit for Everyone’. They aim to make a quality workout experience accessible to anybody who wants it by producing great value health and fitness equipment.
- Dimensions: 21.6" L x 18.7" W x 14.4" H
- Adjustable Height: No
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 20.5 lbs
- Assembly: Needed
- Package: Mini Bike, AAA Batteries, Instruction Manual
- Special Features: Carry Handle, Adjustable Pedal Straps, Rubberized Suction Cups
- Recommended Use: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Injury Rehabilitation, Cardio, Strength Training
- Warranty: 1-Year Structural Frame, 180 Days Other Parts
Positives:
The large carry handle makes the mini bike easy to pick up and carry to wherever you want to workout
The longer 7" stride length gives you a more efficient workout compared
The rubber suction cups keep the bike firmly to the floor while cycling
Could be better:
No adjustable height option available
2. DeskCycle Under Desk Pedal Exerciser - Runner-up
DeskCycle works towards two main values which are engineering and customer service. They aim to use customer feedback to create amazing health and fitness products that people want and need.
- Dimensions: 24" L x 20" W x 10" H
- Adjustable Height: 9-10" Pedal Height
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 23 lbs
- Assembly: Needed
- Package: Mini Exercise Bike, Instruction Manual
- Special Features: Adjustable straps, Bi-directional flywheel, Removable LCD
- Recommended Use: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Injury Rehabilitation, Cardio, Strength Training
- Warranty: 90 Days Full Return
Photo by @ahalfbakedmom
The DeskCycle under-desk pedal exerciser has two main added features that make it stand out from the crowd. It has a removable LCD which allows you to monitor your workout metrics without having to look under your desk or table. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to exercise at work.
Alongside this, DeskCycle has built the bike specifically to fit under a desk or table, with a low profile design measuring 24" L x 20" W x 10" H. With a maximum pedal height of 10", it’s designed to be used safely under desks as low as 27".
The DeskCycle mini bike offers eight levels of magnetic resistance that can be changed using the tension knob at the front of the frame. With up to 39 pounds of resistance, the higher levels offer enough challenge for most experienced riders.
The high-inertia flywheel operates using a smooth pedal stroke that aims to emulate the feeling of riding a real bike all from the comfort of your desk.
DeskCycle has designed plenty of adjustable features, with Velcro pedal straps and an adjustable pedal height of 9-10". The removable LCD measures speed, distance, calories, and time. It’s also FitBit and Apple Watch compatible.
The DeskCycle Under Desk Pedal Exerciser would be well suited to someone who wants to exercise whilst working or doing other daily tasks.
Positives:
The removable LCD allows you to read your workout metrics without looking under a table or desk
- The high inertia flywheel is designed to simulate the feeling of a real road ride
- The low bike profile makes it suitable for really small desk spaces down to 27"
Could be better:
It’s quite long meaning it may stick out if you’re using it under a smaller desk
ProForm believes that fitness should revolve around life, not the other way around. The brand wants you to get the most out of life by living life to the fullest. They aim to provide a complete at-home cardio experience by producing interactive, high-quality cardio equipment.
- Dimensions: 16" L x 9" W x 16" H
- Adjustable Height: No
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 23 lbs
- Assembly: Needed
- Package: Mini Bike, Instruction Manual, Batteries
- Special Features: Stepless Resistance Dial, Bidirectional Design, Pedal Finger Grooves
- Recommended Use: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Injury Rehabilitation, Cardio, Strength Training
- Warranty: 1 Year-Warranty, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
The MagneTrainer-ER mini exercise bike is specifically designed to be used as both an arm and leg exerciser, giving you a full-body cardio workout in one piece of gym equipment. It features a fairly compact design at 16" L x 9" W x 16" H and weighs just 23 pounds.
Photo by @authenticsuecooks
Positives:
The step-less resistance dial gives you much more freedom over setting your desired tension level
- The pedals feature finger grooves for comfortable hand placements when using the bike as an arm exerciser
- The bidirectional bike design allows it to be used forwards and backward for muscle balance
Could be better:
The LCD is quite small so it might be hard to see for some users
4. Himaly Mini Exercise Bike - Best Budget Pick
Sunny Health & Fitness wants to provide a high-quality workout experience to anyone who wants it. They believe a healthy lifestyle should be accessible to everybody at home or in the gym. Their cardio equipment is available to people regardless of their ability level, budget, and free time.
- Dimensions: 15.7" L x 12.5" W x 7.8" H
- Adjustable Height: No
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 8.8 lbs
- Assembly: Needed - Quick and Easy
- Package: Mini Exercise Bike, Fixing Strap, User Manual
- Special Features: Lightweight Design, Toe Loops, Anti-slip Feet
- Recommended Use: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Injury Rehabilitation, Cardio, Strength Training
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
The Himaly Mini Exercise Bike is available at a fraction of the cost of most other bike choices, getting my top budget pick. It’s extremely lightweight at only 8.8 pounds which is nearly three times lighter than most mini bikes.
Positives:
The bike comes at a budget-friendly price point, offering a convenient exercise option
- Multiple powder-coated frame finishes are available to purchase from Himaly
- The toe loops increase user comfort when exercising and stop your feet from slipping out
Could be better:
The bike used a corded electric power source which may be limiting for some home gym setups
YOSUDA looks to produce quality fitness equipment, with the brand aiming to get everyone involved in health and fitness training. They manufacture a wide range of exercise equipment including mini bikes, cross trainers, and accessories.
- Dimensions: 21.26" L x 14.37" W x 12.28" H
- Adjustable Height: No
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 22 lbs
- Assembly: 10 Minutes
- Package: Mini Bike, Assembly Tools, Pedal Straps
- Special Features: Large Carry Handle, Anti-slip Rubber Pads
- Recommended Use: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Injury Rehabilitation, Cardio, Strength Training
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
The YOSUDA bike is constructed using high-quality steel, with a big weight capacity of 260 lbs. It has four non-slip rubber pads at the end of the T-shaped feet which stop the bike from rocking from side to side or moving unnecessarily when exercising.
Photo by @yosudabikes
Positives:
The tension knob and LCD are located right next to each other on the frame
The Samarium magnet produces under 20 decibels of noise, allowing for a smooth, quiet flywheel operation
The 260 pound max user weight is larger than most comparable mini bikes
Could be better:
No pedal height adjustments are available for different desk heights or user sizes
The Vaunn Medical company was founded after the owners became frustrated with the lack of high-quality medical equipment.
They aim to produce health and medical equipment using premium materials, superior designs, and quality workmanship.
- Dimensions: 18.25" L x 15.2" W x 11.25" H
- Adjustable Height: No
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 5.4 lbs
- Assembly: Fully Assembled
- Package: Mini Bike Frame, AAA Batteries, Instruction Manual
- Special Features: Foldable Design, Small Resistance Mechanism
- Recommended Use: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Injury Rehabilitation, Cardio, Strength Training
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
At first glance, the Vaunn Medical Pedal Exerciser features a rather unique design, using a raised H-shaped frame with minimal flywheel housing.
Photo by @mymedicalmysteryjourney
Positives:
The foldable frame design allows the bike to be conveniently stored when not needed or carried around effortlessly
The wider base design provides added stability when cycling, with the triangular feet keeping the frame in place
The 5.4 pound frame is the lightest out of any of my choices, with a simple design that does the basics well
Could be better:
The light-moderate resistance may be too easy for some exercisers
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What Are the Benefits of Mini Exercise Bikes?
Mini exercise pedal bikes provide a range of benefits compared to full-sized bikes or other types of cardio equipment:
Space Saving
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the compact bike design, saving valuable home gym space. One of the biggest barriers to purchasing gym equipment is the making of space you have available at home.
Mini exercise bikes take up a fraction of the space usually occupied by bigger cardio equipment and perform the same functions that most athletes need. This allows you to purchase more equipment or use the floor space for an entirely different purpose.
With a compact footprint, stationary mini bikes are easy to store away when not in use. With some containing carry handles, simply pick the bike up and move it to a desired location.
Convenience
Mini exercise bikes are designed for convenience. Whether you’re at home, at work, or even at a friend's house, you’re able to place the bike under a desk or table and start exercising.
If you’re usually limited on time, mini bikes can be used whilst working, preparing food, and talking to friends. They are easy to use, take little training to operate correctly, and don’t require much maintenance.
Value for Money
Compared to bigger exercise equipment, mini cycle exercise bikes are available at a fraction of the cost. They offer many of the same features and allow you to accomplish many of your exercise goals at a much lower price point.
What to Look for in Mini Exercise Bikes
Before purchasing a mini exercise bike, consider these key factors to ensure you make the right choice according to your goals and needs:
Adjustability
Adjustability on mini exercise bikes relates to the amount of height and pedal positions offered in the bike design. Some mini exercise bikes can be adjusted vertically allowing you to tailor them to different desk heights and shapes.
Alongside this, an adjustable height mechanism allows you to get the perfect bike fit for your leg length, reducing the incidence of common knee pain if fitted incorrectly.
Furthermore, adjustable pedal positions offer further opportunities to get the correct fit, increasing your comfort and overall bike experience.
Durability
Mini exercise bikes are more lightweight than normal exercise bikes due to their smaller frames, not necessarily their construction materials. Higher-end materials such as steel tend to be more durable without weighing too much.
If you’re looking to use the mini exercise bike outside, check if the frame is powder coated to provide protection against the environment and weather.
Dimensions
While mini exercise bikes are smaller compared to normal ones, it’s still worth checking the dimensions to see if they fit under the desk or table area you want to use.
Check the length and width to make sure it fits within the area required. Make sure the height of the mini exercise bike suits both your leg length and the height of the table. You need enough room to cycle with the correct form without your knees hitting anything that’s above.
Resistance System
The bike resistance system is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right bike for you. Mini exercise bikes use two common resistance systems which are friction-based and magnetic.
Friction-based resistance uses a friction pad that applies varying amounts of pressure to the flywheel to increase the resistance level. Magnetic resistance uses a magnet that goes around the flywheel to change the resistance.
Magnetic resistance is usually the more popular choice due to the quieter operation and less maintenance.
On top of this, consider the number of resistance levels the bike offers. If you want more progression, go for a bike with more resistance levels. If you’re a higher-level athlete, you’ll need something that offers a lot of tension.
Weight
Most people buy a mini exercise bike for two main reasons - portability and convenience. Both these things only work if you’re able to carry around the bike you're purchasing without struggling too much.
Check the bike's weight before purchasing it to see if it’s easy enough for you to move. Some bikes have convenient carry handles to make moving them around easier.
How to Use a Stationary Mini Bike
Follow the steps below to set up your mini exercise bike safely and effectively:
1. Find a suitable area (Make sure the floor you’re setting the bike up on is level, with plenty of space for safe operation. Check the floor pads are firmly against the floor).
2. Adjust the bike correctly (Adjust the frame height and pedal position so that you can cycle comfortably with a slight bend in your knees. Make sure they don’t hit the desk above or overextend too much).
3. Set the desired resistance (Start by warming up and then choosing a suitable resistance to accomplish your chosen workout goals).
4. Get Cycling (Now you’re all set to go! Enjoy exercising from the comfort of your home or at work).
FAQ
How Long Should You Exercise on a Mini Exercise Bike?
The right amount of time to exercise using a stationary mini bike depends on your goals and timeframe. If you are looking to lose weight or recomposition over a shorter time frame, a longer ride duration may be warranted.
However, the recommended exercise stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) is five x 30-minute exercise periods per week.
Is a Mini Exercise Bike Effective?
Most mini exercise bikes work using magnetic resistance, providing an excellent way to work out at home or on the go. Most feature different resistance levels, with the top one providing a challenge for most athletes.
Can Mini Exercise Bikes Burn Calories?
Mini exercise bikes require you to move your body against resistance. This work treasures calories to generate the energy needed. These burnt calories help you to tone up or lose weight as required when part of a well-structured diet and exercise routine.
Conclusion
Mini Exercise Bikes offer an excellent way to work out whilst performing other tasks at work or home. Their compact design makes them easy to put under most normal tables, with most of them allowing you to use both your arms and legs.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Exercise Bike is my top pick out of my six choices. It’s easy to carry around using the convenient carry handle, has a longer 7" stride length, and uses rubber suction cups to keep it firmly against the floor.
What do you think of my mini exercise bike reviews above? Have you used any of the bikes before? Let me know in the comments section.
References:
- 12 Benefits of Cycling, Plus Safety Tips // HealthLine: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/cycling-benefits
- How Does a Magnetic Resistance Bike Work? // Sciencing: https://sciencing.com/magnetic-resistance-bike-work-6622568.html
- Physical activity // WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
- Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling // HealthLine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31443139/
- How Many Calories Do I Burn Riding an Exercise Bike? // LiveStrong: https://www.livestrong.com/article/342669-how-many-calories-do-i-burn-riding-an-exercise-bike/
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.