A folding exercise bike makes the perfect piece of home cardio equipment, for a few different reasons.
The first is that they do not take up a lot of space. If you are limited to places to workout in your home, or apartment, a foldable exercise bike is one of the best space-saving pieces of exercise equipment you can buy. Combine this with a home multi-gym and a spin bike to create the perfect home gym setup.
The other great reason to own a folding exercise bike is it is one of the best forms of low impact cardio you can do. It can cater to any level of fitness as you control the pace and intensity you go at.
If you are suffering from any joint, tendon, or ligament issues, an exercise bike is a way to get cardiovascular exercise without aggravating any condition. You don’t have to suffer through the pounding punishment your joints receive when they are running on a treadmill, or outside.
You can go for longer periods of time for a great heart and lung strengthening workout. You can also perform some high-intensity interval training which may be an even better way to get fit and healthy.
Here are our 7 best foldable exercise bikes reviewed by our expert
Features:
- 8 resistance levels
- Pulse sensors
- LCD monitor
- Adjustable seat
- Collapsible trainer
- Quiet operation
The F-bike by Ultrasport is the best equipment for endurance training and stands out among most other indoor bikes. The best thing about the bike is that it’s very quiet. You can now enjoy a peaceful workout watching TV and not disturb others.
The bike is of a sturdy build and can be easily assembled. The cycle is provided with fitness plus cardio devices for regulating your circulatory system. The strong structure makes the cycle quite heavy. On the other hand, it is provided with transportation wheels for easy and quick mobility.
The cycle has a sturdy build structure and about 15 minutes is needed to be assembled. Furthermore, the bike contains 8 double-sided ball bearings for an intense workout. You can easily fold the bike away and store it when you are done with your exercise. It also contains a battery-operated LCD display propped with computer operations for reading your vital stats.
Even with these amazing features, the saddle needs much improvement. For long workouts, it is not appropriate at all and can cause internal pains. For better comfort, cushioning foams can be used. The cycle may not be compatible with all heights.
The Ultrasport F-Bike is one of the best foldable gym bikes for suiting all your workout needs. Not only is this a compact and space solving bike, but also the perfect workout trainer for your body. The seat can be adjusted to different levels for accommodating users of most sizes and shapes.
The bike is also ultra-quiet so you can enjoy a peaceful workout. It stands out among all others due to the 8 levels of resistance that brings out the maximum benefits from your workout.
Now you can experience new levels of abs training, intense cardio workouts, etc., with the help of this F1 bike by Ultrasport!
Pros
- Anti-slip handlebar
- Easy installation
- Adjustable resistance
- Quite affordable
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Slow pulse sensor
- Capacity of 100 kg
Personal Trainer Verdict:
If you are looking for something to maximise your workout routine, then this unit is built for you and it won’t cut through your pocket. The bike is easily moveable with the wheels and is perfectly foldable. With the multiple resistance options, intensify your workouts and strengthen your muscles just by pedalling. However, the resistance system is low and you can outgrow the bike when you get completely fit.
If you are a hypertensive patient, then go for this unit as it will help you to keep your circulatory system balanced.
Features:
- Friction resistant pads
- Pulse sensors
- LCD monitor
- 6 level adjustment
- 3-section crank system
- Bottle holder
The JLL IC300 is a chain propelled exercise bike which is well- known for simulating realistic cycling experience whenever you ride it. You can be at your home, or on the way to your home, this bike is suitable for all places. You can also use the bike for more challenging workouts.
The bike itself is quite sturdy and durable and constructed keeping your safety in mind. There is a chain guard attached to the moving chain that keeps you protected from unexpected hazards. For easy transportation, wheels are attached at the bottom and the bike can be stored easily as it doesn’t consume much space. One of the best things about chain-driven bikes is that they are very cheap.
The flywheel weighing 18 kg features a smooth surface so that it moves smoothly with no disturbing vibrations. Well, this kind of flywheel is suitable for beginners to serious workout enthusiasts. The saddle is made of synthetic leather and is sweat proof. The construction is similar to that of a mountain bike. However, the comfort level is just okay. For better results, extra gel pads can be installed toro mecanico. The rubber handlebars are strong enough for a better grip during intense workouts and measure your heart rate. Lastly, the bike is equipped with an LCD monitor to track your vitals.
Despite its outstanding build, the bike can be really hard to install. The guide doesn’t tell much about it. Readjustment of screws may be required.
The exercise bike is a perfect for allowing different levels of intense workouts and suiting your needs. Not only are you getting a compact and foldable bike, but also a well-built and a quite comfortable one.
But as a drawback, this bike is a bit noisy. Well, that’s obvious because it’s chain driven. On the other hand, it can accommodate users of different sizes. What makes this bike stand out are the friction-resistant brake pads. It may feel brutal against your legs but it is necessary for intensifying your workout. Besides, you can tailor and adjust the bike as per your need with minimum effort.
Pros
- Suitable for different heights
- Sturdy and robust construction
- Compact and easy to transport
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No magnetic resistance
- 130 kg capacity.
Personal Trainer Verdict:
This is an ideal option for you to get fit where space and budget will not be an issue. You can use the bike for cardio workouts, warm-up before yoga, lifting weights, and various levels of muscle strengthening exercises. The pedalling is hard, but the harder you pedal, the more pressure you apply and the more intense your workout.
If you recently underwent knee surgery, then this unit is the best option for you. Just carry on with your regular workouts or browse the internet for better results. This bike will help to lose your lower body weight gradually and build your muscles.
Features:
- Ten different levels of resistance
- Simulated game screen to create workout variation
- Very smooth and quiet riding experience
- Digital display that also features a tablet and phone stand
- 6 level Adjustable seat that can support 300 pounds
Ancheer Folding exercise bikes come with a wealth of spectacular attributes that will not fail to amaze you. The exercise bike has one of the most comfortable padded seats in its category,
Moreover, you will be able to freely adjust the seat without any difficulty. Unlike other bikes, the user is required to lean back while peddling. This intentional design choice may have been made to prevent your legs from coming in contact with the handlebar. Other than that, users can configure the speed level of the bike from 5 presets. To top that off, the Ancheer exercise bike is available in five attractive colour options.
The upper limit of the exercise bike’s weight capacity sits at 220 lb (approx 100kg). Some users may not be pleased with the bike’s installation time, which can take as long as 30 minutes. Thankfully, the folding mechanism of this bike isn’t as stressful and it can astonishingly be folded down to half its actual size. You should have no problem fitting the bike in your closet or other narrow spaces.
This is a basic foldable exercise bike, but one that serves its purpose well. It doesn’t have any resistance band attachments, so the focus here will be primarily on cardiovascular exercise.
You have the option to perform more intense bike sprints with the ten different levels of resistance. But you can also go for a more steady-state cardio workout. Just doing one hour of cycling a day can burn calories, strengthen bones, and muscle, and improves your heart and lung health.
This foldable bike will not get in the way and is able to compact down to fit in spaces as small as a closet. This is ideal if you live in a small space, but its affordability means it can be owned by someone on even the tightest budget.
The ten different levels of resistance really stand out here to give you multiple variations in your workout. The different seat adjustment levels also will accommodate most any height of the rider.
Pros
- Affordability
- Small storage footprint
- Variable resistance
Cons
- Only supports up to 265 pounds
Personal Trainer Verdict
Variation is one of the main keys that drive results when it comes to health and fitness. Doing the same workout day-in-and-day-out leaves the body feeling complacent and slows progress.
This bike provides ten different levels of resistance which can give your body a constantly changing exercise resistance and stimulus. This variation keeps the body guessing and it adapts to the constant change by getting fitter and stronger.
The bonus of the app program also gives you more variety when it comes to your workouts. This will allow you to not become bored and can constantly challenge you. Keeping your mind active when on a stationary bike can be difficult, but this bike will help to accomplish this.
This bike can work well for a total workout if you were to add in your own bodyweight ab circuit after your ride. The bike will also allow for a cool down to begin the recovery period, and if you follow this with some stretching, it’s like having gone to the gym in the comfort of your own home.
Features:
- Features a resistance band training system to work the legs and upper body
- LCD console
- Tablet holder
- FOldable with built-in foldable backrest
- Low noise belt system and magnetic resistant brakes
- Fast fold for compact storage
- Wheels for easy moving
Featuring an eccentric design, the Sportstech F-Bike X100 truly stands out among other indoor bikes. It is widely believed to be one of the quietest exercise bikes in the market, making it a great choice for indoor usage. You can peacefully enjoy your favorite TV show while you get some exercise.
The bike itself is quite durable and is relatively easy to install. The X100 does not have a typical seat found in most other bikes in its class. It comes with a backrest for additional spinal support. However, some users may not find it very comfortable to use.
The bike has a robust build, and it is also quite easy to install. Furthermore, the bike also has dual magnetic resistance for intense arm and leg workouts. You will be able to easily fold down this bike after you are done with your workout session. Because of its small structure, you should have no problem storing it in tight spaces. The bike’s height is fully adjustable, making it suitable for tall people. Lastly, the indoor bike has a sizable LCD console that indicates quite a few useful readings.
Even with its excellent features, users have had issues with incorrectly aligned screws. You may need to readjust the screws after purchase to avoid the seat from feeling unstable.
The Sportstech F-Bike is the perfect foldable exercise bike to meet the majority of your needs. Not only is it compact and easy to move, but it is also comfortable, well-built, and can accommodate different size riders.
It has a quiet noise drive system so you won’t disturb others around you. What makes this foldable bike stand out is the unique resistance band system that is not often found on exercise bikes.
You can now not only get a great cardio workout, but muscle strengthening at the same time giving you a true full-body workout.
Pros
- Super light-weight and compact
- Resistance training system
- Affordable
Cons
- Not a traditional bike makeup
- Max weight off 100KG
Personal Trainer Verdict
This is an ideal choice if you’re looking to get as fit as possible, and space and budget are an issue. You can use this bike to create the perfect circuit workouts including some high-intensity intervals followed by some muscle strengthening exercises with the resistance bands.
This bike can even be taken on the road with you as it folds up easily and doesn’t take a lot of space. You can get workouts outside or follow along with instructional videos in front of a TV, or with your tablet in front of you. This bike makes it easy to increase your aerobic capacity while strengthening your heart, lungs, bones, tendons, and muscles.
Features:
- Padded foam seat and backrest
- Magnetic resistance with heavy-duty flywheel for smooth pedaling and a quiet ride
- Easy folding, moving, and storage
- 2 rear wheels for easier maneuverability
- Highly adjustable with various set heights to accommodate different size riders
- Very small storage footprint
- Stable base to support intense cycling
- Resistance stretching bands
Pexmor 3 in 1 adjustable exercise bike has gained widespread recognition for its neat features and outstanding functionality. Due to its compact structure, you should face no problem storing it anywhere in the house. Similar to the Sportstech X100, the Pexmor exercise bike also has a PU leather seat featuring a backrest, allowing you to lean back whenever you need to take a breather.
Moreover, the height of the seat can be altered between 5 separate settings. The dual resistance bands are particularly useful, as it ensures your arms aren’t idle while using the bike.
Other than that, the LCD panel on the bike works spectacularly as it displays several important variables. In contrast to other exercise bikes, the panel automatically switches between variables. There is no dedicated button to alternate between readings.
The exercise bike also comes with amazing slip-resistant pedals that work well when cycling at higher levels of speed. The maximum supported weight of this bike is 300 lbs. Users will be pleased with the installation time of this bike, which is roughly 10 minutes. It is also easy to move around due to the conveniently placed transport wheel. Moreover, its small size and relatively low weight make relocation much simpler.
Being only 27 inches long, and 16 inches wide, the PEXMOR is the ultimate space-saving piece of cardio equipment. Even with its small size, the PEXMOR functions as a great bike to accommodate all types of riding styles.
The addition of the resistance stretching bands allows for proper recovery after any type of workout. The arm resistance bands give you more options for workouts as you can incorporate in upper body muscle strengthening.
This is a very affordable unit that can really help boost your fitness while not taking up very much room. Even if you live in a small apartment, you can find some space for this foldable exercise bike.
Pros
- Extremely compact and storable, ideal for small locations
- Very affordable
- Comfortable and adjustable
- Resistance bands
Cons
- No maintenance manual to address possible issues
- Resistance bands aren’t for heavy strength training
Personal Trainer Verdict
This is a similar offering to the Sportstech F-Bike, but even more affordable. As mentioned, this is not for heavy-duty strength training, but the resistance bands do provide the option of training all the muscle in the body.
This type of machine works well if you’re looking for more cardio-based workouts, and higher repetition strengthening to help tone muscle. You can again create circuits that would involve timed intervals of certain muscle strengthening exercises with the resistance bands, along with high-intensity sprints.
The resistance bands can also be used for stretching which is important to promote healing and recovery after training.
Features:
- Holds up to 300 pounds
- Large LCD display showing calories burned, time, speed, and pulse
- Hand pulse sensors to show your heart rate
- Folds to half its size
- Large comfortable seat cushion accommodates any size rider
- Transportation wheels for easy moving and storing
- 8 level magnetic tension control system
The Exerpeutic Magnetic Upright exercise bike offers immense value for money and comes with all the basic features you would expect from a mid-tier indoor bike. The seat comes with sufficient padding and has a slanted design that provides adequate back support to users.
Moreover, the seat can easily be raised or lowered to accommodate people of different heights. Although some of the competing exercise bikes provide a larger range of magnetic resistance, the Exerpeutic’s eight-level variable resistance should be adequate for regular usage. Other than that, a heart rate sensor has been embedded into the handle, which can display the information on the instrument’s LED console.
Furthermore, the console also indicates other important measurements such as calories, speed, duration, etc. When folded, the entire exercise bike only takes up half of its original size. Relocating the instrument is significantly easier when it has been folded down. The indoor bike has gained traction for its remarkable durability, and its x-frame design makes it capable of supporting nearly 300 lbs. of weight.
The Exerpeutic exercise bike doesn’t cut corners to deliver an optimal experience. It can be easily recommended to those who prioritize cardiovascular workouts.
The Exerpeutic is one of the highest-rated Amazon cardio pieces, an “Amazon Choice,” and the Men’s Health Editors’ choice.
This is the perfect folding exercise bike for those who want a more vigorous ride, but need a bike that can hold up to that. The large seat cushion, and solid base, allow for riders to perform higher intensity sprints, but it also works well for straightforward cycling.
The 8 different resistance levels allow you to adjust the tension to provide more or less intensity for whatever style of ride you’re wanting that day. A great feature here is the LCD display which gives you an update on your stats. You can track the speed you’re going, the time and calories burned.
Tracking your exercise info is a great way to know if you’re making progress or not. And the feature of a pulse monitor will allow you to see if you’re riding in the correct target heart rate range.
Pros
- Amazon Choice and high use rating
- Solid construction
- More like a traditional bike
- LCD stats display
Cons
- A bit heavier than the other models
- Needs batteries for the LCD display
Personal Trainer Verdict
The ability to track your heart rate can help you really narrow down where you need to be for optimal fitness as it pertains to you. For general fitness, cardiovascular health, and calorie burning you want to make sure you’re in the right heart range. This means being in a range of 50-70% of your maximum heart rate.
You want to always check with your doctor before undertaking an exercise program, but to figure out your target heart rate; here is a simple formula.
220 – (age) x .50: so if you are 30 years old it would be 220 – 30 = 190 x .5 = 95
95 would be on the low end of your target heart rate while exercising. To find the high end the formula would be:
220 – (age) x .70: in the case of the 30-year-old it would be 220 – 30 = 190 x .7 = 133
This is just a rough guide, but it’s a good place to start as it indicates that the target heart rate for a 30-year-old should be between 95 and 133 beats per minute for optimal health and cardiovascular fitness.
Features:
- 1.6kg magnetic flywheel with adjustable resistance
- Product size (approx) – 74x41x113cm (LxWxH) , Approx 14kg
- Sturdy pedals with foot straps
- CE certified construction
- Adjustable large deep padded seat – Max user weight 100kg
- Handlebars with inbuilt cardio pulse sensors
- Advanced LCD display featuring distance, time, speed, odometer, calorie guide, and pulse
XS Sports B210 Folding Magnetic Exercise bike offers great bang for the buck with its minimalist design and incredible performance. This exercise bike lives up to XS Sports’ long-standing reputation, and it is the perfect choice for people who are just getting into a cardio workout. The indoor bike ships with a very constructive instruction manual that will help you set-up the entire bike in a short period.
The bike has also been praised for solid construction, and it has a flywheel that weighs only 1.6 kg. The overall weight of the XS Sports bike is around 14 kg, making it lighter than most other indoor bikes in its category.
In contrast to other bikes, the XS Sport B210 uses a customizable magnetic resistance that can be configured using the bike’s console. Users have also taken a liking to the bike’s cushioned seat, which makes it ideal for prolonged periods of workout. Furthermore, the bike features an intuitive LCD screen that precisely indicates parameters such as calories, pulse, distance, time, and speed. Despite its benefits, the bike is a bit uncomfortable for tall individuals due to its compact design.
The XS is based around a lightweight but very strong and durable build. The whole unit only weighs 14kg but can support a weight of 100KG.
This is a very high tech foldable exercise bike as it features a 1.6 kg flywheel, along with advanced cardio and distance signals to help track your workout. It also has the ability to track your calories burnt.
Not only is this bike great for an avid fitness enthusiast, it is stable and simple enough to be used by seniors or those with disabilities. The stats provided by the B210 will indicate pulse, time, speed, and distance. These are important stats to help make sure you are making progress.
A folding exercise bike like this makes you more motivated to exercise as it is easy to set up and get going. The prospect of having to go to the gym or drag out all of your equipment can often kill your motivation to exercise. With a bike like this, the set up takes just a moment so nothing can get in the way of you and a good workout.
Pros
- Very well built while being light
- Stats tracking
- Built-in cardio pulse sensors
Cons
- No extra features such as resistance bands
- Does not feature a stand to hold a phone or tablet
- Needs to be assembled
Personal Trainer Verdict
The XS falls into the same category as the Exerpeutic as it also allows you to precisely monitor your heart rate while exercising. This allows you to, again, make sure you’re training in the right target heart rate zone specific to your needs.
This folding exercise bike is one of the most solid made on the market meaning it can support an intense ride. The different resistance options also mean you can make our workouts as intense as you need to be. This is a perfect bike if you like variation, as one day you can perform high-intensity sprints, the next day could be a lower paced recovery ride.
This bike will be a great choice on its own but could be an ideal addition to a home gym set up. Since this bike is affordable, the addition of some free weights, exercise balls, and resistance bands could all be put together to create an ideal home gym set up.
What To Consider When Buying A Folding Exercise Bike
Budget is usually the first thing on the list when considering buying a folding exercise bike. The good news is that these bikes are some of the most affordable pieces of equipment you can buy. Considering the exercise options you can do with them, a folding exercise bike is one of the best values when it comes to home cardio equipment.
The next thing to consider is what type of rider you are. If you like longer, less intense sessions of cycling, you can opt for a more basic model. If you are larger, and like more intense riding, you will want to look for a stronger, more stable bike.
If you are someone who needs to be aware of your heart rate when exercising for medical reasons, you will want to get one that has a pulse sensor along with an LCD display. This way you will know if you’re staying in a safe range.
The last thing you’ll want to consider is your overall fitness needs and goals. If you are looking for cardiovascular exercise for optimal health, you can have that covered with an exercise bike. If you are looking for strength and muscle building too, you would want to invest in some free weights and bars. Or you could keep your gym membership and use a foldable exercise bike at home for extra cardio whenever you feel like it.