Pros
- Ergonomic, breathable backrest and wide-cushioned seat
- Adjustable seat and handle
- LCD display with app access and tablet holder
Cons
- Some reviewers note the range of resistance isn’t great
Wu recommends this recumbent exercise bike from Merach for its ergonomic, adjustable, and user-friendly design. It “has eight levels of programming, a breathable backrest, and a wide cushioned seat,” she notes. “It has a double belt flywheel weight for a smooth and quiet ride, a HD monitor and tablet holder, and a very simple design.”
With eight adjustable position settings, it also features an ergonomic backrest made of breathable mesh to keep you cool, as well as a frosted handlebar that provides a secure, non-slip grip. The simple LCD display makes it easy for you to track key metrics like time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate—plus, you can sync the bike via Bluetooth with the Merach app to track your real-time stats.
What a reviewer says: “I am 75 and wanted a bike I could ride while watching TV at night…The seat, especially the mesh back support, is quite comfortable and the build is solid. I am very happy with this purchase,” an Amazon customer shared. “The movement helps reduce morning pain and stiffness in my lower back and hip joints.”
| Dimensions | 48.03” L x 23.62” W x 46.46” H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 97 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 levels |
Looking for an affordable option? Wu recommends the Yosuda recumbent exercise bike as an “extremely budget-friendly” pick. At only $250, this bike “has 16 progressive resistance programs and supports up to 350 pounds,” she notes. “It is a magnetic system which also means a very quiet ride.” Specifically designed for seniors and those with injuries, it features an adjustable, padded seat and a comfy backrest, and its 16 resistance levels provides up to 60 lbs to suit both beginners and pros.
What a reviewer says: “This bike is perfect for me. I’m a 75-year-old who lives in a duplex of 1,800 square feet, and not only does this very quiet and compact bike fit nicely in my office, it enables me to get out of my chair and do my reading while peddling off the pounds!” one reviewer wrote. “The seat is comfortable and the back is adjusted at just the right angle. It came well-packaged and arrived in perfect shape. I’m so happy with my new little investment!”
| Dimensions | 45.9” L x 20.9” W x 38.7” H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 16 levels |
If you’re looking to splurge on a sturdy, high-quality exercise bike with all the bells and whistles, this NordicTrack option comes highly recommended by White (and it’s our pick for the best overall recumbent exercise bike too). “[This bike] features a step-through design for easy access, a cushioned seat with lumbar support, and a 14-inch HD smart touchscreen display,” White says. “It offers 26 levels of digital resistance and includes a free 30-day iFIT family membership for interactive workouts.” Its ergonomic design is especially great for seniors, complete with adjustable and oversized cushioned seats with lumbar support and extra wide, ergonomic foot pedals.
What a reviewer says: “Great ride… It is well-built, sturdy and comfortable. Great pedal motion and great resistance when you need it,” one shopper shared. “Gets a real workout in as expected and the variety of iFit programs is excellent,” said another reviewer.
| Dimensions | 68.22” L x 23.69” W x 53.42” H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 192 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 26 levels |
“Known for its durability and comfort, this bike has an adjustable seat, a user-friendly console, and a sturdy frame supporting up to 350 pounds. It provides 40 resistance levels and a 10.1-inch TFT LCD display,” says White. Along with built-in bluetooth speakers and a phone/tablet holder, the massive touch-screen display can be used to track your workout and even access a variety of fitness programs. Plus, a supportive back and adjustable seat allows a personalized fit for any user.
What a reviewer says: “I’m 65 years old, 6’1 and 245 lbs…The bike is very quiet, very sturdy, and very comfortable with its padded seat and back rest,” one shopper wrote. “The large display screen is easy to read and the console allows you to seamlessly adjust between resistance levels whenever you desire. I initially intended to only use the manual mode, but have found a couple of the preset programs beneficial in helping me to push myself a little harder.”
| Dimensions | 57” L x 18” W x 31” H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 173 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 40 levels |
If you’re looking for a foldable exercise bike with a space-saving design, this top-rated option is a great choice. It’s lightweight and easy to move at under 40 pounds, and can easily be folded up to store in your home when not in use. Its versatile design allows allows you to use it as both an upright or recumbent bike, thanks to an adjustable cushioned seat back. This bike offers 10 levels of adjustable resistance and comes with a display screen with a heartrate handrail.
What a reviewer says: “Great buy!! It folds so it takes up little space and I can use it in any room,” one reviewer wrote. “I’m a senior so it works well for me as a stationery bike. I use it in the upright position and can adjust the tension. The display gives me speed, distance, miles, etc. I love the fact that it’s quiet! It has the ability to be used as a recumbent bike…It’s very sturdy so I feel I will get a lot of use out of it!”
| Dimensions | 16” L x 26” W x 47” H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 38.5 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 10 levels |
Wu recommends this recumbent exercise bike as it “supports up to 400 pounds, has 16 progressive resistance programs, is ultra-quiet with its magnetic system” and is also “extremely durable,” she says. It’s designed with an ergonomic, breathable mesh backrest and cushioned seat, complete with eight adjustable seat positions for a comfortable fit for any user. And did we mention it also comes with a tablet and cup holder, as well as as LED monitor and app access to track your exercise data?
What a reviewer says: “The seat is comfortable. The mesh back is wonderfully cool. It’s easy to adjust the seat position between my tall husband and my short self,” shared one Amazon customer. “It’s way easy for me to get on and off of, and that’s a biggie since I’m still recovering from hip replacement surgery. It’s also easy to adjust the resistance level. And my Kindle fits very well in the holder. I have no negative comments at all.”
| Dimensions | 50” L x 23” W x 45” H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 89 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 16 levels |
How to choose the best exercise bikes for seniors
When choosing the best exercise bikes for seniors, experts recommend looking for:
✔️ A comfortable, ergonomic design: An exercise bike that is supportive and comfortable to ride in is key. Specifically, White recommends looking for bikes with a wide, cushioned seat which will help “reduce pressure on the hips and tailbone,” as well as proper back support (in recumbent bikes) to “help prevent lower back strain.”
✔️ Adjustable positions: “Seniors should look for exercise bikes that are easily adjustable for leg length, handlebar height, and seat height,” advises Wu. The ability to adjust the seat height and position is important to “ensure proper leg extension and reduce knee stress,” White explains.
✔️Easy on-and-off design: Experts note that getting on and off an exercise bike can be a challenge for seniors, especially those with balance and mobility issues. That’s why White recommends looking for bikes with a step-through frame, which makes for easy on and off. “Pedals and straps should be supportive and easy to get in and out of,” adds Wu.
✔️ User-friendly design: Exercise bikes that are user-friendly with a large, easy-to-read screen display are ideal for seniors, notes White; additionally, simple button controls are helpful as they prevent frustration with complicated settings.
✔️ Adjustable resistance levels: White recommends exercise bikes with magnetic resistance systems as they’re quieter and smoother than friction-based resistance. Opt for bikes with a range of multiple resistance settings, which is ideal for seniors as it allows for gradual progression in intensity, he says.
✔️ Durability and safety features: Experts recommend bikes with a sturdy, durable frame, a high weight capacity, and non-slip feet to ensure stability. An emergency stop function is especially useful for preventing overexertion or accidents, adds White.
What is the best type of exercise bike for seniors?
According to our experts, recumbent exercise bikes are the best type for seniors and older adults, especially for those dealing with joint and back pain or balance and mobility issues. “They are more supportive and comfortable [and] are also easier to get on more safely,” says Wu.
More specifically, the reclined seat design of a recumbent exercise bike is ideal as it helps lessen stress on the lower back, while the lower pedal position helps put less stress on the knees and hips, explains White. The step-through design also “makes it easier to get on and off” the bike, he adds.
How long should people over 65 ride an exercise bike?
“Seniors should start with 5 to 10 minutes of biking to up to 20 to 30 minutes, minimum three times a week,” advises Wu. “They should aim to build endurance and increase intensities.” White also recommends seniors ride at a light intensity and steady pace. “Overworking the muscles by pedaling too intensely or for too long can cause muscle strains and cardiovascular stress,” he warns.
Always consult your medical provider before starting a new fitness routine. “Seniors with comorbidities or pre-existing conditions should check with their doctors before starting on the exercise bike,” says Wu.
How we chose the best exercise bikes for seniors
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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