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There are plenty of good reasons why exercise bikes are some of the most popular fitness machines used in-home. Offering an excellent cardio workout while burning calories, they’re also easy on the body.
While they’re relatively small given their benefits, if you’re really tight on space you’ll want to go even smaller.
What you need is a folding exercise bike that can be stowed away easily once you’re done using it. We’ve done the research to find the top folding exercise bikes so you don’t have to. Let’s get started!
Best Folding Exercise Bikes
| Exerpeutic Folding Upright Exercise Bike | Sunny Health & Fitness XL Folding Bike | ANCHEER Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Capacity: | 300 Pounds | 300 Pounds | 250 Pounds |
| Size: | 31" x 19" x 46" | 32" x 21" x 49" | 45" x 17" x 45" |
| Workout Levels: | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| Weight: | 42.8 Pounds | 38.5 Pounds | 48 Pounds |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Folding Exercise Bike For 2020
- Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse
- Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL Ultra Cushioned Seat
- ANCHEER Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike 3-in-1 Cycle
- BCAN Folding Exercise Bike
- XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
- Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike
- ATIVAFIT Stationary Exercise Bike
Our reviews to the top rated folding exercise bikes with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right folding exercise bike for you.
Folding Exercise Bike Reviews
#1 Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
There’s a reason why the Exerpeutic Folding Upright Exercise Bike has made not just Amazon’s Choice, but the prestigious Men’s Health Editor’s Choice, as well.
Exerpeutic is one of the most well-known manufacturer in folding exercise bikes but this may just be their best. If you’re looking for quality that’s still affordable, look no further.
Comprised of a solid frame made from tough materials, it’s capable of holding up to 300 pounds which is more than enough for most.
Expand To See More The upright model lets you take advantage of a much smaller form once it’s all folded up, making storage incredibly easy. The seat on this best folding exercise bike is similar to many others with heavy padding and a neutral design made with your comfort in mind. You can easily adjust the height to suit your body perfectly (between 5’3” and 6’1”), and the built-in display provides you with general metrics which isn’t anything special but gets the job done well. The 3-piece “high torque” cranking system offers a very smooth, stable motion so you can have a more efficient workout and comes with an 8-level magnetic tension system to easily switch up the difficulty level. Even if you’re pedaling your absolute hardest, you can count on this model being incredibly quiet, which means you can use it while others are sleeping without bothering them. Sunny Health & Fitness is one of the most popular brands of exercise gear recently, which is why their Comfort XL Folding Recumbent Bike caught our eye initially. While it’s not exactly the most advanced model out there, it does a solid job at a relatively low price. If you’re in need of convenience and comfort while working out, then check this one out. We will say that it features some of the smoothest rides ever with the silent and stable belt drive and 3+ pound flywheel which offers 10 levels of magnetic resistance which is more than most. Expand To See More The included monitor displays time, speed, distance, calories burned, odometer, and pulse rate which can be monitored with the pulse grips on the padded handles. If you need some extra entertainment, they’ve also thoughtfully included a tablet holder where you can keep smart devices, books, etc. It does let you adjust to three different levels, though we would’ve liked to have seen a bit more versatility in this aspect. The fully padded seat is very comfy, however, thanks to the extra-large size and backrest. An included water bottle holder is also close by so you can stay hydrated. Easily one of the best folding recumbent bikes out there, the ANCHEER is one of the most high-quality you’ll find on the market today. The premium model is essentially a 3-in-1, with convertible upright and recumbent positions along with a twister plate to instantly work different muscle groups for a complete workout. If you’re ready to maximize your space and fitness, then this is the one for you. With a sturdy X-style frame, it takes advantage of balance though you don’t have to worry about it falling over even during intense cycling sessions. Expand To See More Assembly is one of the easiest out there, and when folded, it will actually be half of the assembled size which is pretty impressive. The small footprint is ideal if you’re really limited on space, so if you’re in a cramped apartment this may be your exercise bike. The seat was one of our favorite features of the bike, as it was large and didn’t feel like you were restricted at all in your movements. The seat is cushioned itself, along with a comfortable back rest. The two ergonomic handles are included so you can change up your riding posture easily, too. If you’re one of those who likes to go on long sessions but limit yourself due to discomfort, then we really suggest trying out this recumbent. To monitor your progress you’ll get a digital monitor to show your workout time, speed, calories burned, pulse, scan, distance, and odometer. In addition, you’ll get a handy phone bracket which lets you use your tablet, smartphone, etc. to keep yourself entertained. If your main goal is durability and strength, then the BCAN Folding Exercise Bike should be at the top of your list. It has a weight capacity of 330 pounds, which is more than almost any other you’ll find out there. Made of high-strength steel, you can count on this best folding stationary bike to last you for many years of regular use to come. At first glance you can tell that the frame does look a bit different than most. This is the model’s special arc frame design which makes it very easy to get on and off – a necessity when dealing with folding exercise bikes. Expand To See More To aid in extra support you have a large seat that comes with very soft padding that will keep you comfortable for long periods of time. Adjust it to fit your individual body perfectly, so long as you stand between 4’8” and 6’2”. Tension is also easy to control, due to the magnetic controls that can adjust quickly and smoothly. Coming with one of the best fitness we’ve seen in folding bikes, you’ll get an almost 4” LCD screen that will show you your heart rate, time, speed, distance, and calories burned. Finally, the BCAN bike comes with a 12-month warranty on parts and 24-hour lifetime customer service which is especially helpful if you have any questions or concerns. Similar to the previous product, the XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike also features an X-frame design with thick steel tubing that’s made to last against regular use. With a silent belt drive system, it’s perfect if you want to workout without disturbing anyone else in your home, too. If you need something that can be stored without issue but isn’t going to give out on you, then keep on reading. Expand To See More This is also one of the best options on the market today in terms of comfort. The padded lower back pad offers just a bit of extra lumbar support to help keep your spine in the proper position which will make you more efficient, too. The multi-grip padded handles let you switch up your riding posture and also come with pulse grips so you can seamlessly monitor your heart rate throughout. A 2” x 1” LCD screen is built in, showing you your heart rate, speed, distance, time, calories, and pulse. While it’s not the biggest screen out there, it’s more than sufficient for most users. Unfortunately, the weight limit is a bit low, at just 225 pounds. However, if that works then you then it is a solid choice. Coming with your average 8 levels of manual resistance which is neither here nor there, though controlled easily with the large dial. As one of the best foldable exercise bikes, the Merax Adjustable Exercise Convertible Bike has an extremely small footprint that’s perfect for tight spaces. Coming in either Blue and Grey or Red and Black, they look very modern and attractive, giving you a couple different options to select from. Folding up in just seconds, you’ll be able to get a good workout in without disrupting your household. Expand To See More Coming with 10 levels of quiet magnetic resistance, you’ll be able to do hills, slowly increase the resistance and really vary up your workouts so your body doesn’t get accustomed quickly. This means that you’ll see even quicker results. In addition, the bike comes with two resistance bands so you can even work out your upper body for a more complete workout than any other offers! To track your progress, you’ll find a nice LCD screen right between the handlebars that will show you your time, speed, distance, calories burned, along with your heart rate. The heart rate monitors are located conveniently in the handlebars as well, tracking throughout the duration of your workout. Moreover, it comes with a phone holder where you can conveniently dock your phone or tablet to watch shows, listen to music, and so on. Finally, the 2-in-1 bike lets you use it in an upright position or twist the knob to convert it into a recumbent bike to address various muscle groups. Last but certainly not least, we bring you the ATIVAFIT Stationary Exercise Bike Magnetic Upright which is a gorgeous piece of exercise equipment available at an incredibly affordable price. Much like the previous bike, it really does offer a very compete, well-rounded workout that most others can’t compete with. If you’re ready to kick your body into gear, then don’t go anywhere. Aside from being an incredible bike, the package also comes with arm resistance bands so you can work out your upper body as well. Expand To See More We really loved doing mini circuits with the setup which is one of the best ways to go if you’re looking to burn fat and tone up in a short period of time. With 8 levels of smooth magnetic resistance, you can rest assured your body won’t get used to the bike anytime soon, either. The seat is very comfortable, thanks to the ergonomic design, luxurious padding and PU leather exterior which eliminates pressure points and holds up very well against rips and punctures. A large padded lower back pad and multi-grip handlebars only aid in this high level of comfort. When you’re done with your workout and need to pack up, transportation wheels make it particularly user-friendly. Simply roll it from one room to the next without any need to haul it around. Finding the right folding bike can be a challenging process if you’re not completely confident in which features you may need. However, this is going to be your main objective. If you’re having some doubts and need some guidance as to what you should be looking for, then this guide is just for you. We have written up this comprehensive section to ensure that by the time you’re done reading it, there will be no doubt in your mind which is the perfect product for you. As you have probably already taken note of, there are various types of foldable exercise bikes. The two main types we’re talking about here are the upright bikes and recumbent bikes. Let’s take a quick look at each to see which works better for you and your goals. These are typically a bit more extreme when it comes to body position and seating height. These actually break down into two different shapes. Some come with a more sporty kind of seat which are typically more comfy, while others have a neutral and flat seat. However, this is ultimately up to your own preference and we can’t tell you which is the “better” option. These are typically much easier on the lower back/lumbar spine as it takes pressure off of it. This also helps promote correct posture and comes with a wider/larger seat which ultimately makes it more comfortable. If you’d like both options, then simply opt for one of the products on our guide that let you switch up between the two! This brings us to our next point, which is the seat. This is obviously going to play a crucial part in how comfortable you are while using your exercise bike. If it’s uncomfortable chances are very low that you’re going to use it, which ultimately means that you’ve wasted your money. As we just covered briefly, wider seats are typically going to be more comfortable as you’ll have more room to move around. In addition, think about which types of seats you tend to prefer. Do you like really hard ones or more luxuriously-padded ones? In addition, think about if you would like or need a back rest. There are many bikes that come with extra padding in the lumbar spine which offers extra support and takes a lot of the strain off of the lower back. Even if the bike is made of pure gold, weighs nothing, and is the smoothest, most comfortable ride you’ve ever experienced, it won’t matter much if it can’t support your weight. That means that before you do anything else, you should take a look at the weight capacity of the bike you’re interested in. Really make sure to be honest about your weight, because you could damage the bike and render it useless if you ride one that cannot support your weight. Folding exercise bikes usually have limits that range anywhere from around 200 pounds to 350 pounds. Not only is it important to take into consideration the weight limit of the bike, but the weight of the bike itself. This will usually depend on what the frame of the bike is made out of, with aluminum typically being the lightest option and steel being the heaviest. The exercise bikes we reviewed typically range in weight from around 30 pounds to 60 pounds, which is actually quite a difference if you’re using it every day! While it’s not a rule, typically the more lightweight bikes will cost a bit more. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you can probably go for a heavier bike if it does come with wheels so you can simply roll it from one room to the next. Adjustability is absolutely necessary when it comes to ski jackets, but even more so when we’re dealing with children. Children move around a ton, and when skiing you don’t want them to be uncomfortable. This is where you want to look at jackets that have an adjustable middle bungee to help keep snow and cold wind out without being too restrictive on them. Also look for adjustable bungees on the bottom hem and tabs on the cuffs to help keep snow and wind out where it belongs. How much are you willing to spend a good folding exercise bike? It’s a good idea to create a budget for yourself before you start looking so you don’t accidentally spend more than you’d wanted to. No matter what your budget is, we can assure you that we have an excellent selection that will fit it. Just keep in mind that if you do have the means of spending a bit more, it often pays for itself in one way or another. By getting a high-quality bike, you can expect it to last longer, be smoother, and overall just perform better. They’ll also come with longer warranties so you’ll be covered longer than if you were to opt for a cheaper model. Foldable bikes unfortunately do not come fully assembled when they get to your doorstep, and it would be quite the feat if they did. With that being said, they also vary quite a bit in terms of how easy they are to put together. Some only take less than maybe 15 minutes while others are a bit more complicated. This will also depend on how handy you are, and if you have anyone to help you. Aside from the weight capacity, you also need to make sure it works with your height! You should be able to reach the pedals without any issues or contorting your body into unnatural-feeling ways. You should, at minimum get a bike that comes with a few different adjustment options. Just make sure that the height range the manufacturer indicates works for your height or else you’re not going to get the full benefits you should if you’re even able to use it properly. Aside from the price of your best folding exercise bike, you should also take warranty seriously into consideration. While this isn’t the case 100% of the time, oftentimes when you go up in price you’ll also receive a longer warranty which in a way could pay for itself as you’ll be covered if anything happens. Think of it as the manufacturer’s way of saying how long they expect their product to operate without any issues. Of course, the bike itself is the main attraction but extras can really make the difference in motivating you to use it longer or use it at all. Take a look to see if it includes a display that will show you your exercise stats like speed, calories burned, heart rate and other valuable pieces of knowledge you can use to track your progress. LCD screens are often found in the aforementioned bikes, but do vary quite a bit in size. Obviously, bigger screens are going to be the preferred option as they’re easier to see without straining your eyes. Aside from that, you may want to see if it includes a place you can mount your smart device, like a smartphone or tablet. This way, you can easily listen to music, watch videos, Netflix, read a book, and more. A: That kind of depends on who you ask, and also what you’re expecting to receive from your bike. If we’re asking if folding bikes are as good as their regular-sized competitors, then that depends. In regards to durability and stability, regular bikes win. Consoles also aren’t quite as complex on folding bikes which makes sense as they also need to be easy to store. However, you’re trading just a few minor downsides for a great helping of convenience. No more stubbing your toe trying to squeeze past your bike or having it take up extra room in your home. A: The bike is a million times better than the treadmill, if positioned correctly. The treadmill is actually quite hard on the knees as the knees take up the vast majority of the impact received once your feet hit the hard surface. Again, you need to ensure that your seat is ergonomically adjusted in accordance to the height and relation of your body to the pedals or you can also over time, damage your knees. A: In many ways, yes. No, you may not get the benefits of the fresh air but it’s much better on the knees for many people and is a low-impact way of really shaping up your heart and overall health in a way that walking can’t do as well. A: That all depends on what your goals are! If you’re currently at a state where you never workout or do any form of cardio, then 20 minutes will probably be more than enough for you, starting out. If you’re elevating your heart rate, challenging yourself, and sweating then you’re doing your body a great service and are actively improving your strength, muscle tone, and cardiovascular conditioning. Just remember that the human body gets accustomed quickly, so try to increase your resistance level to avoid hitting plateaus. A: Again, that all depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking to burn as many calories as possible in a short amount of time, then the treadmill is going to be the way to go. However, you can definitely burn a huge amount of calories by really pushing yourself on a bike, too. If you’re searching for a more low-impact exercise option then the bike will be the better choice and will be easier on your joints over time. They often don’t add anything to the overall price of the bike, and the resistance bands can be used to tone your upper body as well as let you do circuits where you stop pedaling and focus on your upper body, and switch off. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Simply find one with a little place where you can safely hold your phone, tablet, book, etc. so you can kind of distract yourself from the discomfort you’re putting your body through. Eventually, your body will come to crave the endorphins you’re getting from working out and you may not even need entertainment! 6 months is most likely going to be longer than you need to figure out if your bike is made well, but it will just give you the peace of mind you need to use it with confidence and not have to worry about it breaking on you. Obviously, if you can opt for a bike that has a warranty even longer than that then do it, because you’ll be covered longer and it could ultimately mean the difference between you paying for a new bike or not. Now that you’ve had the chance to read everything you could ever want to know about folding exercise bikes, which one will you be using in your workouts? If you’re still unsure know that no matter which one you get, you’ll be receiving one of the best in the world. However, what’s most important is that you select the perfect product for your body and home’s requirements. We hope that our guide has helped you do just that. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again shortly! In March 2019 Amazon announced that Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA) would be accepted as new forms of payment for eligible product purchases. Using HSA/FSA funds to purchase on Amazon can be a great way to reduce taxes and reduce overall healthcare costs for items not covered under medical insurance. Users of such medical savings plans are issued a debit card by their provider, which can be added to their payment methods in their Amazon account. Whether items sold on Amazon are deemed as eligible for HSA/FSA plans remains the responsibility of the buyer and their particular health plan provider. It’s ultimately up to the IRS and participating health plan providers to deem which medical and health products are considered eligible for the payment plans. But the eligibility is quite broad and inclusive of thousands of products that are sold on Amazon and considered Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts plan-eligible. See this IRS document for more information about Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf#2 Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL Folding Exercise Bike
#3 ANCHEER Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike 3-in-1
#4 BCAN Folding Exercise Bike
#5 XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
#6 Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike
#7 ATIVAFIT Stationary Exercise Bike Magnetic Upright Bike
Best Folding Exercise Bikes Comparison Table
Folding Exercise Bike Capacity Size Workout Levels Weight Rating Exerpeutic Folding Upright Exercise Bike 300 lbs 31" x 19" x 46" 8 42.8 lbs 4.4 / 5.0 Sunny Health & Fitness XL Folding Bike 300 lbs 32" x 21" x 49" 10 38.5 lbs 4.4 / 5.0 ANCHEER Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike 250 lbs 45" x 17" x 45" 10 48 lbs 4.0 / 5.0 BCAN Folding Exercise Bike 330 lbs 46" x 22" x 20" 8 46 lbs 4.3 / 5.0 XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Bike 225 lbs 31.5" x 18" x 45" 8 42.3 lbs 4.5 / 5.0 Merax 3 in 1 Folding Exercise Bike N/A 31" x 20" x 42" 10 30 lbs 4.5 / 5.0 ATIVAFIT Stationary Exercise Bike 275 lbs 28" x 15" x 46" 8 42.3 lbs 4.6 / 5.0 How to Choose the Best Folding Exercise Bikes – Buying Guide
Types of Exercise Bikes
Upright
Recumbent
Seat
Weight Limit
Bike Weight
Adjustability
Price
Ease of Assembly
Height Adjustment
Warranty
Monitor Display/Extras
FAQs About Folding Exercise Bikes
Q: Are folding exercise bikes any good?
Q: Which is better on the knees, treadmill or bike?
Q: Is riding a stationary bike better than walking?
Q: Is 20 minutes on an exercise bike enough?
Q: Is an exercise bike or treadmill better?
Tips For Choosing A Folding Exercise Bike
#1: If you’re trying to tone your body as efficiently as possible or are serious about getting a full-body workout, then select a model with included bands.
#2: If you’re having trouble staying motivated to work out longer or at all, choose a bike with an entertainment section.
#3: Look for a model that comes with at least a 6-month guarantee.
Summary
Notice:
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