As we age, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes crucial for long-term health and wellness, but some forms of exercise begin to lose their appeal. Biking outdoors, for example, can be a fun and thrilling activity when you’re young, but as you age, catching a cramp five miles from home or fixing a flat on the side of the road is problematic. Fortunately, the best exercise bikes for seniors directly address some of the downsides of traditional biking, as they eliminate unpredictability while also giving you full control over the length and intensity of your workout.
Stay active indoors with one of the best exercise bikes for seniors in 2024.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
The best exercise bikes for seniors offer a safe and effective way to stay fit, improve cardiovascular health and enhance mobility via a low-impact workout that’s as challenging as you’d like it to be.
With so many stationary bikes on the market, searching for the right bike might seem like a daunting task, but this comprehensive guide highlights the top options, focusing on features like comfort and safety. Below, I’ll dive into models like my overall top pick, the Sunny Health And Wellness Elite Recumbent, which is both affordable and easy to use, along with other recumbent and upright options.
Resistance: Magnetic, 12 levels | Footprint: 56.7 x 26.4 x 46.1 inches | Weight: 81 pounds | Capacity: 300 pounds | Display: LCD console | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: 3 years frame, 180 days components | Subscriptions: No
Sunny Health And Fitness’ Elite Recumbent Bike is my top pick if you’re looking for one of the best exercise bikes for seniors. It isn’t the flashiest model on the market, nor is it adorned with dozens of bells and whistles, but the price, when weighed against the features it does have, makes it an excellent buy.
Featuring 12 levels of magnetic resistance, it’s quiet and incredibly easy to use—a simple dial changes resistance levels on the fly. Heart rate sensors integrated into the grab handles along both sides of the seat make checking your pulse a total breeze, and even the ergonomic seat that sports a mesh back is not only comfortable, but breathable, too. As for the control panel, Sunny Health And Fitness outfits this bike with a simple LCD display that tracks any number of metrics, from elasped time and distance to calories, body fat percentage, speed and temperature. Above the small display, you’ll find a shelf that allows you to use a phone or tablet for live workouts or your favorite shows.
Because this bike is priced at less than $1,000, you won’t find a large display, speakers or a set of fans that make workouts more enjoyable, but I think the included tech, comfort and strong warranty, when weighed against the price, make this a standout option that often goes on sale.
Resistance: Friction | Footprint: 21.7 x 40.2 x 46 inches | Weight: 68 pounds | Capacity: 270 pounds | Display: LCD monitor | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: 3 months (frame), 1 year (parts) | Subscriptions: No
This spin-style Yosuda bike is excellent for home riders because it comes with all the features you need but none of the ones that you don’t (and don’t want to pay for). Though it’s set up like pricier spin bikes, its cage pedals mean you can ride in your everyday sneakers instead of having to also invest in costly spin shoes, and its small LCD monitor makes important metrics available.
At less than $400 (or even $300 when it goes on sale), the Yosuda YB001 offers excellent value at this price point. For example, its durable belt-drive system lets you adjust the resistance and bang out workouts without the noise associated with some bargain models. Similarly, its easy-to-adjust resistance knob helps you find the right settings in seconds for a dialed workout that’s free from interruption.
A four-way adjustable seat (top, bottom, front, back) and two handlebar height settings allow for a customized fit that is both comfortable and promotes proper form for different heights and body types. Also, because it has one of the smallest footprints out there, occupying just 22 inches by 40 inches of floor space, it’s an easy fit for most homes or apartments. Do note, however, that this is a spin-style bike, so it does not fold down like some other models.
The YB001 also comes with handy features like a tablet holder so you can watch movies or listen to music while you ride. Part of the reason this bike is so affordable is that it doesn’t come with an integrated entertainment system, so having the ability to easily prop up your own entertainment can make your workout more enjoyable, which can ultimately encourage you to ride more.
For many people (myself included), recumbent bikes are more comfortable than upright bikes. I bought my first recumbent exercise bike when I was twenty years old, when I had young and healthy joints and pain-free knees. I found the build of the bike to be far more comfortable than upright bikes, and I still do. I rode that bike nearly every day in my early 20s as I (effectively) worked on losing weight while watching TV. These days, I visit my mom in her nursing home, where she and her neighbors ride recumbent exercise because they are so much safer and easier to get on and off of.
The Schwinn 230 is one of the less expensive recumbent bikes on the market that still has many premium features, including a video display, a ventilated seat and access to on-demand workouts via an app. The high-inertia flywheel means your workouts are smooth and quiet while the easily adjusted seat and rails ensure your workout is comfortable. There’s also a water bottle holder for easy hydration and a media shelf to rest your tablet, book or phone on.
Though it lacks a touchscreen display and the screen itself is on the smaller side, that’s part of the reason this bike is so affordable. That said, the bike is Bluetooth-enabled and can connect with popular cycling apps like Zwift and Explore the World (separate subscriptions required).
Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels | Footprint: 18.1 x 31.9 x 43.3 inches (18.1 x 18.1 inches when folded) | Weight: 32 pounds | Capacity: 225 pounds | Display: LCD console | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: 1 year (frame), 90 days (parts) | Subscriptions: No
While some people enjoy using an expensive trophy bike that doubles as a permanent piece of furniture in their home, many of us prefer to save space by folding it up and tucking it out of the way when it’s not in use. Folding exercise bikes are perfect for anyone without a dedicated exercise space, and the Xterra FB150 is a great example of one.
Keep in mind that the major compromises you’ll find with folding exercise bikes are stability and resistance. It’s also worth noting that the maximum rider weight for this bike is 225 pounds, so if you are over that weight, this is not the bike for you. However, if you’re under 225 pounds and you’re looking for a low-impact cardio workout, or if you’re new to exercise and don’t want to invest in a bulky or expensive bike, this could be a great option.
The FB150 has a large, adjustable, cushy seat that can accommodate rider heights from 58 to 70 inches. It also comes with comfortable, padded handlebars and a simple LCD display to track time, speed and distance. The machine’s small, 3.3-pound flywheel offers eight levels of resistance, which aren’t nearly as many as higher-end models, but they should be enough to get your heart racing without breaking the bank.
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NordicTrack Commercial Series R35
Resistance: Magnetic, 26 levels | Footprint: 68.2 x 23.7 x 53.4 inches | Weight: 192 pounds | Capacity: 350 pounds | Display: 14-inch HD touchscreen | Wheels: Yes | Warranty: 10 years (frame), 2 years (parts) | Subscriptions: iFit
Even if you’re not specifically looking for a recumbent bike, the NordicTrack R35 recumbent exercise bike is a great pick, as it boasts the comfort features that many recumbent bikes are known for while pairing it with the sort of programming often associated with upright spin bikes.
An ergonomic seat allows for a more comfortable workout while a curved mesh backrest improves airflow around your upper body so you’re less likely to overheat and over-sweat. Should you begin to sweat (which definitely isn’t a bad thing), turn on the built-in fan and hydrate with the water bottle that easily fits in the convenient bottle holder. 26 resistance levels cater to various fitness needs and users of different heights will appreciate how easily the distance between the seat and the pedals can be adjusted.
What really sets this bike apart from other recumbent bikes (and other exercise bikes in this price range), is its high-definition touchscreen display and its seamless integration with the iFit Fitness app. iFit is a subscription-based service that offers a wide selection of on-demand workouts for streaming. There’s even an innovative Google Maps feature where you can enjoy workouts set in virtual locations around the world. The annual iFit membership is $180 per year per person, and NordicTrack also offers a complimentary 1-month trial when you sign up. Even if you don’t go with the membership, you can still connect your preferred audio devices to this bike via Bluetooth.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published many expertly researched gear buying guides, including dozens of articles related to fitness and wellness. We maintain a digital library of everything you could possibly need to set up a home gym, including different types of exercise bikes and other cardio equipment.
This story was written by Forbes Vetted author Cassandra Brooklyn, who has tested and written about hundreds of products, including indoor bike racks and folding treadmills. She contributes to a number of publications, including CNN and The Wall Street Journal.
Gear editor Cam Vigliotta holds a degree in sports medicine from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He produces health and wellness stories across the site and regularly reviews the latest fitness equipment, including treadmills, GPS watches and compression socks for running.
We regularly update this story to maintain accuracy and ensure our picks are still the best the market has to offer. This piece was written in October 2024.
How We Chose The Best Exercise Bikes For Seniors
To find and recommend the best exercise bikes for seniors, I relied on my personal expertise and read customer reviews from those who bought an exercise bike with their own money.
I gathered a list of more than 10 bikes from a variety of established brands before analyzing their features, taking into consideration their levels of resistance, ergonomics, dimensions, weight capacity and additional features, like a screen. That list of 10 was then cut to a total of five, all featured in this guide.
I read through countless consumer reviews, determining which bike offer an uncomfortable ride as a result of poor ergonomics or tech, and which are truly capable when it comes to maintaining mobility.
Because I know that everyone has different fitness goals and budgets, I recommend a variety of exercise bikes to cover everyone’s needs.
What To Look For In The Best Exercise Bikes For Seniors
Size
Home exercise bikes differ dramatically in terms of the amount of space they take up. Some are small and fold up even smaller, while others have a substantial footprint. If you’re short on space, it’s worth considering a foldable option, and these also tend to be less expensive. That said, folding models tend to have fewer features (like touchscreens and water bottle holders) and they also typically have lower weight limits. Before buying, measure your workout space, keeping in mind that the size of the bike you buy will often determine how many features it has.
Adjustments
Almost every exercise bike on the market allows you to make adjustments in some way, whether you’re changing the position of the seat or the pedals. Many bikes, particularly higher-end models, allow the seat to be adjusted in four directions. If there are foot straps on the pedals (which are common on recumbent exercise bikes), these are also adjustable so they can accommodate different foot sizes and types of footwear.
These adjustments tend to not be overly complicated, but if multiple people will be using the bike and adjusting it to accommodate different needs, then it’s especially important to go with a bike that makes these adjustments quick and easy.
Noise
Most exercise bikes make a bit of noise as you pedal, whether it’s from a traditional wheel or a flywheel. If you live alone or have a dedicated workout space, this may not be an issue, but if your exercise bike is in a home office or a small apartment, your rides could distract and interrupt others. Some exercise bikes, like the NordicTrack R35, are incredibly quiet because they use magnets to generate resistance, so they’re a great option for sound-sensitive households.
Tech
Like any other piece of workout equipment on the market, exercise bikes run the gamut in terms of tech features. Some have simple LCD displays while others offer fully Wi-Fi connected touchscreens. If you want to stream a workout right on the bike itself, prioritize a model that has a large screen and on-demand workouts via an app. Do keep in mind that these services often require an ongoing subscription.
If you’d like to have some entertainment while you work out but you don’t want to dedicate the money or space to a machine that offers integrated entertainment, look for a bike that has a media shelf so you can see your own tablet, phone or literature as you ride.
Weight Capacity
While many home exercise bikes can accommodate riders up to and over 300 pounds, this isn’t the case for every bike. Riding a bike that cannot accommodate your weight may not only damage the bike, it could also cause personal injury. Budget-friendly and folding bikes tend to have lower weight limits, so keep this in mind when the time comes to find a bike that supports you and other members of your household.
