For at-home cardio workouts, the best exercise bikes can be a great tool for fulfilling your fitness goals and aspirations. Plus, these high-quality pieces of fitness equipment don’t have a shelf life — older adults can ride along and reap the benefits of improved cardiovascular health, mobility, and even balance. (1) The best exercise bikes for seniors cater to this niche group of fitness enthusiasts with comfortable body placement, engaging digital programming, ergonomic adjustment points for resistance, and more.
While we’re not at the “senior citizen” status just yet, we still feel we understand what makes a great stationary bike. No matter your tenure on this planet, you’ll want a bike that’s supportive, durable, and (above all else) enjoyable to train on. So, we’ve gotten hands-on with dozens of cycles and consulted with our in-house team of experts to compile this round-up of the best exercise bikes for seniors available today.
The 9 Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors of 2024
- Best Exercise Bike for Seniors Overall: NordicTrack Commercial R35
- Best Exercise Bike for Seniors with Back Problems: Sole LCR Exercise Bike
- Best Exercise Bike for Seniors for Live Classes: Peloton Bike
- Best Budget Exercise Bike for Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002
- Best Air Bike for Seniors: Concept2 BikeErg
- Best Exercise Bike for Seniors with Arms: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RBE420049
- Best Folding Exercise Bike for Seniors: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Under-Desk Exercise Bike for Seniors: DeskCycle2 Under Desk Bike
How We Tested and Chose the Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best exercise bikes for seniors, we got hands-on with 50 different equipment silhouettes from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.
For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology.
- Exercise Bike Type: Indoor cycling bikes can come in a variety of silhouettes, each with its own perks and drawbacks. To cater to as wide an audience of older athletes as possible, we included profiles that fall under a range of exercise bike types including recumbent bikes, spin bikes, air bikes, folding bikes, and more.
- Adjustability: Everyone’s body is different, so having an exercise bike that can be adjusted to your liking is key. All of the included stationary bikes in this guide feature multiple adjustment points along with ergonomic toggles that can make finding that perfect setup a less complicated endeavor.
- Available Programming: Pedaling along and watching your time, speed, and calories can be somewhat boring, especially if you’re turning to your exercise bike daily for your training regimen. As such, we made sure to include profiles capable of streaming popular fitness programs, or at least those that featured an integrated tablet holder for DIY streaming setups in tandem with the present LCD displays.
- Product Footprint: Not every older athlete has the same space available to house high-quality gym equipment. We made sure to include the product dimensions of every exercise bike featured in this round-up for a clearer illustration of the floorspace required and also included some compact silhouettes boasting added storage features like foldable frames or under-desk positioning.
- Resistance Levels: To achieve hypertrophy — the term referring to muscle growth via physical activity — you need to pose a challenge to your abilities every now and again. (6) As such, we looked for exercise bikes offering different levels of resistance, which can be useful when trying to change up your training intensity from one session to the next.
Best Exercise Bike for Seniors Overall: NordicTrack Commercial R35
This recumbent bike features a 25-pound flywheel and 26 levels of magnetic resistance. With your purchase, you'll receive a 30-day trial to iFit, granting you access to over 16,000 workout classes ranging from cardio to strength training.
Specs
- Price: $1,499
- Exercise Bike Type: Recumbent bike
- Product Dimensions: 68.22” L x 23.69” W x 53.42” H
- Product Weight: 192lbs
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Resistance Levels: 26
- Display: 14” Smart HD Touchscreen
For older adults wanting a stellar home workout, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial R35. We’ve previously ranked this among the best recumbent bikes available and really like the setup for older individuals given the more comfortable seat, ergonomic front pedals, and stellar dynamic programming available through NordicTrack’s integration with iFIT.
Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, rated the available programming at 5 out of 5 praising the platform’s robust library of over 16,000 on-demand courses and real-world rides powered by Google Maps. “Plus, I really appreciate the AutoAdjust technology that makes toggling through the 26 levels of resistance a breeze,” they added. “When following along to an iFIT workout, the machine automatically adjusts your resistance in accordance with your on-screen road conditions or trainer’s instructions.”
Recumbent bikes fully support your body as opposed to more traditional stationary bikes, making them an excellent pick for older adults wanting some extra security and coziness. (2) Our tester, who had their ankle reconstructed prior to trying this R35, was very appreciative of the more inviting setup. “I’m not sure I’d be able to train as efficiently if I were looking to use a regular spin bike,” they stated.
To add to the approachable makeup, the R35 is rounded out with a comfortable seat with added back support. Plus, we scored the adjustability at 4 out of 5 thanks to the ergonomic lever that allows you to seamlessly slide the seat back and forth along the rail for that perfect positioning.
The NordicTrack Commercial R35 weighs in at 192 pounds, which can be heavy and cumbersome to get into position for a workout. While the machine does feature front transport wheels, we did rate the portability at 3.75 out of 5 given that there are no other storage features like a foldable frame to help with managing the silhouette. If you need a bike that can be easily toted from room to room or tucked neatly away in between workouts, it may be best to look elsewhere.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike for Seniors with Back Problems: Sole LCR Exercise Bike
For those who like to stream workout videos while they train, this recumbent bike is a great pick. It comes with access to a free library of training videos and you get 40 resistance level options.
Specs
- Price: $1,799.99
- Exercise Bike Type: Recumbent bike
- Product Dimensions: 56″ L x 29″ W x 60″ H
- Product Weight: 152lbs
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Resistance Levels: 40
- Display: 10.1” Touchscreen
For older athletes looking for a type of exercise bike that lessens the strain across their back, recumbent bikes can be a great option. These silhouettes fully support your frame while also swapping out your traditional bike saddle for a backed chair. (2) While we’ve become fans of many recumbent bikes over the years, we feel the Sole LCR Exercise Bike is the best of the bunch when it comes to giving your spine that much-appreciated comfort.
Unlike other recumbent bikes that feature molded, ventilated plastic across the seat for added airflow, the Sole LCR boasts a padded seat that gives every workout a heightened sense of plush. “It’s seriously one of the most comfortable recumbent stationary bikes I’ve ever used,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer, who rated the ergonomics at 5 out of 5. “I also enjoyed the padded foot pedals for (literal) head-to-toe comfort.”
The Sole LCR also features a 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen capable of streaming your favorite fitness apps and entertainment services (even Netflix). This can be excellent for a wide range of older athletes whether you prefer to follow along with trainer-led workouts or want to take in a few miles while catching up with your favorite television show.
That said, we did rate the tech features at 4.5 out of 5 given the smaller LCD monitor. At 10.1 inches, it’s got a smaller screen size than the latest iPad Pro. If you want a more immersive display, you’ll need to look elsewhere. (3) There is an included tablet holder, though, if you want to try your luck with a DIY streaming setup.
From a durability standpoint, we scored the Sole LCR at 4.5 out of 5 thanks to its impressively sturdy steel frame capable of supporting up to 350 pounds. This can be excellent for larger athletes, but be mindful that there’s a direct correlation between weight capacity and product weight. Our tester noted, “While the 152-pound listed product weight isn’t as high as other recumbent bikes, I still had to muscle up when trying to get this machine into position.”
Best Exercise Bike for Seniors for Live Classes: Peloton Bike
The bike that started the Peloton craze offers a 22-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, a five-megapixel front-facing camera, and a built-in microphone. The Peloton membership offers access to thousands of live and on-demand cycling classes as well as progress tracking and leaderboards.
Specs
- Price: $1,445
- Exercise Bike Type: Spin bike
- Product Dimensions: 59” L x 23” W x 53” H
- Product Weight: 135lbs
- Weight Capacity: 297lbs
- Resistance Levels: N/A
- Display: 21.5” HD touchscreen
If you’re an older athlete that enjoys tuning into trainer-led courses designed to keep you energized from start to finish, it’s tough to look past the Original Peloton Bike. While other upright bikes have caught up to this iconic brand in terms of machine capabilities, the available programming offered through Peloton’s All-Access membership is still the driving factor when comparing this to other exercise bikes with screens.
Our tester scored the available programming at 5 out of 5, stating that the “Peloton Experience” was one of the best digital fitness services they’ve had in recent memory. “Every trainer brings a spark of liveliness to their streams,” they noted. “I also really love the shout-outs they pepper in throughout the sessions. You truly feel like you’re in the studio with them.”
An All-Access Peloton membership (which costs roughly $44 monthly) also gives you access to the brand’s other training regimens beyond the classic bike workouts. Peloton has modules for HIIT, strength training, yoga, and more. However, we rated the available tech at 4.5 out of 5 since the 21.5-inch HD touchscreen does not pivot or rotate for easier viewing in these off-bike training sessions. It could be troublesome to find the ideal setup behind your bike, especially when your intense workouts call for a lot of movement.
As far as the ergonomics are concerned, we scored the Original Peloton Bike at 4 out of 5. Naturally, this spin bike silhouette will place more strain across your back than, say, a recumbent bike, but the main issue lies in the pedal design. You’ll need Delta-compatible cycling shoes that lock you into your pedals in order to use this machine. Older adults just wanting exercise equipment for quick, convenient workout sessions throughout the week may see this extra expense as an unnecessary burden.
Lastly, it may go without saying, but a Peloton membership is practically required to get the most out of this bike. Be sure your finances can support the machine cost as well as the monthly subscription before considering this exercise bike for your home gym setup.
Read our full Peloton Bike Review.
Best Budget Exercise Bike for Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002
This bike's 49-pound flywheel is one of the largest we've seen on a consumer indoor cycle and will help you build momentum while keeping your ride smooth. The transport wheels are also large and durable, so you can move tip this bike and move it out of the way when your workout is over.
Specs
- Price: $399.99
- Exercise Bike Type: Spin bike
- Product Dimensions: 53.94” L X 19.1” W X 44.49” H
- Product Weight: 110.8lbs
- Weight Capacity: 275lbs
- Resistance Levels: N/A
- Display: N/A
Sure, exercise bikes can be viewed as some of the best home gym equipment, but that doesn’t overshadow the costs of owning one of these machines. On average, you can expect to pay roughly $860 for a high-quality indoor cycle, and that doesn’t include any additional subscription fees you may need to sign up for. The SF-B1002 from Sunny Health and Fitness, though, comes in at just under $400 making it a high-value pick for budget-conscious athletes.
Having used this machine in the past, I can attest to the value at play, which I rated at 5 out of 5. I also appreciate how you can purchase this upright exercise bike from Amazon, which could potentially open the doors to even more savings and coupons.
Now, for less than $400, you cannot expect to get the most tech-riddled exercise machine. The SF-B1002 does not feature a center console, meaning there’s no way to stream on-demand workout programs or even track vital metrics such as time, calories burned, resistance, and more.
That said, the brand still delivers in terms of durability. I scored the SF-B1002 at 4.5 out of 5 for the category as I experienced no shakiness or jostling while pedaling through my workouts. The durability was also noteworthy given the price — I’ve trained with other budget-friendly fitness equipment and the sturdiness is lacking more often than not.
This exercise bike’s 49-pound flywheel also bolsters the bike’s integrity. This hefty component is above the industry standard of 40 pounds, creating a smooth pedaling experience that’s easy to maintain. A lighter flywheel can call for you to pedal harder to keep up with certain paces.
This budget-friendly indoor cycle uses friction resistance, meaning intensity is created via a leather patch that’s tightened or loosened across the flywheel. I scored the resistance at 3.75 out of 5 since this system can begin to wear out over time. Plus, the rubbing across the leather can be noisy at times more so than exercise bikes operating with magnetic resistance.
[Related: Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike Review]
Best Air Bike for Seniors: Concept2 BikeErg
The lightweight Concept2 BikeErg eschews the moveable arms you'll find on most air bikes, delivering a power-driven ride that operates more like a standard cycle than a spin bike. The flywheel's unique damper allows riders to adjust airflow, which is akin to switching gears on a mountain bike.
Specs
- Price: $1,100
- Exercise Bike Type: Air bike
- Product Dimensions: 48″ L x 24″ W
- Product Weight: 68lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Resistance Levels: N/A
- Display: N/A
Air resistance can be a unique (albeit loud) way to give your at-home workouts some upgraded intensity. Rather than relying on magnets or friction, these bikes have you work against your performance with the flywheel serving as a large fan blade. Essentially, the harder you train, the more intense your workouts will be. While many of the best air bikes can be excellent for these needs, we like the Concept2 BikeErg for older athletes as the silhouette is reminiscent of a traditional upright bike.
Other air bikes often feature swinging arms, which can be great for upper body training but does impact the machine’s overall footprint. Thankfully, the BikeErg measures in at 48 inches long by 28 inches wide, or 9.33 square feet. For reference, that’s smaller than your average coffee table. (4)
We also like the BikeErg thanks to its motorless design and electricity-free makeup. This — combined with the lightweight 68-pound frame — can allow you to set this exercise bike wherever you please. We rated the portability at 4.5 out of 5, as such.
There is a small LCD display at the center of this upright bike, which can be useful when tracking your workout performance and other metrics like speed, time, calories, and more. “I also appreciate the Bluetooth connectivity features,” says our tester in reference to their 3 out of 5 tech rating. “While the LCD screen isn’t as immersive as other exercise bikes, I did like how I could connect the console to my heart rate monitor as well as other fitness apps like Zwift.”
The Concept2 BikeErg can be a great air bike for older athletes as there are multiple adjustment points across the seat and handlebars giving you the power to truly customize your setup. Unfortunately, though, we did have to drop our adjustability rating to 4 out of 5 as there are no toggles for forward or backward saddle movement. If you need to have a setup closer to the handlebars, you may come up a little short.
[Related: SkiErg vs Rower vs Air Bike]
Best Exercise Bike for Seniors with Arms: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RBE420049
The SF-RBE420049 from Sunny Health and Fitness can serve as a recumbent bike-elliptical hybrid in your home gym thanks to the swinging arm attachments that allow for upper body engagement during training. Front transport wheels and a 100-pound frame weight also lend themselves to good maneuverability when looking to give your training layout a fresh new aesthetic.
Specs
- Price: $799.99
- Exercise Bike Type: Recumbent bike
- Product Dimensions: 66.9” L x 32.7” W x 50.6” H
- Product Weight: 100.1lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Resistance Levels: 12
- Display: N/A
Want more of a full-body workout when it comes to your indoor cycling routine? The SF-RBE420049 can deliver with swinging arms that compliment the recumbent bike-elliptical hybrid frame to create a low-impact, enjoyable training setup that gives you the power to engage all of your musculature in one fell swoop.
I’ve trained with the SF-RBE420049 before and do feel it’s a worthwhile pick for older adults as it gets everything moving in a singular profile. I also think this equipment can be great for older athletes thanks to the multiple adjustment points, which I rated at 4 out of 5. Sliding the seat with its included backrest is simple across the rail, and I also enjoyed the oversized foot pedals that reminded me of my experience atop some of the best ellipticals — no need to worry about precise foot placement to achieve a proper revolution.
Like other Sunny Health and Fitness products, the SF-RBE420049 doesn’t feature the most tech-heavy design. The included center monitor can track key metrics like calories, speed, time, and more, but the features stop there. Don’t expect to purchase this exercise bike for seniors and be engulfed in a wide array of available programming. However, I still gave the tech a 3 out of 5 as the readings are legible enough and there is an included tablet holder for streaming your own digital workouts.
As you may expect from an exercise bike with arms, the SF-RBE420049 does not feature a compact footprint. You’ll need roughly 15.19 square feet of space to properly house this machine, which is about the same as your standard loveseat. (5) If you’re on the fence about whether this bike can fit within your space, it may be best to think of it as furniture — can your floorplan support another loveseat or sofa?
Finally, I rated the value at 3.5 out of 5 since there aren’t many conveniences included across the silhouette. You can likely find a more interactive machine for slightly more money if you’re honed in on total-body training.
Best Folding Exercise Bike for Seniors: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
A folding exercise bike that gives you 1 month of free access to the FitPass App with purchase. With adjustable seat recline for upright or recumbent riding, and resistance bands so that you can do bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, or shoulder work while on your ride.
Specs
- Price: $229.99
- Exercise Bike Type: Foldable bike
- Product Dimensions: 42.5” L x 21.5” W x 41” H
- Product Weight: 39lbs, 14oz
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Resistance Levels: 8
- Display: N/A
Exercise bikes can be excellent for low-impact workouts, but there’s a definite impact when it comes to your floorplan. Especially recumbent bikes, these machines can take up a good chunk of space across your home gym. As such, it can be nice to have an exercise bike with built-in storage features such as the FitNation Flex Ultra. This foldable indoor cycle can compress down to 2.54 square feet and stores easily in a corner of your room or even in a nearby closet.
The Fitnation Flex Bike Ultra is also one of the best folding exercise bikes thanks to its included tech. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, stated, “I like how clear the readouts are across the LCD display,” in reference to their 4 out of 5 tech rating. “Plus, the included tablet holder allowed me to stream my regular workouts without any issues.”
With these included digital features, though, as well as the convenient resistance bands for added upper body training, the Flex Bike Ultra does cost more than other folding bikes we’ve trialed. However, in comparison to standard upright bikes and recumbent bikes, it can still be a worthwhile option for budget-minded athletes.
When it comes to durability, we scored the Flex Bike Ultra at 3.5 out of 5. We experienced a bit of jostling and wobbliness during rides, which was somewhat expected given the machine’s more compact footprint and lighter frame. If you’re worried about balance when atop your fitness equipment, it could be wise to opt for a sturdier silhouette.
Lastly, the FitNation Flex Bike Ultra features multiple adjustment knobs for the resistance intensity as well as the seat. While we enjoyed the toggles, we had to pause and confirm which component would be adjusted at each knob. This unintuitive layout may be annoying at the start of your fitness journey, hence our 4 out of 5 adjustability rating. Over time, though, we’re sure you can become accustomed to the settings.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
This bike isn't fancy, but it still has everything you need for a solid at-home cardio workout. It offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, and you can track your stats on the LCD display screen.
Specs
- Price: $187.18
- Exercise Bike Type: Recumbent bike
- Product Dimensions: 55.5”L x 24.5”W x 38”H
- Product Weight: 61lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Resistance Levels: 8
- Display: N/A
This Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike can be an excellent pick for older athletes thanks to its lightweight frame, low price point, and comfortable seat design that features padding across the entire profile. Plus, the eight available magnetic resistance levels can provide plenty of intensity without giving you too many options that may not ever fit within your training scheme.
At less than $200, the Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike (marketed under the ME-709 product name) does feature a good bit of plastic across its silhouette. “I’ve come to understand that even the best budget home gym equipment relies on plastic components, though,” says our tester who rated the durability at 3 out of 5, “So, I wouldn’t critique the design too much.”
All that plastic (and the 14-gauge steel) does lend itself to keeping this machine lightweight, however. At just 61 pounds, this recumbent bike can be easily transported from room to room without much hassle — provided you can comfortably lift 61 pounds. We did knock the portability score down to 4 out of 5, though, since there are no front transport wheels to make for easier maneuverability.
The Marcy ME-709 does feature a center LCD display capable of tracking time, speed, distance, and calories burned. According to our tester, the readouts are clear and visible, but those looking for a tech-heavy exercise bike may feel underwhelmed. “There aren’t any preset programs to choose from, and there’s no tablet holder built into the console for DIY streaming setups,” they added. As such, we scored the available tech at 1 out of 5.
We also appreciate the adjustability displayed across the seat design which allows older athletes to fine-tune their positioning. However, we did find that the lumbar support across the backrest is non-adjustable, meaning the back padding is consistent regardless of your setup. If you need a bike with a toggleable saddle, it may be best to opt for a more robust machine.
Read our full Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike Review.
Best Under-Desk Exercise Bike for Seniors: DeskCycle2 Under Desk Bike
The DeskCycle Under Desk Bike was designed to help you stay active while firing off emails at work. The low-profile pedals are adjustable and compatible with desks as low as 27 inches. Its magnetic resistance, meanwhile, works to provide a whisper-quiet pedal that won't distract coworkers.
Specs
- Price: $269
- Exercise Bike Type: Under-desk mini bike
- Product Dimensions: 24.02” L x 10.24” W x 20.08” H
- Product Weight: 23lbs
- Weight Capacity: 270lbs
- Resistance Levels: 8
- Display: N/A
Looking to maximize your time by getting in some training while answering emails or watching television? Thanks to its compact design that fits neatly underneath an office desk or coffee table, we think the DeskCycle2 Under Desk Bike is perfect for these needs regardless of your fitness level.
The DeskCycle2 features an adjustable height between 9 and 10 inches making it usable with desk clearances as low as 27 inches. For reference, that equates to older athletes 5’10” or shorter — we’re assuming that taller athletes would require more legroom if they’re looking for as comfortable a working area as possible.
While the overall dimensions of this under-desk bike are noteworthy — the total footprint measures in at 1.71 square feet — we do wish that DeskCycle placed a carrying handle somewhere along the silhouette. You need to bend down fully to grab hold and move this machine from its set position, which may be more of a chore when trying to rearrange your under-desk layout.
There are also eight magnetic resistance levels, which our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated at 4 out of 5. “The higher resistance levels definitely pose a challenge, and I’m grateful that I can maximize my time in between meetings with a heart-pumping pedal session,” they added. Additionally, we like how the LCD display is removable, allowing you to monitor your time, speed, and other metrics without crooning your neck to see your feet. This detachable display is also beneficial as the basic black and white console would otherwise be illegible from a seated position.
The DeskCycle2 weighs in at 23 pounds but can support up to 270 pounds. This rock-solid composition surprised our tester who had previously found other best mini exercise bikes to be somewhat frail. “It felt really stable with no movement underneath my workstation,” they said in reference to their 5 out of 5 durability rating. “The whisper-quiet operation was also a plus, especially when trying to attend Zoom meetings or answering the phone mid-workout.”
Benefits of Exercise Bikes for Seniors
According to Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer, “Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, and muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few.”
[Related: Benefits of Exercise Bikes]
These perks can be reaped regardless of your age or fitness experience. Below are a handful of perks that can also come from the best exercise bikes for seniors.
- Low-Impact Training: Unlike treadmills or other fitness disciplines, exercise bikes offer a low-impact training experience where your entire body is supported by the machine itself. This can help cut down gravity’s influence across your joints leading to less shock absorption and impact with each progressive step (err, pedal stroke).
- No Weather Influence: Capritto states, “Indoor exercise bikes provide access to cycling no matter the weather or outdoor conditions. Many people do not feel safe cycling outside — an exercise bike eliminates traffic as a reason to skip your session, so it can be someone’s golden ticket to exercising more frequently.”
- Accommodating Seat Profiles: For older athletes dealing with mobility issues or nagging back pain, there are plenty of accommodating exercise bike silhouettes that can help you stay comfortable in training. For example, recumbent bikes feature seats with a backrest for better lumbar support, while under-desk bikes can be set up virtually anywhere you have a cozy chair to rest in during sessions.
How Much Do Exercise Bikes for Seniors Cost?
Whether you’re looking for exercise bikes good for weight loss, high-intensity profiles capable of streaming the best trainer-led workouts, or simple machines that can help you stay active and mobile, you can expect to find a wide range of price points when searching for exercise bikes for seniors. On average, though, you can expect to pay roughly $860 for a top-notch machine. Read below to see the price comparisons of each profile featured in this round-up.
| SuperlativeBest Exercise Bike for Seniors Overall | NordicTrack Commercial R35 | $1,499 |
| Best Exercise Bike for Seniors with Back Problems | Sole LCR Exercise Bike | $1,799.99 |
| Best Exercise Bike for Seniors for Live Classes | Peloton Bike | $1,445 |
| Best Budget Exercise Bike for Seniors | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 | $399.99 |
| Best Air Bike for Seniors | Concept2 BikeErg | $1,100 |
| Best Exercise Bike for Seniors with Arms | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RBE420049 | $799.99 |
| Best Folding Exercise Bike for Seniors | FitNation Flex Bike Ultra | $229.99 |
| Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors | Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike | $187.18 |
| Best Under-Desk Exercise Bike for Seniors | DeskCycle2 Under Desk Bike | $269 |
What to Consider Before Buying Exercise Bikes for Seniors
Your purchasing journey when buying an exercise bike for seniors is fairly similar to determining what to look for when buying an indoor cycle. You’ll need to consider your exercise bike type, its included tech features, structural integrity, and (of course) price before adding a silhouette to your online cart. Here are some of our recommended factors worth keeping in mind when trying to find the best older-athlete-approved exercise bike for your training space.
Exercise Bike Type
One of the first considerations worth thinking through is which type of exercise bike you’d prefer in your living space. Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, states, “Recumbent bikes allow people with mobility limitations or injuries to enjoy cycling, as they are reclined and take pressure off the hips and back. Upright bikes are your typical stationary bikes, which are excellent for high-intensity exercise and tech-savvy cyclists who love to take fitness classes.”
There are also air bikes, under-desk bikes, and foldable bikes that could be potential winners for your home gym setup. Of course, you should take your personal comfort and training goals into consideration, but it can also be wise to break out a tape measure and determine how much space you have available before getting too deep into your search. After all, a machine is only useful if you can actually store it comfortably within your abode.
Durability
Your exercise bike should also be durable enough to withstand regular use. While opting for a profile featuring steel framing and other rugged components can be a great starting point, a good indicator of a bike’s resiliency is in its listed weight capacity. This is the maximum load your machine can handle without compromising performance.
[Related: Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People]
On average, most exercise bikes can support 270 pounds or more, with many upright exercise bikes capable of holding between 300 and 350 pounds. Think about your body composition and opt for a profile that you won’t be maxing out from the start.
Adjustability and Ergonomics
It can be a pain to try and adjust your exercise bike to your desired conditions, so it can be helpful to look at your profile’s toggle points before getting your unit delivered to your doorstep. Look for multiple adjustment points that can allow you to change your body positioning without much strain, especially along the saddle or seat area. If you’re looking for a recumbent bike or other profile with an included backrest, we recommend making sure that this area can be adjusted to your liking as well.
In addition to having multiple adjustment points, it can also be wise to look at how those adjustments are made. For older athletes, we recommend taking a good look at the toggle ergonomics — are the levers and knobs graspable mid-workout, or will all changes need to be made before hopping into the saddle for a workout?
Available Programming
Every athlete — regardless of age — has their own preferred training style. While some live and breathe off engaging trainer-led sessions, others can be fine with just pedaling along as they catch up on their favorite television programming. When browsing for an exercise bike, be sure that its included tech features match your workout style.
For those that do prefer to follow along to the best fitness apps and online coaches, you’ll also want to consider your viewing preferences. If you want a hassle-free display, look for exercise bikes that come equipped with large TV-like displays capable of streaming your favorite platforms. If you’re okay with creating your own console setup, take a gander to ensure that your fitness equipment boasts a convenient tablet holder for on-bike viewing.
Price
Price should always be a top consideration when searching for the best exercise bikes for seniors. On average, you can expect to pay roughly $860 for a high-quality silhouette, but there are plenty of noteworthy profiles both below and above this median cost.
You should also consider if you’ll need an additional subscription to access your bike’s library of available workouts. These services are typically billed monthly, so they can become forgotten investments at the time of your initial purchase. Crunch the numbers and ensure your budget can support the machine itself along with any added memberships that may be required to get the most out of your machine.
Exercise Bikes for Seniors FAQs
What is the easiest exercise bike to ride for seniors?
The “easiest” exercise bike for seniors can vary greatly from athlete to athlete. However, we feel that recumbent exercise bikes can be the most ideal for older athletes as the bike supports your entire body thus reducing the stress and strain felt across your joints, back, and other musculature. Plus, your hips are in a more open positioning which can help improve comfort during pedaling sessions.
What is the best exercise bike for seniors?
The best exercise bike for seniors can be subjective, but in our opinion, the NordicTrack Commercial R35 is the best of the bunch thanks to its comfortable back-padded seat, AutoAdjust technology available through the iFIT training platform, and durable frame design capable of supporting up to 350 pounds.
How much do exercise bikes for seniors cost?
On average, you can expect to pay roughly $860 for a high-quality exercise bike for seniors. Be sure, though, to account for any subscription-based services that may be required to operate your machine. These monthly memberships can elevate your equipment costs greatly, so take a look at your finances to ensure you can comfortably afford the subscription costs as well as the machine itself.
Is an exercise bike as good as walking for seniors?
Given the low-impact nature of indoor cycling, exercise bikes can be excellent options for older athletes wanting to stay mobile and active. In comparison to walking, exercise bikes can be a better option as you don’t need to account for outside influences such as weather, traffic, or other conditions. The best form of physical activity, though, will always be what you feel most comfortable in, so be sure to think about your training preferences before signing up for one or the other.
References
- Lee, C.-W., & Cho, G.-H. (2014). Effect of stationary cycle exercise on gait and balance of elderly women. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 26(3), 431–433. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3976019/
- Cronkleton, E. (2019, July 12). Stationary bike workout benefits and exercise plans. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/stationary-bike-workout
- IPad Pro – Technical Specifications. Apple. (n.d.). https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/specs/
- Cocreativeinteriors. (2022, March 17). Standard Furniture Size Guide. CoCreative Interiors. https://cocreativeinteriors.com/2022/03/standard-furniture-size-guide/
- Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
- Damas, F., Phillips, S. M., Libardi, C. A., Vechin, F. C., Lixandrão, M. E., Jannig, P. R., Costa, L. A., Bacurau, A. V., Snijders, T., Parise, G., Tricoli, V., Roschel, H., & Ugrinowitsch, C. (2016). Resistance training‐induced changes in integrated myofibrillar protein synthesis are related to hypertrophy only after attenuation of muscle damage. The Journal of Physiology, 594(18), 5209–5222. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27219125/
