Recumbent bike exercises offer a low-impact way to improve cardiovascular fitness, mobility, and muscle strength. Because of how you sit on them, the best recumbent exercise bikes also promote proper spinal alignment, which can be particularly beneficial for users with back issues or seniors who want to stay active safely. When choosing a bike, look for a high height and weight capacity, adjustable resistance levels, and an easy-to-read display.Â
To curate a list of the best recumbent exercise bikers, we first spoke with fitness experts to learn more about what key features to look for. Using their guidance, we researched dozens of options from reputable brands and tested two bikes in our daily routines at home to ensure we found a suitable option for every fitness level. Finally, we narrowed down our list by comparing key criteria like features, ease of assembly and use, adjustability, stability, comfort, and overall value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding how to use and evaluate recumbent exercise bikes safely and properly.
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Product Weight: 59 pounds | Dimensions: 56.3 x 26.3 x 42.9 inches | Resistance: Magnetic resistance with eight resistance levels | Adjustability: Seat slides forward and back | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for users who need a comfortable ride and households with multiple riders.
Why We Love It
When we tested Sunny Health & Fitness’s Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike, we found it user-friendly, easily adjustable, and equipped with a wide, well-cushioned seat. It was a clear winner for our top overall spot. The display tracks essential metrics such as speed, calories, time, distance, odometer, and heart rate (with pulse monitors in the handgrips). And we found the display easy to read, even in the dim light of one tester’s basement gym. Another standout feature is the ability to adjust the seat back and forth with one hand during a workout, allowing for seamless adjustments between users of different heights.
The cushioned seat and simple adjustability make this bike ideal for comfortable exercise. One of our testers, who recently had a baby and deals with knee pain, found that this bike made exercising much easier. The self-leveling pedals allow for quick and efficient foot placement. And the bike felt smooth and quiet while in use, providing a stable ride. We also appreciated the convenient device holder, which securely held our phones as we followed guided workouts from the downloadable SunnyFit app.
Potential Flaws
- We found the bike assembly to be a bit challenging, taking about an hour and a half. However, the included instructions were very clear and helpful, making the process smoother overall.
Most Valuable Insight
“I felt that it provided enough of a range to provide different workout intensities and simulate uphill climbs and high-speed sprints. The bike seat is very easy to adjust, which I enjoyed being able to manipulate while exercising to target different muscles.” —Claire Spollen, Verywell Fit product tester
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Product Weight: 59 pounds | Dimensions: 48.03 x 23.62 x 46.46 inches | Resistance: Magnetic resistance with eight resistance levels | Adjustability: Seat slides forward and back | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers who want a reliable, comfortable recumbent bike that can help reduce back pain while exercising.
Why We Love It
Merach’s S19 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a solid, reliable, and comfortable machine available at a budget-friendlier price. During testing, we particularly appreciated the ergonomic design, plush seat, and mesh back, which made it easy to exercise for longer periods. We found that the bike’s design reduced lower back pain while exercising and helped strengthen our core and improve our posture. Plus, the ride is smooth and quiet.
The heavy, wide base provided a stable ride, even during intense workouts. And thanks to the adjustable leveling feet, the bike didn’t wobble or shake, even when we moved it to different locations during testing. We found the transitions between intensities and speeds to be smooth and seamless. The display is user-friendly and easy to read, and the bike simulated real cycling experiences, such as hill climbs and sprints, quite well. We also appreciated the auto-adjustable incline feature.
Potential Flaws
- This bike offers solid value for home exercise, though it could benefit from more resistance settings for better versatility.
- While some parts of the assembly instructions were unclear, we could successfully assemble the bike with a little assistance.
Most Valuable Insight
“Using the recumbent exercise bike regularly was a game-changer for comfortability and burning calories for me. The bike’s seat and ergonomic design let me work out without aggravating and lessening my lower back pain. The resistance levels definitely helped me work on toning my leg muscles.” —Benny Wong, Verywell Fit product tester
Bonus Favorites
Although we didn’t test the following recumbent exercise bikes ourselves, we think they’re a solid buy after thorough research. They have features, settings, and prices comparable to the bikes we tested.
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26 resistance options for versatility
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30-day iFit membership included
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Trainers can adjust your resistance remotely
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Product Weight: 192 pounds | Dimensions: 68.22 x 23.69 x 53.42 inches | Resistance: Magnetic resistance flywheel with 26 resistance levels | Adjustability: Seat slides forward and backward, plus adjustable handlebar
Who It’s For
Best if you want an interactive bike to join live and on-demand cycling classes.Â
Why We Love It
NordicTrack’s Commercial R35 Recumbent Bike is loaded with high-tech features. Its 14-inch high-definition smart touchscreen display lets you stream live and on-demand cycling classes. Plus, iFit trainers can automatically adjust your resistance remotely during trainer-led classes—giving you an in-studio experience from home.Â
We love that the bike offers 26 resistance options and near-silent magnetic resistance. In addition to being extremely functional, this bike is also very comfortable. It features lumbar support for exercisers with low back pain, a fully adjustable seat, and oversized pedals for every foot size and shape.
Potential Flaws
- You must purchase an iFit Membership to access instructor-led classes, which can get pricey over time.Â
- Not only does the membership add cost, but the bike is the most expensive option on our list upfront. Still, we think its high-tech features are worth the price.
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Product Weight: 61 pounds | Dimensions: 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches | Resistance: Magnetic resistance mechanism with eight resistance levels | Adjustability: Seat slides forward and backward
Who It’s For
Best if you’re looking for budget-friendly home gym equipment to build up your home gym.Â
Why We Love It
For a fraction of the price of some other bikes on our list, you can enjoy Marcy’s Recumbent Exercise Bike. The heavy-duty construction supports a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, and the seat slides to accommodate various user heights. The step-through design makes it easy and safe to hop on and off whenever you’re ready to exercise, and the magnetic resistance mechanism provides eight different resistance levels for you to customize your workouts.Â
We love that the LCD display clearly reads your time, speed, distance, and calories burned in extra-large numbers, so you won’t need to hunch forward in the comfy, high-density foam seat. Plus, the bike features contoured, foam-covered handles for extra comfort and support as you ride, keeping your form intact and your back free of pain.
Potential Flaws
- This bike has fewer resistance settings than some other other options, limiting your workout intensity levels.Â
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Product Weight: 123 pounds | Dimensions: 66 x 25.2 x 52.2 inches | Resistance: Magnetic resistance flywheel with 100 resistance levels | Adjustability: Seat slides forward and backward
Who It’s For
Best for seniors who want to stay active safely from home.Â
Why We Love It
Horizon Fitness’ 5.0R Recumbent Bike is ideal for seniors because its extra-large seat offers full lumbar support. It also has a convenient step-through construction that makes getting on and off easy and safe. The bike’s adjustable seat also slides forward and backward to ensure proper alignment for all users.Â
We love that the magnetic resistance flywheel offers 100 resistance levels, making this a versatile pick for all levels. The bike’s maximum weight capacity is 350 pounds, adding to its appeal. Plus, the LCD screen clearly displays workout stats, including time, distance, and speed.Â
Potential Flaws
- Some users complain that the bike is slightly tedious to assemble, so you may need a second hand for setup.
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Product Weight: 105 pounds | Dimensions: 57 x 24 x 42 inches | Resistance: Magnetic resistance flywheel with 24 resistance levels | Adjustability: Seat slides forward and backward
Who It’s For
Best if you’ll be sharing your bike with many other users.Â
Why We Love It
If you want to optimize comfort or if you’ll be sharing your bike with multiple users, we suggest Marcy’s ME 706 Bike. Designed to provide plenty of legroom, it features an adjustable seat that fits most users and can be moved while seated on the bike. The bike also features adjustable side levelers that allow you to balance it on most surfaces—including on slightly uneven flooring.
This well-built, heavy-duty bike supports up to 300 pounds, making it an excellent option for accommodating a wide range of sizes. The magnetic resistance has 24 levels and provides a smooth, quiet ride. The LCD display, which is powered through pedaling, has 23 workout programs and shows workout stats such as time, distance, RPM, speed, calories, and pulse.
Potential Flaws
- Some users note that assembly is quite tedious, though the bike does come with clear setup instructions.
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Product Weight: 66 pounds | Dimensions: 33.5 x 19.7 x 46.1 inches | Resistance: Magnetic resistance mechanism with 10 resistance levels | Adjustability: Adjustable backrest and seat slides forward and backward
Who It’s For
Best if you have limited space but want an effective cardio machine for home workouts.Â
Why We Love It
LANOS’ Folding Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent choice if you’re short on space but want an effective way to clock in cardio workouts from home. It folds in half, allowing you to store it easily in your closet, behind the couch, or in other small spaces. Despite its compact size, it offers a sturdy construction that supports up to 330 pounds.
The bike features a magnetic resistance system that provides smooth and quiet operation, ensuring a comfortable workout experience without disturbing others. We also love that the adjustable seat and backrest allow you to find the right posture, reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.
Potential Flaws
- This bike has a lower max weight capacity than some others on our list, so it may not be suitable for all users.
- It also only has eight resistance levels, which may slightly limit the versatility of your workouts.
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Thick, padded seat cushion and backrest
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Bluetooth connectivity for digital devices
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16 resistance levels
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 380 pounds | Product Weight: 53 pounds | Dimensions: 45 x 20 x 40 inches | Resistance: Magnetic resistance flywheel with 16 levels | Adjustability: Seat slides forward and backward
Who It’s For
Best for beginners who want to add a recumbent bike to their home workout routine.Â
Why We Love It
We recommend Vanswe’s Recumbent Exercise Bike as an ideal entry-level machine for beginner exercisers. It’s easy to use and extremely comfortable. And with a weight capacity of 380 pounds and an adjustable seat, it can accommodate riders of most sizes. The bike also has a thick, plush seat cushion and backrest to ensure proper posture.
Although it’s a basic, budget-friendly bike, it still includes helpful features like Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate sensors, and a clear LCD screen that displays time, distance, speed, pulse, and calories. The magnetic resistance system provides quiet, smooth pedaling through 16 levels, allowing you to up the intensity as you grow out of the beginner level.Â
Potential Flaws
- The lightest option on our list, this bike may be too lightweight for intense pedaling.
- This bike is smaller than others on our list, so it may not suit extremely tall exercisers.Â
Key Specs
Max Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Product Weight: 38 pounds | Dimensions: 47 x 17 x 9 inches | Resistance: Adjustable resistance with a tension knob | Adjustability: Seat slides up and downÂ
Who It’s For
Best for budget-conscious bikers who want a basic upright recumbent for casual, light exercise.
Why We Love It
If you want to spend as little as possible on a recumbent bike, PayLessHere’s Recumbent Exercise Bike is the top option. Despite its low price point, it offers adjustable resistance, allowing you to customize your workout intensity. Plus, its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for small spaces, apartments, or home gyms with limited room.
The bike’s adjustable seat ensures comfort during workouts and lets you share it with multiple exercisers in your home. While it lacks advanced features found in higher-end models—like digital tracking or entertainment options—its simplicity makes it a solid choice for beginners or seniors who want to practice casual exercise.Â
Potential Flaws
- Limited weight capacity and durability may not suit heavier or more frequent users.
- Basic features may not satisfy users seeking advanced digital tracking or entertainment options.
Benefits of Using a Recumbent Exercise Bike
Recumbent exercise bikes offer many benefits, making them popular for exercisers who want an effective, low-impact workout from home. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Joint-Friendliness: Recumbent bikes place less stress on your joints, making them accessible if you have arthritis, lower back pain, or joint issues.Â
- Back Support: The reclined seating position provides better support for your lower back, reducing the risk of strain and discomfort during workouts.
- Comfort and Stability: The larger seat and backrest offer enhanced comfort and stability, which can be especially beneficial for older adults or those with balance issues.
- Cardiovascular Health: Pedaling on a recumbent bike provides an effective aerobic workout that can improve your cardiovascular system over time.
- Muscle Strengthening: Recumbent bikes help strengthen the muscles in your glutes, hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps while improving functional abilities.
- Safety: The bike’s low-to-the-ground design makes it easier to get on and off, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Weight and Height Capacity: Before making a purchase, check the bike’s weight and height capacity to ensure it can accommodate you and anyone else in your home who may use it. You might also want to choose a bike with adjustable seat positions to fit different heights since this will promote proper form and prevent strain during workouts.
- Adjustability: Along with adjustable seat positions, your bike should have an adjustable backrest and handlebars to ensure proper alignment. You might also want to look for adjustable foot cages for secure pedaling. Proper positioning allows you to comfortably reach and hold the handlebars and use any controls on the display screen.
- Resistance: Most recumbent bikes use magnetic tension resistance on the flywheel to create a quiet, smooth ride that can be as challenging as you want it to be. Ensure your bike has enough resistance levels to challenge your workouts. The heavier the flywheel itself, the more realistic your riding experience will be.
- Display: Some bikes have a display screen that lets you track helpful metrics like time, speed, distance, calories burned, and more in real time. And some even offer compatibility with third-party fitness apps and Bluetooth connectivity to enhance your workout experience further. If you choose a bike with a display, make sure it is clear and easy to use.Â
- Workout Programs and Features: If you enjoy following pre-set workouts, choose a bike with built-in programs to keep your routines interesting and challenging. Some bikes also offer custom program options, allowing you to tailor workouts to your specific fitness goals. Other nice-to-have features include USB ports, fans, tablet holders, and built-in speakers.Â
How We Selected and Tested the Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
To find the best recumbent bikes, we researched over a dozen models from reputable fitness equipment brands and chose two models to test ourselves. During our research and testing process, we evaluate each bike’s reviews and key specifications, along with the following criteria.
- Features: First, we look at each bike’s features—whether that’s pre-set workout programs, built-in fans, or third-party app integration. We prioritize bikes that offer easy-to-use features that make workouts more effective and enjoyable.Â
- Performance: Next, while using the bike, we consider how easy it is to navigate the basic controls and more advanced features. We note whether adjusting the seat is easy and can be done while exercising. We evaluate if the bike’s operation is smooth and quiet. We also note what metrics the bike measures or fails to measure, as well as whether workouts were varied enough for a variety of exercise needs and fitness levels.
- Adjustability: Adjustability is key to ensuring a comfortable and effective workout. During our test, we assess whether the seat and handlebars can be adjusted quickly and easily for different users. Does the adjustability affect the bike’s usability by making it easier or harder to use? We select bikes with easily adjustable seats, backrests, handlebars, and foot cages to accommodate users of different heights.Â
- Sturdiness: Finding a sturdy bike is non-negotiable for safe riding. We exercise at varying intensity levels to evaluate the bike’s stability in different scenarios. We also note how smoothly the bike handles transitions of intensity or speed during a workout. We only recommend bikes with strong frames, durable materials, and added stability features like adjustable feet.
- Comfort: If you’re uncomfortable while riding, you’ll be less likely to return to your workout the next time. We evaluate a bike’s comfort by noting the plushness and overall size of the seat and whether the seat, backrest, and handles are ergonomically designed. While using the bike, does the design and positioning reduce discomfort, like back or wrist pain? Does the bike accommodate different user heights and body types? Do the foot straps fit comfortably? Or are they tight and constricting?
- Overall Value: Finally, after we’ve used each bike multiple times, we look at its price to determine the overall value. Considering each of the above-tested categories, bikes that we think are worth the money earn high scores. We only recommend bikes we’d personally purchase or recommend to a friend.Â
Our Experts
We consulted with experts while researching and reporting on recumbent bikes. Some, like Spear, helped us determine which key features set the best bikes apart. Others, like Furr, offered insights into how to use and evaluate the bikes properly. While we choose products independently, we refer to expert guidance to help inform our decisions:Â
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Does a recumbent bike give you a good workout?Â
Yes, recumbent bikes are a low-impact way to improve cardiovascular fitness and strengthen lower body muscles. They are especially effective if you have joint or back issues since how you sit on them puts less strain and stress on your body.Â
Is an upright exercise bike or a recumbent bike better for me?Â
Upright bikes and recumbent bikes are good for improving your fitness, but there are differences in how you sit and how it affects your body. Upright bikes offer a more intense workout, while recumbent bikes are easier on your joints and more accessible if you have back problems.Â
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Jarrod Nobbe is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with a Master’s in Sports Performance. He has dedicated years to researching and teaching various fitness modalities to clients and athletes, always promoting the importance of an active lifestyle. Jarrod also has years of experience writing and reporting on fitness accessories and equipment. He regularly uses a recumbent exercise bike in his own workout routine and when training clients.