The 9 Best Under-Desk Bikes, Tested

What to Know Before You Shop for Under-Desk Bikes

Under-desk bikes will likely not give you enough of a full-body workout (unless they come with arm pedals or resistance bands), but they can be a good supplement to your regular fitness routine. If you need to increase the intensity of your under-desk workout, you can speed up your stride, increase the resistance, or add upper-body strengtheners like bodyweight or dumbbell exercises. Some under-desk exercisers even come with removable resistance bands that you can use for upper-body work.

Some users may find that the under-desk bike tends to slip away while pedaling, says Marko. To resolve this issue, she suggests propping your machine against a wall, placing an exercise mat under it, or simply purchasing an under-desk bike with a sturdy feel and rubber grips.

Under-Desk Bikes We Also Tested 

In total, we evaluated 33 under-desk bikes and ellipticals, but we only included nine in our final list of recommendations. While some of these products had solid features, they ultimately didn’t meet the rigorous standards that we have for our top picks.

• Cubii’s JR2+ is a self-powered under-desk elliptical with easily adjustable resistance, a clear display, great portability, and a seamless setup. However, we felt that this more expensive machine was not worth the lower back pain we experienced while using it.
• YOSUDA’s Magnetic Under Desk Cycling Bike YBM-1 offers easily adjustable resistance, a clear display for important metrics, and a smooth and silent ride. However, we had trouble with the setup process and didn’t think its quality aligned with its price point.

What We’ve Updated

• Since our initial under-desk bike test, we’ve gotten our hands on four more products. We used them during our normal workday for four weeks. We then updated our top bike recommendations based on these new testing insights and added more quality under-desk bikes to our list of favorites. 
• We consulted with two new experts (including a personal trainer and professional ergonomist) to make sure our advice on choosing and using under-desk bikes is still up to date.

What to Look for in Under-Desk Bikes

• Setup: With any piece of fitness equipment, you want a seamless and intuitive setup—no one wants to spend hours reading an instruction manual while putting together an under-desk bike. Before making your purchase, take a look at the setup process. Some under-desk bikes come fully assembled, whereas others require some assembly. Note if any necessary tools are included or if you need to provide them yourself.
• Style: When shopping for an under-desk exerciser, you may find that under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals are grouped together. While they both have pedals and can help you achieve similar results, you may prefer one over the other comfort-wise. Ellipticals tend to be smoother and quieter, whereas bicycles offer a fuller range of motion.
• Weight: Many individuals may seek portability when buying an under-desk exerciser. This may be especially important if you’re bringing your workout to the office. Double-check the weight of the under-desk exerciser you’re eyeing before buying it to make sure it’s easy enough to move or transport. You’ll also want one that’s secure and heavy enough to stay put while in use. Some under-desk bikes even come with a strap or handle, which makes them easier to lift and carry.
• Resistance: Many under-desk bicycles and ellipticals come with adjustable resistance. This feature allows you to scale up the intensity of your workouts and helps you build strength while you pedal or stride. It’s also an important feature if you want to make your workouts more challenging. Look for bikes with several resistance levels and the ability to change levels easily, such as with a knob or button.
• Size: Make sure you have enough room under your desk to accommodate a bike. Sitting too far away from your desk can cause you to strain your shoulder and neck muscles. Raising your desk to fit the bike could position your mouse and keyboards higher than recommended. If that’s the case for your setup, limit the time you’re in that position so you aren’t putting extended pressure on your wrists.

How We Tested the Under-Desk Bikes

To find the best under-desk bikes, we thoroughly tested and evaluated 33 bikes in our homes and offices for four weeks. When testing under-desk bikes, we evaluate each based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: To evaluate ease of setup, we first unbox the bike and time how long it takes to assemble any parts. We note if any required tools are included. We also evaluate how clear and easy-to-understand the directions are. Lastly, if the bike requires batteries, are they included? We prioritize bikes that come fully assembled or are almost fully assembled with clear instructions.
• Performance: After positioning the bike correctly, we pedal for at least 20 minutes per session and ask ourselves if we can sit comfortably or if it feels awkward or uncomfortable. Is the bike noisy or wobbly and distracting while we’re trying to work? Are the pedals and resistance adjustable? If there is a display screen, is it easy to navigate and read?
• Features: Some bikes have special features, like the option to pedal forward and backward or Bluetooth connectivity for stat tracking. While using the under-desk bikes, we note any special features and evaluate whether they’re easy and helpful. We also note whether they contribute to the overall performance of the bike or are difficult or distracting. We prioritize bikes that have features that enhance our experience.
• Value: To accurately assess the value of each bike, we wait until after we’ve evaluated it for all of its other attributes before we check its price. Based on the performance and our overall experience with the bike, do we think it’s priced fairly? Would we recommend it to friends or family?

Our Experts

We collaborated with health and fitness experts during our research, testing, and reporting for this story. Each expert provided guidance on the proper and safe use of the under-desk bikes we tested. They also provided input on the benefits of using an under-desk bike and features to look for and avoid when shopping for one. While our product selections are independent, expert insights help inform our decisions.

• Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist
• Latoya Julce, certified personal trainer and instructor at 305 Fitness
• Lisa Orr, certified professional ergonomist at Sedgwick

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an under-desk bike or elliptical better?

Under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals are incredibly similar, so neither is necessarily better or worse than the other. Under-desk ellipticals tend to be smoother and quieter, whereas under-desk bicycles tend to offer a fuller range of motion.

What’s the best way to use an under-desk bike?

Under-desk bikes are typically placed under a desk and used while working or completing tasks. However, they don’t have to be used with a desk and tend to work well if the user is seated on a couch or chair. It’s important that you feel comfortable while using an under-desk bike; otherwise, you’ll be distracted and likely won’t want to use it. Make sure that your bike will fit under your desk before purchasing and that there is enough clearance for your knees to move without hitting the desk.

Are under-desk bikes safe for your knees?

Marko says under-desk cycling is a non-weight-bearing exercise that is safe for your knees and may actually benefit people with bad knees. The motion of cycling increases the secretion of synovial fluid, which helps lubricate the joint and nourish the cartilage, she says.

How much does a quality under-desk bike cost?

You can expect to pay between $50 and $350 for a quality under-desk bike that will keep you moving and decrease the number of sedentary hours throughout your day. Price will vary depending on style and features.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who is passionate about making well-vetted product recommendations. She specializes in health and fitness content and is always reading up on the latest wellness research.

Additional reporting by Lindsey Lanquist and Shannon Ullman

Verywell Fit writer Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in the health and fitness space. For this shopping guide, she prioritized under-desk bicycles and ellipticals that were genuinely well-reviewed by those who’d tried them. She also favored options with adjustable resistance. Since preferences can vary so much when it comes to fitness machines, she made sure to include under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals with a range of features.

Shannon Ullman is a writer who focuses on health and wellness. Her work can be found on sites like Insider Inc. and MindBodyGreen. As a longtime remote worker, she’s always on the lookout for ways to stay active while working from home. She also loves ergonomic products that promote good posture and reduce sedentary behavior, such as under-desk bikes.