Best Stationary Bikes for Seniors 2021

Want to get in shape at home but don’t know where to start? A high-quality exercise bike is a great way. Whether you want a low-impact workout or something more intense, this exercise bike will keep your body moving with no additional equipment required.

Exercise is great for people of all ages. A vast amount of research suggests that seniors who exercise benefit from greater disease prevention, improved mental health, decreased risk of falling down and having a broken bone or concussion, and more social engagement. 

Read on to find out more about the best exercise bikes for seniors and what they can do to your health. It also features a buyer’s checklist, their different types, and tips on how to choose one that suits your needs.

What is an Exercise Bike?

Exercise bikes are stationary bicycles designed with stability bases which make them perfect for seniors who want all the benefits of riding a bicycle outdoor but don’t want any accidents or crashes! Exercise bikes come in different styles and innovative features – so there’s something out there for everyone.

Pedaling on an exercise bike is a great way to get your heart pumping and improve your strength without risking injury from cycling outdoors. These stationary bikes work by using pedals attached to a flywheel, which generates resistance on the pedals, replicating the feeling of pedaling down real paved roads. 

Some exercise bikes have an extra bonus: their flywheel doubles as a fan – keeping you cool while you pedal for hours! Other models use magnetic technology that makes them feel very smooth when in operation.

Exercise bikes are an amazing way to stay active. The amount of effort that you need to put in during a workout is adjustable. Most bikes have 8 different resistance levels, but the more luxurious models go up as high as 25! You can choose your level depending on how hard or easy you want your exercise to be – and you can verge to higher levels as you build stamina!

Best Type of Exercise Bikes for Seniors

Recumbent Exercise Bike

Recumbent Exercise Bike

There is nothing better than a pleasant bike ride! The best way to experience it though is on a recumbent exercise bicycle. Recumbent bikes are a new trend in exercise and recreation. The bike allows you to sit back rather than upright while pedaling, which helps your weight to be dispersed throughout the body making it less strenuous on joints and muscles when riding for long periods of time.

These bikes have comfortable seats and backrests that you lean against while riding to keep your body weight off of your feet. This position puts your feet in front of you rather than directly beneath you, enabling a comfortable ride.

If you suffer from back or hip problems, a recumbent exercise bike is the best way to get your daily sweat on. You’ll feel you’re lounging in an armchair while getting a leg-focused workout at home without any discomfort!

Upright Exercise Bike

Upright Exercise Bike

Upright bikes look just like traditional bikes except they don’t need balancing thanks to their fixed pedals beneath the seat and no steering. But you still have to balance your body on top of the seat. This puts all your weight right in the center, which results in pressure on your hips and the lower back!

Over time, exercising on an upright bike can cause back pain in seniors who already have bad backs. However, for most people, 30 minutes a day on an upright bike won’t cause any trouble. 

Folding Exercise Bike 

You want the perfect exercise bike, but you don’t have any space? Folding exercise bikes are just what you need! These lightweight and inexpensive bikes can be folded up when they’re not in use. When your floor is covered with a mountain of shoes or clutter, folding bikes will always make room for themselves.

They’re great if you live in tight quarters—you’ll never again worry about how much space these exercise bikes will take. 

Step-Through Exercise Bike

Step-through bikes are a type of bike that makes getting on and off an easier process. These frames have been designed to allow riders the ability to step through, rather than lifting their leg over or around it – saving your hips from unnecessary strain!

Step-throughs are upright or recumbent, but rather than being another type of bike they’re just subcategories of these two categories.

Top Brands of Exercise Bikes for Seniors

Exerpeutic

Exerpeutic exercise bikes are perfect for people who want a high-quality product that doesn’t break the bank. The company has something to offer everyone, from those with no interest in flashy features like video screens and Bluetooth connectivity to enthusiasts looking for an intense workout outside of their home gym.

LifeSpan

The LifeSpan brand features three unique styles of exercise bikes that are suitable for a variety of different purposes. For people looking for a general workout, the upright bike allows you to get in some good cardio while also strengthening your back muscles. If rehabilitation is more what you are after, try their recumbent bike – it will work on improving circulation and building strength and endurance through low-impact movement with no jarring or pressure from traditional cycling shoes!

ProForm

ProForm is the go-to brand for people on a budget who want to get fit at home. The best ProForm bikes combine lots of electronic goodies with not too powerful resistance, meaning they’re perfect if you aren’t looking for intense workouts and just need something that’s easy but still does the job!

Top 15 Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors in 2021

What are some of the best exercise bikes for seniors? That’s a question we’re happy to answer. The following models can offer you and your loved ones everything from better health, increased cardiovascular endurance, mental clarity, improved balance—the list goes on!

1. Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors (Overall) – Schwinn 270 

Schwinn 270

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The Schwinn 270 is an award-winning recumbent bike designed to accommodate all ages. It’s perfect for those recovering from injuries or surgeries, seniors with joint pain, and younger people looking to improve their health and fitness levels.

The seat height of this exercise bike puts riders at a more ergonomically correct position than most traditional exercise bikes enabling greater comfort in the legs, back, and neck which makes it easier on your joints!

The Schwinn 270 has been called “the Cadillac of Recumbent”. This bike is the most feature-rich in its price range, with 29 pre-set programs and functions. You can create your own workout routines for any fitness goals you have. You can take fitness tests, use a heart rate monitor, choose between 25 levels of resistance to create a suitable workout plan depending on age or level of fitness you’re at.

The Schwinn 270 recumbent bike is a great option for seniors because it also has a perimeter-weighted flywheel. This design allows them to start off easy and escalate the intensity or resistance as they go along with their workout, so there’s no need to make too much of an effort from the get-go!

The Schwinn Trainer offers a variety of features for users of all ages. For seniors, the Bluetooth connectivity may actually be more beneficial than it is to young people as you can sync with either their own fitness training app or RideSocial’s that are specifically designed for seniors. You can also work out with an instructor who monitors your progress!

Pros Cons
 Compact machine size  Short labor warranty
 Highly comfortable seat  The Control panel does not have an adjustable height
 25 resistance levels
 29 built-in functions and programs
 Large LCD display
 Easy flywheel startup

 

2. Best High-end Recumbent Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial VR21

NordicTrack Commercial VR21

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The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is a great all-around stationary recumbent bike for seniors, with many innovative features that make it an excellent choice. New NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is a perfect choice for people who want comfort, convenience, and reliability in an exercise bike.

This recumbent bike has an easy step-through design, extra-wide and ergonomic pedals, built-in lumbar support on the oversized seat, and 32 workouts with iFit compatibility. It also includes other advanced features that make this machine one of its kind such as EKG grip pulse rate monitor technology which provides you with your current heart rate so you can keep track of progress made over time while riding!

The bike also comes with an AutoBreeze workout fan that generates airflow to keep you cool during your workouts and OneTouch controls so that everything is at your fingertips while riding the bike. With an integrated tablet holder and water bottle holder right in front of you, this machine will be sure to meet all of your needs!

The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is the perfect trainer for heavy users. With a 350-pound weight limit and 10 years of warranty coverage, this machine can handle even your most demanding workouts! Plus, with iFit compatibility, you get unlimited access to thousands of training videos. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing outside because now all that matters is how hard you want to push yourself inside.

Pros Cons
 25 resistance levels  Maintenance required
 32 workout apps  Expensive
 Ventilated seat with lumbar support
 Noiseless
 Self-adjusting fan
 Extra-wide pedals
 Good warranty

 

3. Best Value Recumbent Exercise Bike – Exerpeutic 1500XL

Exerpeutic 1500XL

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The company Exerpeutic is always searching for ways to provide the best products at a great value. Their machines are comparable in quality and features but their prices can’t be beaten! The 1500 XL recumbent bike is perfect for people who want to stay healthy without spending tons of money on expensive equipment or workout programs.

This reasonable exercise bike provides eight different resistance levels, a 300-pound weight capacity. Also, it has an ergonomic step-through design. The best part about this 1500XL is the value! This bike costs less than $300 while many recumbent exercise bikes can run up to more than $750. If you’re looking for an easy workout on light equipment, that’s still exceptional quality, then this is your perfect pick.

Pros Cons
 Affordable  Limited warranty
Compact design
Easy assembly 
 8 level Magnetic Tension control system
 High weight capacity

 

4. Best Exercise Bike for a Full-body Workout – Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Exercise Bike

Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Exercise Bike

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This bike has been designed by Stamina Elite for seniors who like physical exertion. It allows riders to work their lower and upper body muscles simultaneously, so there are no handlebars but hand pedals.

The bike has the stability of an upright exercise bike rather than that of a recumbent one. Even though you can push it back and get as comfortable as your favorite living room chair, this still offers an intense workout experience. 

As great as this bike is, you’ll probably need some help to put it together when it arrives. At over 100 lbs., this may not be the most convenient model, but it has everything you need and more! You can adjust its resistance levels or monitor your heart rate with ease while still being able to keep up on speed limits. 

Pros Cons
 Aids in upper and lower body workout  No preset programs
 Comes with a heart rate sensor  No different resistance settings
 Noiseless operation
 Large LCD display
 Comfortable and flexible to put on and off
 Improves posture, reduces back pain

 

5. Best Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors – Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR

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The Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR exercise bike is a foldable machine that offers high-end performance on the go. Made for people of all height ranges, this heavy-duty and durable fitness equipment can handle up to 400 pounds with ease! 

Folding exercise bikes are a great option for those who need to save space. With the Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR, you’ll get much more than just convenience — you also can enjoy high-quality workouts in your home and never worry about it taking up too much room!

This folding exercise bike is perfect for people who live in smaller apartments and homes. It’s not just a space-saving design, it also provides an excellent workout without skimping on comfort or performance! The only downside to this outstanding foldable option? It comes with only 8 resistance levels – ideally, we’d want 10+.

Pros Cons
 Very durable  No built-in programs
 Adjustable seat height  No cooling fan
 Ergonomic pedal design  Assembly requires a little effort
 Noiseless and smooth operation
Portable

 

6. Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Larger/Heavier Seniors: LifeSpan Fitness R5i Recumbent Bike

LifeSpan Fitness R5i Recumbent Bike

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The average weight of Americans ranges from 170 to 200 pounds, and this range is reflected in most exercise bikes. For example, most bikes have a maximum capacity that sits somewhere between 250-300 pounds which leaves many heavier users out of the conversation when they need an effective workout plan. 

The R5i bike by LifeSpan Fitness has a 400-pound limit so it can be used for people with more weight! On top of its large weight limit, there are 40 pre-programmed workouts on offer with simple controls making it easy to get started right away with no prior experience necessary – perfect if you’re not sure what type suits your body or fitness goals best yet.

The Bike also comes with some new, innovative weight loss solutions designed to help overweight seniors manage their health while getting in shape. The bike’s easy on your joints and won’t be too demanding for your heart either! You’ll get the chance to work at your own pace with this exercise bike, helping you achieve all of those important fitness goals.

Pros Cons
 Comfortable, lightweight bike  LCD console is not a touchscreen
 Comes equipped with 34 workout programs  
 Armrests are elevated and have heart rate sensors on them
 Step-through design
 Weight capacity of up to 400 lbs.

 

7. Best Exercise Bike for Senior With Bad Knees: Sole Fitness R92 Recumbent Bicycle

Sole Fitness R92 Recumbent Bicycle

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The R92 has 20 different resistance levels for you to choose from and puts the body in an ideal posture, with your knees slightly reclined. That means that you can dial in the difficulty level so it is comfortable enough for any knee pain issues. All while sitting comfortably on a bike seat that won’t put pressure on them during use!

If you’ve had bad knees for a while and dread getting on a bike, the Sole Fitness recumbent bikes are exactly what we recommend! They put your body in an ergonomic position that is comfortable while also protecting against knee pain. The magnetic flywheel makes pedaling super smooth, so it feels extremely smooth while riding. Plus, once you are done riding, all the soreness has disappeared thanks to this machine’s ErgoFit design!

Pros Cons
 A chest strap is included that syncs with the LCD screen to display accurate HR metrics on the screen  A larger footprint
 Ergonomic pedals with a 2-degree inward design  The LCD display isn’t colored
 Comes equipped with fans, speakers, a music input port, and a headphone jack
 Quiet operation
 A 20-pound flywheel that provides a smooth ride

 

8. Best Cross-Training Exercise Bike: Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

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The FreeStep is a revolutionary machine that gives you the benefits of an elliptical cross-trainer with no stress to your spine, hips, knees, or feet. The painless and low-impact workout has been used in physical therapy for years but now it’s available at home! It engages both upper and lower body muscles simultaneously with user-friendly features like anti-slip grips on the pedals, so even seniors can get their full-body cardio fix whenever they need one.

This revolutionary new device is so much more than a stationary bicycle! The patented stride technology and natural reclined seat allow the user to work out in comfort, focusing on strengthening their upper body while giving themselves an incredible cardio workout.

Pros Cons
 Offers value for money  Assembly takes time
 Offers total body strength and muscle toning workouts along with cardio  Expensive
 Smooth and noiseless operation
 Safe and comfortable use
 Provides zero-impact cardio and muscle toning

 

9. Best Portable Exercise Bike for Seniors: XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Bike

XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Bike

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XTERRA Fitness FB150 is a great, yet small-sized exercise bike for seniors. This lightweight machine is perfect if you don’t have a lot of room in your house or apartment (or just want to take it on the go!). With its minimal frame and design, this easy-to-fit piece will be an amazing addition to any senior’s workout routine!

This workout equipment also weighs just 32 pounds- almost one-third as much as most other bikes designed for older adults! 

The XTERRA FB150 is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to have a light, enjoyable exercise session on their own time. The trade-off of this simple and portable design comes with only 8 levels of resistance so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for serious weight loss or training for a competition.

Pros Cons
 Assembly is quick, and all tools are included  Don’t come with training programs
 Pedals have straps and grips to prevent feet from slipping  Not for high-intensity exercises
 Smooth and quiet ride
 Affordable price
 Good for beginners and for those looking for moderate exercise options

 

10. Best Stationary Exercise Bike for Seniors: Stamina X Air Bike

Stamina X Air Bike

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Pedaling away on a stationary bike is boring, but with the X Air Bike, it becomes fun! No matter what your fitness goal is – be that burning calorie or toning muscles – this exercise bike has you covered. With its display screen and various settings, there’s no way you won’t get to where you want to go.

The flywheel blows air cool enough so that it won’t make you sweat too much and the seat will keep things comfortable while also providing support with armrests on either side of the bike. 

Plus, since there are handlebars attached – it often gives full-body workouts an extra boost! You’ll hit all those hard-to-reach muscle groups by using them as part of your workout regimen and really feel like you got something accomplished today (even if it was only 20 minutes!)

Pros Cons
 Sturdy and stable frame  No backlight on the monitor
 4-way adjustable seat  Chest strap not included
 Multi-grip handlebars for targeting multiple muscle groups  A tablet or smartphone placed on the device holder will block the performance monitor
 Foot resting pegs
 Excellent warranty

 

11. Most Features On A Stationary Exercise Bike For Seniors – Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series R616 

Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series R616

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The Nautilus R616 is the ultimate stationary recumbent bike for seniors. It has more features than any other exercise bike in its price range! The Nautilus R616 is a bike that has been designed to be intuitive and user-friendly for seniors. 

The 25 levels of resistance and 29 workout programs will allow you to get the best out of your workouts while listening to music through Bluetooth or putting on an audiobook. 

The R616 is a surprisingly affordable step-through steel bike with features that will make your ride enjoyable from start to finish. A 3-speed fan keeps you cool on the hottest days. 

It also has an adjustable seat that makes it easy for you to find just the right position so there are no more sore butts! The sturdy frame makes sure that even if an accident happens, you’re always safe and secure.

If you want an exercise bike that will make your workout more enjoyable and comfortable, the R616 is a wise choice. This stationary bicycle for seniors includes plenty of entertainment features to keep people entertained while exercising which makes it perfect for those looking for some moderate workouts.

Pros Cons
 29 pre-set workout programs  The chest strap isn’t included
 25 resistance levels  The display isn’t HD
 Offers lumbar support
 A lot of intuitive features at a reasonable price
 Perimeter weighted flywheels
 Pedals have adjustable straps
 Contact and Telemetry enabled heart rate monitoring

 

12. Best Arm Workout Stationary Exercise Bike For Seniors – Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent SF-RB4631

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent SF-RB4631

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Stationary bikes are a great way for seniors to stay active and healthy, but often they only work out the legs. If you want an exercise machine that also helps with arm workouts, Sunny Health SF-RB4631 Stationary Bike features low impact solution so it’s perfect for those who can’t take too much strain on their joints.

The SF-RB4631 has arm and leg pedals that are engineered to be of the same quality. The handlebars come in both front and back positions, enabling you to position yourself on the bike however you like and work out either your arms, legs or both at the same time.

The seat, backrest, resistance levels are all fully adjustable while sitting on the bike. It has eight different knob resistances which provide you with an excellent training experience that will leave your muscles feeling fresh without even breaking a sweat!

The Sunny Health SF-RB4631 stationary exercise bike is perfect for seniors who want to enjoy both a leg and arm workout.

Pros Cons
 Handlebars at both front and back of the bike  Sizing issue
 Adjustable seat and backrest
 8 levels of magnetic resistance
 Smooth and quiet operation
 Offer both legs and arms workout

Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors – The Buying Guide

The decision to purchase a stationary exercise bike for seniors can be overwhelming. There are many factors that come into play when selecting an exercise bike that best fits your needs. Here is an overview of what you should look out for: design (how well it matches your needs), comfort level with features like seat size and angle adjustment, tech options such as heart rate sensors or built-in workout programs, workout capabilities, assembly process, and price point. 

Design 

The most important factor to consider when choosing an exercise bike is the design. Seniors should opt for a step-through model, which allows them to easily mount and dismount without putting strain on their lower body or back. It also reduces the risk of falling off while mounting it.

It’s no surprise that many seniors enjoy recumbent seating positions because they are more comfortable and less stressful on the back. However, for those who want an intense workout, you might be better off with a traditional upright bike design since it puts more pressure on your muscles while still being safe to use.

Comfort

The more comfortable your exercise bike is, the longer you’ll use it. One of the most important factors in this regard would be cushioning on a seat for senior citizens. As we age, our bones become brittle and we need to take care so that they are not strained. You may also want an adjustable backrest that provides maximum lumbar support

Bikes for seniors should have a lowered seat, handlebars near the front of the bike to allow more flexibility in seating positions and armrests. The foot pedals are also important because they need to be large enough so that you can maintain your grip comfortably.

Tech Features

LCD screens are standard in most bikes and track a variety of factors such as speed, calories burned, distance traveled during workouts, and time spent exercising. However, not all consoles include heart-rate monitoring capabilities which can come in handy when trying to avoid injury before or after working out. If you are concerned about your heart, a heart monitor is a must-have feature. 

There are tons of ways to make your workout more entertaining. Consider buying a bike that comes with features like media shelves, speakers, or Bluetooth connectivity so you can use music as motivation for working out and get the most out of every session! Additionally, buy bikes from brands that offer guided workouts since it will help ensure more effective exercise sessions while also letting you manage resistance levels on an LCD screen instead of having to adjust them manually.

Resistance Levels

You have a lot of choices when you’re looking for an exercise bike. If your budget is tight, then the best option might be one that offers only 8 levels of resistance at most, but if you want to stay in shape and need more control over how intense your workout can get—then look into bikes made specifically for seniors who offer up to 25 different intensity settings!

For seniors with back problems or arthritis who need greater control over the intensity of their workouts, consider getting bikes where you can change levels with a touch of your fingers rather than bending over and having to strain your back to change the resistance levels. 

Size

Exercise bikes come in all different sizes and shapes. If you are going to be exercising in a small room, it is important that the exercise bike does not take up too much space when set up – this will allow for more movement around your stationary exercise machine!

Moreover. you’ll want to move around freely without feeling constricted by a permanent machine. Having enough room is vital when it comes time to exercise as well! If you have limited floor or wall space, consider getting folding bikes that are just as sturdy yet easy on storage space.

Assembly

When you’re in the market for an exercise bike, it’s important to evaluate your circumstances and abilities. If the bike is relatively basic with few features, a majority of seniors will be able to assemble by themselves within one hour or two – but if not, then they’ll need help from someone more knowledgeable about these things!

Price

The price of the equipment is a consideration that varies from person to person, and as this list shows there are plenty of affordable options for those on a budget!

The more you invest in your exercise bike, the better it will be for both quality and longevity. As mentioned above, upgrading to a higher-tech model can make all the difference when it comes to feeling motivated enough to stick with your routine well into the future.

Conclusion

The stationary bike is probably the best way to exercise for seniors. The low-impact nature of it means they can minimize the potential for injury, strain in their joints, and pain that may come with other forms of exercise like running or lifting weights.

Michael Holding
 

Michael is an outdoor adventurer and a kayaking enthusiast who loves to share his experiences with others. He is the Chief Editor at XgearHub.

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