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Recumbent bikes are a type of exercise bike that you use in a reclined position.
Many people prefer them to upright models, as recumbent bikes are often more comfortable, provide additional support for your upper body, and place less stress on your joints.
However, with numerous options available, choosing the right recumbent bike for you can be challenging.
Keep reading for our picks of the 10 best recumbent exercise bikes.
We selected the recumbent exercise bikes included in this article based on the following criteria:
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below.
Generally, list prices range from $189.98–$1,499, though this may vary depending on available discounts and where you shop.
Pricing guide
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is smooth, comfortable, and moderately priced, earning our top spot as the overall best recumbent bike on the market.
In addition to providing 29 preset workout programs, it offers Bluetooth connectivity, 25 levels of resistance, an LCD screen, a media rack, and in-console speakers.
Plus, to provide a smoother ride, it features a weighted flywheel, which is a mechanical device that spins to help build momentum while you exercise.
One of the unique features of the Schwinn 270 is that it’s virtual reality (VR) compatible, allowing you to connect it to a VR headset and ride through scenic destinations from around the world using apps such as Explore the World.
With more than 15,000 positive online reviews, this recumbent bike from Marcy is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get a good workout.
It features eight levels of resistance, a padded seat, foam-covered handles, and an LCD monitor that displays your time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
It’s also designed with weighted pedals and foot straps that you can adjust to find your perfect fit.
While it’s a bit of a splurge, the NordicTrack Commercial R35 offers a long list of impressive features.
It has 26 levels of digital resistance, digitally amplified built-in speakers, a self-adjusting fan, and an ergonomic seat designed to maximize lumbar support.
The bike has a weight capacity of 350 pounds (158.8 kg) and features a smooth and silent flywheel to ensure a comfortable ride.
It’s also equipped with a 14-inch (35.5-cm) touch screen, which you can use to stream cycling classes through the iFit app.
In addition to live and on-demand workouts, the iFit app provides real-time performance stat tracking and live workout leaderboards for extra motivation.
The NordicTrack bike comes with a 30-day iFit family membership, which you can renew for $39 per month or $396 per year.
If you’re looking to stream classes directly from your bike but don’t need tons of other special features, the Pro C10R may be a good option for you.
It has a 10-inch (25.4-cm) touchscreen and comes with a 30-day iFit family membership for streaming workouts and recording your workout data.
The bike has 25 levels of magnetic resistance, built-in speakers, and a fan to keep you cool while you work out. Plus, the seat adjusts vertically and horizontally, making it easier for multiple users to share. The seat also has an oversized cushion for added comfort.
Keep in mind that an iFit family membership costs $39 per month or $396 per year.
Thanks to its multifunctional, foldable design, the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike is a great space-saving addition to your home or office.
The bike includes 10 levels of magnetic resistance, pulse sensors, a digital LCD monitor, a fully adjustable cushioned seat, and a media rack for streaming workouts on your smartphone or tablet.
It’s also available in three colors and can be used as an upright or recumbent bike to add variety to your workout routine.
Offering a large ergonomic seat and backrest, eight levels of resistance, and an easy-to-read monitor, this recumbent bike was designed specifically with older adults in mind.
It’s equipped with pulse-sensor hand grips, an integrated device holder, and pedal straps.
What’s more, the seat is fully adjustable to maximize comfort and help reduce strain on your knees and joints.
This exercise bike can adjust to upright and recumbent positions, so you can easily mix up your exercise routine without buying multiple pieces of equipment.
It includes eight levels of magnetic resistance, pulse sensors, and an LCD monitor. It folds easily and has transport wheels for convenient storage.
Plus, it comes with arm resistance bands to allow for a full-body workout while you ride.
With 25 levels of resistance, 29 built-in workout programs, and a padded seat with a sliding rail, the R618 Recumbent Bike from Nautilus offers plenty of options to customize your workout.
It’s also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, pulse sensors, and dual LCDs for monitoring your ride metrics.
Plus, you can also use your bike with the Explore the World app, which allows you to ride through a variety of routes in destinations around the globe.
If you’re looking for a recumbent bike that you can fold and store between workout sessions, check out this model from Exerpeutic.
This user-friendly bike offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, an easy-to-read LCD monitor, and a large cushioned seat and backrest for extra comfort and support.
What’s more, it can be used with any height-adjustable desk, allowing you to squeeze in a cardio workout while working.
If you’re hoping for a full-body workout, the Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer from Sunny Health & Fitness can help you work on your upper body while you ride. The bike has 8 levels of magnetic resistance, and the handlebars include heart rate sensors.
The extra-wide seat has thick cushioning to keep you comfortable, and the seat can be adjusted while you’re still sitting down, so you won’t have to get up each time you want to raise or lower the seat’s height.
It also has adjustable pedal straps and transportation wheels if you need to move it to another location.
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a recumbent bike.
First, it’s helpful to determine which features — such as heart rate monitors, built-in speakers, touch screens, device holders, and Bluetooth connectivity — are most important for you and your fitness goals.
You’ll also want to consider which type of resistance a recumbent bike offers. The most common types of resistance are:
Beyond the physical bike, you’ll want to consider the types of workouts and classes you prefer.
While some recumbent bikes offer streaming capabilities for live or on-demand classes, others come with built-in workout programs.
You should also evaluate your budget and look for a product that’s within your price range, as recumbent bikes can differ greatly in cost.
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
While any form of indoor cycling may offer several health benefits, recumbent bikes have been recommended as a great form of endurance conditioning exercise, particularly if you’re newer to exercise, rehabbing an injury, or have joint discomfort.
Recumbent bikes are considered a low impact exercise option for older adults or anyone with hip, back, or knee pain (
Thanks to the reclined seating position, recumbent bikes place less strain on your lower back, and the backrest provides added support. Additionally, the forward position of the pedals and the lower seating position on most recumbent bikes puts less pressure on your knees as you exercise.
Research suggests that recumbent bike use helps improve range of motion and flexibility, which can help alleviate certain forms of pain. Using a stationary bike can even help improve range of motion in the hips more than using a heat pack (3, 4).
With that said, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional to see if a recumbent bike is suitable for your specific needs and concerns.
Yes, you can get a good workout with a recumbent bike. Similar to walking on a treadmill or riding an upright bike, using a recumbent bike can help strengthen the muscles in your core and legs (
Some recumbent bikes even include features to support upper body strength training while you ride.
Pedaling on a recumbent bike offers a cardio workout that burns calories. When combined with a healthy diet, indoor cycling can be a low impact way to support your weight loss efforts (
Just keep in mind that the exact number of calories burned depends on several factors, including the duration and intensity of your workout and individual characteristics such as your height, weight, age, and body composition.
While it’s not always 100 percent accurate, you can get an estimate of the number of calories burned during your workout using your bike’s monitor, a fitness tracker, or a workout app.
Depending on your workout goals and health restrictions, riding a recumbent bike can be as good or possibly even better than walking. Both are low impact workouts, but because riders are seated and supported on a recumbent bike, those with balance issues don’t have to worry about tripping and falling while they exercise. Biking also typically burns more calories in a shorter time.
That said, walking is a good choice if you find it more enjoyable, plus it can make it easier to exercise outside. Whatever style of exercise you’re considering, it’s always a good idea to discuss it with a healthcare professional.
Choosing the best recumbent exercise bike for older adults depends on a number of factors like budget and workout needs or restrictions.
Some features to look for may include an easy-to-read display screen, wide ergonomic pedals, a step-through design to make it easier to get onto the bike, and extra cushioning on the seat and backrest.
A recumbent bike is a great addition to any home gym.
There are a variety of options to choose from, each of which offers a wide range of features and functions.
Be sure to consider the price, training options, and available features to find a recumbent bike that works for you.
Last medically reviewed on June 14, 2022
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