Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you buy a product after clicking a link, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Are you thinking about buying a folding exercise bike but not sure what to look for? This article will help. We’ve put together the key points to consider when choosing a folding bike and reviewed some of the best models currently available, including their pros and cons to make your decision easier.
Contents
– Best Folding Exercise Bikes – Overview
– Best Folding Exercise Bikes – Reviews
– Proform X-Bike DUO
– ZAAP Fitness Folding X-Bike Recumbent Upright Exercise Bike
– Viavito Onyx Folding Exercise Bike
– Best for heavier users: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
– Best folding recumbent: Exerpeutic GOLD 525XLR
– Best with back support: Ultrasport F-Bike Advanced Bicycle Trainer
– Olympic 2000 Magnetic Folding Exercise Bike ES-892
– Pleny Foldable Fitness Exercise Bike with 16 Level Resistance
– Skandika Unisex’s Folding Exercise Bike
– What to consider when buying
– Final thoughts
– Related content
Best Folding Exercise Bikes – Overview
(Bike name — Resistance — Product weight — Wheels for transport? — Max user weight — Heart monitor?)
– Proform X-Bike DUO — 14 digital levels — 35 kg — Yes — 115 kg — No
– ZAAP Fitness Folding X-Bike — 8 magnetic levels — 17 kg — Yes — 120 kg — Yes (hand pulse)
– Viavito Onyx — 8 magnetic levels — 13.9 kg — No — 100 kg — Yes (pulse sensors)
– Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike — 8 magnetic levels — 17.6 kg — Yes — 136 kg — Yes
– Exerpeutic GOLD 525XLR — 8 magnetic levels — 29.5 kg — Yes — 181 kg — Yes
– Ultrasport F-Bike Advanced — 8 levels — 18 kg — No — 100 kg — Yes
– Olympic 2000 ES-892 — 8 levels — 15 kg — Yes — 100 kg — No
– Pleny Foldable — 16 levels — 17 kg — Yes — 136 kg — Yes
– Skandika Folding Bike — 8 manual levels — 16.5 kg — Yes — 110 kg — Yes
Best Folding Exercise Bikes – Reviews
There are many folding exercise bikes on the market. Reviews can be hit-or-miss, but they help highlight key features and issues. Below are models we consider strong choices, with brief overviews of their main benefits and drawbacks.
Proform X-Bike DUO
If you can’t decide between upright and recumbent cycling, this bike is a great option — it converts quickly between both positions. The recumbent setup is gentler on the back and knees, good for beginners or those with sensitivities. It also offers multiple training programs and a wide range of resistance levels.
Main features:
– Max user weight: 115 kg (253 lb)
– Fits heights roughly 5’0” to 6’2”
– Switches between upright and recumbent frames
– 14 digital resistance levels
– 14 built-in programs
– Oversized cushioned seat
– Transport wheels, tablet holder
– iFit Coach compatible (batteries not included)
Quick take:
The standout feature is the dual frame option — few bikes offer that. The digital resistance and preset workouts add variety. It’s best for average to slightly overweight users and average height ranges. Assembly and moving it can be a bit heavy, and there’s no built-in heart rate monitor.
ZAAP Fitness Folding X-Bike Recumbent Upright Exercise Bike
If space is tight, this compact, folding recumbent/upright bike is worth considering. It’s easy to assemble and fold away, comfortable for beginners, seniors, and those recovering from injuries, and offers surprisingly good value for the price.
Main features:
– Affordable and simple to build
– Compact, lightweight (17 kg)
– Max user weight: 120 kg
– Fits taller users (up to ~6’5”)
– 8 levels of magnetic resistance
– Very quiet, front stabilizer wheels
– Side bars for support, hand pulse functionality
Quick take:
Easy assembly, comfortable seat with backrest, and quiet operation make this ideal for light, steady exercise or rehab. It’s best for average or slim users; heavier or very tall users may need a different option.
Viavito Onyx Folding Exercise Bike
A newer brand offering a compact, budget-friendly folding bike. It’s designed for beginners, seniors, and those who want gentle workouts. The ultra-compact fold and clear instructions make storage and assembly easy.
Main features:
– Max user weight: 100 kg (220 lb)
– Suitable for heights ~5’2” to 6’2”
– Lightweight (13.9 kg), 8 magnetic resistance levels
– Ultra-compact folding design, pulse sensors
– Extra-padded adjustable seat, rear leg levellers
Quick take:
A strong budget choice with quiet operation and a comfortable seat. The light flywheel (1.2 kg) may affect pedal smoothness for some users. No transport wheels, but it’s easy to carry due to low weight.
Best folding exercise bike for heavier users: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
If you need a sturdy, quiet bike that supports heavier users, this model is a solid pick. It’s compact when folded and supports both light and more demanding workouts.
Main features:
– Max user weight: 136 kg (300 lb)
– Fits heights ~5’3” to 6’1”
– 8-level magnetic tension control
– Large cushioned seat, transport wheels
– Hand pulse sensors, large LCD
– Smooth, quiet operation
Quick take:
Very stable and comfortable for larger users, with practical transport wheels. Assembly takes a bit longer, and it lacks levellers for uneven floors, so you’ll want a flat surface.
Best folding recumbent exercise bike: Exerpeutic GOLD 525XLR
This is one of the most heavy-duty folding recumbent bikes available, with an exceptionally high weight capacity and a strong steel frame. It’s ideal for taller or heavier users, older adults, and those with mobility issues.
Main features:
– Max user weight: 181 kg (400 lb)
– Heavy-duty steel frame, large seat with backrest
– Easy on/off thanks to recumbent design
– 8-level magnetic resistance
– Fits heights ~5’2” to 6’5”
– Hand pulse sensors, transport wheels
Quick take:
Very sturdy and comfortable with a smooth ride. It’s heavier overall and a bit pricier. Assembly instructions can be confusing and it lacks preset workout programs and the ability to pedal in reverse.
Best folding exercise bike with back support: Ultrasport F-Bike Advanced Bicycle Trainer
Ultrasport’s F-Bike is great for light, occasional workouts. It’s compact, quiet, and comes with optional backrest versions, making it suitable for beginners, older users, and people recovering from hip or knee surgery.
Main features:
– Max user weight: 100 kg
– 8 resistance levels, solid build
– Available with or without backrest
– Compact when folded, easy assembly
– Hand pulse sensors, available accessories (tablet holder)
– Smooth and quiet
Quick take:
Good for average to taller users who want a simple, compact bike. Resistance may not be enough for intense training and there are no built-in transport wheels. Seat comfort can vary—some users may want an aftermarket gel cover.
Olympic 2000 Magnetic Folding Exercise Bike ES-892
A compact, sturdy option well suited for seniors or anyone needing an easy-on/easy-off design. The heavier flywheel allows for more varied and challenging workouts than some ultra-light models.
Main features:
– Max user weight: 100 kg
– 8 tension levels, 2.5 kg flywheel
– Monitor shows time, speed, distance, calories
– Ergonomic rear stabilizer, double padded seat with backrest
– Transport wheels, extra handlebars for support
– Simple assembly
Quick take:
Stable and comfortable with a monitor for tracking workouts. No heart rate function, and the seat could be uncomfortable for some users without an added cushion.
Pleny Foldable Fitness Exercise Bike with 16 Level Resistance
For those who want many resistance options, the Pleny stands out with 16 levels. It’s built for heavier use and comes in two colours; the black model offers higher resistance, while the pink one is better for beginners.
Main features:
– 16-level tension control
– Max user weight: 136 kg (300 lb)
– Heavy-duty steel frame, heart rate monitoring
– Built-in transport wheels, curved design for easy mounting
– Very quiet and stable
Quick take:
Excellent range of resistance for progressive training, strong build, and easy to get on and off. Some users may still find the seat uncomfortable; otherwise, a solid, quiet option.
Skandika Unisex’s Folding Exercise Bike
A compact, beginner-to-intermediate bike that’s easy to assemble and move. It’s lightweight yet stable and offers useful tracking via pulse sensors.
Main features:
– Max user weight: 110 kg
– 8 manual resistance levels
– Transport wheels, wide padded seat
– Available in black, green, red (prices vary)
– Hand pulse sensors and display
Quick take:
Good for casual training and home use. It’s relatively tall even at the lowest setting, which might not suit shorter users, and resistance may not challenge advanced cyclists.
What to consider when buying the best folding exercise bike
Finding the right folding bike depends on your needs. Here are the main points to check before you buy:
– Exercise goal: Are you aiming to lose weight, recover from injury, train for events, or just stay active? Pick a bike that supports your goal.
– Assembly: Most folding bikes arrive flat-packed. Check how easy the assembly is and whether you can fold and move it comfortably.
– Weight capacity: Match the bike’s maximum user weight to your body weight. Higher capacities usually mean stronger frames and tougher workouts.
– Resistance levels: More resistance levels give more training variety and room to progress. Beginners can do well with fewer levels.
– Noise level: If you’ll exercise around others, choose a quiet model so you can listen to music or watch TV without distraction.
– Seat comfort: Make sure the seat is comfortable and adjustable. A backrest can help reduce lower-back strain.
– Extra features: Consider tablet holders, cup holders, preset programs, and heart-rate tracking. These add convenience but usually increase the price.
Final thoughts — What’s the best folding exercise bike?
The best folding exercise bike depends on your space, fitness goals, and body type. If space is limited, choose a very compact, lightweight, easy-to-fold model. For weight loss and intense workouts look for higher weight capacity and more resistance levels. If you’re recovering from injury or just starting out, a bike with fewer resistance levels and a comfortable seat or backrest will be enough. Use this guide to narrow your choices and pick the bike that matches your needs.
Related content:
– Are folding exercise bikes any good?
– Best Folding Exercise Bike for Short Person
– Best exercise bikes under £300
– Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Person