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Cycling is often recommended as a joint-friendly form of exercise because it puts less stress on ligaments than running and other high-impact cardio workouts. If you have knee injuries or a genetic joint condition, your exercise options may be limited. That’s why choosing the right bike—whether a stationary model or an outdoor bike—and knowing which features matter can help speed recovery and reduce pain.
This review covers what to look for when choosing an exercise bike for bad knees, whether you have arthritis, are rehabbing a knee injury, or just have generally sensitive knees.
Contents
– Is riding a stationary bike actually good for bad knees?
– Which exercise bike is best for bad knees?
– Best exercise bikes for bad knees – Overview
– Best exercise bikes for bad knees and knee rehab – Reviews
– Buying an exercise bike for bad knees – What to consider
– Final verdict – What’s the best exercise bike for bad knees?
Is riding a stationary bike actually good for bad knees?
Indoor cycling has clear advantages over outdoor riding for people with knee problems. The main difference is control over resistance and terrain. Riding outside means dealing with hills, uneven roads, and sudden changes—things that can stress your knees. Indoor cycling removes those risks and gives consistent resistance levels, steady balance, and no need for extra protective gear. That controlled environment can be especially helpful during knee rehab.
If you have arthritis or another knee condition, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting. Begin gently, increase time and intensity slowly, and stop if you feel pain. How much benefit you get depends on how you use the bike.
Which exercise bike is best for bad knees?
Stationary bikes come in different shapes and styles. Pick the type that fits your needs and limits before buying.
Upright stationary bikes
Upright bikes look like traditional outdoor bikes but are stationary. They give a full-body workout and engage muscles similar to outdoor cycling. The higher seat position makes you lean forward a bit and extend your legs more, increasing workout intensity. That seat height lets your knees bend and extend through a fuller range, which can nourish the joint and work the quads and hamstrings. Because there’s no back support, you also engage your core for better overall stability.
Recumbent bikes
Recumbent bikes have a lower seat and a backrest, so they’re good for people with lower back pain, balance issues, or hip discomfort. The larger seat and back support provide a comfortable, stable ride. However, the low seat reduces knee flexion angle—keeping it under about 25 degrees can be important when dealing with knee problems.
Spinning bikes
Spinning offers low-impact cardio and can build strong leg and core muscles. But spin classes or intense sessions can put extra stress on knees, especially when you pedal fast in an upright position—your knees and ankles can take more load. While great for muscle building, spinning may not be the best choice during knee rehab.
Overall, adjustable upright bikes are often the safest option for bad knees because you can set them up to match your needs.
Best exercise bikes for bad knees – Overview
– DKN AM-E Exercise Bike — Type: Upright — Folding: No — Resistance: 32 levels (computer-controlled) — Weight capacity: 140 kg
– PLENY Folding Fitness Exercise Bike with Resistance Bands — Type: Upright — Folding: Yes — Resistance: 16 levels (magnetic) — Weight capacity: 120 kg
– Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike — Type: Upright — Folding: Yes — Resistance: 8 levels (magnetic) — Weight capacity: 136 kg
– Marcy Start ME709 Recumbent Magnetic Exercise Bike — Type: Recumbent — Folding: No — Resistance: 8 levels (magnetic) — Weight capacity: 110 kg
– JLL RE100 Recumbent Home Exercise Bike — Type: Recumbent — Folding: No — Resistance: 8 levels (magnetic) — Weight capacity: 100 kg
– Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike (EXER6) — Type: Recumbent — Folding: Yes — Resistance: 8 levels (magnetic) — Weight capacity: 136 kg
– Ultrasport F-Bike and F-Rider — Type: Upright — Folding: Yes — Resistance: 8 levels — Weight capacity: 100 kg (some models up to 110 kg)
Best exercise bikes for bad knees and knee rehab – Reviews
Here are short, focused reviews of seven solid options to help you pick the right bike for your goals and limits.
DKN AM-E Exercise Bike
A higher-end upright bike with a 140 kg weight capacity and a sturdy build. It has 32 resistance levels for precise adjustments and 12 pre-set programs to guide workouts. The adjustable seat height and long handles suit different body types. The blue LCD shows RPM, speed, watts, pulse, recovery, time, and distance.
Pros: Quiet operation, many features, pre-set workouts, versatile.
Cons: Assembly can be tricky; limited manual controls on the console.
Available from: DKN / Amazon / eBay
PLENY Folding Fitness Exercise Bike with Resistance Bands
A bit pricier but packed with extras—ideal for rehab users who also want to work their upper body. It has a backrest, a wide padded seat, and resistance bands for arm exercises. The large display and tablet holder make workouts more enjoyable. Best for low-intensity cardio and longer sessions.
Pros: Comfortable seat, sturdy yet compact, good for long rides, affordable compared to similar models.
Cons: Seat can be hard to mount or adjust; limited resistance for stronger users; display not intuitive.
Available from: Amazon / eBay
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse
A solid upright option with a high 136 kg weight limit and a large padded seat that’s comfortable for longer rides. It has an adjustable seat and a 3-piece high-torque crank for smooth pedaling. With 8 magnetic resistance levels and a foldable frame, it’s flexible and easy to store.
Pros: Comfortable seat, sturdy, foldable, good resistance range.
Cons: Display quality may be low.
Available from: Amazon / eBay
Marcy Start ME709 Recumbent Magnetic Exercise Bike
A well-designed recumbent bike focused on leg strength. Its low seat and large backrest reduce upper-body pressure while allowing a good pedal stretch thanks to front-positioned, adjustable pedals. The soft foam saddle and chair-like backrest make it great for beginners and older users.
Pros: Affordable, good for light workouts, suitable for seniors, very comfortable.
Cons: Not for advanced training; somewhat bulky.
Available from: Amazon
(If out of stock, consider the XS Sports B400R Magnetic Recumbent Bike.)
JLL RE100 Recumbent Home Exercise Bike
A budget-friendly recumbent bike with 8 resistance levels and a clear LCD showing heart rate, calories, distance, time, and speed. The 7-level adjustable seat fits different heights. It’s compact and comfortable, though it has a lower 100 kg weight limit.
Pros: Comfortable and stable, discreet and easy to store, good for toning legs, very affordable.
Cons: Not for advanced riders; fewer features than pricier models.
Available from: Amazon / eBay
(If out of stock, consider the XS Sports B400R Magnetic Recumbent Bike.)
Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike (EXER6)
A semi-recumbent model with a slightly higher seating position than standard recumbents. Hip-level handles provide arm support and work the upper back and arms; a backrest is included for extra support. It folds away and offers 8 resistance levels. Seat-to-pedal distance is adjustable to help achieve full knee extension.
Pros: Friendly for injuries and disabilities, comfortable and easy to use, affordable, joint-friendly, sturdy.
Cons: Doesn’t feel like true cycling; manual only in German; assembly can be tricky.
Available from: Amazon / eBay
Ultrasport F-Bike and F-Rider
A compact, foldable upright bike with 8 resistance levels, an LCD showing calories, time, pulse, and distance, and a weight capacity of 100 kg (some models support up to 110 kg). It’s a budget-friendly choice with an adjustable seat and comfortable handle position. Not ideal for people with balance issues.
Pros: Very affordable, foldable and compact, adjustable seat and handles, sturdy.
Cons: Small, firm seat for heavier users; not suitable for balance problems.
Available from: eBay
Buying an exercise bike for bad knees – What to consider
Know your needs and limits before buying. Also think about price, space, features, and build quality.
Budget and space
Decide where the bike will go—most need at least about 2 square meters to use comfortably. Prices vary widely, from roughly £100 to over £300. You don’t always need to spend a lot, but your budget will affect which features you can get.
Understand your injury
Knee pain has many causes. During rehab for ligament, tendon, or muscle injuries, the joint can feel unstable. In these cases, seat position and bike height matter—you should be able to keep your leg nearly straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Comfort and a sturdy frame help prevent further injury. Light resistance is usually best during rehabilitation.
Consult the experts
With arthritis or cartilage wear, joint flexibility and mobility decrease, causing stiffness and pain. Doctors often suggest a more elevated seat to limit knee flexion and reduce muscle strain. Bikes with several resistance levels let you build muscle gradually around the knee.
Consider your whole body
Sometimes knee pain comes from excess weight and lack of activity. If that’s the case, pick a sturdy beginner bike with a wider, comfortable seat and adjustable resistance to help build stamina and tone leg muscles. Losing weight will reduce stress on the knees.
Final verdict – What’s the best exercise bike for bad knees?
There’s no single perfect bike for everyone. For older users and beginners, the JLL RE100 Recumbent Home Exercise Bike is often praised for being comfortable and suitable for lighter workouts. Younger users or those wanting a classic stationary experience tend to favor the DKN AM-E Upright Exercise Bike for its higher-quality cardio options and stability. Ultrasport models offer similar features at a lower price point. Ultimately, the best bike depends on what matters most to you—comfort, resistance range, budget, or portability.
Related content:
– Are folding exercise bikes any good?
– Best Folding Exercise Bike for Short Person
– Best Folding Exercise Bikes
Author bio
Sofia Alves is a fitness enthusiast who loves running and motivating others to adopt healthy habits. She keeps learning and investing in education to build her knowledge and believes the worst workout is the one you didn’t bother to do.