The 7 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes in 2024, According to Certified Trainers

Of all the exercise bikes we’ve tested, the Matrix R30 received top marks from our team for its incredibly stable design, comfortable seat, and accessibility for people with limited mobility. Most single-post design bikes we tried run the risk of tipping over when rider weight is shifted. Not so with the Matrix R30, thanks to its heavy-duty dual post frame that helped us feel stable and secure no matter how hard we pedaled on it.

With a near-zero step-through height, this bike is super accessible and easy for low-mobility folks to use safely. We also have to call out the seat for its comfort. The arc design is molded to hug your back with the perfect level of lumbar support and is made with mesh to allow for proper ventilation.

The magnetic resistance is smooth and predictable with 20 adjustable levels, plus ECB magnetic braking makes for a quieter ride. Five built-in workout programs—from Manual and Intervals to Rolling and Target HR—provide plenty of variety to help you find a workout program that meets your goals.

Lastly, it’s Bluetooth-compatible. But, built-in screen mirroring allows you to use the bike’s console to stream entertainment straight from your phone or laptop.

Read more: Best Home Gym Equipment

While it lacks a built-in smart display, the midrange price and other features on this bike make up for it. Plus, you can place your phone, tablet, or other device on the media shelf so you can ride along to on-demand trainer-led classes with real-time coaching.

The padded seat is a huge win in our eyes and even has ventilation to get the air flowing when things get sweaty down there. We love the feel of the weighted strapped pedals, which work well to keep your feet secure while you ride. Built-in rollers and a relatively lightweight build make the bike the easiest to move around when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.

It’s suitable for tall frames, too. Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton, NASM, trained an elderly client, 6′ 3″, who rode Schwinn’s similar sibling 290 bike every day for three years because he found it so comfortable.

NordicTrack’s lineup of commercial-grade recumbent bikes is a solid upgrade option if you’re willing to spend a bit more. The design of the Commercial R35 is among the most comfortable we’ve tested. Plus, it’s packed with tons of premium features, including 26 different resistance levels, so you can consistently up your game. Plus, if you’d prefer the Commercial R35 to push you, try the auto-resistance feature. We found it especially useful for the guided iFit streaming classes, so you can ride along without having to worry about switching gears.

Speaking of which, this bike comes with a 30-day free membership to iFit (then $39/month thereafter), so you can stream on-demand, interactive trainer-led classes on the 14-inch HD Smart Touchscreen monitor.

Despite the resistance and programming features that allow for a great workout on this bike, we think the best feature is the fan. It auto-adjusts depending on how hard you work to keep you cool and comfortable throughout even your sweaty seshes.

At this price point, this bike comes loaded with an impressive number of programs to suit a wide range of fitness levels and preferences. We’re talking 12 pre-set programs, 4 custom user programs, 1 body-fat program, 1 watt program, and 5 heart rate programs–meaning you won’t run out of options to switch things up. So, there’s plenty of room to expand your workout intensity and variety as you build strength.

Comfort is a priority with this bike. The adjustable seat was designed with your back in mind, so you’ll maintain good posture throughout your workout. We like the oversized pedals that provide added stability for your feet and overall ride stance. Plus, the walk-thru frame design and easily adjustable seat make it more accessible for most shapes, sizes, and levels of mobility, too—all of which make it a great starter bike for novices.

Like most home gym equipment, recumbent exercise bikes can take up a ton of space. Marcy’s ME-709 is designed to be more compact than most, making it a great option for city and apartment dwellers with limited square footage.

But the design packs a decent list of features, including a magnetic resistance wheel that moves smoothly and freely. It’s easily adjustable by reaching down during to dial in your preferred resistance level. The LCD monitor is small and basic—both of which are no surprise at this price point—so don’t expect a touchscreen or media-friendly display. This one is all about the basics: Displaying your workout time, speed, and distance.

Our team likes the thick, non-slip pedals, which means you don’t have to worry about your feet slipping. They’re also weighted for maximum support and counterbalance to provide plenty of stability as you ride. Adjustable straps add a bit of extra security, too.

Pros

• Stylish, ultra-modern design
• Immersive workouts included
• Loaded with tech features and a large, 15.6-inch touchscreen
• Snowboard-style foot straps
• Clever, intuitive user interface

If you not only care about getting in a good workout at home, but also want everything in your home gym to look sleek as hell, consider this high-end steel frame recumbent bike. Before you look at the price (jump scare, we know)—know that this bike is way more tech-savvy than other recumbent bikes on this list.

You can change your seat posture, increase your resistance level, and monitor your heart rate, all from controls located right on the handles for easy accessibility. Speakers located under the seat produce great sound quality that seriously impressed us (and it’s Bluetooth compatible). We love the extra-wide pedals, which feature a strap system like that used on a snowboard for quick adjustability and a secure, stable fit.

And, at this price, from multiple immersive workout programs on the live 15.6-inch touchscreen, or pedal through a natural or urban landscape of your choice on the screen

Bonus: You can even log directly into your Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube accounts from the built-in display for seamless entertainment.

Most of the recumbent exercise bikes we tested top out at a 300-pound weight capacity. This model from Harison is sturdy and stable enough to support riders up to 400 pounds, making it a great option for larger folks. That same stability, combined with a low, step-through design, also makes it a solid option for seniors or anyone with limited mobility. We were pleasantly surprised that for such a durable machine, it weighs just 77 pounds.

With 14 levels of adjustable intensity, if features a decent amount of variety for all types of workouts and fitness levels. An adjustable seat and backrest allow you to dial in your perfect setup, ensuring this one’s comfy no matter how hard you train. The LCD screen is extremely basic—tracking only your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and other essentials—but the built-in iPad holder allows you to stream Netflix, Hulu, Audible, and more from your own tablet while you workout.

Meet the Experts

• Mathew Forzaglia, NFPT-CPT, is a personal trainer in New York, NY.
• Dr. Todd Sinett is a chiropractor and applied kinesiologist at Tru Whole Care in New York, NY.

What Else to Consider

Comfort

Comfort is key when using an exercise bike, especially for longer workouts. Look for a bike with a comfortable and adjustable seat, padded handlebars, and an ergonomic design to support your body during exercise.

Construction

A sturdy and durable bike is a must-have for safety and long-term use. Check the weight capacity of the bike to ensure it can support your weight (a minimum of 300 pounds usually indicates a stable design), and look for bikes that offer a warranty on the frame and parts.

What Are the Benefits of a Recumbent Exercise Bike?

“With a recumbent bike, you can have all the benefits and joys of bike riding, inside or outside, without the compression we get from sitting on a standard bike,” says chiropractor Todd Sinett, DC, a chiropractor and applied kinesiologist at Tru Whole Care in New York, NY. “Some recumbent bikes have four wheels instead of only two wheels and could be considered safer if balance is an issue for the rider.”

Recumbent exercise bikes offer a low-impact workout that is easier on your joints while still delivering an effective cardiovascular exercise. What distinguishes them from traditional upright exercise bikes is the supported seat, where you can enjoy an ergonomic position that’s easier on the back and joints. These machines also offer more stability (and therefore more safety) than upright exercise bikes, making them a good choice for beginners and individuals with limited mobility.

Many models have convenient finishes like moving handlebars so users can move their upper body while cycling. All the bikes we tested are also pretty also quiet, making them suitable for home use, and their compact design allows for easy storage.

Who Is a Recumbent Bike Good for?

Recumbent exercise bikes are particularly beneficial for those needing a supported, moderate mode of cardiovascular exercise.

Sinett notes that they’re especially “great for people with back issues, neck pain, or even shoulder pain who love to ride bikes and want to take the pressure off of their lower back.” They help maintain a good posture while riding. Plus, “The design is ergonomically better than a standard bike’s, as the rider’s weight is distributed more comfortably over a larger area supported by the back and buttocks,” says Sinett.

For these reasons, they’re also ideal for seniors due to their stable seat and low-impact nature, and novice exercisers can use them as a stepping stone to working out on an upright exercise bike.

Is a Recumbent Bike Better for Rehabbing an Injury Than a Traditional Exercise Bike?

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