The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes of 2024

The home gym: a sanctuary where you can train however you like, whenever you like, and wear whatever you like without anybody complaining to a manager. A key component for many home gyms is cardio equipment — powerful treadmills, sturdy ellipticals, and the best exercise bikes. But when space is limited, finding pieces that you can fold and stow away may be the perfect solution. The best folding exercise bikes save the day and your floor space. After getting your sweat on, simply fold the bike and tuck it away, opening up more room for more activities. 

Similar to other popular forms of cardio equipment, exercise bikes can help get your blood pumping, strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles. The BarBend team understands that cardio kings, queens, and royalty have varied needs and desires when it comes to what they want in a folding exercise bike. We built and tested products. We combed through customer reviews. We sifted through the research so that no matter your budget, space, ability, or goals, you can be one step closer to finding the perfect fit. Here are our picks for the best folding exercise bikes. 

The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes of 2024

• Best Overall Folding Exercise Bike: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
• Best Durable Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
• Best Folding Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike 
• Best Folding Exercise Bike with Companion App: ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
• Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike: LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
• Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike 

How We Tested the Best Folding Exercise Bikes

With the assortment of options out there, building the best home gym is easier now than ever before, but that’s not to say sorting through all the choices is a stress-free process. The BarBend team is stacked with certified personal trainers, competitive athletes, and fitness fanatics who’ve tried and tested 10 of the most popular folding exercise bikes on the market to bring you our top six picks. We scored each bike on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in the following categories:

• Footprint and portability
• Delivery and setup
• Durability
• Customizations
• Tech capabilities
• Conveniences
• Shipping
• Customer reviews
• Value
• Warranty, financing, and returns
• Customer service

Considering that the main draw of a folding exercise bike is that it, uh, folds, we took into account the profile of each piece when set up and folded away. How much space did it take up? How easy was it to move around? Additionally, we also kept a focus on functionality and durability while we pedaled our little hearts out, because what’s the use of a compact folding exercise bike if it feels like it’s going to fall apart when you’re riding it?

We analyzed each folding exercise bike’s conveniences, such as available water bottle and phone holders, comfortable cushions, and heart rate sensors. Our testers also played around with the tech capabilities and customizations, pushing all the buttons on the monitors (when there were monitors) and moving the seat, backrests, and handlebars in every possible configuration. Our testers sound like unsupervised children, but we assure you, they’re professionals.

Based on how a product fares in each category of testing, our team then provides a value score that takes into account the cost versus what the bike has to offer. Lower-priced options with better standout features score higher in value, while higher-priced options with less impressive features score lower. However, fear not! Each of our top choices was selected because we found it suitable and worthwhile for the right audience.

Best Folding Exercise Bike Overall: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra

With standout features like the ability to adjust for a reclining seat, built-in resistance bands for upper body work, and pulse sensors to track your heart rate, the Fitnation Flex Bike Ultra is our choice for the best overall folding exercise bike. The benefits of cycling, outside of heart and lung health, primarily target your lower body, but with the addition of resistance bands on the front of this bike, you’re able to get a total body workout. Plus, being able to hop on an exercise bike then fold it up and hide it away when guests are coming over is a worthwhile consideration.

Your purchase gets you a free month of Echelon’s FitPass app, which can help round out your fitness journey with its library of equipment-free classes. The membership is $11.99 a month after your trial. If you want access to a larger library of classes and workouts you can take on the bike, Echelon also offers a $39.99 a month premium membership. 

For the ability to work with this app and the on-bike monitor tracking calories, distance, pulse, time, and speed, our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 certified coach, gave a score of 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities. “If tech is what you’re after, It’s one of the top options for folding bikes,” they said.

Shipping and setup are a breeze. Shipping was free and our tester received their bike within a week of ordering. “With the color photos in the directions, assembly for me was quick and easy,” they said. With its adjustable height and resistance, as well as the option to ride either upright or recumbent, customization capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. However, some of the means to do so lacked clarity. Our tester recalled, “I found the adjustment knobs unintuitive.” This is a complaint we also saw mentioned in some customer reviews.

Easy to set up. Easy to fold up. But how does it ride? When it comes to durability, we gave this bike a 3.5 out of 5, with our tester noting that it “was shaky when I was using it.” But with more than 400 reviews online, people seem to love the bike and remark on how supportive customer service is. You also have a 30-day return window, just so long as the bike is returned without any dents or scratches, and shipped back in the original box. Customer service scored a 5 out of 5.

At $230, it does come out as a pricier choice compared to the average folding exercise bike, but it’s still less expensive than many of the best cardio machines or traditional exercise bikes, which can range from $600 to $2000. 

Best Durable Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

You know those times when you buy something and it falls apart? You shout, “You piece of junk!” and kick it because kicking solves many problems. At-home cardio equipment can so often feel like a treacherous gamble, unsure how sturdy and resilient your purchase will prove to be. But with the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike, you’re getting the most durable folding bike we’ve tried. “It’s a heavy-duty base compared to others,” said our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach. “I can tell they used higher-grade steel in the construction.”

This emphasis on the bike’s build allows for a secure ride. “It’s sturdy and smooth and stable when I’m cycling, unlike some of the other folding bikes I’ve tried,” our tester said. “It’s nice feeling like you’re not going to tip over when you’re riding, right?! Plus, the seat’s comfortable.” They gave its durability score of 5 out of 5, higher than any other folding bike we tested.

It’s easy to fold up and store with built-in transportation wheels, and the LCD screen panel is user-friendly with basic data points such as speed, time, distance, and calories burned. Eight levels of magnetic resistance and 4 inches of adjustable seat height allow you to customize your ride for your height and intended exertion. Marcy recommends the bike for users between 5’1 and 6’3, but some customers on the shorter side have complained about the seat height being too tall even at the lowest setting. Our tester rated its customization capabilities a 4 out of 5.

With a two-year warranty for parts and a 90-day return window, the high-quality value of this bike feels worthwhile for those whom it fits, and who are looking for a quiet, comfortable, and well-built piece of budget home gym equipment. 

It’s currently listed on Amazon at $179.29 for black (which we tried) and $140 for white (which we didn’t). Be aware that the specs for the two options are similar, but not identical. 

Best Folding Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike

You’re combing the web, searching for the best compact exercise equipment because you live in a box (no judgment, I’m writing this from a box, too), and beginning to recognize the trade-offs or additional costs associated with tools to get your sweat on when floor space is limited. The Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike is the most compact and slim folding cycle we came across, measuring just 7 inches wide, 23 inches tall, and 25.5 inches long when folded up. This is almost one-third the size of the average folding exercise bike.

The bike looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, with how small and compact it folds up to be. Our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, gave it a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. But that compact footprint is its primary selling point. There’s no screen, or backrest, or handlebars, which Sharper Image advertises as a benefit, seeing as how users will have to keep their core engaged to not topple off of the bike. Our tester, though, rated it a 3 out of 5 in terms of its durability, noting, “It’s like I’m on a unicycle. I’d only use this on hardwood floors, as I feel like I’d fall over if I was on carpet.”

But this bike has a targeted demographic, and that demographic consists of those living in tight quarters: dorm rooms, shared spaces, or in a closet in their parent’s house. The Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike is so compact when folded that it can fit under desks with at least a 24-inch vertical clearance.

Our tester received their shipment within a week. “I got it up my stairs by myself because it’s only 45 pounds,” they say. “Then it took me 10 minutes to unbox it and pop out the legs and seat.” It also comes with wheels that simplify the transport process. Delivery and setup scored a 5 out of 5.

At $349.99, this is one of the most expensive options we’ve come across, nearly double the price of the average folding exercise bike, which typically costs between $180 and $200. Our tester gave this bike a value score of 3.5 out of 5 for its cost versus lack of… well, most things found on a spin bike, such as handles, a backrest, or an LCD screen (it does have a cup holder!). However, customers seem to love this lil’ guy. “People who are tight on space and don’t have room for anything else love this bike,” says our tester, who rated the customer experience a 4.9 out of 5.

There’s a 60-day return window as long as the bike’s undamaged and you’ve retained your purchase slip. If you choose to accept your refund in the form of a Sharper Image gift card, they’ll give you a prepaid shipping label, or you can pay for return shipping and get your refund returned to the card you used for purchase.

Best Folding Exercise Bike with Companion App: ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike

The team here at BarBend loves a good fitness app, and many of us obsess (and agonize) over the data analytics from our tracked effort. Studies have shown that those who track their physical fitness are more likely to spend time working out and benefit from improved cardiorespiratory fitness as a result. (1) We like the ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike because it comes with a Bluetooth-enabled app that makes it easy to log and track your spin sessions. 

If you’re in the market for an indoor bike with connected capabilities, but don’t want to shell out the cold hard cash for Peloton, Schwinn, ProForm, or the high-tech NordicTrack S22i (to name a few), the ShareVgo Folding Bike can give you a taste of what’s out there. “This bike has the best tech capabilities of any of the folding bikes I tried,” our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, said. “With the app, you can sync to Apple Health, see stats and info from previous rides, track calories burned, and compete against friends who have the same bike.” 

Many customer reviews note how quiet this bike is and how easy it is to store. Some, however, did express their dislike of how far back the seat is. Our tester found the backrest placement to be perfect for their frame, but didn’t love the feel of the seat. “The seat’s uncomfortable, especially when I’m comparing it to other folding exercise bikes I’ve ridden,” they said. “I can tell the quality of parts isn’t the best.” 

With the app, eight levels of magnetic resistance, adjustable seating, pulse sensors to track your heart rate, and a tablet holder, you’re getting substantial features for the price. However, with only a 90-day warranty, our tester worried about its durability. “Most bikes I tried had warranties that lasted a year or more, so I’m suspicious about this one,” they said. We also had some concerns over the user weight limit. “I’m 150 pounds, and it creaks when I’m pedaling. I don’t know how this bike will hold up over time.” For durability, they gave this bike a 3 out of 5.

At $225.99, it costs $25 to $50 more than the $180 to $200 price tag you’ll find on many folding exercise bikes. But with the tracking capabilities this bike has, without the need for some of the best fitness trackers, we see this as a potentially worthwhile investment for those wanting assistance in keeping tabs on their workout.

Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike: LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike

Recumbent bikes and upright bikes provide users with varied training based on their needs, with the former offering back and core support while in the reclined position and the latter a more intense workout. The LEIKE X Bike offers a magnetic resistance system with 10 levels and seven seat height adjustments — that’s two more levels of resistance and more seat adjustments compared to a majority of folding exercise bikes on the market. Our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, also appreciated the adjustable handlebars and large seat, noting, “The cushioned seat is so comfy that I could use this bike for over an hour without a problem.”

Here at BarBend, we love comfort (considering how many CrossFit athletes we have on staff, I’d say we love pain and suffering as well). Due to the wide range of height and handlebar adjustments, we found that people of various heights could fit on this bike comfortably. Our tester gave customizations a score of 4.25 out of 5. “My girlfriend’s 5’5” and I’m 6’3” and it fits both of us,” they say. “Also, the foot straps fit my size 15 shoes.” 

However, similar to many of the folding bikes we tried and tested, the ride was slightly shaky. “If you pedal really hard while on a low resistance setting, there’s some wobble to the bike,” our tester said. “Every couple of months I have to retighten the screws.” Because of this, we scored the bike’s durability a 3.75 out of 5.

Tech capabilities are lower than some of the more flashy bikes on the market, but it may be suffice for those primarily looking for a folding bike with seating adjustments. The LCD screen provides some basic stats, such as speed, time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate from the handlebar sensors. There’s also a lip to hold your phone or tablet, but alas, no water bottle holder. For these conveniences, or lack thereof, our tester gave a 3 out of 5.

But the most impressive aspect of this bike is how quiet the ride is. “No complaints from my neighbors,” our tester notes. “My girlfriend uses this during work calls and nobody even noticed what she was doing for months.’” A true inspiration. Living the dream.

Best Folding Exercise Bike for Seniors: Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike

We often see recumbent bikes for seniors and those with limited mobility in physical therapy clinics, due to the reclined position that supports the lower back while offering a low-impact cardio workout. Suitable for all levels, the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike is an easy way to add low-intensity, steady state, or LISS cardio to your routine. Unlike a HIIT workout, the goal with LISS is to bring your heart rate up slightly and sustain it for the entire duration of your workout, putting less stress on your system while still building muscle and lowering body fat. (2)

But putting this bad boy together out of the box might be considered a high-intensity workout. Our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach and Corrective Exercise Specialist, had some thoughts, “It’s best if you set this bike up with another person. When I had problems with the pedals and the handlebars I almost rage quit!” Our tester struggled to connect a foot pedal because a nut meant to secure the pedal on the inside of the crank was stuck to the pedal bolt. As a cyclist, I agree that rage quitting is always an acceptable option when making adjustments to pedals. Our tester scored its setup a 3 out of 5.

There are basic components on the LCD display, such as distance, speed, time, calories, and a heart rate monitor relayed from pulse sensors on the handlebar. However, reviews online have mentioned the heart rate tracking as not being totally accurate. When it comes to footprint and portability, our tester gave it a 4 out of 5. “This bike’s not as tall as other foldable bikes I tried, but it is longer and wider,” they say. “But that’s due to the recumbent position.” 

With a precision-balanced flywheel, eight levels of adjustable resistance, and its semi-recumbent backrest, the Exerpeutic 400XL provides users with a low-impact means of achieving a cardio workout. We found the padded seat comfortable, but users online complained about this bike not being suitable for taller athletes. One customer wrote, “If you’re over 6 feet tall, you will likely have an uncomfortable knee bend.”

How We Chose the Best Folding Exercise Bikes

When navigating the options available for purchase, we sought to highlight the aspects that we thought users of varying levels would appreciate, while also being rigorous in shining a light on features that left us unimpressed.

Our top picks took into account factors such as footprint, setup, durability, adjustment, and tech capabilities. We know that users of exercise bikes come with varied experiences and abilities, from seasoned athletes to novices who may have needed to Google “what is cardio” while reading this article. Because of this, we worked to include bikes that could benefit riders at any level.

Footprint and Portability

Space was our biggest focus when selecting our top picks for foldable exercise bikes. Bringing equipment into your home, whether it’s a cardio machine or a pedaler to keep your heart pumping as you work, is an investment that impacts both your wallet and your floor plan.

We made sure to include the dimensions of each device so you can get a sense of how it might fit in your space. Generally, a folding exercise bike’s height increases as its length decreases, with the width of the bike usually staying close to its starting size. The dimensions of these bikes can vary, but on average, folding exercise bikes will fold down to around 50 to 60 inches in height, 16 to 25 inches in length, and 10 to 20 inches in width. Our picks vary in terms of their folded dimensions, but most of them fit within these parameters. Rest assured that each choice on our list scored at least a 4 out of 5 when it came to ease of moving the piece of equipment around.

Price

There’s a pick on our list for all sorts of budgets. With prices ranging from about $179 to $350, we worked to highlight who we thought would benefit from the extra expense. Higher prices tend to reflect bikes with smaller folding footprints or more extensive tech compatibilities, and lower costs often signal fewer features. When compared to some of the most popular non-folding exercise bikes, like the $1,500 Peloton Bike, the $1,900 NordicTrack S22i, or the $799 ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22, every bike on our list is a bargain.

Adjustments

Seat height, backrest angle, handlebar placement, and available resistance levels all play a role in the personalized customization needed for users to partake in a comfortable at-home workout. We wanted as many users as possible to find a bike that fits their needs, so we made sure to choose picks with adjustments for varying heights, sizes, and ability levels.

Benefits of the Best Folding Exercise Bikes

Folding exercise equipment can benefit those with small living spaces or cozy home gyms. With small footprints that fold up into even smaller footprints, these bikes can be stowed behind couches, under desks, in closets, and under beds when not in use.

Easy to Move

Declare victory in the battle for floor space due to the nomadic features in the best folding exercise bikes. These bikes are made with portability in mind, so you’re not stuck playing furniture Tetris — pushing, dragging, and shoving pieces around just so that you’ve got space to work out. Lighter in weight than standard exercise bikes, and with many having transportation wheels attached, moving your cardio equipment around has never been easier.

Low-Impact Cardio

Outside of the folding capabilities of the bikes on this list, the benefits of starting or continuing your career in cycling are huge: low-impact cardio that’s gentle on joints, reduced risk of injury, improved flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise that can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mood. A popular form of recovery work, users can spare their joints from the relentless pounding they might endure during high-impact activities. (3)

At-Home Workout

The ability to work out at home saves you the time and money you might have spent going to a gym.

Cycling inside also protects you from bad weather and bad drivers, and allows you to get your sweat on while re-watching all six seasons of Lost from the comfort of your living room. I only mention this because I’ve been using my stationary bike while I rewatch Lost and the cliffhangers often make me want to keep riding. We give cycling while binge-watching TV shows a 5 out of 5. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Folding Exercise Bike

Whether this is your first folding exercise bike or you’re someone who’s dabbled in this space before, there are a few key points to ruminate on before pulling the trigger. Take into consideration your fitness level, whether or not you want a backrest, seat cushion preference, and the maximum weight requirements you’ll want with an indoor exercise bike. Then use this list to help you narrow down your options.

Floor Space

Grab that tape measure, because there’s nothing worse than putting your new cardio equipment together only to realize it doesn’t fit in the cozy little corner you’d hoped it would. Measure out the available floor space where you hope to set it up, then measure the area where you plan to store it. We’ve provided the dimensions for our top choices to help you figure out which bike will fit in the space you have available. 

Durability

Opt for a folding exercise bike if you lack the additional space for a stationary bike that can stay in a designated spot. However, due to the nature of folding parts, stability can often be an issue with these bikes. 

When browsing our list, keep in mind how much you intend on riding. If you’re someone whose goal is to log some serious mileage, you may want to consider more durable options so that you can ride without distraction. Although folding exercise bikes are a great choice for some, non-folding exercise bikes tend to be sturdier for more hardcore riders looking to spend extensive time in the saddle.

Recumbent vs. Upright

Taking into account your goals and ability will help you land on whether or not you want to train with a recumbent bike or while seated upright. If you’re looking for a more intense workout, we suggest an upright bike, since you sit in a vertical position that engages the core and forces you to hold your body weight up. 

If you’re someone who struggles with flexibility and mobility exercises or requires more back support, a recumbent bike is a great place to start your search. This reclined position is less load-bearing and requires less core engagement. 

Intensity

Foldable bikes generally won’t provide enough resistance to challenge top-level cyclists and athletes. Still, for those looking for a convenient and relatively affordable entry point into the world of spinning, these options may just well fit the ticket. Whether you’re pedaling for fun or pushing yourself towards a fat-burning heart rate zone, keep in mind what you’re looking to get out of your workout and what each folding exercise bike you consider can provide.

Returns

Sometimes a bike might look perfect online, but when you get it home you find that it just doesn’t fit you, even with all of the available adjustment possibilities. Your feet don’t reach the pedals, your knees overextend, or maybe the seat makes your hiney howl. Keep in mind what each bike’s return policy is before purchase so that you’re prepared with what steps to take if you have a problem. 

You’ll also want to pay close attention to the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Look for warranties that cover essential components and have durations that give you peace of mind. When a product doesn’t offer a substantial warranty, such as for a year or more, proceed with caution.

Final Word

Folding exercise bikes have rolled onto the fitness scene, providing users with limited floor space the ability to work up a sweat and then stow away their folded equipment. Our picks include options with small footprints, transportation wheels, companion apps, and adjustable seat heights. Some even provide the ability to switch between upright riding and recumbent. We highlighted which options felt more or less sturdy, the cost of each bike, and whether or not we thought the cost versus features felt worthwhile.

Purchasing a folding exercise bike is an investment in yourself, whether your goals are to simply start building a routine or find the best cardio machine for weight loss. The task of figuring out exactly the right pick is a big decision, and we mean to support and assist you with information and reviews that can help you make your choice. Regardless of whatever you choose, a folding exercise bike is sure to kick start some cardio opportunities you can do from the comfort of wherever you are.

FAQs

References

1. Larsen, Lisbeth Hoejkjaer et al. “The Effect of Wearable Tracking Devices on Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Inactive Adults: Crossover Study.” JMIR cardio vol. 6,1 e31501. 15 Mar. 2022, doi:10.2196/31501
2. Foster, Carl, et al. “The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Vs Steady State Training on Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity.” Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, vol. 14, no. 4, 2015, pp. 747-755, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657417/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.
3. Sandmeier, Robert H. “Osteoarthritis and Exercise: Does Increased Activity Wear Out Joints?.” The Permanente Journal vol. 4,4 (2000): 26–28.
4. Chavarrias, Manuel et al. “Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) vol. 55,8 452. 8 Aug. 2019, doi:10.3390/medicina55080452
5. Conceição, Ana et al. “The Effect of Handlebar Height and Bicycle Frame Length on Muscular Activity during Cycling: A Pilot Study.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 19,11 6590. 28 May. 2022, doi:10.3390/ijerph19116590

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