The 7 Best Mini Exercise Bikes of 2023

By Presser
November 22, 2023
30 min read

It can be difficult to stay active if you’re confined to a cubicle or stuck on a couch recovering from injury, but even a little physical activity can go a long way. Mini exercise bikes, like under-desk treadmills, are a popular tool for those seeking a low-impact way to keep their blood pumping while recovering or racing to meet a work deadline. 

Sedentary behavior can increase the risk for several major chronic diseases, but even a low-key activity like light pedaling can help promote better health. (1)(2) Some mini exercise bikes work to emulate the feel of their full-size siblings with integrated flywheels and magnetic resistance, while others adopt a more streamlined profile by relying on friction. We researched, combed user reviews, and put our feet to work to find the best mini exercise bikes. Take a look at our picks below.

Best Mini Exercise Bikes of 2023

How We Tested the Best Mini Exercise Bikes

BarBend’s squad of athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and certified personal trainers know what it’s like to get sidelined due to an injury or an especially hectic week at work. When curating a list of the best mini exercise bikes, we looked for machines that could cater to users with limited mobility in addition to those who simply want a way to stay active while seated. In both cases, you want a bike that’s as efficient as it is compact, so we tried to find just how mini a bike can be while still helping you work up a sweat.

In addition to size, performance, and portability, we looked at how well each bike adapts to individual users and environments. Can they accommodate feet of multiple sizes? Do they work best on tile or carpet? Are they quiet enough to not distract coworkers or drown out the TV? Finally, we sought to provide a wide range of price options to suit budgets big and…mini.

Best Mini Exercise Bike Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

The Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike is a low-impact cardio alternative that can give you a solid workout as you relax on the couch or work in the office. It has eight adjustable levels of magnetic resistance and a seven-inch stride. 



Specs

  • Price: $96.08
  • Pedal Height: 14.4’’
  • Dimensions: 14.4’’ H x 18.7’’ D x 21.6’’ W
  • Weight: 20.5lbs

Pros

  • This small unit has a seven-inch stride, more than most mini exercise bikes. 
  • It promises a quiet pedal with its magnetic resistance and 3.5-pound flywheel. 
  • Senior citizens and those in physical therapy will appreciate its eight levels of tension. 
  • Rubberized feet and adjustable, non-slip toe straps provide stability. 

Cons

  • Its low to moderate intensity likely won’t provide a breathless cardio workout.
  • At 20.5 pounds, it might not be as portable as other picks on this list. 

The Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike provides a low-impact cardio alternative for those confined to a couch or office chair. Our pick for the best mini exercise bike provides eight adjustable levels of magnetic resistance and a seven-inch stride that cater to seniors, physical therapy patients, and even those looking to burn some energy while sitting behind a desk. 

Designed for low-impact workouts, this mini exercise bike lets you pedal away calories and tone muscle without the intensity of traditional cardio machines. The unit aims to be just as quiet as many full-size bikes as well, with magnetic resistance and a 3.5-pound flywheel that works to quiet any distracting mechanical whirrs. 

Several five-star reviews highlight its near-silent operation. “It’s so quiet I can watch TV and don’t have to turn up the volume,” reads one review. Other satisfied customers noted its usefulness in physical therapy, with many celebrating it as an essential active recovery tool after surgery. 

The reviews do, however, add that the machine isn’t ideal for those looking for an intense cardio workout. “I don’t think I’ll be able to build giant leg muscles with this machine — even the highest level is pretty tame — [but] for boosting my heart rate, I think it’s perfect,” reads one review. “My goal was to replicate a somewhat brisk walking heart rate: mission accomplished.”

The mini exercise bike fortifies its stabilizers with rubberized suction cups, and the pedals are equipped with adjustable, non-slip straps. When you’re done, you can slip it under furniture or carry it to a closet with the built-in handle. 

Best Budget Mini Exercise Bike: Himaly Mini Exercise Bike

Himaly Mini Exercise Bike

Himaly Mini Exercise Bike

Himaly Mini Exercise Bike

The budget-friendly Himaly Mini Exercise Bike is a sturdy pedaler with powder-coated steel components that can help prevent corrosion. At less than eight inches in height, it can easily fit beneath desks and tables to provide a discrete, low-impact workout.

Specs

  • Price: $43.11
  • Pedal Height: 7.8’’
  • Dimensions: 7.8’’ H x 15.7’’ D x 12.5’’ W
  • Weight: 7.6lbs

Pros

  • At just $43.11, this reliable machine costs roughly a quarter of higher-end models. 
  • Its powder-coated steel components contribute to its durability. 
  • The rubber pads on its feet provide stability and protect floors as you pedal. 
  • It’s less than eight inches in height, which makes it easy to slip under desks. 

Cons

  • Even with the rubber pads, you’ll likely want a mat or rug to provide added stability.
  • Some reviews note that it squeaks a bit at higher levels of resistance. 

At just $43.11, the Himaly Mini Exercise Bike costs roughly a quarter of the more expensive mini bikes on the market while still maintaining a desk-friendly height and a durable powder coated steel frame. 

Designed for gentle workouts that are easy on the joints, the pedaler provides easy and moderate levels of resistance that can cater to those in various stages of recovery after an injury or surgery. It can also function as an under-desk bike since its eight-inch height should leave plenty of room for your knees. 

Several five-star reviews give the Himaly credit for its “sturdy” build. A few reviews pointed out a “slight squeaky noise” they encountered while pedaling at higher levels of tension but noted that a bit of lubrication with WD-40 or a similar product helped quiet it down. 

Since it’s a budget option, the Himaly utilizes friction instead of magnetic resistance, which can result in a pedal that’s not as smooth or quiet as what you’ll find on higher-end models. It is, however, a step above other pedalers at its price point thanks to its steel build, which has a powder coat that helps resist corrosion. 

We also like the rubber pads on its feet, which can provide a little extra stability and work to protect your floors as you pedal. And since it’s only eight pounds, you can also lift it onto tables for an upper-body workout to accompany your lower-body one. 

Best Mini Exercise Bike for Beginners: Vive Under Desk Bike

Vive Under Desk Bike

Vive Under Desk Bike

Vive Under Desk Bike

Vive’s beginner-friendly bike has an accompanying app with trainer-led classes that can provide an accessible introduction to pedaling. It provides multiple levels of magnetic resistance for an experience that’s quieter than what you’ll find with other machines at its price point. 

Specs

  • Price: $129.99
  • Pedal Height: 9.1’’
  • Dimensions: 9.1’ H x 24.57’’ D x 15.59’’ W
  • Weight: 18.7lbs

Pros

  • Coach-led workouts via the Vive app can help beginners get started. 
  • Vive’s one-year guarantee suits beginners who are unsure if pedaling is right for them. 
  • It provides a smooth, quiet ride with multiple levels of magnetic resistance. 
  • With a height of 11 inches, it fits comfortably under most desks. 

Cons

  • It weighs nearly 20 pounds, which might make it difficult to move from place to place.
  • Unlocking additional workouts and rides on the app comes at an extra fee. 

If you’re tending to achy knees or looking for a way to burn energy in the office, the Vive Under Desk Bike is a beginner-friendly machine that is simple to use and only takes a few minutes to set up. It’s also backed by a one-year guarantee, which should prove helpful if you decide pedaling isn’t your exercise of choice. 

Vive’s unit offers a gentle, low-impact workout that can help increase blood circulation and burn calories. (3) Its magnetic flywheel promises a smooth and quiet pedal, as well as eight levels of resistance. “I like this cycle a lot! I had a very simple pedal bike without resistance and this is far superior — my thighs have never looked better!” reads one five-star review. 

Something beginners might like about the bike is that it can pair with Vive’s app, which works to engage users with coach-led workouts and scenic tours. And since the app allows you to view recorded workout sessions by day, week, month, and year, you can use it to track your progress during physical therapy. 

As its name implies, the Under Desk Bike is designed to fit comfortably beneath most desks, thanks to its height of just 11 inches. Each pedal’s adjustable toe straps and textured bar work to provide stability and security as you pedal, whether it’s during a work meeting or while you’re watching TV at home. 

Best Portable Mini Exercise Bike: Hausse Portable Exercise Pedal Bike

Hausse Portable Exercise Pedal Bike

Hausse Portable Exercise Pedal Bike

Hausse Portable Exercise Pedal Bike

The Hausse Portable Exercise Pedal Bike is designed for portability, with a lightweight eight-pound frame and narrow design that can help when you’re packing or slipping it under desks for a seated jog at the office. 

Specs

  • Price: $44.99
  • Pedal Height: 13.7’’
  • Dimensions: 13.7’’ H x 15.7’’ D x 11.6’’ W
  • Weight: 8lbs

Pros

  • This battery-powered mini exercise bike can be used anywhere you have something to sit on.
  • It’s incredibly thin at just 11.6’’ wide, making it easier to pack and slot into narrow spaces.
  • You can switch between easy and moderate levels of resistance. 
  • The LCD display keeps tabs on your time, RPM, distance, and estimated calories burned.

Cons

  • You’ll want to secure it to your chair or a table with the included strap for stability. 
  • It’s not as stable or robust as other machines on this list. 

At just eight pounds, the Hausse Portable Exercise Pedal Bike is one of the lightest mini exercise bikes you’ll find. It’s also the thinnest in terms of width at 11.6 inches, making it easier to pack when you’re traveling or bringing it into the office. 

The pedals are adjustable to your feet, and the inclusion of a fixed belt can provide additional stability. To ensure the pedaler doesn’t slip during use, wrap the included stability belt around the rear of the machine’s base, then loop it around the legs of a chair or table. 

“[It works] quite well for recovering range of motion and [it’s] quiet even with a bit of peddling resistance, so you can watch TV while pedaling,” reads one five-star review. Others note how useful the unit is for seniors. “Great for my age group,” reads another review. “At 68 I can sit in my chair and exercise my lower extremities.” 

Since it’s battery-powered, you can pedal wherever you’ve set up shop — no power outlet required. While you pedal, Hausse’s machine will fill you in on your speed, RPM, distance, and estimated calories burned via the LCD monitor. And when you’re done, a built-in handle makes it easy to transport and stow away. 

Best Adjustable Mini Exercise Bike: Vaunn Medical Under Desk Pedal Exerciser

Vaunn Medical Under Desk Pedal Exerciser

Vaunn Medical Under Desk Pedal Exerciser

Vaunn Medical Under Desk Pedal Exerciser

The Vaunn Medical Under Desk Pedal Exerciser provides a gentle, low-impact workout catered to seniors and those with limited mobility. Its wide base works to provide added stability and also folds up when not in use for easy travel and storage.

Specs

  • Price: $35.99
  • Height: 13’’
  • Dimensions: 13’’ H x 18.25’’ D x 15.2’’ W
  • Weight: 5.4lbs

Pros

  • You can adjust the pedal straps and resistance of this lightweight pedal machine. 
  • Its wide base allows for low-profile pedals that reach 13 inches at their highest point.
  • The machine folds up when not in use and is lightweight at just 5.4 pounds. 

Cons

  • The easy to medium resistance levels may not be enough for those looking to sweat. 
  • Some reviews note that it’s not as quiet as other mini exercise bikes.

The Vaunn Medical Under Desk Pedal Exerciser outfits its compact 5.4-pound frame with adjustable pedal straps and easy and moderate resistance levels for a low-impact workout that’s adaptable to your needs. The straps can be adjusted from 2.75 inches to four inches to accommodate feet big and small. 

Vaunn designed the machine with a wider base of 15.2 inches that allows for a lower pedal placement than you’ll find on other models. The pedals reach 13 inches at their highest point, which should leave a comfortable 13 to 17 inches for your knees if your desk is the standard height of 27 to 30 inches. The machine’s alloy steel construction pairs with the wide base to provide stability as you pedal. 

Vaunn’s pedaler offers easy and medium levels of intensity that can be controlled via the built-in knob, making it suitable for seniors and those with limited mobility. “I have chronic illnesses that set me back sometimes in life. I bought this to keep near my bed or sofa when I’m not feeling well… It feels really good to just move my legs on days where I just simply can’t exercise,” reads one five-star review. 

Noting the light resistance, a customer using the pedaler for physical therapy suggested adding ankle weights to boost the challenge. “Could not be more pleased,” they wrote. 

When workouts are done, the quick-release folding mechanism takes 3.5 inches off the width and more than four inches off the height so you can store it in bags, desk drawers, or under furniture. Plus, at under six pounds, it’s also light enough that you won’t strain your neck or shoulder when bringing it to the office or on vacation. 

Best Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike: DeskCycle Under Desk Bike

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike

The DeskCycle Under Desk Bike was designed to help you stay active while firing off emails at work. The low-profile pedals are adjustable and compatible with desks as low as 27 inches. Its magnetic resistance, meanwhile, works to provide a whisper-quiet pedal that won’t distract coworkers.

Specs

  • Price: $196.99
  • Height: 9’’ to 10’’
  • Dimensions: 10’’ H x 10.24’’ D x 24.02’’ W
  • Weight: 23lbs

Pros

  • The low-profile pedals are adjustable and suitable for desks as low as 27 inches.
  • Its magnetic resistance promises a whisper-silent operation that won’t disturb coworkers.
  • The 39-pound flywheel spins 14 times per pedal stroke for a smooth and challenging experience. 
  • You can link it up with Apple Watches and Fitbit fitness trackers. 

Cons

  • It’s best suited for those under 5’10’’. 
  • Its 23-pound body provides stability but may not be ideal for those who want a more portable option. 

The DeskCycle Under Desk Bike’s sturdy build and adjustable height are perfect for those looking for an under-desk mini exercise bike. The height of the pedals can be adjusted from nine to 10 inches, which makes it compatible with desks as low as 27 inches (so long as the user is 5’10’’ or under). 

DeskCycle’s model also earns its $196 price point with a bidirectional flywheel that provides 39 pounds of resistance to better simulate the feel of a full-size exercise bike. Users can shift between eight levels of tension with the twist of a knob, and its magnetic resistance was designed to not rattle, click, or whirr in a way that disrupts coworkers. 

Since it’s made from alloy steel, this unit is heavier than many standard pedalers at 23 pounds, but that heft contributes to its stability and durability. One five-star review calls it “shockingly well made,” while several others shout out its “solid, sturdy” feel. “I’ve had cheapie barebones pedal contraptions in the past, and always discontinued using them after a while,” reads one review. “I’m so glad that I bought this one, which I use multiple times a day. I would absolutely do it again.”

Other reviews note the DeskCycle’s quiet operation and adjustable height. “It’s extremely quiet, the action is extremely smooth, and it turns out I really like the lower position as it’s more comfortable to use with my knee issues,” reads a five-star review.

One review brings up how this bike “makes it very, very easy to commit to a daily exercise routine… After a while, your brain shifts to other things and your legs go on autopilot, and the next thing you know, you’ve reached your goal.”

The DeskCycle is compatible with Fitbit fitness trackers and Apple Watches, so you can better track your stats. It’s also got a five-function LCD monitor that can be removed from the unit, so you won’t need to keep peeking under your desk. 

Best Lightweight Mini Exercise Bike: Wakeman Fitness Portable Under Desk Stationary Pedal Machine

Wakeman Fitness Portable Under Desk Stationary Pedal Machine

Wakeman Fitness Portable Under Desk Stationary Pedal Machine

Wakeman Fitness Portable Under Desk Stationary Pedal Machine

At less than six pounds, this pedal exerciser is one of the most lightweight options on the market. Its compact frame, which is less than 10 inches in height, is so light that you can easily lift it onto tables to give your arms the same kind of workout as your legs. 

Specs

  • Price: $22.99
  • Pedal Height: 9.5’’
  • Dimensions: 9.5’’ H x ‎19.5’’ L x 14’’ W
  • Weight: 5.82lbs

Pros

  • This mini exercise bike is between two and 20 pounds lighter than most other models on the market. 
  • It also folds up, making it easy to store or tuck away in tote bags. 
  • If you pop the unit on a table, it can also provide an upper-body workout for your arms.

Cons

  • Reviews say it works better on carpeted surfaces than smooth ones. 
  • Its lightweight design doesn’t allow for intense pedaling. 

Wakeman’s pedaler is one of the lightest machines on the market, with its 5.8-pound weight being between two and 20 pounds lighter than most other models on the market. Its 9.5-inch height, which can accommodate desks as low as 27 inches in height, is also on the lower end. Better yet, it folds up when not in use, cutting its height down to six inches while reducing its length from 19.5 inches to just 14 inches. 

Its lighter weight makes it easy to lift onto tables, where you can also use the machine to help tone your arms. Whether you’re working your arms or legs, the machine’s non-slip base works to ensure it won’t slip or slide beneath your grip. Some reviews, however, note that it works better on carpeted surfaces and rugs since it can slide on smooth surfaces as you pedal. 

Thanks to its low- and high-tension settings, the pedaler can assist those in physical therapy following surgery or an injury throughout their recovery journey. You can also keep tabs on your progress with the built-in digital panel, which shows your RPMs, time, and estimated calories burned. 

Several reviewers noted that the Wakeman assisted them in the months after a knee injury, while another five-star review said it “definitely helps reduce my pain in both arthritic knees, making it easier to walk.”

It’s also helpful for those who get antsy when stuck behind a desk at work. “Great product for the price,” reads another five-star review. “I can use it during meetings. It’s a great way to keep moving and get jitters out when having back-to-back online conferences.”

When folded, the Wakeman is 3.5 inches shorter and 6.5 inches less wide, making it easy to stow away in closets or tote bags. And since the battery-powered pedaler requires no electrical power, you can unfold it anywhere you find yourself in a sedentary position. 

How We Chose the Best Mini Exercise Bikes

Mini exercise bikes can serve several purposes, but at the end of the day, it’s about providing a consistent pedaling experience in a compact, low-profile package. Here are some of the main factors we considered when curating our picks. 

Just How Mini Are They?

The mini exercise bike exists because nobody wants to carry a cardio machine from the gym to the couch to the office and back again. It was imperative that our picks were portable and small enough to fit under desks and tables without sacrificing comfort. As such, the options on our list range between eight inches to 14 inches in height, making them low-profile enough that users won’t knock their knees while pedaling under standard-sized desks, which tend to range between 27 and 30 inches in height.

Woman using a mini exercise bike.
Credit: Shutterstock

Since portability is also a key component, we picked models that weigh between five and 23 pounds. The heavier options are best suited for use in a single space, like under your desk at work, while the lighter options are tailored for those who see themselves carrying it back and forth between home, work, or physical therapy sessions. Not every one of our picks can fit in a backpack or tote bag, but we made sure to provide a few foldable, lightweight options that could. 

Price

Mini exercise bikes are significantly less expensive than full-size cardio machines, as their compact, lightweight frames simply can’t provide the same level of intensity. Our picks range between $22 and $200, which makes the priciest option on our list several hundred dollars less than your average exercise bike. 

The costlier options we chose incorporate more steel into their design than our budget picks, and they also incorporate magnetic resistance and built-in flywheels that can better emulate the smoothness and resistance you’ll find on a full-size bike. You won’t find as much tension or strength in the less expensive pedalers, as they’re built primarily for gentle pedaling and portability. 

Intensity

Though part of the appeal of pedal machines is the gentle, low-impact workout they provide, we wanted to offer a handful of options that can make you sweat. Several models on our list include multiple levels of magnetic resistance that should prove helpful if you’re working your way back to full mobility after an injury.

The less expensive models are better suited to those who aren’t interested in tension so much as a light, easy pedal that keeps their legs active throughout the day. If done consistently, however, each of these bikes can help promote better overall health. (4)

How Much Do Mini Exercise Bikes Cost?

Since they can take on several different forms, mini exercise bikes can cost anywhere from $22 to $800. Models at that highest price range aren’t pedalers in the traditional sense, as they can take the form of unicycle-style exercise bikes for use under standing desks or hybrid machines that incorporate pulleys for upper-body workouts. 

Machines in the $75 to $300 range work to emulate the smooth cadence, quiet operation, and intensity of a full-size bike with multiple levels of magnetic resistance and integrated flywheels. They’re also constructed with more metal than plastic and include rubberized feet that won’t slip as you pedal. Pedalers under $75 tend to be lighter and more portable but can be lacking in terms of resistance and sturdiness. 

Benefits of Mini Exercise Bikes

Mini exercise bikes might not prepare you for the Tour de France, but they’re absolutely able to provide a light and accessible cardio workout that can be hugely beneficial for seniors and those with limited mobility. Here are a few of the main benefits of mini exercise bikes.

Low-Impact Exercise

As several studies have shown, sedentary behaviors can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer risk, depression, and metabolic disorders, among other health issues. (5) Since not everybody has the mobility, strength, or means to hit the gym or take a jog, mini exercise bikes can serve as a low-impact cardio alternative that can be done while seated. Even low-intensity physical activity can have a positive impact on one’s health, helping to increase blood flow, tone muscle, and burn calories. (2)(3)

Can Help With Recovery

Research has proven that the low-impact workout provided by mini exercise bikes can be hugely beneficial for those in recovery after a knee replacement or complex abdominal surgery, helping to increase mobility, improve endurance, and reduce postoperative hospital stays. (6)(7)

Man in recovery using a mini exercise bike.
Credit: Shutterstock

They’ve also been shown to improve muscle strength, balance, and exercise capacity for elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (8) All in all, it’s always worth remembering that an in-chair exercise is better than no exercise at all. 

Stay Active At Work

Studies have shown that full-time office workers can spend up to 71 percent of their working hours in a sedentary position, which can have adverse effects on their health over time. (1)(9) Active workstations, whether they include standing desks or pedal machines, have been studied as a potential solution for improving the health and physical activity levels of those sitting at work. (10)

One 2022 study found that 60 minutes of pedaling on a mini exercise bike improved cardiometabolic risk factors in inactive office workers over a 12-week period. (4) Similar studies have found comparable results, with some research even showing cognitive benefits. (11)(12) There’s also science that demonstrates how moderate pedaling can provide health benefits without interfering with the effectiveness of one’s work. (13)

What to Consider Before Buying a Mini Exercise Bike

The mini exercise bike’s compactness and accessibility is a big part of its appeal, though models differ in terms of their size, tech, and level of stability. Here are a few key things to consider when picking out a pedal exerciser for yourself. 

Your Fitness Needs

What is it you’re looking to achieve with a mini exercise bike? A bare-bones model will work well if you just want something to help you burn a few calories and keep your blood flowing as you watch TV. If you see it as a physical therapy tool, on the other hand, you’ll likely benefit from a model with multiple levels of resistance and app-assisted tracking, which can help you keep tabs on your progress. 

Your Workspace

One of the main benefits of pedal machines is that they’re small enough to make a discrete addition to your workspace. That said, you’ll want to measure the space available under your desk to ensure a pedaler won’t cramp your style. Standard desks tend to range between 27 and 30 inches high, and, depending on your height, you’ll need at least 13 inches of space between the top of the pedaler and the bottom of your desk to ensure your knees won’t hit its underside. 

If you see yourself using the pedaler at work, you’ll also want to consider how much noise it makes. Most models market themselves as quiet, but it’s worth it to take a look at customer reviews to see the general consensus. Generally, if a machine has magnetic resistance or an integrated flywheel, you can count on it to not serve as a distraction. If not, you’re more likely to hear the occasional squeak and creak as you pedal. 

Cost

Mini exercise bikes are less of an investment than full-size cardio machines, with the least expensive models costing as little as $20. Machines under $75 tend to lack the sturdiness and flexibility of higher-end models, but they’re an adequate option if you’re looking for the benefits of cardio in a lightweight, low-impact machine. 

Pedalers over $75 are built with more steel than plastic and often incorporate flywheels and magnetic resistance options that work to replicate the smooth pedal of a full-size bike. They’ll usually weigh around 10 to 15 pounds heavier, too. That added weight, however, provides a level of stability that’s desirable in pedal machines, even if it makes them a bit tougher to lug from one place to the next. Consider your own needs and limitations when considering which type of machine is right for you. 

Final Word

Since even light-intensity exercise can help combat the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle, a mini exercise bike can be a helpful tool for anyone who’d like to squeeze in a bit more physical activity. Gentle and accessible, they’re an ideal (and affordable) exercise tool for anyone who’s confined to a couch, chair, or desk due to limited mobility or a demanding office job. 

There are, however, a number of different options available at a variety of price points. Before choosing a mini exercise bike, consider your own needs and the space you see yourself using it. Those pedaling for physical therapy will likely want a different model than those looking for an under-desk cardio machine to give them an office workout. We’re confident that once you’ve weighed your options and pinpointed your budget, this list will direct you to the right mini exercise bike for you. 

FAQS

Is a mini exercise bike effective?

Absolutely. Mini exercise bikes provide a light to moderate workout intensity that can help you burn calories and increase blood circulation when you’re confined to a couch or chair. They’re especially helpful for seniors, physical therapy patients, and office workers who spend most of their days in front of a computer. 

Light-intensity workouts have been proven to help combat the negative effects of sedentary behaviors, resulting in improved cardiometabolic health and a reduced risk of mortality. (2) Also, you can get a pedaler at a fraction of the cost of a full-size exercise bike. 

What’s the best mini exercise bike?

We’re big fans of the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike, which promises a quiet pedal, adjustable toe straps, and eight levels of magnetic resistance for under $100. 

How long should you use a mini exercise bike?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of physical activity each week for adults. (14) You can split that up however you like, but it’s possible you will see and feel results after spending 30 minutes a day, five days a week, on a mini exercise bike. 

References

  1. Patterson, R., McNamara, E., Tainio, M., Hérick de Sá, T., Smith, A. D., Sharp, S. J., Edwards, P., Woodcock, J., Brage, S., Wijndaele, K. (2018). Sedentary behaviour and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, and incident type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose response meta-analysis. European Journal of Epidemiology, 33(9), 811-829. 
  2. Amagasa, S., Machida, M. Fukushima, N., Kikuchi, H., Takamiya, T., Odagiri, Y., Inoue, S. (2018). Is objectively measured light-intensity physical activity associated with health outcomes after adjustment for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adults? A systematic review. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 15(1), 65. 
  3. Füzéki, E., Engeroff, T., Banzer, W. (2017). Health Benefits of Light-Intensity Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of Accelerometer Data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(9), 1769-1793. 
  4. Guirado, T., Metz, L., Pereira, B., Brun, C., Birat, A., Boscaro, A., Bergouignan, A., Thivel, D., Duclos, M. (2022). A 12-Week Cycling Workstation Intervention Improves Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Healthy Inactive Office Workers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 64(8), e467-e474.
  5. Park, J., Moon, J., Kim, H., Kong, M., Oh, Y. (2020). Sedentary Lifestyle: Overview of Updated Evidence of Potential Health Risks. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 41(6), 365-373. 
  6. Sattler, L. N., Hing, W. A., Vertullo, C. J. (2019). Pedaling-Based Protocol Superior to a 10-Exercise, Non-Pedaling Protocol for Postoperative Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 101(8), 688-695.
  7. Bhatt, N. R., Sheridan, G., Connolly, M., Kelly, S., Gillis, A., Conlon, K. C., Lane, S., Shanahan, E., Ridgway, P. F. (2017) Postoperative exercise training is associated with reduced respiratory infection rates and early discharge: A case-control study. The Surgeon, 15(3), 139-146.
  8. Torres-Sánchez, I., Valenza, M. C., Cabrera-Martos, I., López-Torres, I., Benítez-Feliponi, A., Conde-Valero, A. (2017). Effects of an Exercise Intervention in Frail Older Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hospitalized due to an Exacerbation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, 14(1), 37-42.
  9. Clemes, S. A., O’Connell, S. E., Edwardson, C. L. (2014). Office workers’ objectively measured sedentary behavior and physical activity during and outside working hours. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 56(3), 298-303.
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