The best folding exercise bikes are the kind you can fold up and store away in a closet and break out when you’re ready to get your blood flowing in front of your favorite TV show. As for myself, there’s an even better reason to own an exercise bike.
The fact that it folds up for portable storage or transport is just the icing on the cake. As a US Marine, I’ll be the first to tell you that running and even a light jog is a nightmare for the knees. As you get older, they’re generally the first things to go.
Especially if you’ve spent a lifetime on the running and hiking trails. A good folding exercise bike is far easier on the joints and you can take it anywhere. It’s a win-win, right? Well, that depends on the bike and we’ve compiled a list of our five favorites so you don’t have to guess.
For Those in Hurry
| Exerpeutic Exerwork 2000i Bluetooth Folding Exercise Desk Bike (Best Overall) | Why not work while you exercise? The EXERWORK 2000i offers just that, along with Bluetooth capability, a desktop, a comfortable seat, and a belt-driven design that’s ultra-quiet so you can enjoy your workout (and your work) in peace. |
| BulbHead Slim Cycle Folding Stationary Bike | We love the multi-workout options this bike has to offer. Not only does it fold up for easy storage, but it also offers a full range of upper-body workout options as well. We burned our fair share of calories tinkering with the 8 resistance-level bands while enjoying a smooth pedaling experience. |
| Exerpeutic Gold Heavy-Duty Foldable Exercise Bike | This is the most durable and well-put-together, folding stationary bike we could hope to get our hands on. When you climb on, you know this is meant to last and can support up to 400 lbs. |
| Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike | We love the clean and simple efficiency of Marcy’s Foldable Upright Exercise Bike. It’s very lightweight but sturdily built and highly portable. It’s also a highly efficient workout machine with multi-tension controls and a digital workout display. |
| ATIVAFIT Foldable Exercise Bike (Budget Buy) | For a budget buy, we enjoyed every bit of what this upright and recumbent, foldable exercise bike has to offer. It has an eight-level, magnetic resistance control and a large, digital display that covers a range of workout data essentials. |
Are Fold-Up Exercise Bikes Any Good?
Fold-up exercise bikes are excellent for light, low-impact workouts, however, just like anything else, there are good brands and bad ones. It’s never a good idea to get one of those cheap fold-up bikes with weird brand names.
When it comes to pens and pencils, or something else fairly uncomplicated and innocuous, no brand or unfamiliar brand is fine. Fold-up bikes are something else altogether. They feature complicated, moving parts and you want something well-assembled with quality materials.
That doesn’t mean there’s no such thing as a good budget buy. In fact, one of the top fives on the below list is an excellent option on a budget. If you want something to burn calories, get your heart rate and blood pumping, and something that stores away easily, fold-up bikes are the perfect option.
How Do You Choose a Folding Exercise Bike?
You choose a folding exercise bike the same way we do, through a careful analysis of the bike’s capabilities and what you need from your daily workout. Some things are obvious, such as size and how well it folds up. Others are less so.
Quality
This is the first thing we look at before coming up with our list. Personally, I think that quality should be the number one aspect when choosing a folding bike since they’ll take more abuse than a traditional stationary bike.
It’s not always easy to determine quality either. Remember, these bikes are far lighter than traditional, stationary bikes. That’s by design, of course. The last thing you want is a folding bike you can barely drag out from underneath the bed on your own.
The bike should function like a well-oiled machine, with enough heft to recognize the parts are sturdy and well put together. One of the things you should focus on first is the warranty. A company that puts out garbage equipment won’t bother with a lengthy warranty that covers much.
Ease of Use
There’s a fine line here. You want something sturdy and well put together but it also shouldn’t be so heavy you can’t unfold the thing without making it into an exercise all on its own. What’s the point of riding if you get your full cardio just trying to set the bike up?
Both size and the folding function of the bike are worth considering. The weight as well, at least to a degree. Weight matters more if you’re lugging it upstairs for storage—less so when you’re setting it up five feet from where it’s stored.
It shouldn’t be an overly complicated mess unfolding everything and setting the bike up. It should operate in a quick, clean movement.
Look at the Adjustment Options and Capabilities
This is more important than you might realize. When I’m using a fold-up bike, I like to have plenty of options and adjustments. Remember, these are bikes manufactured with a focus on portability so they’ll never have the full range of capability you’ll find on a regular stationary bike.
For one, everyone is different. What’s comfortable to you might not be comfortable for something else. Height adjustments, seat adjustments, and handlebar adjustments are crucial. There’s a difference between the pain of a good workout and just being in pain because you’re uncomfortable.
Maybe you’re looking for something for you and your partner. What’s comfortable for you might not be comfortable for them. You want a good range of resistance levels too. You’ll never get better, stronger, faster, and improve your endurance if you can’t up the ante.
Ease of Assembly
You only have to worry about this once but I’ll be the first to tell you that overcomplication just isn’t worth it. If it takes two hours just to put the bike together the odds increase that something will always be off.
It should be simple to put together and set up for the first time. The instructions that come with it should be easy to read and not overly long. If you’re purchasing your bike online, some manufacturers also offer delivery and setup options if that’s your cup of tea.
Warranty
I mentioned it above and it’s worth mentioning again. A solid warranty is itself a revelation. It tells you a lot about what you are buying. A business is not going to throw in an extended warranty on something they know isn’t fit for more than six months of use.
The warranty should be at least a year and should cover all defects and manufacturer failures.
Why Trust Us?
Home gym equipment isn’t cheap and as consumers, we depend on these devices to offer a solid, quality workout each and every time we break them out. Our team has the opportunity to put our hands on these machines and gain an understanding of all the points listed above.
I write about home gym equipment because I use home gym equipment and our team is dedicated to testing this equipment out and giving you the information you need to make a decision. There are 2.64 billion e-commerce consumers worldwide.
Some people will never put their hands on these devices until they are already purchased and delivered. Knowing this, it’s important for our team of writers to convey the best information, through hands-on testing, to the consumer.
The Five Best Folding Exercise Bikes
Not everyone can afford to go to the gym and many more simply don’t have the time. The benefits of a folding exercise bike are numerous, especially if you live in a small home or apartment without much available space.
A full home gym requires a ton of space and a ton of money. Exercise equipment isn’t cheap, after all. With a folding exercise bike at your disposal, none of that matters. A good folding exercise bike will provide you with an exceptional workout, even in a small space.
With that being said, our team put together a list of the five best folding exercise bikes, including the lightest, one of the most expensive, and a folding exercise bike for those on a budget.
Exerpeutic Exerwork 2000i Bluetooth Folding Exercise Desk Bike (Best Overall)
For those who like their workouts with a side of technology, the Exerpeutic Exerwork 2000i is one of the best on the market, bar none. We love the unique aesthetics that went into this workhorse and could feel the quality of the materials right out of the box.
The LCD screen is a beautiful display, especially considering the simple digital displays other folding and standard stationary bikes have to offer. The 2000i offers 24 magnetic level tensions and is matched by 24 workout programs to work through.
I especially enjoyed the ease of use. It was nothing to hop on, set your desired workout program, desired tension, and start cycling. Without a laptop or any of my other toys on the sliding desktop, it was just as easy to place my forearms on it, gripping the far edge of the desk, as it would use handlebars instead.
The seat is adjustable with four different options and it’s one of the more comfortable seats on offer. There are plenty of stationary bikes out there that are incredible, yet they lack a decent seat, making them all but an agony to ride on.
The backrest is a nice addition as well. If it weren’t for the fact that I get on stationary exercise bikes to exercise, I could lean back, relax, and watch a movie in relative comfort. The backrest is as adjustable as everything else on the bike.
However, the Exerwork 2000i is designed for a workout while you work and it performs that function admirably. Whether you need a laptop, iPad, or another tablet choice, there’s enough space and ergonomic support to set up and type while you pedal.
If there’s one thing we didn’t like about the 2000i, it’s the lack of support for shorter people. That’s a known issue with the 2000i and it was easy to confirm and see why.
What do Exerwork 2000i owners think?
Amazon Review: “The resistance is great – plenty of levels for an easy or more difficult ride. I don’t own a standing desk so this serves a dual purpose for that as well.”
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BulbHead Slim Cycle Folding Stationary Bike
It may not have the coolest name in the world, but the BulbHead is an incredible piece of combo machinery, and we especially enjoyed the unique addition of the upper body workout option the Bulbhead has to offer.
This is especially true while you’re paddling. Bulking rarely coincides with aerobics. The digital display won’t rock your world, but it does display all of the relevant information from your workouts.
The Bulbhead also folds down into a recumbent stationary bike and it functions just as well in that position as it does in a standard, stationary bike position. One of my personal pet peeves is a bike that makes a lot of noise.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that with the Bulbhead. It may have a weird name but it’s whisper-quiet as you work. That’s especially nice when you’re trying to watch TV or listen to some decent music and hear it at the same time.
What do BulbHead owners think?
Amazon Review: “I was a little nervous buying this type of bike online. It is fantastic!!! We are tall adults, and this bike is smooth and solid as a rock! I would recommend it to anyone.”
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Exerpeutic Gold Heavy-Duty Foldable Exercise Bike
Though it’s fairly streamlined, the Exerpeutic Gold Heavy-Duty is designed to be, well, heavy-duty. You can tell the moment you put your hands on it that it’s designed for longevity. I can tell, after a day with the Gold, that Exerpeutic can do simplicity as well as complexity.
The frame is made of alloy steel and is capable of supporting up to 400 lbs of weight. It may be an extra large piece of workout equipment, yet it folds up fairly well and is simple enough to slide under the bed when needed.
Despite the simplistic design, I was surprised to find that Exerpeutic’s Gold also has Bluetooth connectivity, though its north eh most advertised component of the workout bike. Like the 2000i, it connects to your Android or iPhone via Bluetooth and the MyCloudFitness app.
Once connected, you can record and review all of the pertinent workout data gathered on your Gold. The biggest separating factor between the Gold and the 2000i is fewer tension levels. The Gold offers 8 to the 2000i’s 24.
My 6’ tall frame was just fine on the Gold, though it supports all the way up to 6’5”. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to use the Gold if you are short in stature. With the extra wide and extra cushioned seat, it’s quite comfortable for a range of sizes.
However, I can tell this was designed to accommodate larger people and it does that very well. In fact, it’ll be hard to find a foldable exercise bike on the market that can offer what the Gold has to offer.
What do Exerpeutic Gold owners think?
Amazon Review: “This really is a special piece of kit. Built like a battleship, yet not as heavy as you think it might be. Easy to fold and move, but solid as a rock when you are using it.”
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Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
We love the Marcy for its unique style and portable convenience. If you can imagine a compass or one of those neat, scissor-folding tables, you’ll have an idea of how the Marcy Foldable Upright operates.
They allow you to pedal hard and fast without worrying about your foot flying off and snapping your shin against the pedal as it comes back around (yes, I’ve done that and the ensuing howl was enough to wake the dead).
The rubber base keeps it squarely on the floor, even with you working the pedals at a furious pace, it just won’t slide around. As light as it looks, you think it would slide all over the place if you like to peddle with a little enthusiasm.
The handlebar design is simplicity personified. Nothing more than a button to turn on the digital display and the small, digital display itself. The handlebars are well-designed and ergonomic, with plenty of grip.
I especially appreciate the tension adjustment knob location within easy reach and adjusting it is simple and effective. The moment the knob clicks, you can feel the tension on the peddles increase.
What do Marcy Foldable owners think?
Amazon Review: “I had a knee injury a few years ago preventing me from cardio but this bike is nice and easy on the joints. Now moving more comfortably in my daily life again.”
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ATIVAFIT Indoor Foldable Exercise Bike (Budget Buy)
For our budget buy, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the ATIVAFIT. It’s much the same as the Marcy, with a scissor-folding style that’s really simple to work with. It doesn’t have a touch screen but the embedded buttons sit below a touchpad.
The bike frame is made out of the x-style mentioned above and you can tell the bike is more than sturdy enough to go the distance, remaining a staple in your household for years to come. It folds into a very small profile for simple storage.
It’s also a very quiet bike so you don’t have to worry about enjoying your favorite programming while getting in a good workout. This is due to ATIVAFIT’s use of a magnetic control flywheel.
If there’s something to take away from the ATIVAFIT, in my opinion, it’s that it does come with a weight limit of 265 lbs, which is still good but not for everyone, since approaching the weight limit makes the bike a bit unstable.
The ergonomics and comfort level are fantastic, however, and the bike is a breeze to work with. The eight resistance levels are well-balanced and the adjustments are easy to make while you’re riding.
While the hand pulse sensors are a neat feature, they don’t add much outside of getting your head in the game. Of course, getting your head in the game when it comes to working out is probably one of the most important aspects of fitness there is.
What do ATIVAFIT Indoor Bike owners think?
Amazon Review: “This is a great introductory budget bike – it’s not a hardcore spinning bike like a peloton, but it also doesn’t have that kind of price tag nor footprint. If you’re looking for a great bike for small spaces, this is it.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a good workout using a foldable exercise bike?
Using a foldable exercise bike provides you with an excellent workout option. Is it on the same level as using a standard stationary bike? Probably not. However, these foldable bikes make for an outstanding, quick-and-easy option whether you’re traveling or lack the space for something larger.
Are foldable exercise bikes good for weight loss?
Foldable exercise bikes are good for weight loss when combined with an appropriate diet. Exercise is always good for the heart but, it’s important to understand that you have to run three miles to burn off a single slice of pie. Use these bikes in conjunction with a good diet.
Is it safe to ride a foldable exercise bike daily?
It’s definitely safe to ride a portable exercise bike every day, so long as you use it as it’s intended to be used. Not caring for it or exercising proper maintenance can make anything dangerous, including an exercise bike.
How much weight can a foldable exercise bike support?
The weight limitations on a foldable exercise bike depend on the components of the bike and the manufacturer. The bikes on the above list can handle between 265 to 400 lbs, which is a pretty wide umbrella of coverage. Just be sure to check the specs before buying.
All Things Considered
There you have it, our list of the best five folding exercise bikes on the market today. The bikes on this list are notable for their capabilities and quality of manufacturing. Regardless of which one you choose to go with, you’ll get an excellent, portable bike and fantastic exercise.
Resources:
- HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOP ONLINE? – https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/how-many-people-shop-online
- (March 21, 2023). Folding Exercise Bikes Comparison – March 2023 – https://www.bestchoice.com/folding-exercise-bikes?targetid=dsa-1175758926232&matchtype=&device=c&campaignid=18195123110&creative=618817181889&adgroupid=141385907660&feeditemid=&loc_physical_ms=9011691&loc_interest_ms=&network=g&devicemodel=&placement=&keyword=$&target=&aceid=&adposition=&trackid=us_all_versus_dsa_1_1&mId=407-132-4411
