A recumbent exercise bike is a type of stationary bike that allows you to recline or sit in a comfortable seat and pedal with your legs in front of you. They’re designed to provide a low-impact workout and are ideal for people with back or joint problems. The best recumbent exercise bikes also tend to be more comfortable than upright bikes, making them a good choice for beginners or anyone who wants an easy workout.
Our expert reviewed dozens of recumbent exercise bikes to find the best of the best, based on factors including features, value for money, and Amazon reviews. After careful consideration, he chose the Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike as his top pick. This bike is well-built, affordable, and comes with a variety of features that make it ideal for a low-impact workout.
Our Expert’s Top 5 Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Here are the top picks from our expert. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Weight Capacity | Resistance Levels | LCD Screen? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike | 300 Pounds | 25 | ||
| Best Budget | Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike | 300 Pounds | 8 | ||
| Best for Features | Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike | 300 Pounds | 25 | ||
| Best Weight Capacity | Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike | 350 Pounds | 8 | ||
| Best for Compact Space | Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike | 300 Pounds | 5 |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Anyone who wants a low-impact workout – If you have joint or back problems, a recumbent bike may be a better choice than an upright bike. The reclining position takes the pressure off your back and joints, making it easier on your body.1
- Beginners – Recumbent bikes are generally more comfortable than upright bikes, making them a good choice for anyone new to exercise.
- People who want a comfortable workout – If you’re looking for a bike that’s comfortable to ride, a recumbent bike is a good option. The reclining position and padded seat make it easy to pedal for long periods of time.
Who Should Not Buy a Recumbent Exercise Bike
- People who want a challenging workout – If you’re looking for a workout that’s more challenging than walking or light biking, a recumbent bike may not be the best choice. Upright exercise bikes tend to provide a more strenuous workout.
- People with limited space – Recumbent bikes can be larger and heavier than upright bikes. If you have limited space in your home, an upright bike may be a better option.
Research Tips (from an Expert)
As an expert, I often get asked how to choose a good recumbent exercise bike. Here are some tips and best practices to consider when purchasing a bike that will suit your needs. Be sure to do adequate research on the product you’re considering purchasing to look for key features and ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations on recumbent exercise bikes.
- Features – When choosing a recumbent exercise bike, be sure to look for features that suit your needs. Some useful features to consider include a display screen, programmable workouts, and Bluetooth connectivity. Virtual routes and built-in speakers are also nice extras to have. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a basic bike, you may want to opt for a model without these features. At the very least, choose a bike with multiple resistance levels so you can adjust the intensity of your workout.
- Price – You should also consider the price of different recumbent exercise bikes. The more expensive models tend to have more advanced features and generally provide a better workout experience. If you’re on a tight budget, however, you can find cheaper recumbent bikes that are still high-quality and well-built.
- Weight – Another important factor to consider is the weight of the recumbent exercise bike. Heavier bikes are generally more stable, but they can be difficult to move around. If you plan on moving your bike often, be sure to choose a lighter model.
- Dimensions – Be sure to also keep in mind the dimensions of the bike. Some bikes are larger and take up more space than others. If you have limited space in your home, be sure to choose a bike that will fit comfortably.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $150 and $1,000
For most recumbent exercise bikes, you can expect to pay between $150-$1,000. But for some high-end models, you could potentially pay more than double that amount. At the lower end of the price range, you’ll find basic bikes with fewer features. These bikes are typically best for people who are new to exercise or those who want a low-impact workout. As the price increases, you’ll find bikes with more features, such as programmable workouts, built-in speakers, and touchscreen displays. These bikes are typically best for people who are looking for a more challenging workout.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Safe Smart Family
As an expert, I’ve spoken with many other experts and industry professionals about the best recumbent exercise bikes on the market. Many of these products were chosen based on my professional experience as an expert combined with product feature considerations. The bikes were selected based on factors including build quality, features, and price. In addition, I also took into account user reviews to get a better idea of what real people think of the recumbent exercise bikes.
The Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes: Full Reviews
The Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike is a great choice for people who are looking for a well-designed exercise bike with a range of great features. It boasts a sturdy frame, 25 resistance levels for an intense workout, and Bluetooth connectivity for tracking your progress.
Other key features of this popular bike include a backlit LCD console with 29 customizable workout programs, an MP3 player jack, and a built-in charging port to keep your devices fully charged. Reviewers are impressed with the quality of construction and the smoothness of the workout, making this bike a top choice for anyone looking to get in shape at home.
- Sturdy frame
- 25 resistance levels
- 29 customizable workout programs
- Some reviewers found the seat uncomfortable after extended use
- Assembly can be challenging
If you’re looking for a basic recumbent exercise bike, the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a good choice. Priced at just under $200, this bike has eight levels of resistance and an easy-to-read LCD display to help you keep track of your progress.
Other useful features of this bike include a padded seat and adjustable pedal straps for extra comfort and support. Reviewers love how easy it is to assemble, as well as its quiet operation and sturdy construction.
- Affordably priced
- 8 levels of resistance
- Padded seat and adjustable pedal straps
- Not as many features as some other models
- LCD is very basic
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is a top choice for people who are looking for a quality exercise bike with a wide range of features. This bike has 25 resistance levels, 29 workout programs, and an integrated heart rate monitor to help you get the most out of your workout.
Other useful features include a large LCD display, a media tray for your devices, and built-in speakers so you can listen to music or audiobooks while you work out. Overall, reviewers are very impressed with the quality and features of this bike, making it a great choice for anyone looking to get in shape.
- 25 resistance levels
- 29 workout programs
- Integrated heart rate monitor
- Can be challenging to assemble
- Some reviewers found the seat uncomfortable
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike can support up to 350 pounds. It also has an oversized seat and back, making it a great choice for larger users or those with joint problems.
This bike also features eight levels of resistance, pulse sensors, an LCD display, and moveable handlebars for a full-body workout. Overall, it’s a sturdy, reliable, and affordable bike with a surprisingly wide variety of workout options for the price.
- Supports up to 350 pounds
- Oversized seat and back
- 8 levels of resistance
- Some reviewers report quality control issues
- LCD display is not backlit
If you have limited space at home, the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike could be the perfect choice for you. It’s designed to fold up, making it easy to store when not in use and an ideal choice for small apartments or homes.
This bike features eight levels of resistance, an easy-to-read LCD display that tracks distance, calories, time, speed, and heart rate, and a padded seat for comfort. It can also be used as a desk bike with height-adjustable desks. Most reviewers agree that this is an affordable, durable, and versatile recumbent exercise bike.
- Can be folded for easy storage
- 8 levels of resistance
- LCD display tracks progress
- Not as many resistance levels as some other bikes
- Not suitable for people over 6 feet tall
Frequently Asked Questions
Are recumbent bikes good for exercise?
Is a recumbent bike better than stationary?
Is a recumbent bike good for weight loss?
Is a recumbent bike good for seniors?
Article Sources
Safe Smart Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Tyner M. Stationary bike. Spine-health.com. Published May 23, 2007. Accessed May 19, 2022.
- Calvert H. Recumbent bikes vs upright bikes: what’s the difference? Livescience.com. Published November 22, 2021. Accessed May 19, 2022.
- Watson M. Benefits of recumbent bikes for seniors. Caringseniorservice.com. Accessed May 19, 2022.
Home and family advisor for Safe Smart Family with more than a decade writing about home and family lifestyle topics and expertise in home product reviews
