Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes (2024 Reviews)

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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 Pick

Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike

For the best in recumbent exercise bikes, look no further than the Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike.
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 4.5 300 Pounds 25
Best Budget Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike 4.5 300 Pounds 8
Best for Features Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike 4.5 300 Pounds 25
Best Weight Capacity Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike 4.4 350 Pounds 8
Best for Compact Space Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike 4.5 300 Pounds 5

*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Our Expert’s Top Pick

Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike

For the best in recumbent exercise bikes, look no further than the Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike.

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.

Pros
  • Sturdy frame
  • 25 resistance levels
  • 29 customizable workout programs
Cons
  • Some reviewers found the seat uncomfortable after extended use
  • Assembly can be challenging
Best Budget Buy

Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike

An affordable recumbent exercise bike with eight resistance levels.

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.

Pros
  • Affordably priced
  • 8 levels of resistance
  • Padded seat and adjustable pedal straps
Cons
  • Not as many features as some other models
  • LCD is very basic
Best for Features

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

This comfortable, feature-rich bike offers a connected fitness experience.

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.

Pros
  • 25 resistance levels
  • 29 workout programs
  • Integrated heart rate monitor
Cons
  • Can be challenging to assemble
  • Some reviewers found the seat uncomfortable
Best Weight Capacity

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

A sturdy and capable recumbent bike with an impressive weight capacity of 350 pounds.

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.

Pros
  • Supports up to 350 pounds
  • Oversized seat and back
  • 8 levels of resistance
Cons
  • Some reviewers report quality control issues
  • LCD display is not backlit
Best for Compact Space

Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike

This folding recumbent bike is perfect for even the smallest of living spaces.

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.

Pros
  • Can be folded for easy storage
  • 8 levels of resistance
  • LCD display tracks progress
Cons
  • 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?

Yes, recumbent bikes are a great way to get in shape and stay active. They provide a smooth, low-impact workout that is easy on the joints and helps you burn calories and build muscle. Additionally, many recumbent bikes come equipped with extra features like resistance levels, customizable workouts, and heart rate monitors, making them even more effective at helping you reach your fitness goals.

Is a recumbent bike better than stationary?

This will depend on your fitness goals, as both recumbent bikes and stationary exercise bikes have their own unique pros and cons. For example, if you’re looking for a low-impact workout that won’t strain your joints, then a recumbent bike is probably the better choice. However, if you want an intense cardio or interval workout that you can do at home, then a stationary exercise bike might be the better option.2 Ultimately, it’s important to choose the type of bike that best suits your needs and goals.

Is a recumbent bike good for weight loss?

Yes, recumbent bikes are a great way to lose weight. As with any type of exercise, the more you use your recumbent bike, the more calories you will burn. Many recumbent bikes come equipped with features like resistance levels and heart rate monitors that can help maximize your workout and increase your weight loss.

Is a recumbent bike good for seniors?

Yes, recumbent bikes are often recommended for seniors (in fact, stationary biking is one of the best exercises for seniors). Recumbent bikes are also recommended for anyone with joint problems because they provide a low-impact workout that’s easy on the joints.3 Other features that are useful for seniors include adjustable seats, backrests, and pedals.

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.

  1. Tyner M. Stationary bike. Spine-health.com. Published May 23, 2007. Accessed May 19, 2022.
  2. Calvert H. Recumbent bikes vs upright bikes: what’s the difference? Livescience.com. Published November 22, 2021. Accessed May 19, 2022.
  3. Watson M. Benefits of recumbent bikes for seniors. Caringseniorservice.com. Accessed May 19, 2022.
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Richard J. Bartlett
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