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 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 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike: LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
• Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike: PooBoo Folding Exercise Bike
• Best Folding Exercise Bike with Companion App: Merach S15 Upright Bike

How We Tested and Chose the Best Folding Exercise Bikes 

Building a home gym is easier now than ever, 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 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 utilized the BarBend equipment testing methodology, scoring each bike on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) while considering the following areas.

• Space Saving: The dimensions of these bikes can vary, but on average, foldable 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. 
• Durability: We 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?
• Price: Some of the most popular indoor cycling bikes can cost thousands of dollars, however we wanted to select beginner friendly options that would save you space while saving you money. As such, the price range for this list ranges from around $179 to $350.
• Conveniences: We analyzed each folding exercise bike’s conveniences, such as available water bottle and phone holders, comfortable seat 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. 
• Adjustments: Seat height, backrest angle, handlebar placement, and available adjustable 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, lower back support, and ability levels.

Best Overall Folding Exercise Bike: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra

Pros

Built-in resistance bands for total body workout

Adjustable seat for recumbent and upright rides

Customers get a free month’s membership to FitPass

Cons

We experienced some wobble during our rides

Nearly $100 more expensive than many folding exercise bikes

No water bottle holder

With standout features like the ability to adjust between an upright or recumbent exercise bike, 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 for a spin then fold it up and hide it away when guests come 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 say.

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

Pros

Heavy-duty 14-gauge steel frame

Adjustable seat for varying user heights

Built-in transportation wheels

Cons

No heart rate sensors

No water bottle holder or phone holder

Doesn’t come with batteries for LCD monitor

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 Upright Exercise Bike, you’re getting the most durable folding bike we’ve tried. “It’s a heavy-duty base compared to others,” says 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 and a weight limit supporting up to 250 pounds 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 says. “It’s a 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 feet 1 inch and 6 feet 3 inches, 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.

The Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike comes 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

Pros

Nearly one-third the size of the average folding bike when folded

Minimal assembly is required

Accommodates those between 5 feet and 6 feet 4 inches

Cons

Nearly double the cost of the average folding exercise bike

No back support or handlebars to help riders balance

No tech or tracking capabilities

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. That’s 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, including handles, a backrest, or an LCD screen (it does have a cup holder!). 

However, the exercise bike reviews are in and 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 scored the customer experience a 4.9 out of 5 after scouring reviews.

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

Pros

Adjust between upright and recumbent riding

Quiet ride

Supports user weights up to 330 pounds

Cons

Some reviews note a shaky, unstable ride

Limited tech capabilities

No water bottle holder

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 adjustments than a majority of folding exercise bikes we’ve tested. Our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, 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 (though 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 scored customizations a score of 4.25 out of 5. “My girlfriend’s 5 feet 5 inches and I’m 6 feet 3 inches 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 says. “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 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 Budget Folding Exercise Bike: PooBoo Folding Exercise Bike

Pros

Budget-friendly $229.99 price tag

Included resistance bands for upper-body work

Comes with a water bottle and tablet holder

Cons

High step-over may be difficult for those with limited mobility

Limited tech on this bike

Some users found the seat too high

The PooBoo Folding Exercise Bike can have you reaping the benefits of a LISS cardio workout without breaking the bank. Priced at $229.99, this semi-recumbent bike provides users with eight levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, a comfortable padded seat and backrest, and included resistance bands to help you target your upper body while you spin. Talk about bang for your buck.

While folding X-frame exercise bikes are great for those with limited floor space, they often lack the conveniences seen on non-folding equipment. PooBoo impressed us with the inclusion of a water bottle that’s within arm reach so you can stay hydrated throughout your training. There’s also a tablet holder, so users can slot in their own device to stream entertainment or workout programming from the apps of their choosing.

The tech on this bike is limited to a basic LCD display that provides training metrics like distance, speed, time, calories, and pulse sensors on the handlebars to track your heart rate. However, in our experience, these types of readings can be inaccurate, so you may want to invest in your own heart rate monitor if metrics are important to you and your training.

While there’s a lot to like with this belt-drive bike, it may be best for tall people and more mobile riders. The brand says that it can accommodate users between 4 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 3 inches, though some users found the adjustable seat and step-through too high for them. 

“The bike’s center is very high,” reads an Amazon review from a 5-foot-4 customer. “I had to buy a step stool to be able to get on [the bike].” As such, shorter riders, or those with limited mobility, may want to look elsewhere.

Best Folding Exercise Bike with Companion App: Merach S15 Upright

Pros

Bluetooth connectivity can pair with apps

Merach app is free

Upright and recumbent adjustments

Cons

Water bottle holder not easily accessible while on the bike

Customers say the back support is uncomfortable

Not a simple folding mechanism for storage

We love training with the best fitness apps, and many of us obsess (and agonize) over the data analytics from our efforts. 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 Merach S15 Upright 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 Merach S15 can give you a taste of what’s out there. “This bike has the ability to connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and provides you with the ability to use the Merach app, which allows you to track your exercises and to plan your training,” reads an Amazon customer review that scored the bike 5 out of 5 stars. 

In addition to tracking your metrics, this free app also provides workout modes such as Gaming, Scenic, Ultra-Burning, Free Training, Target Training, Timed Training, and On-Demand Classes.

There are adjustments that can be made to ride in upright or recumbent positions, though some customers say the ride can be uncomfortable either way. “I have to put a pillow behind my back so that it doesn’t rub against the small of my back,” reads another Amazon customer review. “I highly recommend it, [but] the back support could be softer,” reads another.

Still, we like that $199 gets you 16 levels of magnetic resistance, adjustable seating, a tablet holder, and a useful app. However, we don’t love that the included water bottle holder is on the back of the bike. This makes it nearly impossible for most riders to be able to reach their water in the throes of a HIIT workout.

Lastly, while this is a folding exercise bike, we find the folding mechanism more cumbersome than other folding exercise bikes we’ve tried. This sentiment is echoed in several customer reviews. “I dislike having to screw in and unscrew the knob to fold and unfold the bike,”  reads one. “I’ve had other [folding] stationary bikes where you simply pull out the knob, adjust … and let the knob slip back into place.” 

Benefits of the Best Folding Exercise Bikes

In addition to the health benefits of 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: 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.
• Accessible Wellness: “Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer and a certified personal trainer. Having an exercise bike that fits in your space allows you the ability to add cycling to your routine.
• Low-Impact Cardio: The benefits of starting or continuing your career in cycling are huge: low-impact cardio that’s gentle on joints, reduced injury risk, improved flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise that can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mood. (2) 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. 

How Much Do Folding Exercise Bikes Cost?

Fitting a stationary bike workout into your routine comes second to fitting an exercise bike into your space. While the price of equipment also needs to fit your budget, the best folding exercise bikes range in budget-friendly costs between $179 and $350.

Best Overall Folding Exercise Bike	FitNation Flex Bike Ultra	$229.99
Best Durable Folding Exercise Bike	Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike	$179.29
Best Folding Exercise Bike for Small Spaces	Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike	$349.99
Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike	LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike	$179.99
Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike	PooBoo Folding Exercise Bike	$229.99
Best Folding Exercise Bike with Companion App	Merach S15 Upright Bike	$199

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, our exercise bike buying guide can help you ruminate on key points 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. “Recumbent bikes allow people with mobility limitations or injuries to enjoy cycling, as they are reclined and take pressure off of the hips and back. Upright bikes are your typical stationary bikes, which are excellent for high-intensity exercise and tech-savvy cyclists who love to take fitness classes,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer.

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 due to their smaller flywheels. They can, however, be beneficial for those who are new to cardio exercise and looking for a low-profile, low-impact machine to help them stay active.

Per BarBend expert contributor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sedentary lifestyles can “lead to serious health problems, like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.” For those wanting to ease out of sedentary lifestyle, Dr. Raj suggests starting with small changes. “Try standing or walking while on the phone, take short breaks to stretch or move every hour, and gradually add in regular physical activities like walking or light exercises,” he says. “Set simple goals and slowly increase your activity level to build a more active and healthy routine.” An affordable, low-impact pedaler or exercise bike might be just the ticket for kickstarting that routine.

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.

Folding Exercise Bikes FAQs

References

1. Larsen, Lisbeth Hoejkjaer et al. (2022). “The Effect of Wearable Tracking Devices on Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Inactive Adults: Crossover Study.” JMIR Cardio. 6,1 e31501. 
2. Mersy D. J. (1991). Health benefits of aerobic exercise. Postgraduate medicine, 90(1), 103–112.
3. Sandmeier, Robert H. (2000). “Osteoarthritis and Exercise: Does Increased Activity Wear Out Joints?.” The Permanente Journal vol. 4,4: 26–28.
4. Chavarrias, Manuel et al. (2019). “Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) vol. 55,8 452.
5. Conceição, Ana et al. (2022). “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, 19:11; 6590.