The 7 Best Recumbent Bikes for Small Spaces, Streaming, Seniors, and More

Exercise bikes are a great way to introduce some low-impact cardio into your fitness routine, but they may be uncomfortable for some people with knee or hip issues. That’s where recumbent bikes come in with their reclined seating position. Recumbent bikes may also allow you to train the anterior portion of your legs more effectively — akin to a leg press — if you crank up the resistance.

As with any of the best home gym equipment (but especially with the best cardio machines), recumbent bikes are often a rather hefty investment. There are some budget options out there as well as some more costly models, and we’ve made sure to include bikes at a variety of price points. Our team tested about 25 recumbent bikes to gather an all-encompassing list. No matter if you want to stream workouts or fit your recumbent bike in a small space, we’ve got something for you on our list of the best recumbent bikes on the market.

The 7 Best Recumbent Bikes of 2024

• Best Recumbent Bike Overall: NordicTrack Commercial R35
• Best Recumbent Bike for Streaming: Sole LCR Exercise Bike
• Best Recumbent Bike for Beginners: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike
• Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
• Best Recumbent Bike for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Recumbent Bike
• Best Budget Recumbent Bike: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
• Best Folding Recumbent Bike: Yosuda Folding Exercise Bike

How We Tested and Chose the Best Recumbent Bikes

Knowing you’re making the correct choice in a big purchase can be challenging, but we made sure to consider key aspects when choosing our picks for this list. Our team tested about 25 recumbent bikes and here are the factors we considered to build our list of favorites: 

Quality

While we never feature any products that we don’t have full confidence in, there are some that are exceptionally well-made. All of the bikes on this list are designed to live out their full years-long lifespan, and many you can expect to use for 10 to 20 years if you treat them right.

The recumbent bikes we valued were those made with durable steel frames, high-quality materials, and wide ranges of resistance. The average warranty we found on these bikes was around 10 years for the frame, though some even offered lifetime warranties. That itself should bolster your confidence in how much the company believes in their product’s quality.

Price Range

While recumbent bikes can certainly be expensive, we wanted to include options on this list for everyone, regardless of their budget, to be able to afford. Bikes at lower price points will usually feature fewer bells and whistles, while more high-tech bikes are generally more expensive. There may have to be some compromise, though to stay within your budget. We placed a higher value on recumbent bikes that provide more bang for your buck to stretch your dollar further. 

Features

Not everyone wants tons of fancy features and huge HD displays on their workout equipment. Some people do though, and they place a high value on the motivation that trainers can provide throughout a session.

With that coloring our choices, we’ve included some seriously high-tech options, along with some pretty analog picks and a smattering of choices in between. You can usually find standard tech options like Bluetooth connectivity, tablet holders, speakers, and fans on nearly all the bikes. Some others will have more high-end features with touchscreens, immersive displays and sound arrays, and automatically adjusting resistance.

Programming & Workout Experience 

Even the best recumbent bikes don’t have quite as much programming or technology as, say, the best non-recumbent exercise bikes. That being said, our team still tried to choose options with a variety of tech capabilities to give readers plenty of optionality. 

We also prioritized our overall workout experience with the bike. All of these bikes have some sort of basic tracking screen, so we prioritized the machines that were easiest to use and most intuitive.

Resistance

Different bikes have different resistance types and levels. The most common resistance type for recumbent bikes is magnetic. Magnetic resistance feels smooth and requires less maintenance than friction-based resistance. So, we put a higher focus on these options.

We also liked to choose bikes with ample resistance levels. This makes the machine more suitable for a variety of athletes and fitness levels. 

Best Recumbent Bike Overall: NordicTrack Commercial R35

To make it to the top of our list, a recumbent bike has to be well-built and versatile, while enticing you to come back for more. The NordicTrack Commercial R35 fits the bill well, landing itself in our highest slot.

NordicTrack made this recumbent bike for you to sit back and power up. We gave this machine a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming. With integrated iFIT workouts on a crisp 14-inch HD touchscreen, you can immerse yourself in picturesque locations during your workouts. An iFIT membership (optional for around $39 per month with a 30-day free trial), allows trainers to monitor your progress and automatically adjust between 26 digital resistance levels.

This machine also has a built-in fan and a dual water bottle. However, we did give the conveniences a 3.75 out of 5 because we wish there were a few more options, like a larger screen. The 14-inch screen is high tech but a little smaller than our testers would like. 

“The seat is oversized and has lumbar support, which is a bonus for long workouts. You can adjust the seat forward and back to accommodate your leg length,” our tester said, giving a 4 out of 5 for adjustability. “There isn’t any handlebar adjustment that I can see, though.”  

This machine is 192 pounds and it’s a little large, so it’s probably not ideal for those without much free space. “There are front-mounted transport wheels, which can be helpful for moving the machine around the room,” our tester said, giving this machine a 3.75 out of 5 for footprint and portability. “I will say, this isn’t ideal for those who are recovering from an injury or can’t lift heavy loads.” Lighter recumbent bike options include the Sole LCR, Horizon 5.0R, and Schwinn 230, among others.

This bike is a little pricey at $1,499, but we did still give it 4 out of 5 for overall value. This machine feels incredibly stable and has plenty of adjustability. “If I were in the market for a recumbent bike, I’d probably go with this option,” our tester said.

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial R35 Review.

Best Recumbent Bike for Streaming: Sole LCR Exercise Bike

Virtual workout classes are one excellent way to get out of a fitness slump or just keep your exercise streak going. For those who love to stream classes, we recommend the Sole LCR Exercise Bike. While our NordicTrack pick does have iFIT, this bike comes with access to a totally free library full of thousands of workout videos. 

For dynamic programming, we gave our Sole pick a 4 out of 5. The Sole+ app has bike workouts but also training modalities you can do off-bike, including yoga and strength training. However, we had to dock one point because you do need your phone or tablet to stream the sessions. This bike does have a device holder, though, so you can place your screen right on the front.

Sole’s recumbent bike also has 40 resistance levels, an adjustable and cushioned seat, and a built-in fan, earning a 5 out of 5 for conveniences. The pedals also have an adjustable strap, so you can find your perfect fit. Plus, the bike connects to the app through Bluetooth, so you can track all your workout data. “I didn’t have any glitches when connecting to the monitor,” says our tester. “Plus, the display haptics were easy to master. You can quickly get comfortable with operating this recumbent bike.”

For tech capabilities, we gave this machine a 3.5 out of 5 because, like we said, you can’t actually stream the workouts on the bike screen. The 10.1-inch display is also a little small and may be difficult to read for some users. But you do get 10-pre-programmed and 12 user-defined workouts built in along with access to the Sole+ app. “I will note, though, that some of the cycling programming isn’t specific to recumbent bikes,” notes our tester. “I found this out after loading a course that called for standing in the saddle — not exactly the most appropriate instruction for a recumbent bike silhouette.”

For those who don’t love a lot of DIY assembly, this is an excellent pick, earning a 5 out of 5 in that category. Most of the bike comes pre-assembled and the few pieces you need to do yourself are simple and come with easy-to-follow instructions. 

We do think this bike is a little pricey, though. For value, we gave the Sole LCR a 3.75 out of 5, as there are cheaper options on this list (such as the Horizon 5.0R and Schwinn 230) with similar tech capabilities. 

Best Recumbent Bike for Beginners: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike

If you’re new to exercise or stationary biking, you want a machine that’s easy to operate and comes with ample resistance levels. The Horizon 5.0R has an intuitive design and 100 different resistance levels to suit all stages of your fitness journey.

This machine offers plenty of comfort and durability, which is ideal for those who aren’t too familiar with recumbent biking. The bike is large enough that you shouldn’t feel any wobbling or shaking as you learn proper form, earning a 5 out of 5 for durability. “The step-through frame also makes this recumbent bike more approachable for athletes with lower mobility ranges or those simply looking for a more convenient setup protocol before getting into a workout,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer.

For conveniences, we gave this machine a 4 out of 5. We love the step-through frame and the 5.0R has an extra large seat with lumbar support, which is great for beginners who aren’t accustomed to sitting in a bike seat for long periods of time. The seat is also adjustable to suit various leg lengths. 

The Horizon 5.0R doesn’t have the highest tech capabilities or dynamic programming on the machine itself, earning a 3 out of 5 in those categories. However, the bike does connect to third-party apps through Bluetooth on your own device. This allows you to pick and choose your preferred workouts and classes. Plus, the bike has a device holder for easier visibility. “The only app this bike isn’t compatible with is iFIT,” says our tester. “For those interested in iFIT’s programming library, I’d recommend to opt for NordicTrack Commercial R35.”

We did love the entry-level price for beginners. This bike costs $649, which isn’t the absolute cheapest on the market but it’s certainly not the most expensive either. And, considering you’re getting a durable, high-quality bike with five built-in programs, we’d give the overall value here a 4 out of 5. 

Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Recumbent bikes are a great piece of fitness equipment for older adults, as they’re low-impact and the entire exercise can be performed while seated. The Schwinn 230 is an easy-to-use recumbent bike that makes a good fit for older adults.

For one, this bike has plenty of conveniences that may appeal to older folks. It has a step-through design, so you don’t have to worry about lifting your legs high and climbing up onto a seat. The contoured seat also has holes for ventilation, helping prevent overheating. We also like the easy-to-reach water bottle holder and the adjustable seat, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for conveniences.

This bike is relatively lightweight and small, so our testers gave it a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. This machine weighs 81.6 pounds, which isn’t necessarily light but the wheels make it moveable for most adults. For athletes needing an ultra-compact and storable recumbent bike, we recommend the Yosuda Folding Exercise Bike.

There’s not much dynamic programming with this bike, so we gave it a 3 out of 5 in that category. You do get 13 built-in workout programs, though, which is plenty for most folks. Plus, you can connect your personal device to the JRNY app to stream workouts. “There are also heart rate monitors built into the handles, but I’d recommend pairing your smartwatch or fitness tracker via Bluetooth rather than relying on these pulse sensors for accurate readings,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer.

We gave the tech capabilities a 3 out of 5, too, especially as it relates to older adults. “The five and a half-inch screen is a little on the smaller side,” our tester said. “If you don’t have great vision, this may be a bit annoying.” However, the text on the screen is relatively large, so visibility may not be a big issue. With that said, you can always place your personal device on the tablet holder. And, for some older folks, simpler technology may actually be preferable.

For value, our testers gave this bike a 4 out of 5. The $599 price tag isn’t as pricey as some of our other options but you can find more budget-friendly picks. However, for older adults, we think the stable bike design and intuitive technology is a good pick.

Read our full Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Review.

Best Recumbent Bike for Small Spaces: Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Bike

We don’t all have tons of free space in our home gyms. And thanks to Sunny Health & Fitness’ Essential Recumbent Bike, that’s no problem. When it comes to footprint and portability, we gave this pick a 5 out of 5. It’s smaller, shorter, and lighter than most of the other products on our list. At only 58.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry around and the dimensions make it simple to fit in the corner of a room.

Just because this bike is a little smaller and more budget-friendly, doesn’t mean it’s going to fall apart. “It’s a lighter bike but it’s surprisingly durable and sturdy,” our tester said, giving the durability a 4 out of 5. We didn’t notice any wobbling or rocking, thanks to the built-in floor stabilizers. While it doesn’t feel as durable as some of the higher-end bikes, it’s surprisingly stable for its weight.

There’s decent adjustability with this bike, too. The pedals have an adjustable strap and the 14-inch wide seat can move up and down. Our tester did give this category a 4 out of 5, though, because the bike only accommodates an inseam of 29 to 38 inches, which won’t work for tall adults.

The technology is pretty basic here, earning a 2-star rating. “The small LCD screen can be difficult to read, at times,” says our tester in reference to their 2 out of 5 scoring. “Plus, the metrics tracked aren’t too comprehensive meaning you’re only able to track Time, Speed, Distance, Pulse, and Calories. For the price, though, I don’t believe you should be expecting a tech-heavy profile.”

If you are looking for a more engaging workout experience, we recommend spending a little more on tech-compatible machines like the Sole LCR or NordicTrack Commercial R35.

Overall, we gave the value of this bike a 3.8 out of 5. For the budget-friendly price of $279.97, you still get a pretty durable bike that will hold up through plenty of workouts. 

[Related: The 7 Best Mini Exercise Bikes of 2024]

Best Budget Recumbent Bike: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

Fitness equipment can be pretty pricey. But at least where recumbent bikes are concerned, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a quality product. For those shopping on a budget, we recommend the Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike. Earning a 5 out of 5 for overall value, we think you get plenty of bang for your buck where this bike is concerned.

While this bike isn’t the absolute cheapest around, we like that this machine maintains quality at a low price. This recumbent bike is pretty durable and has a 300-pound user capacity. At only 61 pounds, this is an impressive feat. Our testers gave this machine a 4 out of 5 for durability.

When it comes to portability, this bike earned a 4 out of 5. It’s lightweight and it has wheels on the front, allowing for easy movement around your home. “The entire profile is easy to control, and I had no strains or complaints when getting this bike into position for training,” adds our tester, a certified personal trainer.

This Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike is not especially small, though, so you may want to compare the measurements to your available space. 

Unfortunately, there are only eight resistance levels and bare-bones programming, earning a 2 out of 5 for tech capabilities. If you’re looking for an experienced biker, a more advanced option is probably preferable such as the Horizon 5.0R or Sole LCR. The small LCD monitor is easy to read and well-lit, though, which we like. “Plus, the simplified display means you don’t need a Master’s degree to understand the layout. There’s nothing complicated about the button toggles, which can be viewed as a positive or negative,” says our tester.

For conveniences, we gave this pick a 3.5 out of 5. It has an adjustable seat and ergonomic handlebars. Plus, you get a tablet holder, which is something that budget picks typically don’t feature. We do wish this option had a cup holder and heart rate monitor, though.

Read our full Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review.

Best Folding Recumbent Bike: Yosuda Folding Exercise Bike

Those who are ultra-tight on space may need a recumbent bike they can fold up and stow away. That’s where the Yosuda Folding Exercise Bike comes in. Earning a 5 out of 5 for portability, this bike folds up vertically and only weighs 49 pounds, making it easy to carry around your home. When folded up, this one only takes up about 2 square feet of floor space.

I’ve used similar Yosuda folding bikes in the past and do appreciate the compact nature of the profile. It can be great for training in tight quarters, and even allows for storage in a nearby closet when trying to regain some floor space.

As far as adjustability is concerned, we gave this machine a 5 out of 5 because it’s not your average recumbent bicycle. While the recumbent position is one option, you can also ride this bike in a semi-recumbent position and fully upright posture. I also enjoy the included resistance cables that can allow for strength training workouts.

For durability, though, we had to give this Yosuda bike a 3 out of 5. While it does have a decent weight capacity at 330 pounds, the lighter weight of the machine may cause it to wobble or shake, especially if you’re pedaling quickly. The footprint also lends itself to less than stellar stability — longer, more traditional recumbent bikes like the NordicTrack Commercial R35 and Schwinn 230 may be better resolves for a rock solid setup.

You do get 16 levels of magnetic resistance, though, which means you can definitely take this one through a challenging home workout. And our testers gave this one a 5 out of 5 for assembly, as all the screws and washers come preassembled in place. 

As far as tech is concerned, this bike is a little lackluster. The LCD screen is pretty tiny and only tracks the most basic metrics, like time, speed, distance, and calories. So, we had to give this Yosuda a 2 out of 5 for tech capabilities. However, you can connect this bike to third-party apps and use the device stand to stream on-demand workouts from your phone or tablet.

This may not be the most high-tech recumbent bike but it’s certainly budget-friendly at only $199.99. Plus, it’s available on Amazon. For value, we gave this one a 4 out of 5. We do wish it were a little more durable but it has a standard weight capacity and offers some more workout versatility than your standard recumbent bike.

[Related: The Best Compact Exercise Equipment]

What to Consider Before Buying a Recumbent Bike

It doesn’t matter if this is your first time buying a piece of equipment or you’re putting the finishing touches on your home gym — there are still some key points to consider before finalizing your purchase. We’ve narrowed them down to the most important factors we consider when buying a bike.

Durability

Your recumbent bike is hopefully going to see a lot of use with sessions a few times per week or even daily if you’ve got multiple users. Having a durable frame made from steel and a large, powerful flywheel that can stand up to daily usage is imperative. Recumbent bikes usually have a lifespan of somewhere between 10 and 20 years, and the materials and build can make a big difference in how long it lasts. Make sure you select one that’s made using only high-quality materials, like those on this list.

Technology

The level of technology included in your recumbent bike is likely going to be one of the biggest differences you’ll notice on the surface when choosing the right one for you. Nearly all of the options that bombard you will include some sort of display, but some have more premier upgrades. It’s not uncommon to see large, high-definition touchscreens, incorporated heart rate monitors, and other modern tech in cardio equipment now.

If you like to utilize streaming platforms like iFIT, Peloton, or Zwift then you may want to prioritize a machine with a large display or one with a rock-solid tablet mount that won’t bounce your device around when pedaling hard. Those who don’t want or need the tech may be able to save a few bucks by opting for a low-tech bike instead.

Recline Angle

Not all recumbent bikes are made the same, and they often have differing recline angles from around 130 to 160 degrees. Finding out which angle feels the best to you is important before dishing out hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a brand new machine just to find out it’s uncomfortable. Taking a trip to your local gym to test what feels most comfortable is a great idea if the gym has a few recumbent bikes or an adjustable one. 

Resistance 

As you’re selecting a new recumbent bike, you want to take your personal fitness level into account. Look at the different resistance levels offered on your favorite bikes and choose a machine that’s suitable for your abilities with some room to grow and improve.

Dimensions

Like an elliptical, a recumbent bike isn’t the smallest piece of equipment. Before you make a purchase, compare your available space to the bike’s dimensions. If you’re super short on space, there are smaller bikes on this list or foldable options.

“You’ll need a model that fits both your budget and your space,” recommends Amanda Capritto, CPT. “Make sure to measure for length, width, and depth to cover all your bases.”

[Related: What to Look for When Buying an Indoor Cycle, According to a Spin Instructor]

Benefits of Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes have very similar perks to more traditional exercise bikes. They can provide cardiovascular benefits and improved aerobic fitness along with a lower impact on your joints than you’d receive from running. (1) You can perform your exercise while seated and recumbent bikes are generally easier to mount than regular exercise bikes. 

[Related: The 8 Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss of 2024]

Low-Impact Workout

Recumbent bikes are different from treadmills or other pieces of cardio equipment that have heavy impact. They support your weight and use flywheels or magnetic systems as the resistance rather than your bodyweight. This type of machine can decrease the stress on your joints and not have to miss time working out while you wait for your joints and ligaments to recover.

“Recumbent bikes open up the cycling experience to more people, particularly those with back, hip, or knee issues,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. “The reclined position reduces stress on the lumbar spine and does not require as much flexibility in the hip joints.”

Recumbent bikes in particular may be beneficial for heavier athletes or larger folks who may experience more joint stress during bodyweight resistance cardio. (2)

Seated Exercise

Working out while seated can be beneficial for those who suffer from vertigo or spells of dizziness. If you do, consulting a physician should be a high priority before beginning any exercise routine, but being seated may aid in reducing head movement and vertigo. (3)

With low back pain being so prevalent, you may find it beneficial to be able to sit in a reclined position while working out rather than standing — hopefully allowing you to stay more consistent with your routine.

[Related: 8 Benefits of Cycling to Fuel Your Next Ride]

Easier to Mount

Since recumbent bike seats are generally lower and larger than traditional exercise bike seats, they can be easier to mount. This is especially true for people with limited mobility or joint pain. Many also feature walk-through designs, which allow you to simply sit down on the seat rather than swinging a leg over it a la motorcycle rider (which also makes it easier to mount).

How Much Do Recumbent Bikes Cost?

Recumbent bikes are relatively expensive as far as cardio equipment goes, but they’re pretty much on par with other types of exercise bikes, and cheaper than many comparable treadmills or ellipticals.

Best Recumbent Bike Overall	NordicTrack Commercial R35	$1,499
Best Recumbent Bike for Streaming	Sole LCR Exercise Bike	$1,799
Best Recumbent Bike for Beginners	Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike	$649
Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors	Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike	$599
Best Recumbent Bike for Small Spaces	Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Bike	$279.97
Best Budget Recumbent Bike	Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike	$185.89
Best Folding Recumbent Bike	Yosuda Folding Exercise Bike	$199.99

If you’re working with really tight margins, you can pick up a high-quality recumbent bike for as little as $199 — though it will be pretty bare bones as far as technology is concerned. On the other hand, those with a bit more cash to burn can spend upwards of $1,500 for a decked-out high-tech bike with a massive display for streaming.

Final Word

Whether you’re looking to purchase a recumbent bike to stand in for other cardio equipment while rehabbing an injury, as a standalone piece of equipment, or as a supplement to your weight training, there’s an option for you on this list. It’s a good idea to consider what your biggest needs are before setting out to select a bike, so you know what to look for.

We want to help you stretch your dollar and choose the right product, so you can get the most out of your money. Whichever recumbent bike you choose, you can be confident that the ones on this list are top-notch and will take care of you as well as you take care of them.

Recumbent Bikes FAQs

References

1. Blumenthal, J. A., Emery, C. F., Madden, D. J., George, L. K., Coleman, R. E., Riddle, M. W., … & Williams, R. S. (1989). Cardiovascular and behavioral effects of aerobic exercise training in healthy older men and women. Journal of gerontology, 44(5), M147-M157.
2. Newman, K., Gibson, K., Zeller, H., Carter, S., & Joyce, B. (2009). Recumbent Exercise Bicycle for Low-Impact Rehabilitation of Obese Individuals. Journal of Medical Devices, 3(2).
3. Lion, A., Vibert, D., Bosser, G., Gauchard, G. C., & Perrin, P. P. (2016). Vertigo in downhill mountain biking and road cycling. European journal of sport science, 16(1), 135-140.