Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Andrew Lenau ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
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Cycling represents an excellent form of in-home cardio. It combines lower-body resistance training with cardio in a joint-friendly environment that is accessible to all people. An exercise bike is also a comparatively compact piece of training equipment. However, if you're living in a small apartment or other confined dwelling space, you still might struggle to find a permanent space for an exercise bike. That's where the folding exercise bike comes into its own.
A folding exercise bike allows you to get in your workout and then fold up your bike so you can store it in a cupboard or under a bed when not in use. Unfortunately, the quality of folding bikes fluctuates markedly, with the folding mechanism compromising the structure of lesser-made models. For this best collapsible exercise bike review, we've gone deep into the market to identify the seven best folding exercise bikes, separated by category, to make it easy to find the right bike for your needs.
7 Best Folding Exercise Bikes
- Overall Best Folding Exercise Bike: XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike
- Best Budget Option: Sunny Health Folding exercise bike
- Lightweight Option: YOSUDA Folding Exercise Bike
- Best For Work: Exerpeutic Exerwork 2000i (alternative option: FitDesk Bike)
- Adjustable Option: Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike
- Best For Seniors: Exerpeutic 400XL
- Most Versatile: Bulbhead Slim Cycle
SFS Pick
XTERRA
SFS Budget Pick
Sunny Health
SFS Lightweight Pick
YOSUDA
1. Overall Best Folding Exercise Bike: XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike
The extremely popular FB150 has been recently replaced with the XTERRA Fitness FB350. This updated model has various improvements, including a more comfortable seat, and is even more affordable than the previous design. It keeps the X-frame structure, making folding simple while offering robust stability.
This budget bike is selling for less than $200 on the official Xterra website. However, it does a wonderful job of giving you a steady, safe workout that is quite fluid and practical. The display is simple, with no built-in applications. This bike has an 8-level magnetic resistance system that is regulated by a tension knob under the handlebars.
This bike's maximum user weight is just 225 pounds, so make sure you won't outweigh it. It will accommodate users from 4'10 to 5'10". The seat has a lot of padding and may be raised or lowered. A backrest is included for additional lumbar support.
Although they have built-in pulse monitors, the handles on these bikes cannot be adjusted. However, pedal straps are available so you can secure your feet.
Pros
- Budget-priced
- Solid x-frame design
- Eight resistance levels
Cons
- Low max user weight of 225 lbs
This compact yet effective folding bike is an excellent way to improve your fitness level at home. Challenge yourself with 8 levels of resistance which are controlled with...
2. Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike: Sunny Health Folding Exercise Bike
An inexpensive exercise bike with a basic design that works well is the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Foldable Recumbent. With its 16 levels of magnetic resistance, it can be completely customized to fit the requirements of the user. The resistance settings are appropriate for beginners but won't provide enough power for more experienced riders.
The Sunny bike operates silently and reliably, providing a smooth, jerk-free pedaling movement. There is some stuttering, though, at the top two levels. This bike offers a relatively secure platform from which to work for a low-priced bike. Even when pedaling with the most resistance, the long stabilizer bars keep the bike rigid.
The flywheel of the Sunny exercise bike weighs 4 kg (just under 9 lbs). That's too low to provide a serious level of resistance for experienced riders. Straps are provided with large pedals to keep you securely fastened. However, the plastic pedal straps are extremely stiff unless they are broken in. Overall, though, the Sunny Health Folding exercise bike is the best folding exercise bike for those on a budget.
Pros
- Low priced
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Compact design
Cons
- Not powerful enough for intense workouts
A solid, stable, and folding X-frame stationary bike, the Sunny Folding Exercise Bike is perfect for anyone tight on space and budget. Don't let the compact size fool you this...
3. Best Lightweight Folding Exercise Bike: YOSUDA Folding Exercise Bike
The YOSUDA Folding Exercise Bike is a 3-in-1 exercise machine that combines an exercise bike with a recumbent feature and arm resistance bands. This x-design folding bike features a super quiet magnetron resistance system to deliver a smooth, natural pedaling action. Eight resistance levels are available, from easy to challenging, allowing you to increase the intensity as your fitness level develops.
YOSUDA makes use of a large, soft, oversized seat cushion with matching recumbent lower back support, making this bike ideal for seniors and others who need extra lumbar support. The anti-slip adjustable pedals can be adjusted to fit up to 13 different shoe sizes. The foldable design of the bike saves you 70% on storage space, allowing you to easily store your bike under a bed or in a cupboard when not in use. At a weight of 17 kg (37.4 lbs), the YOSUDA folding exercise bike is the lightest folding exercise bike on our list.
Pros
- Features resistance bands
- Recumbent seat
- Eight resistance levels
- Quiet resistance
Cons
- Not suited for tall people
The YOSUDA Folding Exercise Bike is designed as a quality machine that helps conveniently burn extra calories from your home. Its 3-in-1 design gets three kinds of indoor exercise bikes...
4. Best Folding Exercise Bike For Work: Exerpeutic Exerwork 2000i
The Exerpeutic Exerwork 2000i is an impressive hybrid desk bike that allows you to work while you're working out. It features 24 levels of magnetic resistance, a recumbent seat design for extra lumbar support, and two dozen built-in workouts to keep your mind engaged and your muscles challenged. It also provides you with a large, fully adjustable desktop with tilt, forward, back, up, and down adjustability for sitting or standing positions. The desk has three angle adjustments (0, 16, and 33 degrees) and five height adjustments between 41 and 45 inches.
The Exerpeutic Exerwork 2000i is an impressively solid foldable stationary bike with a max user weight of 400 lbs. You also get a 4-way adjustable padded 2.5-inch thick AIRSOFT foam seat pad for enhanced sitting comfort during those extended workouts. The ergonomic adjustable two-position backrest provides extra support for seniors and those with inherent back problems.
Out of stock? This product sells fast and may be out of stock. If it is currently out of stock and you don't want to wait for a bike like this, check out the FitDesk Bike on Amazon.
Pros
- Adjustable desktop
- 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- 2.5-inch AIRSOFT foam seat
Cons
- Not ideal for tall people
Exercise while you work. The 2000i Bluetooth Folding Exercise Desk Bike is not only an exercise bike but also you can use the desk top as a work platform for your laptop...
5. Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike
The Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike offers a compact and sturdy design, constructed from 14-gauge steel for durability and stability. With a maximum user weight of 250 pounds, it can accommodate a wide range of individuals. Its lightweight and portable nature makes it easy to set up and fold away, perfect for those with limited workout space. While it lacks built-in exercise programs and has a basic monitor, it compensates with a stable frame, smooth belt drive, and quiet magnetic resistance system with eight adjustable levels.
The ergonomically designed seat with high-density foam padding ensures comfort during workouts, although the seat adjustment is limited to vertical movement. The gripped flat pedals with safety straps provide a secure hold, while the handlebars offer various gripping options. Overall, the Marcy folding exercise bike is a cost-effective option for individuals seeking a straightforward workout solution without advanced features, ideal for those within the average height range.
Pros
- Eight resistance levels
- Large padded seat
- Easy-fold design
Cons
- No built-in programs
Equipped with a large high density foam-padded seat with a height adjustment to accommodate all body types, this stationary exercise bike offers a comfortable ride for...
6. Best Folding Exercise Bike For Seniors: Exerpeutic 400XL
The Exerpeutic 400XL is a solid bike with a sturdy frame that can support up to 300 lbs of user weight. This stationary bike has eight levels of magnetic resistance, with a precision-weighted flywheel and v-belt drive providing a quiet, comfortable riding experience. Better than others in this price range, the LCD monitor that comes with this bike displays your time, mileage, speed, and pulse. Additionally, it has an odometer, which is unusual for a low-cost home bike.
The Exerpeutic 400XL is a recumbent bike, meaning that it features extra back padding and support for the lumbar region. The pedals are also positioned horizontally in front of the torso rather than directly below it. This allows for a more relaxed, ergonomically comfortable pedaling position.
At 43 pounds, the 400XL is among the lightest recumbent bicycles I've seen. It comes with transport wheels to make moving it around easy. It may be folded up to fit onto a cabinet or beneath a bed. This is a good choice for novice users but won't offer enough resistance intensity for experienced riders. Those over six feet tall will also struggle to find comfort on this bike.
Pros
- Generous lumbar padding
- Precision weighted flywheel
- 300 lb max user weight
Cons
- Not enough resistance for experienced riders
The Exerpeutic 400XL provides a smooth, comfortable ride for users of all ages. The precision-balanced flywheel works in harmony with the V-belt double-drive transmission...
7. Best Versatile Folding Exercise Bike: Bulbhead Slim Cycle
The Bulbhead Slim Cycle markets itself as the most comfortable exercise bike ever designed. That might be stretching it, but this certainly provides you with an exceptionally comfy ride for the price. It features a thick, extra-wide seat with an adjustable back support pad. You also get padded side handles to provide extra support in an upright seated position.
This bike allows you to choose an upright or a reclining pedaling position. The X-frame design provides maximum stability while also being easy to fold for storage. The Slim Cycle has eight levels of adjustable resistance based on the smooth magnetic resistance system built into the machine. You also get a pair of built-in resistance bands so you can incorporate upper-body strength training into your workout.
Pros
- Very comfortable riding experience
- Incline and upright riding positions
- Eight levels of adjustable resistance
- It comes with resistance bands
Cons
- Not designed for people over 6 feet tall
Slim Cycle is the most comfortable exercise bike ever designed. With a thick, extra-wide seat with a back support cushion and padded support handles on either side of the seat...
Why buy a folding exercise bike?
There are a number of compelling reasons to buy a folding exercise bike, especially if you are operating in a confined workout space:
1. Lightweight
Folding exercise bikes are lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport them from place to place. This is especially helpful for people who constantly move into new apartments or want the freedom to ride bikes in various rooms. The best folding stationary bikes are unobtrusive and out of the way when folded and can be easily kept in a closet, under a bed, or tucked away in a corner.
2. Easily Movable
Most folding exercise bikes are made with storage in mind. As a result, they are equipped with wheels for ease of movement. They are perfect for smaller living spaces, apartments, or areas with little room for exercise due to their foldable and compact form. When not in use, they are simply folded and stored away, saving you valuable room in your house.
3. Small footprint
Folding exercise bikes typically have a smaller footprint than non-folding options. This makes them more suitable for confined spaces. Their compact design makes them ideal for fitting into tight corners and small spaces without giving up valuable space.
4. Affordable
Purchasing a folding exercise bike can be more affordable than purchasing other exercise equipment or a gym subscription. Folding exercise bikes avoid the need for continuous gym membership costs and are frequently more economical than bulkier exercise machines. A folding exercise bike's ownership is also largely free of maintenance and repair expenses.
What to look for when buying a folding exercise bike:
The quality of folding exercise bikes varies markedly. Here are seven things to focus on to ensure you get the best collapsible folding exercise bike to meet your needs.
1. Build Quality
Choose a sturdy folding exercise bike with a strong and durable frame. High-quality materials that offer strength and stability, like steel or aluminum, should be used. Avoid bikes with flimsy or unsteady frames since they could jeopardize your safety and workout quality.
Check the foldable exercise bike's joints and connection points. In particular, check the strength and durability of any adjustable parts, folding mechanisms, and hinges. The quality of the pedal and crank system should also be checked. To ensure a firm grip, the pedals on the best folding exercise bikes should be wide and have a rough surface. If you want to keep your feet in place while exercising, look for adjustable straps or clips. There shouldn't be any excessive play or noise in the crank system, guaranteeing a fluid pedaling motion.
2. Weight Capacity
Verify the folding exercise bike's weight capacity to make sure it can comfortably support your body weight. To maintain stability during challenging workouts, choose a bike with a weight capacity of at least 50 lbs greater than your own weight.
3. Size
The footprint is a key consideration when buying a compact folding bike. Consider the dimensions of a compact folding exercise bike and how much room you have in your home. Measure the area of the floor, taking into account the bike's size in both the unfolded and folded positions.
Examine the functioning of the folding mechanism. Some folding exercise cycles have the ability to be compacted into a small space, considerably lowering the overall footprint. Look for bicycles that can be folded up quickly and safely so you can store them vertically or even beneath a bed or in a closet. There shouldn't be any complicated disassembly or special tools required; the folding procedure should be simple and hassle-free.
4. Resistance
Folding exercise bikes use a variety of resistance methods, including magnetic, frictional, and air resistance.
- Magnetic Resistance: Magnets are used in this sort of resistance to produce tension. It operates quietly and smoothly, with the resistance level being manually or automatically adjustable. Due to the magnetic resistance's wide range of adjustment, you can fine-tune the intensity in accordance with your degree of fitness.
- Friction Resistance: To provide resistance, friction resistance makes use of brake or friction pads that come into contact with the flywheel. It provides a wide range of resistance levels, although it could make more noise and occasionally needs maintenance, like new pads.
- Air Resistance: When you pedal against air resistance, a fan or propeller spins in order to produce resistance. As you pedal more quickly, the resistance level rises. Cycling on air-resistance bikes is more dynamic and realistic, and they often provide a cooling wind during exercises.
Consider the variety of resistance levels that the folding exercise bike offers. Greater versatility is made possible by more resistance levels, allowing you to gradually up the intensity of your workouts as your strength and endurance develop.
Check the resistance's ability to be adjusted. An ideal resistance adjustment mechanism for the folding exercise bike would be one that is smooth and simple to operate. It should provide quick and smooth changes between resistance levels, allowing you to continuously maintain the required intensity.
5. Features
Here are some extra features to look out for that can add to your training experience:
- LCD monitor: An integrated LCD monitor shows important workout data like time, speed, distance traveled, calories burned, and heart rate. It enables you to monitor your development and maintain motivation throughout your activities.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Some folding exercise bikes have built-in heart rate sensors in the handlebars or can be used with a chest strap to monitor wireless heart rate.
- Pre-Set Workout Programs: Seek out exercise bikes with pre-set workout plans that imitate different training conditions. These programs can give instructions and automatically change resistance levels to make a training regimen that is more interesting and difficult.
- Bluetooth: Exercise bikes with Bluetooth connectivity let you use your phone or tablet to access fitness applications, keep track of your exercises, and even stream music or videos while working out. Your workouts will be more enjoyable and convenient with this function.
- Built-in Speakers: Some folding exercise bikes come equipped with built-in speakers so you can play your preferred music or audio for your workouts straight from your smartphone. Your workouts could become more enjoyable and inspiring thanks to this feature.
- USB Charging Port: While you work out, you can conveniently charge your smartphone, tablet, or other electrical devices using a USB charging port on the bike.
- Integrated Device Stand: Some bikes come with a tablet holder, or integrated device stand that gives you a safe place to keep your device as you stream content, watch training videos, or use fitness applications.
6. Price
Folding exercise bikes vary quite markedly in price based on brand, features, and build quality. You can expect to pay less than $200 for a budget folding exercise bike, with a mid-range bike costing between $200-500. High-end folding bikes are in the $500+ price bracket.
7. Reviews
User reviews offer insightful opinions from people who have used the item themselves. They objectively assess the bike's functionality, dependability, and general user satisfaction. You're able to make a more informed purchase and determine whether the folding exercise bike fulfills your unique needs and expectations by taking into account customer reviews.
Folding Exercise Bike FAQs:
Are foldable exercise bikes worth it?
Whether a folding exercise bike is worth it depends on the quality of the purchase and your intended use of it. Buying a solid, compact, reliable exercise bike as a stool to help you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular system is certainly worth it.
Are foldable exercise bikes good for weight loss?
Folding exercise bikes can be good for weight loss if used consistently and combined with a reduced calorie food intake. By spending 20-40 minutes on a folding exercise bike daily, you will be able to burn off several hundred calories. This will help you on your weight loss journey.
What is the best foldable indoor cycling bike?
Based on our extensive reviews, combined with personal experience and popularity, we believe that the best foldable exercise bike on the current market is the XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike. This bike combines a solid X-frame with a large anatomical seat and back pad, eight levels of manual resistance, and compact 20.5" x 20.5" folding dimensions.
Is it harder to pedal on a folding bike?
No, it is not harder to pedal on a folding bike. The pedaling difficulty is determined by the resistance mechanism and the brand rather than whether the bike has a folding mechanism.
Summary
Investing in a quality folding exercise bike will help you achieve your weight maintenance and fitness goals, even when your workout space is limited. The best folding exercise bike on today's market is the XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike, which combines the best combination of price, functionality, compactness, comfort, and performance.
If you're a senior, our recommended model is the Exerpeutic 400XL, which is a folding recumbent bike with an 8-level adjustable tension control system.
Finally, we recommend the Exerpeutic Exerwork 2000i or the FitDesk Bike for those who want a folding exercise bike for work.
This compact yet effective folding bike is an excellent way to improve your fitness level at home. Challenge yourself with 8 levels of resistance which are controlled with...
Interested in other workout equipment? Check out our articles on the Best Compact Rowing Machines and Best Compact Home Gyms.
Steve Theunissen
Author