What’s the best pedal exerciser / mini exercise bike / leg exerciser?
Arm and Leg Pedal Exercisers – Mini Exercise Bikes – Desk Cycles
The terms ‘pedal exerciser’, ‘leg exerciser’ and ‘mini exercise bike’ are sometimes used interchangeably for a small unit which you can use while sitting which exercise the legs in some way. There are, however, some differences in the way they do so – some simulate pedalling a bicycle while others simulate walking.
Are time and space a real problem for you? No, this isn’t a question for Einstein’s theory of Relativity, but time and space (or lack thereof) do seem to be among the biggest obstacles for people who want to get more exercise but aren’t doing so. Pedal exercisers or mini exercise bikes are common solutions and we look at some of the best pedal exercisers and mini exercise bikes here. So if you find yourself uttering any of these common complaints, keep reading:
- No time to exercise – if you’re a busy person, sitting on an exercise bike can seem like ‘dead’ time when you’re not able to get anything else done
- No space in my house/apartment for an exercise bike – They can take up a fair amount of space. Even the folding ones might not be small enough.
- Too expensive – You might feel you can’t afford £100 (at the lower end) to spend on something which might end up gathering dust
- Elderly – people who aren’t as young or as fit as they used to be may not feel like an exercise bike is for them
A possible solution to this quandary is a Pedal Exerciser / mini exercise bike or Leg exerciser
- Cheaper – They tend to be easier on the pocket than full size exercise bikes – at the bottom end of the scale, very cheap indeed
- Smaller – They obviously take up a lot less space – and are lighter to move around and smaller to store out of the way
- Multi-task – You can use it on the sofa or at a desk – no more ‘dead’ time. You can still work or watch tv with your family but instead of ‘putting your feet up’, you’re getting exercise. You could also place it under a desk to use while working, which is why they’re also sometimes called Desk cycles.
Seated activity
Exercising at work, if you’re usually chained to a desk, is another popular application of this type of equipment and that is exactly the target audience for the top model we’re looking at here.
Use it with an upright stool and pedal exercisers can be like an upright bike; use it on the sofa and it’s a recumbent bike. Another use for these peddlers is that you can place it on a table and exercise your arms and shoulders by holding the pedals with your hands and ‘pedalling’ with your arms.
So it’s about time we took a look at what they offer, what you get for your money and which one is most suitable for your purposes.
Types of pedal exerciser
There are a few different types of exerciser from the ultra basic, and cheap, to rather more sophisticated. However, they do fall broadly into 2 categories:
- Pedal exerciser / mini exercise bike (the ‘cycling’ type)
- Leg exerciser (the ‘walking’ type)
The terms ‘Pedal exerciser’ and ‘mini exercise bike’ are used almost interchangeably but, arguably, there is a slight tendency to use ‘pedal exercisers’ at the cheaper end and ‘mini exercise bikes’ at the dearer end, These machines have rotating pedals like a bicycle and are the type we’re looking at here.
Leg exercisers are motorised passive exercise machines with flat footrests which slide forward and backward. See at the last machine on this page.
Choosing a pedal exerciser
If you look at a lot of models from different suppliers, you’ll find that many of them are basically selling the same thing sold under different brand names.
There may be slight hidden differences in after-sales service is better, or maybe it’s just marketing, but if you can’t get the suggested one, you could probably find almost the same thing from a different supplier.
So within your budget, what’s the best pedal exerciser or mini bike to buy?
Unlike with other exercise machines, the dimensions become less of an issue (though it might still be a factor if you want to use it at a desk) – and you don’t have to worry about the machine’s ‘maximum user weight’. (You can stand on some models which may then quote a max user weight.)
We’ll take a look below at some of the main contenders.
BASIC PEDAL EXERCISERS
NRS Healthcare Pedal Exerciser with Digital Display, for Rehabilitation Exercise
At the basic level, you essentially have a frame with a pair of pedals attached. There is a single knob to adjust the resistance level and a small digital display which shows reps, time and calories. And that’s it. You put your feet (or hands) on the pedals and go.
This basic model does actually fold up even smaller so you can keep it out of the way when not in use.
No products found.
Mini Exercise Bike Pedal Exerciser
No products found.The pedal exerciser above is ok if you want something basic which will fold up small enough to hide away under a coffee table, but if you don’t need it to fold away and prefer something which is arguably a little more elegant in an encased body, you may prefer this for a similar price.
Having said that, it is basically very similar in functionality but still very small and light and only 12.6in / 32cm high.
The LCD monitor tracks time, distance, count, total count, calories
N.B There are a number of these machines sold under different brand names. The one below is the cheapest at the time of writing.
No products found.
PREMIUM PEDAL EXERCISERS
New DeskCycle2
No products found.The top mini/desk bike here is, of course, the most expensive, but no more than a relatively inexpensive upright exercise bike, and quite cheap compared to many recumbent bikes. This newer version adds adjustable height pedals to the features of the original, very popular Desk Cycle, so if you want to use it under a desk, you can lower them from 25.5cm down to 23cm.
The Desk Cycle is a high quality product with premium components, so, if you can afford it, you may find it well worth the difference,
Like most full-scale exercise bikes, it uses a smooth and quiet patented magnetic resistance providing a smooth pedal motion. It is the same mechanism used in the highly-respected Magne-Trainer.
Comparing the specs to an upright bike: due to DeskCycle’s innovative design, when set on a maximum resistance, can achieve up to 220 Watts of Torque whilst cycling at 120 RPM this is comparable with many upright bikes with an 8 Kg flywheel.
Being the lowest pedal height of any commercial exercise bike at only 23cm (lowest setting), it fits more easily under a desk. The makers claim it works with desks as low as 69cm.
N.B. Bear in mind, though, that usability for you will depend on the height of your desk and the space from the top of your knees. Some people find desk cycles impossible to use as their knees hit the underside of their desk. If using at a desk is your main reason for buying it, check the space first! It is suggested that tall people sit slightly back should the desk and long legs combination impede cycling.
There are 8 levels of resistance ranging from very easy to ‘more than you need’ – up to twice the range of other pedal exercisers is claimed.
The 5 function display includes:
- speed
- time
- distance
- calories
- plus online calorie calculator
A Desk Display Extension Kit is included with this product thereby avoiding strange looks from your colleagues as you poke your head under the desk to see how many calories you used!
The Desk Cycle comes almost complete – you just need to attach the computer display and the pedals with the spanner provided.
As mentioned above, some users find it difficult to use at a desk, while others use it quite successfully like that. Others mention using it with a dining chair or sitting on the sofa (with extra cushions behind their back).
However, it is recommended to use a downwards force when peddling, not a forwards pushing action. At higher tensions, the latter could cause the machine to be pushed away from you a little. Having said that, if you are concerned about using it with a wheeled office chair, a strap is provided with the Desk Cycle to help alleviate such problems.
Overall comments are extremely positive with one user summing it up:
“If you’re serious about peddling your way to fitness and are going to use one of these regularly then you need this type which has magnetic resistance – not a screw method which just wears out. The extra expense in getting a proper magnetic cycle is absolutely worth it.”
Dimensions: 62cm (L) x 51ch (W) x 31ch (H)
Product Weight: 10 Kg
No products found.
Elliptical pedal exercisers
Elliptical pedal exercisers lie somewhere in between the cycle style exercisers we’ve seen so far and Leg exercisers (see below).
They are not motorised, but they have platform pedals which are more akin to an elliptical cross trainer.
Cubii Junior Under Desk Elliptical Pedal Exerciser
The Cubii, as well as being one the most expensive machines we’ve looked at (the different colours are different prices), makes the bold claim of being the worlds most advanced office or home workout pedal exerciser desk bike.
It has a patented design movement which, interestingly, is the reverse of of the PrimeMatik in that, here, it is the heel which slides back and forth and the toe end which rotates around.
They seem to be aimed largely at the under desk market for which it makes a ‘best in class’ claim. Its low height makes it suitable, although it is a little higher than the Desk Cycle 2, which may challenge the ‘best in class’ claim.
Another good boast – which there is no reason to assume is untrue – is the ‘hand holding customer service’. Instant replacements sent from our EU warehouse if needed.
Built-in display monitor tracks real time, calories, RPM, strides and distance.
You can select from 8 resistance levels, adjusting he intensity of your workout.
For more info or to buy the Cubii Junior Under Desk Elliptical Pedal Exerciser, you can click the links opposite
No products found.
Desk Exercise Pedal Bike
Elliptical pedals to perform leg exercises (elliptical bracket). In other words, the rear of the pedal rotates, while the front slides back and forth on rollers.
It is intended to mimic somewhat the motion of walking. This could be for those for whom walking is difficult, or for physiotherapy or muscle rehabilitation.
The pedals are an Anti-slip.
The resistance is adjustable and there is an LCD viewfinder for control of the exercise performed.
Controls calories, time, rotations, etc.
Specs:
Size (length x width x height):
615 x 433 x 293 mm.
Foot length: 340 mm.
No products found.
Leg Exercisers
A variant of the pedal exerciser / mini exercise bike, is the leg exerciser, These work differently from the former in that rather than having bicycle-style pedals, they have flat pedal platforms on which you place your feet and the motorised pedals slide forwards and backwards. It is therefore a more passive exercise, suitable for those with reduced mobility
Claimed benefits
The claims for these machines are quite extensive given that they involve passive ‘exercise’. You’d have to decide for yourself as I can neither verify nor contradict such claims such as: Helps to combat:
- Swollen feet, swollen legs,
- Muscle pain and joint pain,
- Helps to combat high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Prevents blood clots (thrombosis),
- Reactivates blood circulation throughout the body.
- Reduces chronic venous disorders
- Improves your cardiovascular health
Those who are most likely to benefit from this type therefore include:
- the elderly
- chair bound or wheelchair users
- people with circulatory problems
- people with pacemakers
- people with hip or knee problems;
- people suffering with osteoarthritis, etc.
They tend to be more expensive than the budget pedal exercisers because of the motors.
To see if they’re tight for you, here are a couple of the current most popular models.
HoMedics Leg Exerciser
First up is one from HoMedics, an established and respected Fitness/Medical supplier established in 1987.
It’s nice and compact with following dimensions:
L: 39cm x W: 37cm x H: 9cm
It has a 15 minute timer with auto cut-off.
You can choose between 3 different speeds and 3 stride lengths but it comes with a remote control to make operation easy from your seated position.
No products found.
Happylegs – Passive Gymnastics Exerciser for Legs
for Seniors Suitable for Rehabilitation.
The Happylegs is described as a “passive gymnastics exerciser for legs” which sounds a tad ambitious.
a seated walking machine would be more accurate.
There are 3 available voltages which equates to 3 speeds:
- At the 9V setting, there are 3,120 steps per hour
- 12V –> 3,960 steps p.h.
- 15V –> 5,040 steps ph
Happylegs is aimed at improving health by improving circulation and preventing various illnesses, including:
- Reduces swollen ankles and knees
- Reducing the risk of circulatory problems such as vascular ulcers and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVY)
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer’s
It is certified as safe for use with pacemakers,
It has a 5 year guarantee.
No products found.
Conclusion – best mini exercise bike / leg exerciser to buy?
We all know that exercise is a huge factor keeping fit and active. But, whether you are someone whose work requires you to spend a lot of the time at a desk or one of those people who, for whatever reason, cannot do exercise while standing, there is at least a way of doing some of that important exercise. As far as the equipment goes, the first thing to decide is what type of exerciser you need.
For pedal exercisers, as with most things, you get what you pay for. If you don’t want to spend much and just need something to help keep your legs moving a little when they wouldn’t otherwise be doing so, then you can get something for very little indeed. It might even be worth buying a cheap one as a kind of trial run to see if you can get along with the concept, then upgrading to a better one later and donating the first one to a friend.
The more serious you are about exercising while seated, and the more you’re prepared to spend, the better a pedal exerciser you can get and, for those who have spent a bit more, they still seem to think it’s worth it.
For more elderly or infirm the leg exerciser might be just the ticket. The Happylegs is more robustly built and, if you can afford it, the number of users worldwide indicate it’s worth it, but the HoMedics will also do the job.
Whatever you choose, it’s worth the effort to use it regularly.
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Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API