The 5 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes for Home Workouts in 2024

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    Our team has vetted a dozen recumbent bikes, and only five made the cut. Schwinn, Sunny, and NordicTrack, among others, feature what we look for in the best recumbent exercise bikes.

    Best recumbent exercise bikesShare on Pinterest

    A quick look at the best recumbent exercise bikes

  • Best overall: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike | Skip to review
  • Best for older adults: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616S | Skip to review
  • Best for a full-body workout: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer SF-RB4708  | Skip to review
  • Best value: Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike | Skip to review
  • Best high end: NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike  | Skip to review
  • Recumbent bike comparison

    Recumbent bike and priceWeight capacityDisplayWorkoutsSchwinn 290 Recumbent Bike*$$330 lb (136.1 kg)DualTrack blue backlit LCD screens13 presetsSunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616$300 lb (136.1 kg)LCD monitornone Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer SF-RB4708$$350 lb (158.8 kg)digital monitoravailable through the SunnyFit app on your own deviceMarcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike $300 lb (136.1 kg)LCD screennoneNordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike*$$$350 lb (158.8 kg)14-in (35.5-cm) HD touch screeniFit enabled

    *Bluetooth available

    Recumbent bikes are a type of stationary exercise bike that you use while in a reclined position.

    Many people prefer recumbent exercise bikes to upright recumbent bikes. Recumbent bikes are often more comfortable and stable, providing additional support for your upper body and lower back.

    If you’re shopping around for a stationary exercise bike, you might feel overwhelmed by your options and the features that these bikes offer. To help you choose, we’ve put together this list of the best recumbent bikes on the market, considering several factors and features.

    A note on price

    General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below.

    Generally, list prices range from $169.99 to $1,499, though this may vary depending on available discounts and where you shop.

    Pricing guide

  • $ = under $300
  • $$ = $300 to $999
  • $$$ = over $1,000
  • Healthline’s picks for the best recumbent exercise bikes

    Best overall

    Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

    4.4 (9.3k+) from AmazonSchwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
  • Item dimensions: 66.4 × 28 x 47 in (168.7 × 61.1 x 119.4 cm)
  • Resistance: 25 levels, magnetic resistance
  • Subscription required: yes
  • Price: $$
  • SHOP NOW AT SCHWINN

    Healthline's review

    The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike is smooth, comfortable, and moderately priced, earning our top spot as the best recumbent bike overall.

    In addition to providing 13 preset workout programs, this recumbent exercise bike offers:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 25 levels of resistance
  • a 7-inch (in) LCD screen
  • a media rack
  • padded and ventilated seat
  • USB charging port
  • in-console speakers
  • Plus, to provide a smoother ride, this exercise bike features a weighted flywheel, which is a mechanical device that spins to help build momentum while you exercise.

    Pros & cons

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • built-in speakers
  • padded and ventilated seat
  • LCD monitor instead of a touch screen
  • takes up a lot of floor space
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • built-in speakers
  • padded and ventilated seat
  • LCD monitor instead of a touch screen
  • takes up a lot of floor space
  • Product details

  • Display type: LCD
  • Training programs: 13 preset workouts
  • Compatible apps: JRNY, Zwift
  • Bluetooth: yes
  • Foldable: no
  • Display type: LCD
  • Training programs: 13 preset workouts
  • Compatible apps: JRNY, Zwift
  • Bluetooth: yes
  • Foldable: no
  • Best for older adults

    Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616S

    4.5 (7.3k+) from AmazonSunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616
  • Item dimensions: 46 × 24.5 × 38 in (116.8 × 62.2 × 96.5 cm)
  • Resistance: 8 levels, magnetic
  • Subscription required: no
  • Price: $
  • SHOP NOW AT WALMART

    Healthline's review

    With eight levels of magnetic resistance plus a cushioned seat and backrest, this recumbent bike is extra comfortable — which is why we chose it as the best recumbent bike for older adults.

    The Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike has:

  • self-leveling pedals
  • adjustable pedal straps
  • an LCD monitor that’s easy to read
  • The handlebars on either side of the seat of this recumbent bike have pulse grip sensors. This bike has an additional set of nonslip handlebars next to the LCD screen.

    You can move the seat on this bike both forward and backward while you’re still seated so you can easily find a position that’s comfortable for your knees, hips, and back.

    Pros & cons

  • easy to adjust the seat position
  • large seat and backrest
  • no built-in workouts
  • doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity
  • easy to adjust the seat position
  • large seat and backrest
  • no built-in workouts
  • doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity
  • Product details

  • Maximum weight capacity: 300 lb (136.1 kg)
  • Display type: LCD
  • Training programs: available through the SunnyFit app
  • Compatible apps: SunnyFit
  • Bluetooth: no
  • Foldable: no
  • Maximum weight capacity: 300 lb (136.1 kg)
  • Display type: LCD
  • Training programs: available through the SunnyFit app
  • Compatible apps: SunnyFit
  • Bluetooth: no
  • Foldable: no
  • Best for a full-body workout

    Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer SF-RB4708

    4.4 (3.6k+) from Amazon
  • Item dimensions: 60 x 25.5 x 52 in (152.4 x 64.8 x 132 cm)
  • Resistance: 8 levels, magnetic
  • Subscription required: no
  • Price: $$
  • SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

    Healthline's review

    While any stationary recumbent bike will work out your lower body, only certain recumbent bikes are designed to train your upper body, too.

    If you’re hoping for a full-body workout, the Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer from Sunny Health & Fitness can help you work on your upper body fitness while you ride.

    This recumbent bike has eight levels of magnetic resistance, and this bike has handlebars that include heart rate sensors.

    The extra-wide seat on this bike has thick cushioning to keep you comfortable, and the seat can be adjusted while you’re still sitting down so that you won’t have to get up each time you want to raise or lower the seat’s height.

    This bike also has adjustable pedal straps and transportation wheels if you need to move it to another location.

    Pros & cons

  • budget-friendly
  • can help with upper body strengthening
  • need a separate smartphone or tablet to use the SunnyFit app
  • some users wish the handlebar angle could be adjusted more
  • budget-friendly
  • can help with upper body strengthening
  • need a separate smartphone or tablet to use the SunnyFit app
  • some users wish the handlebar angle could be adjusted more
  • Product details

  • Maximum weight capacity: 265 lb (120.20 kg)
  • Display type: digital
  • Training programs: available through the SunnyFit app
  • Compatible apps: SunnyFit
  • Bluetooth: no
  • Foldable: no
  • Maximum weight capacity: 265 lb (120.20 kg)
  • Display type: digital
  • Training programs: available through the SunnyFit app
  • Compatible apps: SunnyFit
  • Bluetooth: no
  • Foldable: no
  • Best value

    Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike

    4.5 (19.9k+) from Amazon
  • Item dimensions: 55.5 × 25 × 37.5 in (141 × 63.5 × 95.3 cm)
  • Resistance: 8 levels, magnetic
  • Subscription required: no
  • Price: $
  • SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

    Healthline's review

    Looking for the best budget recumbent bike? With more than 15,000 positive online reviews, this recumbent bike from Marcy is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get a good workout.

    This recumbent bike features eight levels of resistance, a padded seat, foam-covered handles, and an LCD monitor that displays your:

  • time
  • speed
  • distance
  • calories burned
  • This best value recumbent bike is also designed with weighted pedals and foot straps that you can adjust to find the right fit.

    Pros & cons

  • more affordable
  • padded seat for comfort
  • no preset workout programs
  • doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity
  • more affordable
  • padded seat for comfort
  • no preset workout programs
  • doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity
  • Product details

  • Maximum weight capacity: 300 lb (136.1 kg)
  • Display type: LCD
  • Training programs: none
  • Compatible apps: none
  • Bluetooth: no
  • Foldable: no
  • Maximum weight capacity: 300 lb (136.1 kg)
  • Display type: LCD
  • Training programs: none
  • Compatible apps: none
  • Bluetooth: no
  • Foldable: no
  • Best high end

    NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike

    4.7 (11+) from NordicTrackNordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
  • Item dimensions: 68.2 × 23.7 × 53.4 in (172.7 × 60.2 × 135.6 cm)
  • Resistance: 26 levels, magnetic
  • Subscription required: yes
  • Price: $$$
  • SHOP NOW AT NORDICTRACK

    Healthline's review

    If money isn’t your top concern when choosing the best exercise bike for your needs, consider the NordicTrack Commercial R35 recumbent bike.

    While it’s a bit of a splurge, this recumbent bike offers a long list of impressive features.

    It has:

  • 26 levels of digital resistance
  • digitally amplified built-in speakers
  • a self-adjusting fan
  • an ergonomic seat designed to maximize lumbar support
  • This recumbent bike has a weight capacity of 350 pounds (lb), or 158.8 kilograms (kg), and features a smooth and silent flywheel to ensure a comfortable ride.

    This bike has a 14-in, or 35.5-centimeter (cm), touch screen that you can use to stream cycling classes through the iFit app.

    In addition to live and on-demand workouts, the iFit app provides real-time performance stat tracking and live workout leaderboards for extra motivation.

    The NordicTrack bike comes with a 30-day iFit family membership, which you can renew for $39 per month or $396 per year.

    Pros & cons

  • built-in speakers and fan
  • 14-in (35.5-cm) touch screen
  • oversized ergonomic lumbar support seat
  • most expensive option on our list
  • takes up a lot of floor space
  • built-in speakers and fan
  • 14-in (35.5-cm) touch screen
  • oversized ergonomic lumbar support seat
  • most expensive option on our list
  • takes up a lot of floor space
  • Product details

  • Maximum weight capacity: 350 lb (158.8 kg)
  • Display type: HD touch screen
  • Training programs: live and on-demand classes using iFit
  • Compatible apps: iFit
  • Bluetooth: yes
  • Foldable: no
  • Maximum weight capacity: 350 lb (158.8 kg)
  • Display type: HD touch screen
  • Training programs: live and on-demand classes using iFit
  • Compatible apps: iFit
  • Bluetooth: yes
  • Foldable: no
  • How we chose the best recumbent exercise bikes

    We selected the recumbent exercise bikes included in this article based on the following criteria:

  • Available features: The bikes offer features such as:
  • pulse sensors
  • built-in speakers
  • device holders
  • streaming workout classes
  • Training options: The bikes offer multiple resistance levels or preset training programs.
  • Cost: The bikes offer a good value for the price.
  • Customer reviews: The bikes have mostly positive reviews online.
  • Vetting: The bikes on our list have been vetted to ensure they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
  • The benefits of using a recumbent exercise bike

    While any form of indoor cycling may offer several health benefits, recumbent bikes may be a great form of endurance conditioning exercise — particularly if you’re:

  • newer to exercise
  • rehabbing an injury
  • experiencing joint discomfort
  • According to research from 2019, recumbent exercise bikes are considered a low impact exercise option for older adults or anyone with pain in the:

  • hip
  • back
  • knee
  • Thanks to the reclined seating position, recumbent bikes place less strain on your lower back, and the backrest provides added support. Additionally, the low impact nature of pedaling recumbent bikes puts less pressure on your knees as you exercise. A recumbent bike can be a great choice if you’re rehabbing an injury.

    Research suggests that recumbent bike use helps improve range of motion and flexibility, which can help alleviate certain forms of pain. Using a stationary exercise bike can even help improve the range of motion in your hips more than using a heat pack, a small 2012 study suggests.

    That said, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional who can help you determine whether a recumbent exercise bike is suitable for your specific needs and concerns.

    Tips for choosing your own recumbent bike

    You may want to consider several factors when shopping for a recumbent bike.

    First, it’s helpful to determine which features are most important for you and your fitness goals, such as:

  • heart rate monitors
  • built-in speakers
  • touch screens
  • device holders
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • You’ll also want to consider which type of resistance a recumbent exercise bike offers. The most common types of resistance that recumbent bikes offer are:

  • Magnetic resistance: Powerful magnets apply resistance against the flywheel. This is one of the most popular types because these exercise bikes are generally the quietest and require less maintenance than contact (friction) resistance. However, magnetic exercise bikes tend to be more expensive.
  • Contact (friction) resistance: A felt or leather pad applies direct resistance against the flywheel. This option for an exercise bike means that the bike can be slightly louder than magnetic resistance but not terribly so. The biggest drawback: You’ll need to replace pads as they wear down over time.
  • Air resistance: Air bikes create resistance by pushing air through a large fan as you pedal. While this is the loudest form of resistance, these recumbent bikes are a favorite for high intensity interval training enthusiasts because the difficulty directly results from your effort.
  • When considering the best recumbent bike for your needs, you’ll also want to think about practicality. For example:

  • Bike size: Consider the best space for your recumbent bike and measure it out. Consider whether you’ll need a compact bike or not. You can also opt for a foldable recumbent bike if you’d prefer to store it between sessions.
  • Bike weight: Stationary exercise bikes are generally heavy. If you’ll need to move it frequently, consider purchasing a recumbent bike with transportation wheels, or look into buying a lighter bike.
  • Weight capacity: All stationary exercise bikes have a maximum weight. You might want to consider the recumbent bike weight capacity: If you’re over the maximum, cycling may damage your bike or become dangerous for you.
  • Budget: Stationary bikes differ greatly in cost. It’s wise to work within your budget, but don’t forget that a high quality recumbent bike may be more cost-effective than a cheap bike that breaks frequently, has a short warranty period, and is uncomfortable to use.
  • Beyond the physical specifics of the exercise bike, you’ll want to consider the types of workouts and classes you prefer.

    While some recumbent bikes offer streaming capabilities for live or on-demand classes, others have built-in workout programs.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does a recumbent bike offer a good workout?

    Yes, you can get a good workout with a recumbent bike, research from 2016 suggests. Similar to walking on a treadmill or riding an upright bike, using a recumbent bike can help strengthen the muscles in your core and legs.

    Some recumbent bikes even include features to support upper body strength training while you ride.

    Yes, you can get a good workout with a recumbent bike, research from 2016 suggests. Similar to walking on a treadmill or riding an upright bike, using a recumbent bike can help strengthen the muscles in your core and legs.

    Some recumbent bikes even include features to support upper body strength training while you ride.

    Can you lose weight exercising with a recumbent bike?

    Pedaling on a recumbent bike is a cardio workout that can burn calories. When combined with a healthy diet, indoor cycling can be a low impact way to support your weight loss efforts, according to research from 2019.

    Just keep in mind that the exact number of calories burned depends on several factors, including the duration and intensity of your workout and individual characteristics such as your:

  • height
  • weight
  • age
  • body composition
  • While it’s not always 100% accurate, you can get an estimate of the number of calories burned during your workout using:

  • your bike’s monitor
  • a fitness tracker
  • a workout app
  • Pedaling on a recumbent bike is a cardio workout that can burn calories. When combined with a healthy diet, indoor cycling can be a low impact way to support your weight loss efforts, according to research from 2019.

    Just keep in mind that the exact number of calories burned depends on several factors, including the duration and intensity of your workout and individual characteristics such as your:

  • height
  • weight
  • age
  • body composition
  • While it’s not always 100% accurate, you can get an estimate of the number of calories burned during your workout using:

  • your bike’s monitor
  • a fitness tracker
  • a workout app
  • Is riding a recumbent bike as good as walking?

    Depending on your workout goals and health restrictions, riding a recumbent bike can be as good as or possibly even better than walking.

    Both are low impact workouts, but because riders are seated and supported on a recumbent bike, those with balance issues don’t have to worry about tripping and falling while they exercise.

    Biking also typically burns more calories in a shorter time.

    That said, walking is a good choice if you find it more enjoyable. Plus, it can make it easier to exercise outside.

    In short, the best exercise depends entirely on your unique needs and preferences. Whatever style of exercise you’re considering, it’s always a wise idea to discuss it with a healthcare professional.

    Depending on your workout goals and health restrictions, riding a recumbent bike can be as good as or possibly even better than walking.

    Both are low impact workouts, but because riders are seated and supported on a recumbent bike, those with balance issues don’t have to worry about tripping and falling while they exercise.

    Biking also typically burns more calories in a shorter time.

    That said, walking is a good choice if you find it more enjoyable. Plus, it can make it easier to exercise outside.

    In short, the best exercise depends entirely on your unique needs and preferences. Whatever style of exercise you’re considering, it’s always a wise idea to discuss it with a healthcare professional.

    What is the best recumbent exercise bike for older adults?

    Using a recumbent exercise bike can be an effective workout for older adults, according to research from 2023.

    Choosing the best recumbent exercise bike for older adults depends on a number of factors, including budget and workout needs or restrictions.

    Some features to look for may include:

  • an easy-to-read display screen
  • wide ergonomic pedals
  • a step-through design to make it easier to get onto the bike
  • extra cushioning on the seat and backrest
  • For the purpose of this article, we chose the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616 as the best recumbent bike for older adults, thanks to its cushioned seat, adjustable pedal straps, and easy-to-read monitor.

    Using a recumbent exercise bike can be an effective workout for older adults, according to research from 2023.

    Choosing the best recumbent exercise bike for older adults depends on a number of factors, including budget and workout needs or restrictions.

    Some features to look for may include:

  • an easy-to-read display screen
  • wide ergonomic pedals
  • a step-through design to make it easier to get onto the bike
  • extra cushioning on the seat and backrest
  • For the purpose of this article, we chose the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616 as the best recumbent bike for older adults, thanks to its cushioned seat, adjustable pedal straps, and easy-to-read monitor.

    What type of recumbent bike is best?

    The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike is one of the best recumbent bikes overall, with 25 preset workout programs, an adjustable padded and ventilated seat, bluetooth speakers and capability and transport wheels.

    The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike is one of the best recumbent bikes overall, with 25 preset workout programs, an adjustable padded and ventilated seat, bluetooth speakers and capability and transport wheels.

    What are the disadvantages of a recumbent bike?

    Recumbent bikes might not give you as much of a full-body workout as an upright exercise bike because you’re in a seated position, which means your core won’t be affected as much. Low impact workouts generally aren’t as effective or intense as other cardio workouts.

    Recumbent exercise bikes can also be less stimulating than a bike that you can ride outdoors, meaning that you might not always feel as motivated to ride it.

    Recumbent bikes might not give you as much of a full-body workout as an upright exercise bike because you’re in a seated position, which means your core won’t be affected as much. Low impact workouts generally aren’t as effective or intense as other cardio workouts.

    Recumbent exercise bikes can also be less stimulating than a bike that you can ride outdoors, meaning that you might not always feel as motivated to ride it.

    Can you lose belly fat on a recumbent exercise bike?

    Cardio is some of the best exercise you can do for losing belly fat and burning calories.

    Riding a recumbent exercise bike can help you lose belly fat while also reducing your risk of strain or injury because of the low impact, low risk nature of the exercise.

    But keep in mind that recumbent bikes aren’t specifically targeted for losing belly fat, so you may not notice any changes at first.

    Cardio is some of the best exercise you can do for losing belly fat and burning calories.

    Riding a recumbent exercise bike can help you lose belly fat while also reducing your risk of strain or injury because of the low impact, low risk nature of the exercise.

    But keep in mind that recumbent bikes aren’t specifically targeted for losing belly fat, so you may not notice any changes at first.

    The bottom line

    A recumbent exercise bike is a great addition to any home gym. Compared with other bikes, recumbent bikes may be more comfortable and easier to use.

    There are a variety of exercise bikes to choose from. All of these bikes offer a wide range of features and functions.

    To find the best recumbent bike for your needs, consider the:

  • price
  • training options
  • available features
  • Read more

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