Exercise is important for all of us, regardless of age, but as we get older, it often becomes more challenging to find ways to do this.
Achy joints, mobility issues, and fall risk are amongst the most prevalent concerns when it comes to exercising as a senior, but there are plenty of other considerations as well.
These safety risks can make it difficult to use a treadmill or elliptical, but fortunately, exercise bikes can still work safely for most aging adults.
Exercise bikes are low impact and easier to access, making them a great option for seniors looking for a workout.
And the ability to provide gentle range of motion for extended periods makes them a smart choice for folks dealing with arthritis as well.
Exercise bikes can work wonderfully for seniors looking to stay active, but the key is really knowing what kind of bike you want and what to look for when comparing options.
And this is exactly what I can help with.
In this guide, I’ll go over all the stuff you should consider before purchasing an exercise bike for yourself or a senior in your life.
I’ll also offer my top picks for bikes currently on the market, based on the specs and features we discuss.
After reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for when searching for the right senior-friendly exercise bike.
Let’s begin.
| Style | Features | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Schwinn 290 | Recumbent bike | 8 lb flywheel 25 resistance levels 13 workout programs | $$ |
| #2 Teeter FreeStep LT3 | Recumbent cross-trainer | 15.4 lb flywheel Moving handles LCD console | $$ |
| #3 Sole R92 | Recumbent bike | 20 lb flywheel 20 resistance levels Heavy-duty frame | $$ |
| #4 NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 | Upright bike | 14" HD touchscreen 19 lb flywheel 24 resistance levels | $$ |
| #5 Kesier M3i | Indoor cycle | Fast-spinning flywheel V-shaped frame Dual-compatible pedals | $$$ |
| #6 Horizon 5.0 R | Recumbent bike | 15.4 lb flywheel 100 resistance levels Heavy-duty frame | $$ |
| #7 Cubii Go | Pedaler | 8 resistance levels Transport wheels Large pedals | $ |
| #8 The DeskCycle | Pedaler | 8 resistance levels LCD console Very quiet | $ |
Choosing An Exercise Bike For Seniors
As a physical therapist, I have years of experience helping seniors exercise safely, so this topic is close to my heart.
I’m often asked by my patients and their caregivers what type of exercise equipment I would recommend for them to have in their home.
And usually, my answer is some kind of stationary exercise bike, but it really depends on the senior.
We all age differently and have different physical capabilities and limitations, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here.
Some seniors can safely use treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers, while others can’t.
The most important consideration should be finding something that’s safe to access and comfortable to use – and exercise bikes check both boxes for most seniors.
There are a lot of different exercise bikes out there too and again, finding an appropriate one depends a lot on the senior in mind.
Generally speaking, recumbent bikes tend to make the best options for seniors because they’re more comfortable to sit on and are a little lower impact, but that doesn’t mean some seniors shouldn’t opt for an upright bike or indoor cycle.
If you don’t have any joint pain or mobility restrictions and are looking for a faster-pace workout, I say go for it.
Indoor cycles mimic the feel of riding a road bike, so they usually have you sitting in a more slouched position, with the handlebars being a little lower.
They’re also designed for faster cadences and higher resistance settings and a lot of home models come with heavier flywheels to create a smooth feel.
This can make them uncomfortable for seniors who experience back or joint pain, but again, if you don’t, feel free to opt for one of these bikes.
Upright bikes are usually a little more comfortable than indoor cycles because they tend to come with larger seats and keep you in a more upright position (higher console/handlebars).
But they don’t have any backrests and still put more pressure through the knees than a recumbent bike (I’ll go over these bikes in more detail down below).
Depending on your situation and budget, opting for a pedaler could also be the most doable solution.
Pedalers are like little stationary bikes that don’t have a seat – instead of sitting on a machine, you simply put the pedaler in front of you while sitting in your own chair or couch.
These little guys are affordable and they can help you keep your legs moving, but they tend to move around and don’t offer much resistance.
Still better than nothing though.
The key is knowing your limitations and having an idea of what kind of workout you’re looking for.
Our capabilities and needs may change as we age, but the fact is, exercise is good for all of us, especially as we get older.
There has been a lot of research done on all the benefits of exercising as we age, including improved strength, improved mobility, and decreased fall risk.
The National Institute on Aging is a great resource for seniors to learn about exercise, if you’re interested.
Anyway, most seniors are going to do best with a recumbent bike, so let’s take a closer look at these specifically.
Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes are a great choice for seniors because they are the most comfortable of all the exercise bikes.
They have larger back supports and larger seats, both of which increase comfort for the user.
Having the pedals extended forward puts less pressure on the hips and knees as well, which can be helpful for folks dealing with arthritis or achy joints.
This horizontal orientation makes for a more comfortable experience, but it usually makes it easier to adjust the height position as well.
Speaking of which, the type of low-impact, continuous motion exercise a bike can offer is great for arthritis.
And folks who may have a hard time getting on/off of an upright bike can often still access a recumbent bike because they’re easier to get on/off of.
Most come with low step-over frames that allow you to simply step over a low threshold and sit on the seat.
Recumbent bikes can provide a great cardiovascular workout too – just because they’re reclined doesn’t mean they have to be easy!
The nice bikes can offer enough resistance to give anybody a good workout.
Working out with higher resistances can help improve leg strength and stronger legs make getting out of chairs easier, going up and down stairs easier, not to mention improved stability during ambulation.
Benefits of recumbent bikes include:
- Comfortable sitting position
- Larger back rests and seats for added comfort
- Easier to get on/off of
- Can provide great cardiovascular and strengthening workouts
That said, recumbent bikes do usually take up a little more floor space, so if space is limited this could be a concern.
Recumbent bikes are great for seniors, but regardless of which style of bike you’re looking for, there are certain specs and features worth considering when comparing options…
What To Look For When Buying An Exercise Bike
Buying an exercise bike for a senior isn’t any different than buying one for any one else – you still want to compare specs and features to make sure you get the best option for your budget.
So, when comparing exercise bikes of any variety, I encourage you to consider the following:
Frame
The most important consideration when buying an exercise bike for a senior should be to make sure that the bike is safely accessible.
If you or the senior in your life doesn’t have any mobility issues, this’ll be less of a concern.
But if there are mobility issues, again, a recumbent model might make the most sense.
But regardless of what kind of bike you’re shopping for, you’ll still want to compare frames.
When doing this, it’s a good idea to check out dimensions to make sure you have enough floor space, but I think it’s a good idea to look at those assembled weights and weight limits as well.
These numbers give you a good idea as to how well-built and secure you can expect the bike to feel during use.
Seeing higher numbers in both categories is a good sign.
When it comes to assembled weights, I like to see bikes that weigh over 100 lb because this tells me the frame has enough bulk to provide a secure feel.
And with weight limits, seeing at least a 300 lb limit add peace of mind with regards to the quality of the bike.
Flywheel
I mentioned earlier that indoor cycles are known for having heavier flywheels.
This is true, but I think it’s important to consider the flywheel weight for any exercise bike you’re looking for.
Generally speaking, having a heavier flywheel is nice because it tends to make for a smoother pedaling motion (although more expensive bikes can often provide smooth feels with lighter flywheels).
Heavier flywheels can often provide more overall resistance too.
So, if you’re looking for a smoother feel or access to higher resistances, going with a heavier flywheel is advantageous.
How heavy is heavy enough?
Tough call, but I say going with at least a 20 lb flywheel is usually a safe bet (and maybe 30 lb for indoor cycles).
That said, lighter flywheels can be fine if you plan on lighter-duty workouts and are simply looking for a bike to help get your legs moving.
(A lot of the bikes on this list come with lighter flywheels, but their other features and price earned them a spot on this list).
Warranties
The warranty is another spec we should be looking at regardless of bike type.
Simply put, seeing a longer warranty is a good sign that the bike is well-made and will last longer.
More affordable bikes tends to come with shorter warranties and more expensive bikes tend to come with longer warranties, but this rule isn’t written in stone.
Regardless, bike warranties are usually broken down into 3 parts:
- Frame
- Parts
- Labor
The frame warranty should be the longest and many top options will come with lifetime frame guarantees.
Parts warranties will vary greatly, but the best will offer 2-5 year parts guarantees.
When it comes to labor, some extra-generous brands will offer 2 years, but 1 year is the industry standard.
When in doubt, I say go with the option with the better warranty.
Features
Seniors have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to the features on their bikes.
You can go with simple, LCD consoles that basically just tell you the time to HD touchscreens that come loaded with streaming workouts and entertainment apps.
Budget will play a big role here because as you’d imagine, those HD touchscreens come at added cost.
Something to consider here too is scenic rides.
Even if you don’t care about the instructor-led workouts, going with a bike with streaming capabilities usually gives you access to scenic rides and metric tracking.
Both of which could be fun features for seniors.
Other features to consider include:
- Built-in workouts
- Bluetooth compatibility with apps
- Heart rate monitoring
- Adjustable back rests
- Etc.
Ok, I think that’ll do as a quick rundown on what to look for when comparing bike options (if you have any specific questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll address it directly).
So, let’s get to the fun stuff already…
The Best Exercise Bikes For Seniors
#1 Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn’s 290 would make a great option for seniors looking for an easy-to-use recumbent bike.
It’s also quite affordable, which never hurts either.
Schwinn’s a respectable brand that’s been around forever and when it comes to budget-friendlier bikes, they’re still one of the top brands in the game.
The 290 is their highest-end recumbent bike to date and it comes with some nice, senior-friendly features.
The step-through frame makes it easy to access and the sleek design is surprisingly heavy-duty – with an assembled weight of 108 lb and a 330 lb weight limit, seniors of all sizes should be able to safely use this model.
The weighted pedals are also a nice touch, ensuring the pedals are always facing the right direction for easier access.
It also comes with an LDC console that’s easy to use and that doesn’t require a membership fee.
Console features include 13 built-in workout profiles, bluetooth speakers, and USB charging.
The flywheel is light on this bike, only around 8 lb, so it’s not the best option for seniors looking for heavier resistances.
But with 25 levels at your disposal, you do get a lot of control over the available resistance.
And with a 10 year frame, 2 year parts, and 90 day labor warranty, the 290 is pretty well-covered for a bike in this price range.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable recumbent bike to help keep those legs moving throughout the day, Schwinn’s 290 is certainly worth checking out.
#2 Teeter FreeStep LT3
Ok, so technically speaking, the LT3 isn’t an exercise bike – it’s a recumbent cross-trainer.
But hear me out on this one.
I forgot to mention these machines up above in the guide, but they too are a great option for seniors – they’re very similar to recumbent bikes, but they offer a different pedal motion and often give you the option to get your arms working too.
Cross-trainers usually come with a more linear pedal motion, which is actually even lower impact than the circular pedaling motion bikes provide.
Which makes them great for seniors dealing with achy joints.
Anyway, Teeter’s LT3 is an affordable cross-trainer, making it a doable option for many homes (unlike the more expensive trainers like Nu-Step).
The LT3 comes with a 15.4 lb flywheel and 13 levels of resistance, making it better suited for providing gentle range of motion to help keep those joints moving and the blood flowing.
The LCD console is very simple and easy to use, so it doesn’t come with a ton of additional features.
But it does come with adjustable, multi-grip handles to help get your arms working too.
It also comes with a comfortable seat with an adjustable backrest, making it easier for folks with back issues to find a comfortable sitting position.
The frame is pretty robust too – with a 100 lb assembled weight and a 300 lb weight limit, the LT3 will feel secure during workouts.
The LT3 only comes with a 2 year warranty, which isn’t great, but it’s going to be hard to find a more impressive recumbent trainer in this price range.
And again, recumbent trainers make great options for seniors. See full review.
#3 Sole R92
If you’re looking for a heavier-duty recumbent bike, Sole has got ya covered.
The R92 is their entry-level recumbent, but it’s got the specs to compete with a lot of bikes outside its price range.
The 20 lb flywheel will ensure a comfortable pedaling feel and with 20 levels of resistance, you’ll have a lot of control over the intensity of each workout.
And with a flywheel that heavy, you’ll have access to as much resistance as you want to work against.
The R92’s console doesn’t come loaded with a ton of additional features, but it does come with several built-in workouts, bluetooth speakers, and USB charging.
More impressive though is how robust this exercise bike is.
With an assembled weight of 130 lb, the R92 is one of the heaviest-duty recumbents in its class (weight limit of 30o lb).
The extra weight does make it a little harder to move around, but it also makes for a more stable feel during use.
The R92 also comes with a thick, padded cushion seat that most folks find comfortable to sit on and the low step-through frame design makes it easy to access from either side.
And Sole backs this back with a great warranty: lifetime frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty recumbent with some muscle under the hood, the R92 could be a good fit. See full review.
#4 NordicTrack Commercial VU 29
I mentioned in the guide that seniors don’t have to be stuck with recumbent bikes, so I figure I need to switch things up and talk about some other variations too.
Well, when it comes to reasonably-priced upright bikes, NordicTrack’s Commercial VU29 is a nice option.
As an upright bike, the VU29 will keep you in a more upright position and it doesn’t come with a backrest, but the enlarged cushion seat makes it more comfortable than most.
The higher placement of the console and included large handles mean you don’t have to slouch over when riding though.
In terms of performance, the Commercial VU 29 scores pretty highly with a 19 lb flywheel, 24 levels of magnetic resistance, and an assembled weight somewhere around 100 lb.
It also comes with an impressive weight limit of 325 lb, allowing seniors of all sizes the ability to safely use it.
But what’s most impressive on this cycle is the 14″ HD console located front and center.
NordicTrack is known for their luxury consoles and streaming capabilities and the VU 29 fits their mold nicely.
That console is there to be paired with iFit, the streaming service that gives you access to instructor-led workouts, scenic routes, metric tracking and more.
As mentioned earlier, scenic routes offer an entertaining workout experience for riders of all ages, so iFit could be worth it even if you aren’t using many of the instructor-led workouts.
That said, seniors can certainly benefit from the instructor-led workouts too, just like the rest of us.
Additional features include built-in speakers, a built-in fan, and one-touch controls on the console.
NordicTrack’s warranty on this bike is pretty good too: 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable upright bike with some sophisticated console features, the Commercial VU 29 is a great option.
#5 Keiser’s M3i Indoor Cycle
If you’re an active senior looking for an elite indoor cycle, Keiser’s M3i could be worth the investment.
This cycle has a reputation for being one of the best indoor bikes of all time and it’s a reputation it’s earned rightfully.
Not only did Keiser give us the first rear-wheel indoor cycle, but they also gave us the first home model to use a light-weight flywheel.
And unlike cheaper home brands that use light flywheels to save money, Keiser engineered their M3i to utilize a light-weight flywheel on purpose.
This was accomplished largely by designing the 8 lb flywheel found on this cycle so that it spins around 11x for every complete pedal stroke.
The result is a rapidly spinning flywheel which creates enough momentum to provide a smooth pedaling motion.
And having a light flywheel has a very additional senior-friendly advantages too.
With a light flywheel, it’s easier to get the bike started for a dead stop and it also puts less stress through your knees when slowing down and accelerating.
The M3i pairs that flywheel with a smooth-acting magnetic resistance system that provides a nearly silent ride.
This bike is also designed with a V-shaped frame that can accommodate riders upwards of 7′ tall and that weight up to 350 lb, allowing folks of all sizes the ability to safely ride it.
The LCD console provides accurate workout measurements and is bluetooth compatible with fitness apps for tracking and the dual-compatible pedals allow you to wear sneakers or riding shoes.
Keiser’s warranty isn’t bad either: 10 year frame, 3 year parts.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-performing indoor cycle that takes it easier on the joints, Keiser’s M3i could be worth the investment. See full review.
#6 Horizon 5.0 R Recumbent Bike
Horizon’s 5.0 R is a great example of what an affordable recumbent bike should be.
It’s low key and easy to use, but it’s built solid and backed by a surprisingly legit warranty.
More specifically, the 5.0 R comes with a low step-through frame for easy access that weighs in at 123 lb and comes with a weight limit of 300 lb.
Both impressive numbers for a recumbent bike that usually costs around $600.
Under the hood, this bike is packing a 15.4 lb flywheel, which again, is great for a recumbent in this class.
That flywheel is paired with 100 levels of resistance though, giving you the ability to make really small resistance adjustments during workouts.
This resistance range also allows you to pair the 5.0 R with Peloton’s streaming app, since they too use the same 100 level scale.
Speaking of features, the console on this bike is pretty simple, but it is bluetooth compatible with apps and it does come with a handful of workout programs.
It’s also heart rate monitor compatible too, which is always nice.
This recumbent also comes with a comfy, easily-adjustable seat and a built-in cooling fan for added comfort.
And Horizon’s backs it with a lifetime frame, 1 year parts/labor warranty.
All things considered, if you’re looking for an impressive recumbent bike that won’t break the bank, Horizon has got you covered here. See full review.
#7 The Cubii Go
Technically speaking, the Cubii Go is an “under desk elliptical”, which basically means the pedal motion isn’t exactly circular.
But this is basically just a nicer take on a pedaler, so I think it’s fine to allow it a spot on this list.
And as pedalers go, this is one of the nicest ones I’ve come across (technically speaking, I have more personal experience with the older, Cubii JR2, but the Go looks pretty darn identical).
Regardless, the Go could be a good option for a senior looking for a way to get some exercise in, but maybe doesn’t have the room or budget for a full size bike.
Like any other pedaler, the Go can be placed in front of any standard chair or couch, making it easy to use anywhere in your home.
And unlike most pedalers, it’s actually got some weight to it, so it’ll be less likely to move around on ya while you’re trying to use it.
Yup, at almost 20 lb, it’s quite a bit heavier than the flimsy little pedalers that have become so common.
And even that it can’t provide a ton of resistance, with 8 different levels to work with, you do have a little wiggle room with the intensity of your workouts.
But I’ll say it again – these things are designed to provide a lot of resistance, they’re designed with range of motion and gentle resistance in mind.
There aren’t a ton of features to go over here, but the Go does come with built-in transports wheels, a transport handle, and a small LCD screen that’ll track your most basic workout metrics.
This little guy only comes with a one year warranty, but you can get that bumped up to 2 years if you register online.
Overall, as pedalers go, the Cubii’s are some of the best out there.
#8 The DeskCycle Under Desk Bike
Rounding out my list here is another popular pedaler with a great reputation.
As the name might imply, this exerciser was designed to be placed under a desk, giving folks an option to get some exercise in wile working.
Which is a great idea, but it’ll work just as well for seniors too.
Like the Go mentioned above, the DeskCycle is refreshingly heavy – with an assembled weight of 23 lb, the DeskCycle puts all those lightweight pedalers to shame.
And in this case, that added weight is going to come in handy because it’ll make it harder for this pedaler to slide on ya while you’re using it.
The wider base and grippy rubber feet also help keep this little cycle stable during workouts.
The DeskCycle uses a more traditional, circular pedaling motion, more closely mimicking the feel of riding a stationary bike.
And it too comes with 8 magnetic resistance levels that are adjusted easily enough by rotating the dial located front and center.
Otherwise, it doesn’t come with many features to speak of – there’s a simple LCD screen that’ll display your workout stats, but that’s about it.
The warranty here is also just a single year, but for the price, it’s unlikely to see a longer guarantee.
Overall, if you’re looking for a surprisingly smooth and quiet pedaler, the DeskCycle is as good as any option out there.
Final Thoughts
Ok, I think that’ll about do it.
I want to officially say it wasn’t easy coming up with this list because there are a ton of great exercise bikes that I think would work well for seniors looking to stay active.
Ultimately, I stand by the bikes I chose because I feel they do a good job representing what’s out there, but let’s be real – there a lot of other bikes out there that could’ve easily made this list.
But when it comes to ease of use, durability, comfort, and price, I think the above options certainly earned their spot on this guide.
I also want to say again that I realize that we all age differently and that there is no one-size-fits-all bike for seniors.
I’ve personally worked with seniors that were in better shape than me (I once treated a 70 year old gentleman that could bench press 400 lb…) and I realize that not all older folks need to invest in a recumbent bike.
The seniors that are out there living pain free and aren’t being hassled by mobility deficits should go with any exercise bike they want.
But I wrote this guide with the seniors that are dealing with achy joints and mobility issues in mind.
This is why I included so many recumbent bikes and pedalers – these options are the easiest to access and usually the most comfortable to use.
But again, don’t feel like you have to be limited to these styles of bike.
Also, I don’t think I mentioned this earlier, but if you have any health conditions that might limit your ability to participate with exercise, please contact your physician before making a purchase.
You want to make sure it’s safe for you to use an exercise bike before investing in one.
Anyway, I hope you found this guide helpful and as always, if you have any questions or know of any great senior-friendly exercise bikes, please leave a comment below and I’ll get right back to ya.
P.S: I’d like to applaud you for taking the effort to stay active – the older we get, the harder it gets, but never stop moving!
