Recumbent exercise bikes are an amazing way for beginners or people with mobility issues to embark on their fitness journey. Offering a low-impact workout, that can massively improve cardiovascular fitness, and burn the calories needed for fat loss, recumbent exercise bikes are one of the most user-friendly cardio machines out there. This article will help identify the best recumbent exercise bike currently available to buy.
What to Look for in a Recumbent Exercise Bike?
There are several things that you want to look for when considering which recumbent exercise bike to purchase. In this section, we will give a brief explanation of the criteria that we use to assess each bike.
- Value – This is not a measure of the price, but the value for money that the equipment offers. A very low-priced recumbent exercise bike that falls apart after just a couple of weeks is not good value for money. While a highly priced recumbent exercise bike that lasts 50 years would represent good value for money. We take a look at the price of the bike, and our objective view of how good the bike is and determine whether the price represents good value for money or not.
- Durability – How long will your recumbent bike last? What is the maximum user weight capacity? How safe and stable will you feel while riding it at a high intensity? All of these factors are crucial if you want to enjoy using your recumbent exercise bike.
- Mobility – How easy is it to move your recumbent exercise bike when not in use? Most people in smaller homes will not want to store their bike in the same space that they use it. So, a recumbent bike that can be easily transported is beneficial. Of course, if you don’t plan on moving your bike at all, you can feel free to ignore this score.
- Comfort – An uncomfortable exercise bike can really put you off using it, which is a massive issue. Recumbent bikes are supposed to be comfortable enough to sit on, so that you can train for long periods of time.
In our ratings table (below) we will take a look at all four of these factors, scoring each out of five. With our total out of twenty.
| Best Recumbent Exercise Bike | Value | Durability | Mobility | Comfor | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PooBoo Recumbent Bike | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 16/20 | Check Price |
| SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 17/20 | Check Price |
| SNODE Magnetic Recumbent Bike | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 15/20 | Check Price |
| Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 19/20 | Check Price |
| Harison Recumbent Bike | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 18/20 | Check Price |
As you can see, we have an overall winner, the Nautilus recumbent bike. However, this is also one of the more expensive recumbent bikes on this list. If you have a more modest budget, then there are other bikes on this list that may suit you better. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of the recumbent bikes on this list.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike #1: PooBoo Recumbent Bike
PooBoo have a large range of low budget exercise equipment, all of which continues to outperform their expectations. We’ve scored the PooBoo recumbent bike a 5/5 for value, as we really believe it represents excellent value for money. It is the second lowest priced recumbent bike on this list, yet it is highly durable and very comfortable.
One big benefit is that the bike is whisper quiet, PooBoo have spent a lot of time focusing on this aspect during the design process, and it really shows. The bike has a professional quality flywheel that ensures a quiet ride, and also contributes to its high durability score.
Despite that excellent flywheel, we could only give this recumbent bike a 4/5. The max user weight capacity is 330 lbs, but they recommend a 220.5 lbs limit for longer use. This is decent considering the price range, but not ideal.
We scored the PooBoo recumbent bike a 3/5 for mobility. While it is possible to move it around fairly easily, there are no handles or anything to make lifting it easier. This could have been solved quite easily during the design phase, and it can be a little aggravating to get your hands in the right position to lift it properly.
Overall, the PooBoo recumbent bike is amazing value for money, but don’t get it if you weigh over 220.5 lbs as this can affect durability. It’s very comfortable but is not the easiest to manoeuvre around the house after use.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike #2: SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike
There is a lot to like about the SCHWINN 270 recumbent exercise bike, and it is no surprise that it places third on our list. There are no glaring issues with the bike, and it scores well in every category.
The bike is excellent value for money and gets a 5/5 for durability. Though again, as this is not a commercial recumbent bike, you only get a max user weight capacity of 300 lbs. Unlike the PooBoo though, there is no affect on durability if you weigh over 220.5 lbs, hence the higher score.
The SCHWINN is easy to transport with a tough and durable handle that makes picking up the bike very easy. The adjustable seat is incredibly well made, and easy to change to suit your height. We particularly like the display on this bike, which is nice and large, and simply designed.
There are a large amount of exercise programs to follow, and they are very easy to set up using the display. Overall, this is a well made and comfortable recumbent bike that is great value for money and should last you a very long time.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike #3: SNODE Magnetic Recumbent Bike
This is the lowest priced recumbent bike on our list, and in some ways it shows. Adjusting the seat to fit your legs involves unscrewing a knob and manually lengthening or shortening the machine.
Rather than sliding the seat back and forwards like you would with the other recumbent bikes on this list. This isn’t much of a big deal if you are using it alone. But if you are sharing this machine with your partner and they are shorter or taller than you, it could end up being quite the ordeal.
But other than that minor issue, this is a very good budget-friendly recumbent bike. It’s averagely comfortable, and a little awkward to transport, but it has decent durability (considering its low price point). Surprisingly, it has a 300 lbs max user weight capacity, which is very decent, and contributes to its high durability score of 4/5.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike #4: Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike
While it is one of the most expensive recumbent bikes on this list, it is also the best. Scoring highly in value for money and hitting perfect scores in every other category. It’s an amazing bike, with a very durable frame.
The display screen is beautiful, and well designed. It has a comfortable seat which is easily adjustable, and despite its size it is very easy to transport with a helpful handle to make moving it incredible straightforward.
There are 25 resistance levels, heart rate monitors in the handles, and Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to sync your bike to the Explore the World App, which helps you to recreate gorgeous settings for a virtual reality workout.
There is nothing spectacular about this bike, it’s just really well made, a decent price, and functions like a dream. It’s reliable, effective, and should last you years with careful use. A superb investment.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike #5: Harison Magnetic Recumbent Bike
We really like this recumbent bike. It’s right down the middle. It’s mid-range in terms of price, and yet it punches well above its weight everywhere else. It’s insanely comfortable, scoring a 5/5, is good value for money, and with careful use it should last you years.
They use a heavy stainless-steel frame, which really helps with durability and it offers a max user weight capacity of 350 lbs, which is even better than the Nautilus (which also scored a 5/5). It’s very easy to move around and has a nice handle to help you do so easily.
This is a great option for those of you who want a top-quality recumbent bike but can’t quite afford the Nautilus R616. The Harison magnetic recumbent bike is almost half the price, but it isn’t far behind in terms of quality!
It doesn’t offer quite as many resistance programs, the digital monitor isn’t quite as good, but still good enough to serve its purpose. The company offer a 12-month replacement warranty which is really good, and they guarantee a reply to any query within 24 hours, which is excellent customer service compared to most!
