Exercise bikes are a valuable addition to any home gym, and a great way to work out at home - especially in times like these! But these machines often take up valuable space in our homes, which can be inconvenient when they are only used for short periods each day.
The solution to this problem is folding exercise bikes. These folding bikes provide all the benefits of larger models, with the added convenience of being easily packed up and put away between uses. Read up for an extensive list of the best folding exercise bike reviews that are an excellent addition to your home gym!
1. Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike
Summary
The Marcy NS-652 is a reliable, basic folding bike with a solid frame. It offers all the basic features you'll want out of a folding bike, like sufficient adjustable resistance, compact folded footprint, and a simple and clear screen interface that provides all the basic information for your workout.
While it lacks some of the special features of higher-end models, this is a great option for those wanting to get into the folding exercise bike market without starting at the top of the range.
- Bike Weight: 38 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
- 14-gauge steel frame
- Simple interface
- Easy to move and store
Cons
- Batteries not included
Key Takeaway
A hassle-free, entry-level option into the folding bike range, with all the basic features and simple storage.
2. Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
Summary
Another solid entry-level upright bike with a sturdy, comfortable seat, the Exerpeutic folding magnetic upright bike has heart rate sensors in the handgrips to track your workout in a more detailed way.
A couple of nice features like a phone holder and reinforced seat support make this folding bike a secure ride. This Exerpeutic offering is a good step up from basic models, with a sturdier frame and a more comfortable experience for your workout.
- Bike Weight: 29 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
- Reinforced seat
- Large seat cushion
- Hand pulse sensors
Cons
- Assembly required
Key Takeaway
A good folding exercise bike with several added features taking it above the basic level.
3. XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Summary
This is one of the best exercise bikes for those who want to hide their bike away in a closet between workouts, as it has a very small footprint when folded. Apart from that, it's a decent foldable exercise bike with basic features, including a heart rate monitor.
The decreased size of this folding bike, however, means a decrease in the height of the rider it can accommodate. For those that fit within the height specifications, however, this bike has comfortable padding in the seat and grips, a durable 3 piece pedal crank to last the distance, and a high-placed resistance adjustment to save having to bend down during your session.
- Bike Weight: 32 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 225 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
- Small footprint
- Transport wheels
- Hand pulse sensors
Cons
- Lower height range
Key Takeaway
One of the most portable folding bikes to hide away between workouts, but not suitable for taller riders.
4. ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
Summary
This folding upright exercise bike has a textured, contoured seat for added comfort while you ride. Listen to your favorite tunes as you train with the added phone holder.
The ProGear 225 is a good home stationary bike option for its dual transmission and three-piece crank resistance system to allow a good range of resistance levels. It's also very easy to quickly fold and roll away with its lightweight and transport wheels.
- Bike Weight: 34.8 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
Dual transmission flywheel
Contoured seat cushion
Phone holder
Cons
Some assembly required
Key Takeaway
A great upright bike with added features to make the seat comfortable and the resistance levels smooth.
5. XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
Summary
The FB350 is an upgraded version of the FB150 in the XTERRA foldable exercise bike range with a backrest for any riders with back problems. The added hand grips on either side of the seat give this indoor exercise bike additional options for riding comfort.
This is one of the models that allow you to sit back with added support, still giving your legs a great workout while taking stress off your back and neck.
- Bike Weight: 42.3 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 225 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
- Lower back pad
- Smooth pedal feel
- Batteries included
Cons
- Bigger footprint than FB150
Key Takeaway
An upgrade to the FB150 folding exercise bike with a backrest and side handles for a more comfortable ride.
6. Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS
Summary
Now we start to get into some of the best folding exercise bikes on the market. The Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS is one of the best foldable exercise bikes available, with a two-pronged reinforced steel frame giving it one of the best weight-bearing capacities of any folding bike.
Other features such as the top-mounted tension control system and U-shaped rear stability bar make the Gold 500 XLS one of the best additions to any collection of home fitness equipment. If you're willing to invest in a top-quality bike that provides a sturdy, safe feeling ride while still being able to be easily folded and stored, this might be one of the best options available to you.
- Bike Weight: 51.6 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
- Biggest weight tolerance
- Large seat cushion
- U shaped rear stand for extra stability
Cons
- Requires self-construction
Key Takeaway
One of the best folding exercise bikes in the upright category, with a very solid, balanced, and stylish frame.
7. Lanos Folding Exercise Bike
Summary
The Lanos 3-in-1 folding bike has a 10-set resistance system for a smooth transition between resistance levels during your workout. The simple LCD screen will track your workout from any of the three different positions: from upright bike to semi-recumbent bike, to fully reclined recumbent exercise bike.
Lanos provides a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, to ensure that this product is up to standard. With the comfortable seat at hand grips allowing you to sit back and watch the nice clear display tracking your workout, the Lanos bike is a great way to go.
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 10
Pros
- One of the largest height ranges
- More resistance levels
- Recumbent or upright positions
Cons
- Not the highest level of resistance overall
Key Takeaway
This 3-in-1 machine is one of the best folding exercise bikes for its adjustability, and height and weight accommodation.
8. MaxKare Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
Summary
The MaxKare folding bike comes with a broad LCD screen display that is able to hold your phone or tablet should you want to watch a movie or tv during your cardio workout. Useable as an upright or recumbent bike, it comes with resistance bands to allow you to get an upper body workout while you ride. Sporting the standard eight levels of resistance and adjustable seat height, the MaxCare is one of the better mid-range folding bikes, providing good value for money.
It is also one of the first models on this list to start adding great extra features such as arm resistance bands. This turns a simple exercise bike into a whole-body resistance and cardio workout, significantly elevating the value and utility of the machine.
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
- Backrest
- Multiple seat settings
- Tablet Holder
- Arm resistance bands
Cons
Resistance can be too light below level 5
Key Takeaway
One of the best folding exercise bikes in the middle of the range, sporting many extra features. A solid all-rounder.
9. FitDesk Standing Adjustable Desk Bike
Summary
One of the unique exercise bikes on this list, the FitDesk folding exercise bike features a workspace to accommodate your notes or laptop so you can work AND get a workout at the same time! The FitDesk comes with added extras that no other bike on this list has, including padded armrests and built-in storage. This is the best folding exercise bike for those who want to be productive and make workout progress at the same time.
Work desk exercise bikes like this model will allow you to be at the forefront of a new trend in health and physical activity. Many people find time to be a constraint on their ability to exercise. With the FitDesk, you don't have to sacrifice any productivity, and you can work at a low intensity, greatly increasing your overall exercise and your health.
- Bike Weight: 45 lbs
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
- Non-slip table surface
- Accessory storage panel
- Padded forearm rests
Cons
- Resistance can lose smoothness at higher levels
Key Takeaway
If you want to get your heart rate up while you get work done, this might be the best folding exercise bike for you.
10. BulbHead Folding Exercise Bike
Summary
Seen on TV as the 'SlimCycle', this exercise bike has one of the widest backrests for extra comfort. It also includes the resistance bands in front to get your heart rate up that extra bit during your bike workout. An added bonus of this folding exercise bike is that it comes with a free library of 10 on-demand workout classes to use on your bike.
This is the only model on this list that has this added value, and while it's great to get any new piece of exercise equipment, you might quickly get bored just jumping on and pedaling away. With the Slim Cycle, you'll have qualified professionals motivating you and inspiring you with new and varied routines every time for better results.
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs
- Levels of Magnetic Resistance: 8
Pros
- Large backrest
- Resistance bands
- Comes with 10 free virtual classes
Cons
- Slightly flimsy folding mechanism
Key Takeaway
A celebrity-endorsed stationary bike that comes with free built-in workout classes and a comfortable backrest.
11. Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL Ultra Cushioned Seat Folding Exercise Bike
Summary
The Sunny Health Fitness bike is one of the best folding exercise bikes for comfort, with an extra-large padded seat and backrest. It also has wide side handles for relaxed shoulders and neck while using it as a recumbent bike. During your workout, your bike can track your heart rate, pace, and calories burned, among other things. This model is definitely stylish and a higher-end comfortable option. The Sunny Health & Fitness bike is perfect for those who prefer to ride in the recumbent position, with the highest, broadest backrest of all the options.
The side grips are also nice and wide, with pronated or neutral grip options. This allows you to comfortably grip the bar to drive more powerfully through the pedals, for an intense workout while also being safe and comfortable.
- Bike Weight: 38.5 lbs
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs
- Levels of Resistance: 10
Pros
- Extra-large cushioned seat
- Tall backrest
- Batteries included
Cons
- Self-assembly can be tricky
Key Takeaway
This is the best folding exercise bike for comfort, with the extra size and cushioning of the seat and the backrest.
12. PLENY 3-in-1 Total Body Workout Exercise Bike
Summary
The unique feature of the PLENY model is its 16 resistance levels for an extra smooth workout. This makes it the best folding exercise bike for those who want to increase the intensity of their workout gradually. The PLENY 3-in-1 is also one of the only folding exercise bikes on this list with two sets of resistance bands, both for arms and leg exercises as an additional workout to your rides.
Think of this model as a fun women's all-in-one bike and home gym. The extra accessories mentioned allowing you to perform dozens of muscle toning exercises to sculpt your muscles while the bike helps you lose body fat.
- Weight Limit: 330 lbs
- Levels of Resistance: 16
Pros
- Leg resistance bands
- Most resistance levels for a gradual increase
- Easy to read backlit monitor
Cons
- Might be cramped for tall riders
Key Takeaway
One of the best folding exercise bikes for being able to adjust the resistance to smoothly control your workout - and it comes in pink!
13. PEXMOR 3-in-1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike
Summary
The PEXMOR is another of the folding exercise bikes with two sets of arm and leg resistance bands, both to get your heart rate up more during your workout and to stretch your legs. This stationary bike has eight levels of resistance, with a heavy flywheel able to take the resistance level to a more challenging degree for stronger riders who want to maximize the calories burned.
This is definitely a good quality bike, with a solid frame with the added accessories, while also having a super comfortable seat. It just works as a sleek, space-saving piece of equipment for any minimalist, bang-for-your-buck home gym setup.
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs
- Levels of Resistance: 8
Pros
- Adjustable arm and leg resistance bands
- Leather padded backrest and seat
- 5.5 lbs flywheel for more resistance
Cons
- Doesn't come with a manual
Key Takeaway
A good all-around bike with a well-padded seat and strong flywheel, the PEXMOR is a suitable addition to any home gym for all fitness levels.
14. Merax 3-in-1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike
Summary
The Merax is a sturdy bike with a flash of red - whether it'll make you go faster, we can't say. A strong sturdy frame, a couple of extra resistance level settings, and a docking station for your phone are just some of the great features of this bike.
This bike is just a solid, higher-end all-rounder. There's not really anything lacking here in terms of what you need the bike to deliver. A range of color options to personalize this bike to your home gym style is an added bonus.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs
- Levels of Resistance: 10
Pros
- Stable curved X frame
- Recumbent and upright positions
- Easy seat adjustment
Cons
- Basic features and display
Key Takeaway
Increase the calories burned with extra resistance levels and a flashy but strong frame to handle you getting your heart rate up so high!
15. Pooboo Folding Exercise Bike
Summary
Definitely one of the more unique exercise bikes on this list, the Booboo bike comes with rear resistance bands instead of front placed ones, allowing for different variations of upper body exercises during your ride. The best feature of this bike, however, is the added dumbbells that come attached, turning this from a bike into a complete home gym! It's a cool model with some great features.
This bike does have a comfortably padded seat and backrest, however, it is not the biggest in terms of pad sizing. If you like the feel of a wider seat or a taller backrest for added support, there are other options. For pure value though, no other bike on this list will provide you with as many training options as the Booboo exercise bike!
- Weight Limit: 200 lbs
- Levels of Resistance: 8
Pros
- Bonus attached dumbbells
- Versatile resistance bands
- Easily portable
Cons
- Must assemble yourself
Key Takeaway
This bike comes with extra bands and dumbbell weights that allow you to get a complete home workout in a great portable package.
Conclusion
The folding exercise bikes in this review all have their defining features, but the main thing is that they're all great options for those who want to have a great workout at home without taking up space in the house when the equipment is not being used.
The following section will provide an overview of all the important considerations to make when deciding which foldable exercise bike is the best option for you.
What to Consider when Purchasing a Folding Exercise Bike
1. Anthropometrics
The first thing to consider is your height and weight. If you are taller or shorter than the product's recommended limits, you may not be able to comfortably fit on the bike, which will prohibit you from getting your exercise on the machine.
If the bike is not able to accommodate the weight of its users, you may risk damaging the bike or injuring yourself, which wouldn't help you reach your fitness goals!
2. Ergonomics
Adding to the measurements of the bike are the levels of adjustability in the console and seat, including the various sitting positions. The seat, handles, and pedals need to be comfortably set up to allow you to exercise comfortably, especially for prolonged periods.
Ergonomics would also cover the weight of lifting the folded bike into its storage space, so make sure the size and weight of the bike are manageable for you to move around.
3. Practicality
You'll need to think about where the bike is going to be placed in your house, and if you have the required space to store it. Some simple measurements will tell you if the size of the bike, both set up and folded up, are suitable for your living space.
Another practical consideration is if the bike has all the features you need. Do you want the resistance bands to work your upper body as well? Do you want to watch videos on your tablet or work on a laptop while you train? Make sure the bike you choose has all the features you want before making a purchase.
4. Budget
The bikes in this list vary in price, so do your research, looking at the above factors, and then going for an option that delivers all the things you need from the bike at the lowest price. Don't pay more to purchase a folding bike than you need to!
Luckily, folding bikes are mostly reasonably priced, as they need to be portable stops them from including too many unnecessary, weight-adding features.
5. Special Features
Some of the folding bikes in this article have unique things not included in many other models. Small things like phone holders, side handles, or included training videos might be a welcome addition to a bike if you can get them.
6. Other Exercise Bikes
If portability and a light bike weight are important for your needs, then foldable exercise bikes are going to be what you're looking for. Other types of bikes, like the Lanos recumbent bike, aerodynes, or specialized spin bikes, all serve different needs, but all are much heavier and have a bigger footprint than a foldable bike.