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Best Under Desk Bikes, Cycles, and Ellipticals
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Working at a desk all day with no time for the gym? Just want to get some extra exercise in while you’re doing boring office work? Got a fidgety kid who can barely stay still during their online classes? Take a look at everything you need to know to find the best under desk bike, cycle, or elliptical.
Whether your constraints are time, limited mobility, or ADHD, you can now get daily exercise without getting up or your fidgety kid can find relief in an outlet for their hyper-energy.
Our Quick Top Picks for Best Under Desk Bikes (rest of the under desk cycle ratings and reviews are below)
Preview
Our Top Pick
Best Foldable Bike
Name
DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Cycle
Drive Medical Folding Exercise Peddler
Buy
Our Top Pick
Preview
Name
DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Cycle
Buy
Best Foldable Bike
Preview
Name
Drive Medical Folding Exercise Peddler
Buy
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Complete list of all under desk bicycles in this review:
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 8 Best Under-Desk Bikes Reviewed
We made sure there’s something for everyone in our reviews of the 8 best under-desk bikes. Take a look.
DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Cycle – Our Top Pick
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This improved model of the DeskCycle has an easy-to-read six-function larger display compared to the five-function display of the previous version. It can track 160 hours of activity compared to the former model’s 16 hours. You’ll still need two AA batteries for the display.
The DeskCycle patented magnetic resistance mechanism makes it super-quiet and smooth. No noise will annoy your coworkers or household, and the bike won’t strain your joints. You can set the maximum pedal height to 10 inches or drop it to 9 inches for more desk clearance.
Like the previous DeskCycle model, this comes with eight calibrated resistance settings that go from super-easy to challenging. The company promises it has over twice the range of other pedal exercisers.
Don’t rush to crank up the intensity from the get-go. Follow the instructions and start at level one.
Features
- Works with desks as low as 27 inches
- Quick and easy to assemble
- The removable LCD display can work on a desk
DeskCycle Under-Desk Cycle
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This bike weighs 23 lbs. Its patented magnetic resistance mechanism makes it super-quiet. This means no noise will annoy your coworkers or household. You’ll get enough clearance to pedal as long as your desk is 27 inches or higher.
It comes with eight calibrated resistance settings that go from super-easy to challenging. The company promises it has over twice the range of other pedal exercisers. The pedal straps are sturdy and attached to the pedal permanently, but you can adjust them with Velcro.
The 1000-minute five-function LCD display is easy to read and shows you the speed, time, distance, and calories burned in real-time. There’s also an online calculator to keep track of the calories you burned. You’ll need two AA batteries for the display.
Features
- No strain on joints
- Fast, hassle-free assembly
- The LCD display can be unattached and placed on a desk
No products found. – Runner-Up
No products found.
This bike is specially designed as a physical-therapy leg exerciser. You can adjust the tension by turning the knob. It comes with non-skid ribbed rubber feet to give the bike traction that keeps it in place while in use.
It’s whisper-quiet so it won’t disturb anyone around you. The compact design lets you carry and store it easily. The adjustable strap lets you tighten or loosen the pedal for different shoe sizes.
Unlike conventional multi-piece frames held together by screws, this bike’s single-frame structure brings higher stability and durability. The triple-layered chrome-plated heavy-duty steel construction ensures the bike stays rust-free indefinitely.
Features
- Doubles as an arm cycle
- Arrives fully assembled
- Extremely lightweight at just under 4 lbs
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418 Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This bike supports up to 220 lbs. It comes with oversized textured non-slip pedals for different foot sizes. They have large heavy-duty safety straps that you can adjust to fit different foot sizes as well.
You can use a micro-tension knob to pick from eight tension levels for a versatile workout. You can also adjust the resistance however you want. The compact design lets you fit and store the bike easily.
The bike’s easy-to-read LCD display shows you how fast you pedaled, what distance you covered, and how many calories you burned. The convenient scan mode lets you repeat these features continuously, to keep track of all your statistics.
The display requires two AAA batteries that are not included. You can’t turn the display off, but it automatically shuts itself off after five minutes of inactivity. It also turns itself on as soon as you start cycling.
Features
- Doubles as an arm cycle
- Easy-to-carry handle design
- Easy to assemble
Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Exercise Peddler – Best Foldable Bike
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This bike’s five-function display shows your exercise duration, revolution count, revolutions per minute, and the calories burned. It can also run scans for all statistics. You can even time your workouts to track your progress more efficiently.
The four anti-slip rubber pads help keep the bike in place. You can easily adjust the resistance with the tension screw. This under-desk bike weighs 5 lbs and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The display requires one button-cell LR44 battery, which is included.
Features
- Comes fully assembled
- Foldable design for easy portability and storage
- Good value
DECELI Under-Desk Bike
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This mini-bike can carry up to 220 lbs, while the five-pound steel flywheel ensures durability and stability. The foot straps are adjustable for people with different foot sizes. You can also adjust the resistance level easily with the tension knob.
The LCD display lets you track your progress by showing you the time and distance covered and the calories burned. You can press the red button to switch the data or reset it to zero. The display needs one AAA battery to work, although they’re not included with the bike.
The bike base is fitted with four anti-slip rubber pads to keep it in place. The bike’s handle design and compact size make it easy to carry and store. It comes with an instruction manual, an extra strap, and a one-year warranty. Be aware – your knees might bump the desk if it’s lower than 47 inches.
Features
- Doubles as an arm cycle
- Lightweight a 13 lbs
- Good value
YOSUDA Under-Desk Bike
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It comes with eight levels of magnetic tension, so you can adjust the resistance according to what you want. It weighs 22 lbs and comes with a handle that helps you carry it to and from work.
This bike is magnet-driven so there’s no friction. It’s also super-quiet, so you won’t annoy your coworkers or household. The ABS frame is sturdy and durable, while the four anti-slip rubber pads help keep the bike in place while in use.
Its compact size lets you fit it easily under your desk and allows for easy storage. The easy-to-read big display shows you the time spent, the distance and speed covered, and the calories burned. This helps you keep track of your progress.
The pedals come with an additionally long bolt and a nut that screws into the end of the bolt. This means you don’t have to worry about either pedal loosening, which is a common problem with under-desk bikes since pedals get the brunt of use.
The bike comes with a one-year warranty and comes with easy instructions for beginners. It comes with two AA batteries, which are required for the monitor to work. Tall people may bump their knees with standard-height desks
Features
- Allows forward and reverse cycling
- Can be used for arm exercise
- Easy 10-minute assembly
ANCHEER Under-Desk Cycle
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With a reinforced-steel frame, this mini-bike is durable and can handle over 350 lbs. The pedals are equipped with adjustable straps and come in a large size to fit most feet.
The bike comes with an electronic display that shows the RPM, distance, speed, and calories burned. The button is easily accessible while in use. Keep in mind that the electronic display needs two 1.5v batteries.
The eight tension levels ensure a versatile workout. You can increase or decrease resistance for muscle building and stronger arms and legs. You can also change the intensity level. The bike also comes with a non-slip base.
The handle is extremely easy to carry if you want to take it to work and back home. Its compact design allows for easy storage. The bike also comes with an adjustable buckle to keep it from sliding away with movement.
It also has a smart feature: The FitShow app, which is free and compatible with both iOS and Android, lets you connect to the bike via Bluetooth. It offers various realistic riding scenes. It’s also a great way to track your workout with personalized coaching.
Features
- App and Bluetooth connectivity
- Extra pair of pedals for arm exercise
- Easy three-minute assembly
What Is an Under-Desk Bike?
An under-desk bike is very simply a pair of pedals that fit under a desk. Most come with a digital display that shows you various metrics to help track your progress, like the speed you covered and the calories you burned.
Why Not a Stationary Bike or a Treadmill/Standing Desk Combo?
An under-desk bike may seem like an unnecessary invention when people have been using stationary bikes and standing desks with treadmills for years.
Here are a few reasons why those aren’t the answer for many people:
- They’re noisy
- People with balance issues may not feel comfortable on stationary bikes and saddles in general
- People with hip problems can’t always stand for too long
- Treadmills may be uncomfortable for some people with joint problems
Stationary bikes are also impossible to fit in under a desk in an office or a class. This means you can’t get any exercise while you’re working.
The treadmill/standing desk combo has also harmed some people who got so focused on a work problem that they stopped walking without realizing it. The next thing they knew they were knocked off the treadmill.
Those options may not be viable for many seniors as well, some post-op patients, pr people with limited mobility who can still pedal as long as they’re sitting down.
Both options require a lot of space. They’re not easily portable either, so you can’t simply pack your stationary bike or treadmill up in your motorhome, for instance, or carry them to and from work.
Benefits of Under-Desk Cycling
Here are some of the numerous bonuses to under-desk cycling.
Countering Sedentary Lifestyles
Under-desk cycles continue to be hotly debated: Many consider them no replacement to so-called real exercise. Granted, nothing beats a brisk jog around the block in the fresh air. If your time simply doesn’t allow for that, this can be life-changing.
Time isn’t the only constraint. Maybe you have the time, but if you live somewhere that’s extremely hot in the summer or perpetually rainy nine months of the year, time is not the issue. You won’t be able to build a healthy habit when the weather’s against you.
Moreover, the low-impact nature of under desk bikes doesn’t strain your joints. This is particularly important for sedentary or overweight people whose joints may already be achy.
Arm Cycling
Arm cycling is a useful exercise to up your cardio. An under desk bike saves you the need to buy dedicated arm equipment. Simply hoist your under desk bike onto your surface and grab the pedals with your hands for a makeshift arm cycle.
More than Simple Weight Loss
Like all kinds of exercise, pedaling boosts your energy and productivity. Regular exercise also improves your mood and does wonders for your circulation.
Instant Relief for Stress and Fidgeting
If you tend to jiggle your legs constantly, an under desk cycle can be a lot of help. Similarly, children with ADHD and fidgety students have shown significant improvement in concentration when provided with under desk cycles during class.
It Keeps You Warm
This is a pleasant bonus that takes many under desk cyclists by surprise. If you usually run cold or you work in a chilly environment, using an under-desk bike warms you up fast. It also helps you stay warm for a while even after you stop.
Surgery Recovery and Pain Management
Patients who have undergone surgery need all the exercise and pain-management help they can get, but sometimes they’re too weak or have limited mobility. Under desk bikes fit the bill perfectly.
Some stroke patients may find that under-desk cycles help them on their journeys to restore motor function.
Of course always follow your doctor’s advice on recovery, but this may be a helpful tool to assist.
Helping Diabetics
Many diabetics suffer from bad joints and can have a hard time simply walking. Under-desk bikes are an excellent zero-impact way for them to exercise and significantly reduce their blood sugar.
Senior Fitness
Elderly people face diminished mobility with time. Under-desk bikes are a great way they can get effective exercise time. They don’t even need to sit-up on a hard-backed chair for it; they can cycle sitting on the sofa or their favorite chair with no joint impact or back strain.
Under-Desk Bike and Cycle Challenges
When you start using an under-desk bike for the first time, you should expect to spend some time making adjustments. Many people mistakenly assume this means something’s wrong with the bike. The truth is all of these are completely normal and expected.
You may find yourself needing to adjust your desk height for more knee clearance. An easy way to deal with this is to place risers underneath your desk legs.
If you use a rolling chair, you’ll probably need a non-rolling one. Otherwise, your rolling chair is likely to keep sliding away, forcing you to strain your back trying to keep it in place while cycling.
Another common annoyance is when your bike keeps sliding around. Unless your desk faces the wall, you may need to place some weights behind or around the bike to stop it skidding as you pedal. You can also place a yoga mat underneath your bike for more traction.
You may also go through a process of trial and error until you find the right chair and angle. To avoid back strain and hip problems, it’s important to find an ergonomic, comfortable chair and the right way to sit in it while pedaling.
Finally, you may find it difficult to type with higher tension levels. Many people find that when they’re focusing on work that needs their full attention, their pedaling slows down.
A good way around this problem is by saving your biking time for work that doesn’t require intense concentration or to lower the resistance and intensity while doing so.
Quality brands of under-desk cycles will include tips and suggestions in their manuals and on their sites for all these situations and more.
Magnetic Resistance vs. Air Resistance
Bikes with magnetic resistance come with an electromagnet placed near a flywheel to provide that resistance.
Air-resistance bikes, on the other hand, rely on a fan to provide resistance. When you pedal, the fan turns. The air generated provides resistance against the fan blades.
Air-resistance bikes get louder and noisier the harder you pedal. Magnetic-resistance bikes mean your pedaling stays practically soundless with increased intensity. To avoid annoying your coworkers or waking up the baby go for magnetic resistance.
Wrap Up
With its impressive improvements over the original DeskCycle, the DeskCycle 2 is our top pick hands down. This model comes with a six-function larger display compared to the five-function display of the previous version. It can track 160 hours of activity compared to the former model’s 16 hours.
Whisper-quiet and smooth, it’s easy to assemble and fits under desks as low as 27 inches. The LCD display can be removed and placed on a desk for more convenient tracking of your stats.
If the DeskCycle 2 isn’t the right fit for you, then the No products found. is the runner up on our list .
It’s specifically designed as a physical-therapy leg exerciser and comes fully assembled. It’s also whisper-quiet and sturdy with its single-frame structure. At under 4 lbs, it’s easily carried anywhere you need to use it.
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