The 10 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes for Home Workouts in 2023

A quick look at the best recumbent exercise bikes

• Best overall: Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike | Skip to review
• Best value: Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike | Skip to review
• Best high end: NordicTrack Commercial R35 | Skip to review
• Best for streaming: ProForm Pro C10R Recumbent Bike | Skip to review
• Best for small spaces: Lanos Folding Exercise Bike | Skip to review
• Best for older adults: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616 | Skip to review
• Best multifunctional: ATIVAFIT Folding Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bike | Skip to review
• Best with a heart rate monitor: Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike | Skip to review
• Best foldable: Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike | Skip to review
• Best for a full-body workout: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer SF-RB4708 | Skip to review

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

Many people prefer them to upright models, as recumbent bikes are often more comfortable and stable, and they provide additional support for your upper body and lower back.

However, with numerous options available, choosing the right recumbent bike for you can be challenging.

Keep reading for our picks of the 10 best recumbent exercise bikes.

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 include features such as:
  • pulse sensors
  • built-in speakers
  • device holders
  • streamable workout classes
• Training options: The bikes offer multiple levels of resistance or preset training programs.
• Cost: The bikes provide 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 that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Healthline’s picks for the best recumbent exercise bikes

Best overall

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

Price: $$

The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is smooth, comfortable, and moderately priced, earning our top spot as the overall best recumbent bike on the market.

In addition to providing 29 preset workout programs, it offers:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• 25 levels of resistance
• an LCD screen
• a media rack
• in-console speakers

Plus, to provide a smoother ride, it features a weighted flywheel, which is a mechanical device that spins to help build momentum while you exercise.

One of the unique features of the Schwinn 270 is that it is virtual reality (VR) compatible, allowing you to connect it to a VR headset and ride through scenic destinations from around the world using apps such as Explore the World.

Best value

Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Price: $

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.

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

• time
• speed
• distance
• calories burned

It’s also designed with weighted pedals and foot straps that you can adjust to find the right fit.

Best high end

NordicTrack Commercial R35

Price: $$$

While it’s a bit of a splurge, the NordicTrack Commercial R35 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

The bike has a weight capacity of 350 lbs (158.8 kg) and features a smooth and silent flywheel to ensure a comfortable ride.

It’s also equipped with a 14-in (35.5-cm) touch screen, which 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.

Best for streaming

ProForm Pro C10R Recumbent Bike

Price: $$

If you’re looking to stream classes directly from your bike but don’t need tons of other special features, the Pro C10R may be a good option for you.

It has a 10-in (25.4-cm) touch screen and comes with a 30-day iFit family membership for streaming workouts and recording your workout data.

The bike has:

• 25 levels of magnetic resistance
• built-in speakers
• a fan to keep you cool while you work out

Plus, the seat adjusts vertically and horizontally, making it easier for multiple users to share. The seat also has an oversized cushion for added comfort.

Keep in mind that an iFit family membership costs $39 per month or $396 per year.

Best for small spaces

Lanos Folding Exercise Bike

Price: $

Thanks to its multifunctional, foldable design, the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike is a great space-saving addition to your home or office.

Even though it has a small footprint, it still offers plenty of features and can support users up to 330 lbs (149.7 kg).

The bike includes:

• 10 levels of magnetic resistance
• pulse sensors
• a digital LCD monitor
• a fully adjustable cushioned seat
• a media rack for streaming workouts on your smartphone or tablet

It’s also available in three colors and can be used as an upright or recumbent bike to add variety to your workout routine.

Best for older adults

Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616

Price: $

With eight levels of magnetic resistance plus a cushioned seat and backrest, this recumbent bike is a good option for older adults. It has:

• self-leveling pedals
• adjustable pedal straps
• an LCD monitor that’s easy to read

The handlebars on either side of the seat have pulse grip sensors, and there’s an additional set of nonslip handlebars next to the LCD screen.

You can move the seat 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.

Best multifunctional

ATIVAFIT Folding Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bike

Price: $

This exercise bike can adjust to upright and recumbent positions, so you can easily mix up your exercise routine without buying multiple pieces of equipment. It includes:

• 8 levels of magnetic resistance
• pulse sensors
• an LCD monitor

It folds easily and has transport wheels for convenient storage.

Plus, it comes with arm resistance bands to allow for a full-body workout while you ride.

While this bike has a lower max weight capacity than more traditional recumbent exercise bikes, its lighter weight also makes it easier to move.

Best with a heart rate monitor

Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike

Price: $$

The Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike offers plenty of options to customize your workout, such as:

• 25 levels of resistance
• 29 built-in workout programs
• a padded seat with a sliding rail

The R618 also comes with a heart rate monitoring chest strap that connects to the bike via Bluetooth and can be used with the bike’s heart rate-based training programs.

Using a chest strap heart rate monitor will generally provide a more accurate reading of your heart rate than relying on pulse grip sensors alone.

It’s also equipped with:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• pulse sensors
• dual LCDs for monitoring your ride metrics

Plus, you can use your bike with the Explore the World app, which allows you to ride through a variety of routes in destinations around the globe.

Best foldable

IRONMAN Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike

Price: $

If you’re looking for a recumbent bike that you can fold and store between workout sessions, check out this model from Exerpeutic. This user-friendly bike offers:

• 8 levels of magnetic resistance
• an easy-to-read LCD monitor
• a large, cushioned seat and backrest for extra comfort and support

What’s more, it can be used with any height-adjustable desk, allowing you to squeeze in a cardio workout while working.

Best for a full-body workout

Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer SF-RB4708

Price: $

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 while you ride.

The bike has 8 levels of magnetic resistance, and the handlebars include heart rate sensors.

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

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

How to choose a recumbent bike

There are several factors to consider 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 bike offers. The most common types of resistance are:

• Magnetic resistance: Powerful magnets apply resistance against the flywheel. This is one of the most popular types because it’s generally the quietest and requires less maintenance than contact (friction) resistance. However, magnetic resistance bikes tend to be more expensive.
• Contact (friction) resistance: A felt or leather pad applies direct resistance against the flywheel. This option is 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, it’s a favorite for high intensity interval training (HIIT) enthusiasts because the difficulty is a direct result of the amount of effort you put in.

Beyond the physical 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 come with built-in workout programs.

You’ll also want to evaluate your budget and look for a product that’s within your price range, as recumbent bikes can differ greatly in cost.

Recumbent bike comparison

Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

*Bluetooth available

What are the benefits of using a recumbent exercise bike?

While any form of indoor cycling may offer several health benefits, recumbent bikes have been recommended as a great form of endurance conditioning exercise, particularly if you’re newer to exercise, rehabbing an injury, or have joint discomfort.

Recumbent bikes are considered a low impact exercise option for older adults or anyone with hip, back, or knee pain (1, 2).

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 puts less pressure on your knees as you exercise and is 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 bike can even help improve range of motion in the hips more than using a heat pack (3).

With that said, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional to see if a recumbent bike is suitable for your specific needs and concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Does a recumbent bike offer a good workout?

Yes, you can get a good workout with a recumbent bike. 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 (4).

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 offers a cardio workout that burns calories. When combined with a healthy diet, indoor cycling can be a low impact way to support your weight loss efforts (1).

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, or 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 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. Whatever style of exercise you’re considering, it’s always a good idea to discuss it with a healthcare professional.

What is the best recumbent exercise bike for older adults?

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

The bottom line

A recumbent bike is a great addition to any home gym.

There are a variety of options to choose from, each of which offers a wide range of features and functions.

Be sure to consider the price, training options, and available features to find a recumbent bike that works for you.