Are folding exercise bikes any good? The answer to this question depends on your interpretation of “good.” In my opinion, they are quite awesome if you’re low on space and don’t want to fork out a bundle of cash for a premium stationary exercise bike. Clearly, the biggest advantages of a folding exercise bike are its space-saving design and lightweight nature.
Since office fitness is the primary topic of discussion here, folding exercise bikes fit the mold like a glove. Welcome to my refreshing guide to choosing the best folding exercise bike.
In this guide, I share:
- Top 10 Folding Exercise Bikes (including recumbent)
- Folding Exercise Bike Reviews
| Product | Description |
| #1) BCAN Folding Exercise Bike
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| #2) Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS
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| #3) MaxKare 3-in-1 Exercise Bike |
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| #4) XTERRA Fitness FB150
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| #5) Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
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| #6) ativafit Foldable Exercise Bike
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| #7) Exerpeutic ExerWorK 1000
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| #8) Ancheer 3-in-1 Folding Exercise Bike
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| #9) Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike (SF-B2721)
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| #10) pooboo X Shape Exercise Bike
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Best Folding Exercise Bike Reviews
What did you think of my eclectic bunch of top picks? There’s a little something in there for everyone. Are you still undecided or want to take a closer look at your favorite of the bunch? Allow my reviews below to help guide you to your moment of folding bike glory. I always like to offer my two cents along with the pros and cons according to current info to give you the most accurate picture of what to expect.
BCAN Folding Exercise Bike
It doesn’t get much cooler or more efficient than the unique arc frame design of the BCAN exercise bike. The arc frame makes it easy to quickly fold the bike up for storage and start riding when you’re ready to go. Another facet of the frame I like is the angle of the seat. It’s somewhere between upright and recumbent, which makes for a more comfortable ride when you’re in the mood to lean back and put the backrest to good use.
This is also one of the most supportive folding bikes on the market with a max weight capacity of 330 lbs, making it a solid option for big & tall folks (dad, I’m talking to you). Another feature that’s worth noting – that I have yet to see in another folding bike – is the unlimited tension adjustment. Sometimes, people find that the max resistance of a folding bike is too low, and this “unlimited” feature fixes that problem.
The final feature I want to highlight is the large 3.7″ LCD display for exercise stat tracking. This LCD is larger and easier to read than displays on most other competing bikes. Overall, the BCAN is a reasonably-priced folding bike with some awesome & unique features.
- The seat is quite comfortable and easy to adjust
- Sturdy frame that delivers on its specs
- No wobbling
- Confirmed smooth, quiet operation
- Easy to fold up and move
- Easy to assemble for anyone
- Recommended by office workers
- Responsive & helpful customer service
- The console only tracks up to 100 minutes
- No pre-programmed workouts
- Might not feel comfortable for tall people
- Several quality control issue reports
Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS
Exerpeutic stepped up its game from its original bike with the fresher Gold 500 XLS. Of all the folding bikes in my Top 10, the Gold 500 XLS has the highest weight capacity at an impressive 400 lbs. Then there’s the delight of the 14.6″ wide seat (now my dad can really hear me calling his name). Besides being a beast of a folding bike, the frame materials are top-notch and will stand the test of time.
The recommended user height range is 5’1″ to 6’5″, however, the bike is better for tall people than short people. There are riders who are 5’5″ saying that the bike is almost too big for them, while riders who are 6’5″ have only good things to say. The bottom line is the Gold 500 XLS is currently the top folding bike for big & tall people.
Other features that are worth noting are the 3-piece cranking system, 8-level magnetic resistance w/LCD display, integrated pulse sensors, and transportation wheels.
- Approved for people weighing in at over 300 lbs and over 6’3″
- Seriously sturdy construction
- Stands the test of time (user reports written years after buying)
- An excellent piece of workout equipment to lose weight
- Easy on the knees
- Easy to put together out of the box
- Folds up quickly and efficiently
- Whisper-Quiet
- Not the best folding bike for short people
- The flywheel might be too light for you
- Sweat can damage the LCD
- Broken part reports
MaxKare Magnetic Exercise Bike
The MaxKare 3-in-1 magnetic exercise bike is one of several models in my Top 10 that offers both upright and recumbent positions while maintaining its compact folding design. What I like the most about this feature is the ability to quickly switch between low-impact recumbent exercise and more intense upright calorie-burning work. The backrest is also a nice touch if you’re like me and need that lower-back support to avoid post-workout soreness.
Another added advantage is the integrated resistance bands that allow you to turn the exercise into a total-body cardio workout. Other thoughtful touches include the tablet/phone holder for entertainment while you ride and the padded armrests. Overall, this bike is worth a look if versatility is what you’re after.
- Easy to assemble, fold up, and store
- An excellent exercise bike for the whole family
- Quite comfortable, the seat delivers
- Stable, no wobbling
- The tablet/phone holder comes in handy
- Confirmed quiet operation (good for office enviroments)
- A good folding exercise bike for short people
- Assembly may require caution to avoid stripping the nuts and bolts
- The resistance might not meet your expectations
- Not the best option for tall people
- Big feet might not fit in the holders
Exerpeutic 400XL
It’s slim pickings in the folding recumbent exercise bike department, and the 400XL is currently the clear leader of the small pack. The 400XL is built with the same Exerpeutic-quality materials found in other leading models with a frame that supports up to an impressive 300 lbs. The V-belt double-drive transmission system equals quiet operation that won’t disturb your family, friends, or officemates.
The folding design is also quite clever, as the console station folds down along the top of the flywheel. When folded, the footprint measures just 20″ L x 17″ W. There are integrated transportation wheels for easy moving, and the bike’s weight of just 39 lbs makes it easy to move for almost everyone.
- Truly whisper-quiet operation, even at high speeds on the highest resistance level (quietest folding exercise bike)
- The seat and backrest are both very comfortable
- Manual resistance, no relying on the computer console to operate
- Compatible for use with a standing desk
- The resistance is more challenging than other folding bikes
- Computer console functions properly
- Assembly instructions look more intimidating than they actually are
- Better for short people than tall people
- Several customer service complaints
ativafit Foldable Exercise Bike
Of all the picks in my top 10, the ativafit is the smallest and most compact folding exercise bike. When folded, the footprint measures just 6.7″, which is impressive, to say the least. Despite its small size, the X frame manages to have a max weight capacity of 265 lbs, and the adjustable seat makes this bike suitable for people over 6′ tall.
Outside of its compact size, the ativafit offers most of the same features you’ll find in premium folding bikes for a more affordable price. Expect quiet operation with the magnetic flywheel, easy moving with the integrated transportation wheels, and satisfactory fitness stat tracking with the built-in computer console and hand pulse sensors.
- Recommended by spry seniors over 70
- Impressive weight loss reports
- Recommended by users recovering from knee injuries/surgery
- Hard to beat the price
- The integrated tablet holder fits an iPad securely and perfectly
- It takes up almost zero floor space
- Not everyone likes the seat
- Several quality control issue reports
- A handful of clicking/clanking sound reports
Ancheer Folding Bike
Similar to the MaxKare bike, the Ancheer folding bike is made for both recumbent and upright positions. One feature the Ancheer bike offers that’s not offered by the MaxKare bike is the app. The Qiber-Fitness app is a fun option that simulates riding through picturesque scenery. If this is a feature that interests you, it’s definitely worth checking out.
The bike itself features integrated resistance bands for upper-body work, 10 levels of magnetic resistance, a 6-height adjustable seat, pulse rate grips, a large backrest, and convenient armrests. The inertia-enhanced flywheel system makes for smooth & quiet operation and a more natural movement. For the price, this is a feature-rich folding bike that’s certainly one of the Top 10 currently available.
- Very east to assemble out of the box
- Butter-smooth & quiet operation
- The extra-large seat and backrest are really comfortable
- Easy to fold up and takes up little space
- Some of the positive feedbakc seems suspect
- Poorly-translated owner manual
Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL (SF-B2721)
If you value comfort, the Comfort XL by Sunny Health & Fitness should be at or near the top of your list. Like the MaxKare and Ancheer bikes, the SF-B2721 offers a semi-recumbent position for a more relaxed low-impact cardio workout. One feature I like a lot, especially for office use, is the anti-slip strapless pedals. Strapless pedals make getting on and off the bike a lot easier, plus you don’t have to worry about whether your feet will fit.
The high-contrast digital monitor is easy to read with large numbers, and there’s a built-in tablet/phone holder to get your entertainment on while you bike. The XL 2.5″ thick cushioned seat measures 14″ across and 10.5″ from front to back. Overall, the fairly-priced SF-B2721 folding recumbent bike is built for comfort first.
- An excellent exercise bike for multitaskers
- Quiet Operation
- A good rehab bike
- Authentic weight loss reports
- Super lightweight and folds up nicely to take up little space
- The seat and backrest are great
- Not a great choice for intense cardio workouts
- Might be challenging to step over the middle of the frame to get on the bike, especially for short people
Bottom Line
Are folding exercise bikes any good? Since you made it this far, I think we can agree that folding exercise bikes have come a long way and are certainly viable options for low-impact cardio workouts. The most important thing is to avoid expecting the world from a budget folding exercise bike. People who expect NordicTrack-quality from a folding exercise bike under $150 are the people who are feeling disappointed.
Folding exercise bikes are made for the following people:
- People who want a compact bike that’s easy to move and takes up little floor space
- Apartment dwellers
- Those people who intend to use the bike occasionally or to supplement other exercise equipment
- Office fitness enthusiasts
- First-time exercise bike users
- People on a budget
If you fall into one of the categories above, then you’ll almost certainly love owning a folding exercise bike. If you’re accustomed to using fancy spin bikes at a health club, it’s best to avoid a folding bike unless you also fall into one of the categories above. Which bike will you choose to be your steed?
