Is your sedentary lifestyle turning your legs to mush? Staring down at a pile of pudding that’s connected to the rest of your body can be an alarming sight. There are several options to remedy the situation and recover those lost toned legs of yours. One of those options – and my personal favorite – is a pedal exerciser. Pedal exercisers are an excellent addition to any office and a great way to keep your blood pumping while working at your desk. You’re now entering my guide to choosing the best pedal exerciser.
In this vibrant guide, you’ll find:
- Top 10 Pedal Exerciser Bikes
- Pedal Exerciser Reviews
- A Helpful Buyer’s Guide
| Product | Description |
| #1) DeskCycle 2
|
|
| #2) Exerpeutic 900
|
|
| #3) Sunny Health & Fitness Pedal Exerciser (SF-B0418)
|
|
| #4) FitDesk Under Desk Cycle
|
|
| #5) Vive Pedal Exerciser
|
|
| #6) Yosuda Pedal Exerciser
|
|
| #7) Vive Foot Pedal Exerciser
|
|
| #8) Sunny Health & Fitness Motorized Mini Cycle (SF-B0717)
|
|
| #9) Ancheer Pedal Exerciser
|
|
| #10) XWELL Folding Pedal Exerciser
|
|
Best Pedal Exerciser Reviews
As you probably already know, there are pedal exercisers for various uses, including physical therapy, office fitness, elderly care, and home use. I made sure to include only the pedal exercisers that are made for under desk use since I’m all about sharing office fitness tips with you.
The key to choosing the best pedal exerciser for under desk use is to avoid models that are too tall or aren’t made for under desk use. Choosing the wrong exerciser may lead to knees hitting the desk, and nobody wants to deal with that. I made sure to include only the exercisers that are the lowest to the ground in my Top 10. Now that you’ve considered that, let’s take a closer look at the exercisers below.
DeskCycle 2
The DeskCylce 2 is the smoothest and most reliable pedal exerciser on the market that’ll stand the test of time. Its super-quiet operation won’t disturb your officemates or anyone else in the room should you decide to use it at home. With this exerciser, you get the most accurate fitness stat tracking on the free app, plus a desktop LCD display console.
DeskCycle vs DesCycle 2: You may be wondering what’s the difference between the original version and the new version? The two key upgrades are the adjustable pedal height and the new easy-to-read display with larger numbers.
The machine itself uses magnetic resistance paired with a precision flywheel for the smoothest operation. One feature I’m not too fond of is the position of the tension control knob. It’s located low to the ground, which means you’ll need to bend down or pick the machine up to adjust the tension.
One cool feature is the Kensington Slot that’s compatible with standard Kensington laptop locks. This anti-theft feature allows you to anchor the cycle to your desk or another fixed object. The final feature I like is the 10,000 minutes (160 hours) of fitness tracking in the console.
- The workout is surprisingly similar to a real stationary bike
- Super easy to set up in minutes out of the box
- Easy to pick up and move between rooms or home and office
- Effortlessly cycle for miles without losing focus on your work
- Legit smooth and quiet operation that won’t distract you or your officemates
- Painless operation, great for recovering after injury or surgery
- Several squeak reports
- Maybe too low to the ground for you (reports of heels hitting the ground, though the pedal straps are removable)
- Heavier than it looks (shipping weight is 24.7 lbs)
Exerpeutic 900
Exerpeutic is one of the leading manufacturers of compact exercise equipment, and the company didn’t disappoint with its 900 Bluetooth pedal exerciser. The 900 is the only pedal exerciser in my Top 10 with a patent-pending extendable wheel holder. This hook allows you to connect your rolling office chair wheel to the exerciser to ensure you don’t have to keep adjusting your body to pedal comfortably. I think that’s a cool feature that really sets this machine apart.
A second feature I like a lot is the Bluetooth Smart MyCloudFitness App for tracking exercise stats on any iOS or Android device. This is the only exerciser with simulated routes and trails from all over the world. There’s even an option to participate in workout classes with Elite Equinox trainers through the app. If you’re in the market for a dash of motivation with your pedal exerciser, the 900 is certainly the top option currently available.
Other features that are worth noting are 14 magnetic resistance levels (compared to 8 in most other top machines), a convenient top handle, transportation wheels, and a wide stable base.
- The chair hook is awesome for locking the exerciser to your rolling desk chair
- The Bluetooth app functions smoothly and accurately
- A hard enough workout for sore next-day legs
- Quiet operation on all tension levels
- The chair lock makes this exerciser great for low desks to avoid knee collisions
- Solid construction with premium materials
- Recommended by knee pain sufferers
- May be too heavy for you (26.7 lbs shipping weight)
- May not be compatible with your desk (be sure to take measurements before you buy it)
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418
Sunny Health & Fitness is an excellent manufacturer of reliable mid-range exercise equipment. I’ve found that they almost always deliver as a solid budget alternative to expensive name-brand gym equipment. For this reason, the SF-B0418 is #3 in my Top 10. It’s more affordable than the DeskCycle 2 and Exerpeutic 900 without sacrificing much in terms of quality and features.
One clear disadvantage is no Bluetooth fitness tracking or phone app with this machine. However, I’m not too concerned about it since tracking stats with a pedal exerciser isn’t a real dealbreaker since pedal exercisers don’t provide the most intense workout in the world.
The SF-B0418 is also one of the best-rated pedal exercisers on the market, recommended for and by seniors. It works quite nicely as both an under-desk pedal exerciser and an arm pedal exerciser. Despite no app, the LCD monitor is easy to read with large numbers. Track your time, speed, distance, and calories with the integrated console.
- An excellent pedal exerciser for sedentary seniors
- Recommended by seniors suffering from knee problems
- Seniors with lower-back problems are getting a good workout without causing back discomfort
- Confirmed smooth and quiet operation in an office setting
- Lightweight enough to pick up and move around with ease (21 lbs)
- Great for preventing joint stiffness for people who work desk jobs
- It may be too high for low desks (reports of knees hitting)
- No chair lock may lead to the unit slipping away from you
- Several reported problems about the pedal bolts falling off
FitDesk Under Desk Cycle
FitDesk is a top office fitness equipment manufacturer, more well-known for its under-desk elliptical, and the company carried over several of its unique concepts into its cycle. The feature I like the most is the foot shifter. The foot shifter allows you to adjust the resistance of the machine without bending over. I’m actually surprised that other exercisers don’t have this option since a tension knob is much less convenient than a foot shifter.
The second feature I like is the standard strapless pedals. Most office fitness enthusiasts, including myself, prefer strapless under-desk pedal exercisers because it makes getting up from your desk easier. If you often have to get up while working, you may want to opt for the strapless pedals. The DeskCycle 2 straps are removable, although, removing the straps is no easy task.
Unfortunately, there’s no Bluetooth app in this model for tracking exercise stats, but I do like the desktop console that comes with it for fitness stat tracking. Overall, the FitDesk is undoubtedly one of the top 5 pedal exercisers currently available.
- Fits under low desks
- Sturdy base does’t wobble or slide during use
- Easy to start using right out of the box
- Silent operation (the most impressive reports I found)
- Stands the test of time
- The foot shifter is definitely a nice touch and works
- FitDesk customer service is excellent
- The highest resistance may not be enough for you
- Several squeak reports
Vive Pedal Exerciser
The Vive exerciser is a versatile machine that’s great for both elderly care and under desk use. The compact design is both slim and just 12.5″ at the tallest point. The non-slip pedal bars are suitable for both leg and arm exercises. It’s also worth mentioning that the Vive pedal exerciser costs significantly less than DeskCycle, FitDesk, and Exerpeutic exercisers.
The large adjustable tension knob is in an easy-to-reach location and makes this a great low-impact workout with varying degrees of difficulty. Lastly, the one-touch multifunction LCD display is easy to read and good for tracking key stats including time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
- Super lightweight at just 12.6 lbs shipping weight (easy enough to pick up with one hand)
- An excellent option for elderly care (both leg and arm exercises to improve circulation)
- Very easy to assemble
- Doesn’t slide around despite being so lightweight
- Recommended by physical therapists
- Recommended by arthritis sufferers
- A solid low-profile, under-desk pedal exerciser
- Has been known to help people stop loathing their desk jobs
- May not be as quiet as you’d like
- The highest resistance may not be strong enough for you
- There are better options for under-desk use
Yosuda Pedal Exerciser
The Yosuda Pedal Exerciser is a solid budget option with a very, very similar design to the Vive model above. In fact, virtually all of the features are the same. The only real difference I found is the LCD display design. I think the Yosuda display is easier to read.
- Easy to assemble out of the box
- A good cheap pedal exerciser for under-desk office use
- Recommended for knee rehab by arthritis sufferers
- Silent operation for a distraction-free workout
- The LCD display is very easy to read
- Compact design won’t take up much room below your desk
- Lightweight and durable
- A good mini pedal exerciser for a great price
- Several noise reports
- May slide around during use more than other models in my Top 10
- May be too high for low desks (reports of knees hitting)
Vive Folding Pedal Exerciser
Vive also happens to manufacture a folding pedal exerciser that’s more affordable than premium machines, and of course, a lot more portable. If you plan to use your pedal exerciser for home and work, a folding model might be your best option. The drawback is no flywheel or magnetic resistance. People who are accustomed to hard workouts or strenuous cardio exercises may feel underwhelmed by the resistance provided by this cycle.
One problem I noticed with several other folding pedal exercisers is the height. What’s great about this exerciser is it’s only 9″ tall at the highest point. The unit also features the same level of fitness tracking as the original Vive model. All in all, this is a top mini pedal exerciser that’ll keep the blood circulating and help to burn some extra calories.
- The anti-skid rubber feet prevent the exerciser from wobbling during workouts
- No assembly required
- The display is easy to read
- A good enough workout to sweat
- Recommended for under-desk office use
- Quiet operation, officemates won’t know you’re using it
- The console functions properly for stat tracking
- Recommended for rehab after knee surgery
- Several quality control issues
- May slide around on hard floors
- May not be compatible with low desks
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0717 Motorized Pedal Exerciser
Of the few motorized pedal exercisers on the market, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0717 impressed me the most. With this machine, you get the best of both worlds: manual mode and assisted motorized mode. What I like about the motorized option is the ability to keep my legs moving on autopilot while working. During work that requires less focus, I can switch into manual mode for a greater level of difficulty.
The integrated remote control is a nice touch that provides fitness tracking and the ability to change RPM, Modes, and Direction without having to bend below your desk. The on/off switch is also conveniently placed to allow you to turn the unit on and off with your foot. Lastly, this unit is built with stability in mind, meaning it won’t slide around or wobble while you use it.
- An excellent pedal exerciser for rehab
- Smooth operation
- Sturdy construction
- Recommended for lower extremity circulation
- Lightweight
- Stands the test of time
- Great customer service marks
- May not provide enough resistance for you
- Not the most silent pedal execiser
- Requires a bit of assembly
Ancheer Pedal Exerciser
The Ancheer Pedal Exerciser is the only model in my Top 10 that comes with two sets of pedals, one for the arms and one for the legs. It’s also one of the smoothest operators of the bunch with 8 levels of magnetic resistance. The features I like the most are the low-profile design and quiet operation.
The LCD display is clear and tracks all the most pertinent fitness stats including time, distance, calories, and even RPM to push yourself to the next level. The wide base of this machine is sturdier than most, and the non-slip feet will keep the unit in place while you work. There’s also enough space below the base to pass a cable lock or strap through to secure the exerciser to your desk or chair.
- Lightweight and easy to move, weighs just 18.7 lbs
- Confirmed quiet & smooth operation
- Helps to prevent stiffness and soreness from sitting at a desk all day
- May be helpful as part of a weigh loss journey
- The resistance is strong with this one
- No wobbling while in use
- Quite easy to assemble
- Reports of the unit sliding during use
- The feet tend to fall off
- The LCD display is not the easiest to read for the elderly
Xwell Folding Pedal Exerciser
The final model in my Top 10 is a good cheap pedal exerciser that’s portable. Similar to the Vive folding model, the Xwell exerciser gets the job done to keep the blood flowing while you’re sitting. At the time of this writing, the Xwell folding exerciser is the most affordable model in my Top 10. Depending on your needs and fitness goals, it might be more than sufficient for you.
- Very easy to assemble and start using out of the box
- Gets the job done as an under-desk pedal exerciser
- A superb choice for the money
- Lightweight and easy to store
- May not work below the desk for taller people
- It may slide around on hard or slick floors
- The foot straps might be too small for people with big feet
Buyer’s Guide
In this section, I list several key considerations to make before you choose a stationary pedal exerciser for your home or office.
Weight
The premium models in my Top 10 are heavier than you might think and not suitable for the elderly to use on their own. One of the reasons I like the DeskCycle 2 the most is the integrated Kensington Slot that’s compatible to use with a laptop lock. If you intend to use the pedal exerciser at work only, you can simply lock the exerciser to your desk at the end of each day instead of bringing it home. Since the best-rated pedal exercisers for office use weigh over 20 lbs, the ability to lock yours to your desk or another fixed object is a favorable option.
Magnetic Resistance
Units with magnetic resistance provide a more strenuous workout than folding pedal exercisers. Folding pedal exercisers are better for the elderly and physical therapy than office use. If you’re looking to get your calorie burn on at work with a low-impact cardio workout, it’s best to stick with a pedal exerciser with magnetic resistance. The picks in my Top 5 all provide enough resistance to burn calories.
Bluetooth & Fitness Stat Tracking
Bluetooth and fitness apps are nice for people who want to keep track of their daily stats. Tracking your stats is a great way to stay motivated and push yourself past your personal records. For tracking your exercise stats on your phone, the Exerpeutic 900 is the best choice.
Non-Slip Base
One of the most common complaints with pedal exercisers is the unit sliding around during use. The Exerpeutic 900 is an awesome choice because of its chair lock. Folding exercisers are more prone to sliding around since they weigh a lot less. The low-profile design of the DeskCycle and FitDesk exercisers make them superior choices for stability. You may also want to consider strapping your cycle to your chair or desk to prevent it from moving around. The Vive Pedal Exerciser includes a strap.
Warranty
If you intend to buy a pedal exerciser that’ll stand the test of time, it’s best to stick with the brands in my Top 10 that are the most reputable. These companies stand behind their products with a warranty and dedicated customer support team. For example, the DeskCycle 2 comes backed by a 1-year warranty, and the customer service team has high marks from owners.
Bottom Line
A pedal exerciser is a worthy piece of office exercise equipment that allows you to burn calories while sitting down. They may not provide the same level of calorie-burning as an under desk treadmill, but they are a lot easier to use and require less concentration. I’m a fan of under-desk treadmills, but they generally require the user to stand while working, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
For office exercise on autopilot, pedal exercisers and under-desk ellipticals are the preferred choices. Overall, I think the top pedal exercisers make for a harder workout than the top ellipticals.
