12 Best Compact Exercise Bikes: Reviewed For Small Spaces

Compact Exercise Bikes Compared For Small Spaces

Benefits of Buying a Compact Exercise Bike

Small stationary exercise bikes tend to have fewer technological and convenience features, and they might not feel as solid or ride as smooth as standard-sized exercise bikes. Are compact exercise bikes good, then? Absolutely. They cost less but give a low-impact cardio workout at home, facilitating basic wellness and weight loss.

Compact bikes often are foldable, lightweight, and roll-able—meaning you can store them after each use in a closet or corner without any struggle. Many are even portable enough for travel use. Furthermore, compact bikes usually have a smaller footprint (take up less floor area) in the first place.

Choosing a Quality Compact Home Exercise Bike for Small Spaces

Footprint, Mobility & Storage Features

The majority of compact exercise bikes are X-frames with a stabilizing peg you take in and out to fold and unfold the bike. Many exercise bikes that are not foldable are still roll-able. Note that foldable bikes become taller once they are folded, but most people are more concerned about the length and width (the footprint) when it comes to storage.

Bike Style

None on this list are spin bikes, which are generally the biggest and most expensive. Upright exercise bikes tend to be the best value and the most compact: Many are foldable, but either way, they tend to have the smallest footprint.

Recumbent bikes are shorter in height but do not fold and have the largest footprint; they are heavier, too, but many have transport wheels. Also, recumbent bikes are great for those with medical conditions—MS, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, and knee trouble—because they have a very low step-thru, which means you do not have to lift your leg high to get on and off.

Flywheel & Frame Durability

Almost all stationary bike frames are made of steel; users find them durable and stable, even these small foldable exercise bikes. While some frames are rustproof, none are really made for outdoor use—aside from temporarily moving the bike outside for a workout in mild weather.

All of these bikes have magnetic flywheels to control the ride flow, though, for most on this list, the weight is light and often unreported, as these are not advanced training bikes. Nevertheless, users unanimously find these bikes smooth-riding and nearly silent.

Resistance Levels & Mechanism

All on this list have magnetic resistance, which generally makes resistance-level adjustments smooth. The most affordable exercise bikes have manual resistance dials, conveniently located within arm’s reach.

A few users find that it takes some effort to twist the dial, but for most, it is a non-issue. However, a few pricier compact bikes have button-controlled resistance.

User Needs & Weight

There are affordable compact foldable exercise bikes for people of all sizes: 400-lb. 6’6’’ people and 4’10’’ people—it just depends on the model. In terms of workout intensity, most people find these bikes can give you whatever you want—anything from stress-relief while watching TV to a challenging, calorie-burning workout.

The same goes for stationary bikes intended for office or under-desk use—they can get pretty intense, but most office workers do not want to get winded or sweaty. While none on this list are officially for rehabilitation, at-home stationary bikes can serve as personal physiotherapy (but ask your medical provider first).

Comfort & Adjustability

Adjustable pedal straps and easy-grip handlebars are standard features. When it comes to seat adjustment, all have at least some sort of up/down motion; however, many recumbent bikes instead have back/forth and, possibly, backrest tilt adjustments.

User height recommendations, while helpful, are not perfect because leg length (inseam) is actually the determining factor. All bikes in this review have substantial, well-shaped seats, but some users still feel discomfort after pedaling for a while. A workout equipment seat cushion, or even just a folded towel, helps.

Extra Features

All stationary bikes have LCD displays: Some are large enough to show all workout stats at once, but others are only large enough to scan through stats. Most workout bike consoles require batteries, but a few either plug into an outlet or give the option.

Some have tablet brackets on the console, possibly along with holders on the frame for a TV remote or smartphone, or bottle holder. Some affordable models even include some preset workouts. A few even include some higher-tech features: Bluetooth connection to compatible workout apps; or, in another case, an MP3 connection and integrated speakers.

Price & Warranty

Most of these are under $500—with several under $200—and have at least a 1-year warranty on the frame. Some also include shorter warranties on parts or even labor. Naturally, more expensive units generally have more extended warranties.

You are responsible for assembly, but all instructions, parts, and tools are included with the purchase. Most people can assemble a compact workout bike alone, in 30 minutes to 1 hour.

1. ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike

Best compact exercise bike

The overall best compact exercise bike is the ATIVAFIT F8 Foldable Indoor Bike. (Users over 250 lbs. should look at the very similar X8 Foldable model, made for users up to 300 lbs.)

The 35-lb. foldable X-frame structure allows the bike to be rolled into storage, where it requires about as much floor space as a small vacuum cleaner.

The F8 is consistently available under $150—a great value, considering its stability and good customer service. Even though the ATIVAFIT website says the 90-day warranty is for products bought there, reviews suggest customer service is faithful to Amazon buyers.

While little enough to be the best compact home exercise bike for small spaces, this bike actually has a large, firm seat. Though the seat looks pleasantly cushy, some users say it is uncomfortably big. This feature potentially makes it great for larger people; however, the recommended height range is only 5’0’’ to 5’11’’.

The F8 has all console features consistent with its price level: pulse sensors on the handlebars; a 3.3 x 1.5-inch LCD screen that displays distance, speed, time, calories, and heart rate; basic display buttons, including scan. Conveniently, there is a tablet/phone bracket at the console base, so your content can stay with you during the workout.

In addition, many users find that this exercise bike is stable enough and offers a great enough range of resistance levels to perform Peloton workouts (as long as you do not stand on the pedals). If you want to take it to the next level, consider an actual ATIVAFIT spin bike.

2. 3G Cardio Elite RB

Best compact recumbent exercise bike

The best compact recumbent exercise bike is the 3G Cardio Elite. It will probably benefit everyone in your household—from 5’ to 6’4’’ in height and up to 350 lbs. It has adjustment levers to change not only horizontal seat position but also seat tilt and backrest angle.

Furthermore, this model has an especially low Q factor, meaning its pedals are close together for universally ergonomic pedaling.

As a more expensive model, this recumbent bike comes with a lifetime limited frame warranty and a 7-year parts warranty—the best on this list; it also has a whopping 16 resistance levels, 12 preset workout programs, 3 heart rate-oriented programs, and 4 possible user profiles. Some users find that it takes a while to figure out all the features.

As a recumbent with a low step-through center, this bike is great for informal rehabilitative / therapeutic use. However, its stability, quality, and breathable mesh backrest make it perfect for more serious physical training.

The screen is large and visible—and shows all relevant stats, including heart rate monitoring—but is also positioned so you can comfortably look past it to watch TV.

Unfortunately, it is relatively heavy, and assembly is somewhat involved. Most people need a helper, and it usually takes over an hour. However, for a recumbent, it is compact and easy to transport. The bottom back has a large handle, and the front has wheels, so you can tilt and roll it easily.

3. Stamina 182

Best compact exercise bike that folds

The Stamina 182 is the best compact exercise bike that folds up—not surprising from a company specializing in residential and office exercise equipment. Even the 182's folded-out dimensions are space-saving, but most users find it to be surprisingly solid and stable for its 40-lb. weight.

That said, it might not be the best choice for tall people. Even though it is recommended for heights 4'9'' to 6'4'', users tend to find it a bit cramped for 6’ people.

The 182 has some surprising features for an exercise bike under $200: The console displays time, distance, speed, heart rate (from handlebar heart rate sensors), and calories—as well as RPM and odometer readings.

Furthermore, it comes with the access code to 3 guided workout videos you can stream to your device, in which an instructor talks you through beginning a cycling workout, improving cardio and strength, and getting started with Tabata (a subtype of HIIT). Conveniently, there are smart device brackets on the console and an easily reachable bottle holder.

Most users find assembly to be quick and easy, relative to similar foldable bikes, and there are few complaints about the seat. The 1-year frame warranty with 90-day parts is typical for the price, but you can extend the parts warranty another 90 days by registering your purchase.

4. Body Rider BRT3980

Best all in one option for small spaces

The best all-in-one option for small spaces is the Body Rider BRT3980. Amazingly, this piece of equipment allows you to do elliptical training, complete with moving handlebars—as well as both recumbent and upright bike riding positions. It also has both static handlebars, equipped with heartrate monitors, and seat handlebars.

The BRT3980 has large textured footrests that you can stand on, like an elliptical, but attached in front of these, and there is a second textured inclined footrest area for cycling. For recumbent use, this bike has a sturdy backrest.

Arguably the biggest plus of the BRT3980 is the array of display and console features. Unlike most on this list, you adjust the whopping 16 resistance levels through console control buttons instead of a dial. Furthermore, this bike can tailor workout programs to fit gender, age, watts, body fat, target heart rate, and fitness goals.

Thorough exercisers will enjoy how the console displays all stats at once—speed, time, distance, calories, heart rate, odometer, RPM, and watts; those with difficulty moving will appreciate the low step-through design.

The biggest drawback of the BRT3980 is that the cycling movement is not as true to actual outdoor bicycling as that of other exercise bikes. However, users who are easily bored by one cardio workout or do not have space for multiple pieces of workout equipment can get great fitness and weight loss results with this.

5. Exerpeutic 575 XLS

Best exercise bike for small apartment

The Exerpeutic 575 XLS is the best exercise bike for small apartment use. Despite being a small wheeled fold-up exercise bike, it accommodates users up to 400 lbs. and 5’1’’ to 6’5’’. People seem to like its aesthetics, so you might not always need to roll it into storage.

Unique for its price, the 575 XLS is Bluetooth-capable to interact with compatible workout apps, such as the free MyFitQuest4. The bike comes with a 30-day trial subscription to the myCloudFitness app from Paradigm Health and Wellness, the parent company of Exerpeutic.

The 575 XLS is solid: it weighs 51.6 lbs., heavy for a foldable upright exercise bike, and users agree that it feels strong and stable. In fact, most large people might argue that this really is a best compact indoor exercise bike.

The 575 XLS has many conveniences, including an easy-to-reach device slot on the frame, potentially for a TV remote, and a bracket above the console for a tablet. (Unlike most others on this list, the smart device does not cover the console on this one.)

The console metrics are thorough—speed, time, distance, calories, heart rate (from handlebar sensors), odometer, RPM, and watts. Plus, there are preset workouts and settings based on fitness, age, gender, weight, and height.

6. Stamina Elite Total

Best compact exercise bike for seniors

The Stamina Elite Total recumbent bike is the best compact exercise bike for seniors. The resistance levels are on the lower side—perfect for beginners, less-ambitious exercisers, and people with health conditions. The seat and backrest are ergonomically shaped. Plus, the step-through height is only an inch or so.

The Elite Total also is something of a 2-in-1. It has both hand pedals and foot pedals. A drawback is that the two do not really operate simultaneously—you can only adjust the resistance in one of the two at once. (However, many less-advanced exercisers would not want to use them at the same time anyway.)

Hand pedals aside, this is one of the best recumbent exercise bikes for small spaces. It has a simple console that displays basic stats, including heart rate from the sensors on the seat handlebars. You can adjust the seat both horizontally and vertically—to suit people about 5' and up.

While the bike is rather heavy, at 121 lbs., you can move it by just tilting it towards the front to engage the transport wheels.

A drawback of the Elite Total is that it takes an unusually long time to assemble—ranging from a couple of hours to a whole afternoon. However, it is durable and can last long past the 5-year warranty period on the bike frame.

7. XTERRA Fitness FB150

Best quiet compact exercise bike

The XTERRA Fitness FB150 is the best quiet compact exercise bike. Both the folded and unfolded dimensions are among the smallest on this list; plus, it is the lightest foldable bike on this list, at 32 lbs.

The FB150 is very quiet—most users find they can sneak a workout in while their family sleeps. However, more noteworthy is that it is the best exercise bike for short people. It is recommended for 4’10’’ to 5’10’’, but even some 5’5’’ people have it on the highest seat adjustment to get proper leg extension. This bike is one of the best for a small person.

The FB150 is an overall great value. The bike is relatively easy to assemble—for most, it takes about 30 minutes; the warranty is comparable to those of more expensive exercise bikes, and the seat is generally regarded as comfortable.

The console is simple, with just a small screen and a button, but it displays all basic stats, including heart rate from handlebar sensors, plus odometer.

A drawback to the FB150 is that it requires more maintenance than other exercise bikes. While all of these bikes benefit from periodic tightness checks, the FB150’s manual explicitly says to check the tightness of the screws and bolts before each workout.

Alternatively, if you would like an upright exercise bike with a backrest and seat handlebars like a recumbent, consider the similarly built XTERRA Fitness FB350.

8. FitDesk

Best compact desk exercise bike

FitDesk specializes in under-desk, standing desk, and bike desk products for corporate and personal use, so it is not surprising that the FitDesk 3.0 is the best compact desk exercise bike. It has more productivity features than its competitors—while being an excellent upright foldable exercise bike.

The desk surface is smooth enough to be a mouse pad but textured enough to grip devices. There is a tilt-top compartment to hold small items or double as an inclined platform for a tablet. Plus, the separately purchased FitDesk Extension Kit gives you 5 inches more on both sides of the original 20.5 x 16-inch desk, as well as a cup holder.

The console, which stands above the back of the desk, displays speed, time, distance, odometer, and calories. Users find the FitDesk 3.0 true to its user height recommendation of 4’10’’ to 6’6’’, the widest range on this list, due to the included seat height extender. Also, despite its multipurpose nature, this bike takes up relatively little floor space.

Most are happy with the beach cruiser-style seat and the backrest; however, if it feels painfully hard or you develop back pain from cycling, consider the Bikeroo Large Bike Cushion Seat.

Some people are annoyed by the massage bars—the textured rollers on the handlebars in front of the desk. Also, some argue that it should have a seat angle adjustment to foster good posture while working.

The FitDesk 3.0 could be a solution for those who struggle to get motivated: You can watch videos on your laptop or tablet, potentially while keeping your smartphone and favorite beverage in reach. Alternatively, this bike could be used as a workspace for a restless child who needs frequent physical activity to stay focused.

9. Daiwa Felicity

Best exercise bike for small person

With its box-shaped, hands-free compact design, the Daiwa Felicity bike is the best exercise bike for a small person: it works best for people under 5’9’’; furthermore, since the seat adjusts 12 inches, it will work fine for those under 5’.

The Daiwa Felicity is also one of the best office workout bikes: It is a solution for those who find that a peddler will not fit under their desk or there is not enough space for a standing desk. The fact that there are no handlebars means you can just park it in front of your computer desk.

When not in use, the Daiwa Felicity's seat goes down, the pedals fold down, and the stabilizing footrests go in to make a suitcase-like structure, which you can roll by tilting towards the front wheel.

An added perk of the no-handlebars build is that you use core muscles to balance yourself, making for a steady low-impact, upper-body workout.

Once you are comfortable with the unicycle-like ride, you can use it as a standalone bike—while lifting hand weights, reading content on a hand-held device, or watching TV. The resistance adjustment knob and cup holder are conveniently placed right in front of the seat.

The seat on such a compact bike could be uncomfortable; however, most users find the Felicity’s seat competitive with other foldable upright exercise bikes. Also, like others on this list, the Felicity is noiseless—a desirable characteristic in a public workspace. 

10. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418

Best small mini exercise bike

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The best small mini exercise bike is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418. While the B0418 looks like an under-desk small pedal exercise bike, it is more substantial.

It can handle the impact of heavier users, and it offers a greater range of resistance levels, with greater overall resistance—compared to foldable couch peddlers. However, this means it takes up more space and might not work under some desks, especially for tall users.

At 21 lbs., with a large handle built into the top, the B0418 is portable—truly the most compact exercise bike on this list, but small people might find it cumbersome to move. However, it is feature-rich for its build: It has an LCD screen displaying time, speed, distance, odometer, RPM, and calories—with a scan option.

The B0418 is a 2-in-1: The pedals are shaped ergonomically for hands, so you can put it on a table and use it as a simple arm/shoulder workout. Despite its similarity to rehab peddlers, the resistance is too great for official medical therapeutic use. That said, many users find it to be a great personal therapeutic device.

Unfortunately, the B0418 tends to drift during pedaling. Users fix this by placing it on a textured rug or even tying it to the chair. (If you want to use this with a rolling chair, consider a product like Slipstick furniture caster cups to hold the chair in place.)

11. ADVENOR Exercise Bike

Best small indoor exercise bike with arm resistance

The ADVENOR Exercise Bike has the normal foldable X-frame with front transport wheels but with a twist—arm resistance bands rigged along the frame. Also, it is a hybrid, mostly upright with some recumbent features. This unique build makes it the best small indoor exercise bike with arm resistance.

The ADVENOR has seat handlebars and a backrest like a recumbent. While some users might see this as a perk, others find that the upright build combined with seat handlebars makes the bike harder to mount and dismount.

This bike has some nice features. All of its handgrips are incredibly plush, even those on the arm resistance bands. There are tablet brackets on the console and a flattened slot on the frame to hold a smartphone or remote; the console is straightforward, with one control button and a screen showing all metrics, including heart rate, in small digits along the bottom.

The ADVENOR is recommended for heights 5’3’’ to 6’11’’, but oddly enough, user reviews suggests it is a perfect fit for 5’2’’ people.

Users enjoy the especially accessible instructions, which make assembly relatively easy for everyone. Unfortunately, the warranty is a bit ambiguous—Amazon says 12 months of parts and customer telephone service; Advisor says there is a lifetime part warranty.

Some users complain of little sounds during pedaling—sometimes attributed to an uneven surface—but others insist that this bike is silent.

12. Schwinn Upright Bike A10

Best compact upright exercise bike for small spaces

The best compact upright exercise bike for small spaces is the Schwinn Upright Bike A10. Its truly upright build takes little floor space, plus you can roll it away by tilting it to the front wheels. Since the A10 is not an X-frame, it has a low step-through for an upright—ideal for those with physical limitations who would still prefer an upright over a recumbent.

The A10 is recommended for users 4’6’’ to 6’6’’, but user reviews suggest that 5’ and up is probably more accurate.

It is relatively heavy, at 63 lbs., but users like how substantial it is. Plus, it has a 10-lb. flywheel—unusually heavy for bikes of this price level—making for a smoother ride.

The A10’s console is a selling point: The screen shows all basic stats, plus current resistance level (you control the resistance with buttons rather than a knob). In addition to QuickStart, the console has 3 preset categories: Fun Rides, Mountains, and Challenges—including rides such as Ride in the Park and Cross-Training.

The console even has an MP3 port and speakers, which allow you to connect a device and listen without earbuds. The console requires either D batteries or a compatible power adapter or D batteries; most users prefer the latter.

The most common complaint about the A10 is that the screen is dim. However, for those who just want to look at their tablet as they ride, this is not a problem.

How to Properly Setup, Use & Store a Compact Stationary Bike

For assembly, note that you do not win by taking shortcuts; follow the provided instructions, and do so in an orderly way. The best assemblers first organize the parts and tools in separate piles on the floor. Many people like to locate their bike on a heavy-duty equipment mat—both for noise absorption and protection of bike and floor.

While popular spin bike workouts involve intense periods of standing on the pedals, do not do this on these small exercise bikes—they are not made for this sort of impact. Similarly, do not pedal backward. For one, these bikes do not have bi-directional resistance, and secondly, pedaling in reverse could hurt the mechanism.

The pedal mechanism is the most likely to break, be incorrectly installed, or come loose, and so it is a good idea to check this area often—potentially to tighten a screw or bolt or to report a problem within the warranty period.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do you maintain these compact exercise bikes?

With relatively cheap small exercise bikes, it is generally recommended to check them weekly, or even before every ride, to be sure everything is still screwed/bolted in tightly. Also, some people find that the seat adjustment gets more challenging over time, but silicone lube can remedy this.

How do exercise bikes compare to other cardio equipment?

For a whole-body workout, the rowing machine is best, with the elliptical being second best. That said, some exercise bikes and treadmills have arm workout features to rival elliptical trainers. Treadmills and bikes are both great aerobic lower-body workouts, but bikes offer the advantage that you do not have to move your own bodyweight, which is ideal for those with mobility issues.

Who makes the best compact exercise bikes for small spaces?

Two bikes in this review are Stamina bikes, but Exerpeutic and Sunny Health & Fitness also have great affordable compact exercise equipment lines. FitDesk specializes in affordable workspace bikes and under-desk peddlers.

Where is the best place to buy a small exercise bike for a home gym?

Most brands featured in compact exercise bike reviews are good sources for fitness equipment for small apartments/homes, and so you could peruse these brand sites and see what fits your needs or piques your interest.

Almost all of these models are available on Amazon, often at an excellent price. Amazon is also a great source for comfort accessories, such as a clip fan, which can be added to most home gym equipment with no trouble.

Conclusion

What is the best compact exercise bike? First on this list, the ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike is the best bet for most home gyms; but the variety of bikes in this review illustrate how almost anyone can find their perfect small/folding bike.