13 Best Folding Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces To Get You Into Shape in 2023
A home gym doesn't have to take up a lot of space.
Like it did for many of us, the pandemic made me reevaluate my exercise routine. Don’t get me wrong — I still love going to the gym, but there’s something to be said about working out at home. For one, you can do it at your convenience. Secondly, you can stay inside, which is a bonus on days when it’s cold and dreary out. Recently, I’ve been loving cycling at home. It’s a favorite of celebrities like Kelly Ripa and Nicole Kidman, burns mega calories, and is easy on the knees. Think you don’t have space for one? Exercise bikes don’t take up a lot of room — especially if you get one that folds up when you’re not using it! The best folding exercise bikes for small spaces are super slim, under eighty pounds, and quiet enough to ride while watching TV. (And anything that lets me catch up on my favorite shows while toning my legs is on my must-have list.)
Best Folding Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces to Buy in 2023:
- Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike : ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike
- Best Folding Exercise Bike : Pooboo X819 Exercise Bike
- Best Compact Folding Exercise Bike : Daiwa Compact Exercise Bike
- Best Lanos Folding Exercise Bike : LANOS 2-In-1 Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Folding Bike Under $200 : Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
- Best XTERRA Folding Exercise Bike : XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
- Best Marcy Folding Exercise Bike : Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
- Best Folding Exercise Bike For Seniors : Slim Cycle Stationary Bike
- Best Folding Exercise Bike For Work : FLEXISPOT Desk Exercise Bike
- Best Smart Folding Exercise Bike : ShareVgo Smart Folding Semi Recumbent Bike
Read more for answers to frequently asked questions about the best folding exercise bikes for small spaces on our list — or scroll down to shop our picks!
Can you lose weight on an exercise bike?
Fact: the best workout will always be the type you can stick with consistently. But if you’re looking to lose weight, aerobic activity (cardio), according to a study in the journal Obesity, is the way to go — and biking is a great option.
According to an article in Live Science, cycling is a low impact workout. It works the quads and calves, but causes less muscle strain than walking. And although high-intensity (HIIT) workouts are popular, low intensity steady state exercise (also known as LISS) helps you drop the pounds. In fact, an activity like biking, where you can keep a slow to moderate pace for 45 minutes to an hour, burns more fat than a more intense workout. And of course, the benefit of workouts involving bikes or treadmills is that you can do it inside.
If an hour of cardio isn’t feasible, you can still lose weight with an exercise bike. According to Harvard Health Medical School, it only takes 30 minutes for a 150-pound person to burn 252 calories when moderately cycling. The USDA recommends burning 500 calories a day to lose a pound a week, and an hour of biking is a simple way to meet this goal. However, if half an hour is more your speed, the right weight loss meal plan will make trimming the additional 250 calories easy.
What is the lightest folding exercise bike?
Stationary bikes are one of the smaller pieces of exercise equipment available for the home, but they’re not exactly light. A typical bike, like the ProForm 500 SPX, weighs more than 100 pounds. While it’s not as heavy as a home elliptical, it’s also not the easiest thing to move on a whim. By contrast, the best folding exercise bikes are much lighter. For example, ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike is 34 pounds and two ounces. Similarly, the Doufit EB-04 clocks in at a cool 37.5 pounds. The heaviest bike on our list, the FLEXISPOT Desk Exercise Bike, is 77 pounds. (However, it does include a desktop.)
Although these machines don’t weigh a lot, they’re durable. Along with being made with different types of steel, most have an S or X-style frame, which helps to evenly distribute weight and give support.
How much weight can a folding bike support?
Exercise bikes that are created to replicate the outdoor cycling experience are heavier than upright bikes, and can hold more weight: A typical one can support between 300 and 400 pounds. Arguably, the demand for more home-friendly, sturdier exercise equipment has sparked companies to build stronger bikes that the entire family can enjoy. While the best folding exercise bikes can comfortably seat someone who weighs 230 pounds, a few of our favorites will support more weight. The LANOS 2-in-1 Recumbent Exercise Bike has a maximum capacity of 330 pounds.
Can I stand on a folding exercise bike?
Sometimes the music is just right and you feel that urge to stand on the pedals like you did as a kid. Spin bikes, like you’d find in a Soul Cycle class, are meant for these types of moves. Their handlebars are lower, placing the rider in a steady position. In comparison, upright folding bikes have their handlebars slightly higher. They require you to lean forward while pedaling. Although tempting, standing leaves you at risk for tumbling over.
If this disappoints you, take heart. Most of the best folding exercise bikes have extra cushy seats, meaning you’ll be less tempted to lift from your saddle. There are even some, like the Pooboo Foldable Exercise Bike, that include resistance bands and dumbbells. If you feel like you’ve got a more energy to burn, just lift the bands or weights as you cycle.
Which folding exercise bike is best?
There are numerous indoor bikes that can help you get in shape. Each offers resistance and has various fitness tracking capabilities, and some include accessories like water bottle holders. Surprisingly, the most popular foldable exercise bikes are simply designed. The XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike doesn’t have any fancy screens, but offers eight levels of tension and has more than 15,000 reviews on Amazon. The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike also has a minimalist style, but includes pulse sensors in the handles, and is praised for its easily assembly. No matter what bells and whistles you’re looking for, there is a folding exercise bike out there for you. These are some of our favorites.
Looking for even more options? Check out our other exercise equipment recommendations:
See more of our best product recommendations.
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Best Folding Exercise Bikes
ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike
Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike
Buy from Amazon, $139.99 (originally $169)
Why we like it:
- Heart rate sensors on handlebars
- Grip pedals
- Soft contour seating
This unassuming exercise bike may look fragile, but its X-shaped frame makes it strong enough to hold up to 265 pounds. The ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike has more than 7,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and features pulse sensors on its handles and a soft cushion that gently conforms to your natural shape. Its display screen includes a holder for your smartphone, allowing you to watch shows or talk hands-free. The magnetic flywheel means it won’t make a sound, and customers love the bike’s slim build.
Promising review: “This is an excellent exercise bike. It’s lightweight, but is sturdy enough for someone like me that weighs around 150 pounds. It was easy to install as well, taking about half an hour to set it up and get the monitor to work. I love how the LCD screen will show time, distance and calories burned so that I will know my progress while exercise.”
Pooboo X819 Exercise Bike
Best Folding Exercise Bike
Buy from Amazon, $199.99 (was $229.99)
Why we like it:
- Comes with dumbbells
- Resistance bands can be used without bike
- Thick handlebars and a backseat
The X819 Exercise Bike from Pooboo is like a mini gym (and it’s my personal favorite). It includes a set of lightweight dumbbells, and has a backseat for days you need a more relaxed session. The X-frame design means the bike is extra stable, so you can stand up on it like you would in a cycling class. The resistance bands are stationed in the front, and can be used for a wide range of exercises. The seat adjusts into five different positions, and the flywheel is resistant to dust, rust, and — for my fellow sweaty gals — perspiration. The bike has eight levels of resistance, a display to track your calories, heart rate, and other stats, and the handles are thick for perfect gripping.
Promising review: “Ever since the work from home situation came into place, this bike has been my go-to workout. It’s portable, and can easily be moved from room to room. [It’s] sturdy, has a comfortable seat, standard magnetic pedaling, dumbbells, and stretch bands. I often read my books while riding. [This has become] one of my favorite indoor workouts so far.”
Daiwa Compact Exercise Bike
Best Compact Folding Exercise Bike
Why we like it:
- Slim but sturdy build
- Transport wheels
- Compressible seat and pedals
You know the old saying about not judging a book by its cover? The same can be said for workout equipment. The Compact Exercise Bike from the Daiwa Facility Company looks like a sleek black box when in its compressed state. It’s when you pop up the seat and pull out the legs and pedals that you see what this machine can do. It doesn’t have handlebars, forcing you to engage your core to maintain proper posture. Once you feel steady, perform arm raises with dumbbells or put on these Bala Bangle wrist weights to increase your burn. The bike has eight tension settings, and the seat can be raised to 12 inches high. One customer loved how easy the bike made exercise for her:
Promising review: “In a house full of family and children, I have limited personal space. I prefer my exercise equipment to not be the kiddies’ jungle gym or someone’s laundry drop off spot. This beautiful, functional piece slides right into my side of the closet without any problems. And the icing on the cake? It runs so smoothly and quietly that I can work out any time of the day or night without disturbing anyone’s sleep.”
LANOS 2-In-1 Recumbent Exercise Bike
Best Lanos Folding Exercise Bike
Buy from Amazon, $179.99 (originally $269.99)
Why we like it:
- Quick assembly
- 10 resistance speeds
- Three color options
There are so many things to love about the LANOS 2 in 1 Recumbent Exercise Bike. Along with having a backrest to double as a recumbent bike, it offers 10 levels of intensity, and is only 32 inches wide at its maximum length. The foldable design is lightweight (45 pounds!), and has a rounded LCD screen, where you can track distance, time, calories, and your heart rate. Fans praise the bike for its multifunction, as well as how quick it is to put together.
Promising review: “I was apprehensive about the assembly, but it was easy. There’s no hardware package to figure out. All the bolts are pre-placed in the correct holes. The seat is more comfortable than I thought it would be, and the operation of the bike is smooth.“
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
Best Folding Bike Under $200
Buy from Amazon, $148.34 (was $199.99)
Why we like it:
- Lightweight
- Extra thick seat
- Easy to read display
The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike is simple but effective. It’s sturdy and has a fleshy seat, perfect for long exercise sessions. It offers eight levels of manual resistance, and though it has transportation wheels, the machine is only 39 pounds, so you probably won’t need them. The LCD display has a large window, perfect for those who are always misplacing their reading glasses.
Promising review: “This bike is terrific for the price, and does exactly what I want. It has enough tension levels to cover my needs, and the display is nice for basic information. It can fold up to get even more compact, but it is already very compact, so I just leave it ready to go in a corner of a bedroom.“
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Best XTERRA Folding Exercise Bike
Buy from Amazon, $106.99 (originally $179.99)
Why we like it:
- Compact
- Easy to assemble
- Great for shorter riders
Low on space, but high on energy? This Folding Exercise Bike from XTERRA is less than two feet wide, and can accommodate users up to 225 pounds. It has eight friction-free magnetic resistance levels, and the silent belt drive system means your ride will be quiet. Control the intensity of your workout through the knob at the front of the bike. The basic but effective LCD screen allows you to monitor time, distance, speed, and calories burned. The seat can be adjusted into multiple positions, and it’s on the larger side, making it comfier than some other models. The bike is ideal for those who are between 4′ 10″ and 5′ 10″ tall. Keep it in your home office for a sweat break during work, or roll into the living room to enjoy while watching TV, as this happy customer does.
Promising review: “I ordered this for a quick and easy home workouts while watching TV in the evenings. I read the reviews extensively before I purchased. The bike came very quickly (free shipping, came in 4-5 days max) and was easily moved in the house. I was able to put the whole thing together, by myself, in 10 minutes. [The bike] is compact, fits nicely in my small space, and does fold up. [It’s] pretty sturdy, and you can definitely work up a sweat. It’s perfect for moderately interested fitness or health folks looking for a low-investment piece for their home.”
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Best Marcy Folding Exercise Bike
Why we like it:
- Easy to read display
- Counterweighted pedals
- High density foam seating
Pop on your favorite Christopher Cross record and ride like the wind. The counterweighted, non-slip pedals of Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike let you ride at top speed without worry of losing your footing. The base has rubber, meaning you won’t scuff your floors while riding or moving the bike into another room. Adjust the thick angled seat, hold in your core, and bike your way to a stronger you. The interface doesn’t come with pre-set workouts or challenges, but it’s easy to read — and more than 5,000 5-star reviewers on Amazon love it.
Promising review: “I use it when I don’t want to peel myself away from Netflix but also want to burn off that second glass of wine … It takes up about as much room as a larger upright vacuum. It’s only about 40 pounds. I have very little upper body strength, so moving it around without issue between the closet and the living room has been great.”
Slim Cycle Stationary Bike
Best Folding Exercise Bike For Seniors
Why we like it:
- Includes resistance bands
- Foam seating
- Top rated on Amazon
The Slim Cycle Stationary Bike lets you do cardio and strength training in one sitting. The front of the bike has built-in resistance bands, and you can perform bicep curls, arm rows, and other upper body moves while chiseling your lower half. Use as a traditional stationary bike, or adjust the seat to turn it into a recumbent bike. The seat is made with memory foam, and the large digital display keeps track of your distance, time, and calories. The bike is endorsed by Harley Pasternak, who has trained celebrities like Halle Berry, and has more than 12,000 reviews on Amazon.
Promising review: “This bike has changed my life! I wasn’t very active once the gyms closed, and I wanted to start getting cardio in. My first goal was to just be on the machine for 30 minutes a day. I loved the feeling of sweating, and soon started using the resistance bands. I’ve slimmed down and become stronger. My legs are toned, and my abs are starting to show. I feel so great, and it’s a bike that is easy to pull out and quietly use any time.
FLEXISPOT Desk Exercise Bike
Best Folding Exercise Bike For Work
Buy from Amazon, $499.99 – Save $30 with coupon on Amazon!
Why we like it:
- Great for tall riders
- Swivel lock wheels
- Wide desktop
Skipping your workout to finish your deadline just became a thing of the past. The FLEXISPORT Desk Exercise Bike has a large desktop for your laptop or papers. Everything, from the seat to the table, can be adjusted for your optimum comfort. The base wheels lock in place, so whether you’re furiously pedaling or checking emails, you know the rest of you won’t budge. Resistance and the fitness tracker can be found on the body of the bike. We’re sure you’ll love how productive and fit the bike makes you feel, as it did for this happy owner.
Promising review: “This may be the smartest office purchase I’ve made since my first iMac. I work at home, sitting at a desk all day — not exactly healthy. First thing in the morning I hop on, start pedaling, and get my email cleaned up for the day. In 30 minutes I can work up a good sweat and be productive.“
ShareVgo Smart Folding Semi Recumbent Bike
Best Smart Folding Exercise Bike
Buy from Amazon, $225.99 – Save $20 with coupon on Amazon!
Why we like it:
- Connects with ShareVgo Fitness App
- Can sync with Apple Watch
- Backrest
Is smart technology necessary for a great workout? No. Is it nice? Yep. The Smart Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike from ShareVgo can be ridden without downloading the company app. However, we’re not sure why you wouldn’t. It’s free, tracks your fitness progress, and allows you to take part in cycling challenges. You can also sync your Apple watch to it using Bluetooth. Although a stationary-style bike, there’s also a backseat, allowing you to have a little extra support on days you’re tempted to phone in your workout.
Doufit EB-04
Best Folding Exercise Bike for short people
Why we like it:
- Bright color
- Affordable
- Perfect for petite riders
The Doufit EB-04 is one of the best folding exercise bikes for ladies without extra long gams. Although most at-home bikes have adjustable seats, this one also has adjustable pedals. Made for riders between 4′ 9″ and 5′ 8″ tall, the days of hovering about the seat to find your proper footing are over. Tilt the seat forward, and move the back legs towards the front to compress for storage. The lightweight bike is just under 18 inches when folded, and has manual resistance. Track your progress on the display screen. Fans love how comfortable it is.
Promising review: “I’m 140 pounds and 5′ 4″. This bike is perfectly proportioned for me, and feels like it was custom-made for my frame all the way down to the foot pedals. It hardly takes up any space, even without folding it, which is great since I have a very small apartment. The seat, pedals, and handlebars are all very comfortable — more than others I’ve used in the past.”
ECHANTFIT Folding Exercise Bike
Best Folding Exercise Bike for a Heavy Person
Buy from Amazon, $139.99 (Save $28 with Amazon coupon!)
Why we like it:
- Great for short and tall riders
- Oversized, adjustable seat
- Includes resistance bands
Combining strength training and cardio can help you build muscle while reducing fat — and the ECHANTFIT Folding Exercise Bike allows you to do both one session. It doesn’t matter if you’re 4′ 9″ or six feet tall, the bike’s alloy steel safely holds up to 300 pounds. Adjust the large seat to the angle that suits you best, and move between 16 levels of magnetic tension. Engage your core while using the built-in resistance bands to make your endurance training into a full-body workout. Pulse sensors on the handlebars allow you to see your heart rate on the display, and the console is large enough for a tablet. When folded, the bike is less than 12 inches wide and under five feet.
Magic Life Exercise Bike Folding
Best Lightweight Folding Exercise Bike
Buy from Amazon, $149 (Save $10 with Amazon coupon!)
Why we like it:
- Rear handlebars
- Lightweight
- Durable
At 39 pounds, the Magic Life Exercise Bike is light as it is slim, but it’s also solid. We love that it has a back rest, and the extra set of handles provide extra posture-control when using as a recumbent. It has built-in resistant bands, and the seat has extra padding (always a plus). Use the dial on the front to bring more tension to the ride (it goes up to 10), and adjust the seat up to seven notches. The bike measures in kilometers, instead of miles, but more than 900 Amazon purchasers don’t seem to mind.
Promising review: “The tension setting on the bike is great, and I could really feel the resistance at eight to 10. Six is the sweet spot for a 10 minute ride. The LCD screen is pretty easy to use. There’s also a holder where I put my iPad on during rides … The arm pulls work well with the bike, and I can get some tricep and back workaround during a ride.”
