Behold - our essential guide to the best mini exercise bikes to help you out, no matter your fitness level. Whether you want to get fit, recuperate after an injury, illness or operation, tone some muscles, or keep your blood pressure and cholesterol down, an exercise bike (of any kind) can help you achieve your fitness goals. There’s no need to be intimidated, though... Yours is here to take you through it, step-by-step. You'll be pedalling in no time.
Perhaps you're wondering: are mini exercise bikes any good? If you haven’t got the space for a full-scale exercise bike, perhaps a mini machine would suit you best. After all, a mini exercise can be used under a desk while you’re working – like an under-desk treadmill, is easy enough to use whilst watching TV and a compact way to store away when not in use. One of these handy machines could be a fun (and non-intrusive) way to keep moving.
Best mini exercise bikes at a glance
• Best mini exercise bike: AGM Mini Exercise Bike - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Bestselling mini exercise bike: Opti Mini Exercise Bike - Buy now on Argos
• Best easy-to-use mini exercise bike: NRS Healthcare Pedal Exerciser - Buy now on Amazon UK
If you’re not keen on braving the wild outdoors with a road bike, then an indoor alternative may be a good fit. In addition to working out your legs and glutes, you can also use the pedals with the arms to provide an efficient upper-body and core workout, too. Not only that, but they can help aid weight loss and tone muscle, and protect the bones, too. They’re also easier on the joints, which is a plus.
There are quite a few mini exercise bikes to sift through, so we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve listed some of the best below to suit an array of exercise needs, fitness levels and budgets.
Best Mini Exercise Bikes
Best mini exercise bike
AGM/AmazonThis AGM machine has a lot to offer, despite its low price tag. Perfect for physical therapy, and even those with limited mobility, this mini exercise bike pedal exerciser's settings are user-friendly and adjustable, and its digital LCD display shows calories burned, distance cycled, duration, and laps. It also comes with a non-slip mat so you don't have to worry about the machine sliding about while you're using it.
Easy to assemble and sturdy are comments that come up frequently in customer reviews for this mini exerciser, although some reviewers found it to be quite noisy when in use.
Pros
- Easy to assemble according to reviewers
- Customers say it is nice and sturdy
- Non-slip mat included to help stop the exerciser moving around while in use
Cons
- Some customers found it noisy
| Dimensions: | 40 x 35 x 4 cm; 3.6kg |
| Adjustable? | Yes - Foot Straps, Resistance |
| Maximum Weight Capacity: | 100kg |
| Power: | Battery |
| Display: | Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, RPM |
- This exerciser is 12.6' high, easily fitting under a desk or similar space.
- It has a lightweight design, making it very easy to carry and transport.
- Comfortable non-slip pedal straps keep your feet fixed and ensure stability.
- The adjustable foot straps are flexible to accommodate users of different sizes.
- A large, easy-to-read LCD screen displays at the touch of a button.
- Easily adjust the resistance level with the tension knob to meet needs.
Bestselling mini exercise bike
Optiwww.argos.co.uk
The Opti Mini exercise bike is Argos' bestselling mini bike with hundreds of reviews. It has variable resistance controls, sturdy feet to keep it in place, and an LCD display that gives you all the essential stats. At around 3.5kg, it's lightweight enough to effortlessly move around, and it's compact enough to store under your desk at work or around your home.
Customers appreciate how light and easy it is to move this pedal exerciser around and found it helped them to introduce gentle exercise back into their daily routines. Some reviewers say the LCD display is a little on the small side and it also doesn't come with batteries included, so make sure you've got an AAA to hand during set up.
Pros
- Variable resistance controls that you can build up to
- Compact, so it's easy to store
- Lightweight at just 3.5kg
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Small display, according to customers
| Dimensions: | 40 x 40 x 48 cm; 3.5kg |
| Adjustable? | Yes- Resistance |
| Maximum Weight Capacity: | 100kg |
| Power: | Battery |
| Display: | Time, Distance, Calories |
- Manual resistance system and Console feedback.
- Variable resistance and tension control with a 4-inch stride length.
- The small, lightweight size makes it portable and easy to store.
Best easy-to-use mini exercise bike
NRS/AmazonAfter an injury or operation, patients are always advised to get some light exercise, but in the cold and wet British winter, this can be quite the feat. Other exercise machines like treadmills or full-sized bikes can be too much for someone recovering or dealing with pain, so a mini exercise machine, like this NRS Healthcare motorised pedal exerciser, is a great alternative. Providing a low-impact workout with adjustable resistance, it's the perfect way to start getting those muscles working and back in shape. Here is some pedal power, rain or shine.
Customers have found that it's worked wonders in building up strength in their legs and improving their general mobility, saying it's very easy to use. That being said, some reviewers have reported issues with the exerciser getting hot after a few minutes use.
Pros
- Adjustable resistance for your personal needs
- Provides a low-impact workout
- Online customers have found it great for building up strength in their legs
Cons
- Customers report the exerciser gets hot after a few minutes use
| Dimensions: | 19 x 19 x 34 cm; 2kg |
| Adjustable? | Yes - Foot Straps and Resistance |
| Maximum Weight Capacity: | Unspecified |
| Power: | Battery |
| Display: | Time, Calories |
- For low-impact rehabilitation and exercise.
- Shows exercise time duration, calories consumed, cycles and revolutions per minute.
- Adjustable pedal resistance and pedals have toe straps, adjustable to your needs.
- Shows exercise time duration, calories and cycles.
- Folds easily for storage, and can be used from a seated position.
Best lightweight mini exercise bike
himaly/AmazonAlthough notorious for its superior cardio capabilities and as being one of the best ways to get and stay fit, not everyone is a fan of cycling or pedal exercise, but a smooth pedalling system, like the one on this portable home pedal exerciser by himaly on Amazon, can get even the most hesitant users to enjoy the activity. Small and compact so that it's easy to store, its portable design means you can exercise wherever you like, whether that's in front of the telly in the living room, out in the garden or anywhere else.
The convenience of how compact and light it is, is echoed by customers in the reviews. The opinions are mixed on how easy it is to set up with some saying it was awkward but many others saying it's easy
Pros
- Small and compact for easy storage
- Lightweight so you can take it with you and exercise wherever you like
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors and easily moved between the two as it's so portable
Cons
- Some customers thought it was awkward to set up
| Dimensions: | 40 x 40 x 32 cm; 3kg |
| Adjustable? | Yes - Foot Straps and Resistance |
| Maximum Weight Capacity: | 100kg |
| Power: | Battery |
| Display: | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, RPM |
- Hand or foot pedals with an adjustable strap so can be used to exercise arms and legs.
- Easily adjustable tension for varied resistance with tension screw.
- Sturdy frame and non-slip feet for safety and efficient.
- Easy to use Multi-function LCD computer displays all information.
- Light, compact and portable with built-in carry handle for easy movement.
Best motorised mini exercise bike
Reviberwww.ebay.co.uk
As a motorised piece of exercise equipment, this Reviber Mini Motorised Exercise Bike is ideal for elderly folks or those with limited mobility, as it can assist in getting the limbs moving while slowly increasing strength. It's easy enough to use when watching TV or reading a book, and it has automated timed programmes too. When you want to change any settings mid-exercise, you can simply use the handheld controller rather than bend down to use the on-machine display.
Customers online appreciate the quality of the exerciser, saying it’s a solid, well-made machine. However, some customers mention it does move about a bit while in use so something to keep in mind.
Pros
- Handheld controller for ease of use
- Customers say it's solid and well-made
- Motorised for low impact on joints
Cons
- No adjustable resistance
| Dimensions: | 28 x 30 x 49 cm; 5.2kg |
| Adjustable? | Yes - Speed Only |
| Maximum Weight Capacity: | 120kg |
| Power: | Mains |
| Display: | Speed, Time, Distance, Calories |
- 5 auto programmes including forward and reverse functions.
- Console feedback includes speed, time, distance, scan, and calories.
- Portable and runs quietly so you can work, or watch TV.
6.
DeskCycle2
Best mini exercise bike to fit under desk
This DeskCycle2 mini exercise bike for office use has been specifically designed to effortlessly fit under a desk so you can kill two essential birds with one stone; work and exercise. The desk cycle has a high-quality magnetic resistance of eight settings and more than twice the power of other commercial mini pedal exercisers, hence its steeper price tag. Its smooth cycle doesn't strain the joints, and it's such a low noise, you can easily go unnoticed while using it in even the busiest office.
The stylish look, compact design and quiet operation all get big ticks from customers online. An area of improvement as highlighted by reviews is that the pedals are quite small so be mindful of what shoes you're wearing to be able to fit in it.
Pros
- Smooth cycle so it doesn't strain joints
- Low noise so you can use it unnoticed
- Eight resistance settings
Cons
- Pedals are small according to customers so some shoes may struggle to fit
| Dimensions: | 51 x 62 x 31 cm; 10kg |
| Adjustable? | Yes - Height and Resistance |
| Maximum Weight Capacity: | Unspecified |
| Power: | Battery |
| Display: | Speed, Time, Distance, Calories |
- Patented magnetic resistance and premium components.
- Adjustable leg; set the pedal height between 25.5cm and 23cm to give versatility.
- Whisper Quiet Magnetic resistance provides a pedal motion that is healthy for your joints.
- Save time and money exercising in the office.
- Lowest pedal height of any commercial exercise bike.
- 8 calibrated resistance settings; from very easy to more than you need.
- 5 function display includes speed, time, distance and calories.
Best folding mini exercise bike
Optiwww.argos.co.uk
If you've read all about the benefits of mini exercise bikes and like the fact that they take up minimal space but still feel that you'd prefer something you can really grab onto, this mini folding bike might be the solution you've been looking for. Hop on it as you would a regular exercise bike and track your time, distance, speed, hand pulse and calories burnt but it folds up to around the size of an ironing board for easy storage in a cupboard, behind the sofa, or under the bed when you're done with it.
It comes recommended by 93 per cent of customers on Argos so it is a much-loved product. Customers have found it's easy to set up and takes up very little space both when in use and when folded up for storage purposes. Although some say the seat is a little uncomfortable when using the machine for long periods of time.
Pros
- Folds up for easy storage
- Easy to setup and use as you just hop on and go
- Easy-to-read display that tracks time, distance, speed, hand pulse, calories and more
Cons
- Some reviewers found the seat to be uncomfortable after sitting on the bike for long periods
| Dimensions: | 115 x 42 x 77 cm; 13kg |
| Adjustable? | Yes - Seat, Resistance and Tension |
| Maximum Weight Capacity: | 100kg |
| Power: | Battery |
| Display | Scan, Time, Distance, Speed, Hand Pulse, Calories |
- Comes with a Magnetic resistance system and hand grip pulse sensor.
- Console feedback includes time, distance and speed.
- It has variable tension control and adjustable seating.
- The bike folds for easy storage and is space-saving.
FAQs
What is the difference between an exercise bike and a spin bike?
Despite the pedalling movement, there are quite a few key differences between these two. While both pieces of equipment are a great addition to your home or garage gym, it really depends on what your goals are.
Bryony Firth-Bernard, our fitness writer, lays out the differences between the two.
Looking for an intense workout? A spin bike can provide that with changeable resistance and positions. However, they are generally a little pricier, but the build quality is typically better.
Despite being a little cheaper, an exercise bike is still a great piece of kit, which is gentle on your joints and good at strengthening your lower body. They’re better for gentle workouts.
What are the benefits of an exercise bike workout?
There are many benefits in terms of our physical health, but did you know that exercise bikes can also benefit us mentally, too? In general, cycling increases our levels of dopamine and serotonin (our happy hormones), which helps reduce anxiety and stress. They can strengthen the body and mind.
With the help of Bryony, we’ve listed our favourite benefits of using an exercise bike:
Firstly, an exercise bike can strengthen your legs and muscles, providing some toning all over your body, not just your legs. This can be managed by ‘resistance’ on the bike. We suggest setting resistance on your bike at something manageable but still giving yourself a little challenge.
If you’re someone who suffers from joint pain, maybe an exercise bike could be for you. As they’re gentle on joints, it’s a good piece of equipment to continue being active on – if you have an injury. Though seemingly low impact, this workout actually can strengthen your joints, with little pressure.
Next, they can be good for weight loss. If you’re looking for a healthy and gentle way to lose some weight, this could be a good method. Even a 30-minute workout can provide results. But don’t tire yourself out – and do what’s right for you.
Getting your heart rate up is important and will strengthen your heart. Cycling - or any cardiovascular activity, will help oxygen flow throughout the body – which will help all of your organs, muscles, and your precious heart. It can even reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.
It goes without saying that investing in a mini exercise bike is much safer than the road. If the road is too busy and scares you, this will be a good solution. Not only will you avoid British weather at its rainiest but motivating yourself will be much easier. You won’t have to go as far, after all.
Lastly, as mentioned before, getting an exercise bike can boost your mind. After all, exercise has wondrous effects on our mental health as it puts our stress hormone, cortisol, in its place. Though not for everyone, cycling has been proven to reduce depression and anxiety. All positive, here.
Any exercise bike workouts for beginners?
Bryony has written a great guide to exercise bike workouts for beginners, which includes mentions of weight loss and internal training. If you’re new to your mini exercise bike, remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity (and length of time) as you go. Don’t overdo it. We've nabbed her workout here for you:
The workout:
Aim to cycle for 25 to 35 minutes
Start by cycling for 5 to 10 minutes on a low intensity to warm up your muscles and prevent injury
Select a medium intensity and cycle for 5 minutes
Once that five minutes is up, switch to a higher intensity and cycle for 1 to 2 minutes
Alternate between cycling at medium intensity for 5 minutes and then a high intensity for 1 to 2 minutes three more times
Finish by cycling on a low intensity for 5 minutes to cool down
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.