The 5 Best Exercise Bike For Bad Knees 2023: Perfect for Pain-Free Workout

Best Exercise Bike For Bad Knees

Looking for “Best Exercise Bike For Bad Knees? Then you’ve reached the right place. I am having a bad knee for the past year and that makes me curious in the search for the best exercise cycle for knee pain. To give you some ideas about what to look for in a bike that’s perfect for someone with bad knees, we’ve used. On the base on my personal experience, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite models from different brands.

Best Exercise Bike For Bad Knees

1. Best Overall: Schwinn 270

The Schwinn 270 recumbent bike is an affordable, high-quality option for people who want to stay in shape. And it is the best stationary bike for knee rehab that will give you relief from knee pain. However, this recumbent bike has a user weight capacity of 300 pounds (136 kilograms). Moreover, many other features make it stand out from other models. If you are looking for a solid home fitness bike with built-in programs, heart rate monitor compatibility, and easy-to-use controls, then this is one of the best bikes for people with bad knees on the market today.

Specifications

  • Brand: Schwinn Fitness
  • Color: Multi
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH:64 x 27.7 x 49.9 inches
  • Item Weight:86.6 Pounds
  • Resistance Mechanism: Friction
  • Material: Carbon Steel
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Maximum Weight Recommendation:136 Kilograms

Features Of The Schwinn 270

The Schwinn 270 is a recumbent bike that comes with the following features:

  • A Weight Capacity Of 300 Pounds: This means you can use the Schwinn 270 without worrying about damaging its frame or breaking any parts.
  • 25 Resistance Levels: These allow you to choose between low and high-intensity workouts, whatever suits your fitness level best at different times of the day or week.
  • LCD Display: LCD console that shows time, speed, distance covered, calories burned, and heart rate as well as pulse sensors on both grips to keep track of your pulse rate throughout each session. The console has an auto-scan feature that allows you to choose which one of these metrics it displays by default when cycling starts up again after pausing for some time (e.g., after reaching the goal distance).
ProsCons
  • A large variety of workouts installed
  • Very sturdy bike to handle the weight capacity
  • Very comfortable pedaling and feeling
  • The resistance levels give you an intense workout.
  • The back support is well-ventilated and comfortable
  • Require large space.

Our Verdict

This bike is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable recumbent bike that has many features and benefits. It’s comfortable, sturdy, and easy to use and will provide you with years of fitness enjoyment. Moreover, you can find it online or at local stores.

2. Runner Up Exerpeutic 900XL 

The Exerpeutic 900XL is one of a great piece of exercise bikes for people with bad knees to help you get fit, lose weight, and tone up your body. It can be used by people who want to exercise at home alone or in groups. You can also use this machine for an intense cardio workout on those days when you don’t have time for going outside. This is why, this is the best exercise bike after knee surgery you can use.

Specifications

  • Brand: Exerpeutic
  • Color: Gold, Black
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH:54 x 22 x 34 inches
  • Item Weigh:63 Pounds
  • Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
  • Material: Alloy Steel, Plastic
  • Maximum Weight Recommendation:300 Pounds
  • Number of Resistance Levels: 8

Features

  • Ideal For Beginners: The Exerpeutic 900XL is a great elliptical for beginners. This machine has all the features you need to meet your fitness goals, and it’s easy to assemble. It also comes with a good range of resistance levels so you can adapt your workout as needed.
  • Adjustable Stride Length: The Exerpeutic 900XL has an adjustable stride length of 20 inches or 27 inches, which makes it easy for users of all heights and weights to get the exercise they need from this machine. Its maximum user weight capacity is 300 pounds, so even if you weigh more than that amount though don’t worry about getting hurt! This is a stationary bike for seniors with arthritis.
  • Elegant Design: It also features an ergonomic design that makes sitting on the seat comfortable enough so long as you don’t have any back problems (which shouldn’t be too common since sitting still for long periods isn’t usually healthy).
ProsCons
  • Hand grip style heart rate sensors
  • Easy to fold and store when, not in use
  • The seat is adjustable for increased comfort
  • It is easy to fold this bike when you want to store it
  • Difficult to assemble

Our Verdict

The Exerpeutic 900XL is a revolution in exercise machines. To meet the needs of today’s fitness enthusiasts, it is designed with features like a large and heavy-duty belt, a fold-up foot plate, and big padded handles. The Exerpeutic 900XL is perfect for those who are looking to work on their upper body while they work out.

3. Editor’s Choice: Sole R92

Sole Fitness is a well-known brand in the health and fitness industry, producing everything from treadmills to ellipticals. Furthermore, the Sole R92 recumbent bike is a powerful machine that can help you reach your fitness goals faster. That’s why it is listed as the best exercise bike for bad knees.

Specifications

  • Brand: Sole Fitness
  • Resistance levels: 20
  • Capacity: 300 pounds
  • DimensionsLxWxH: 30 by 50 by 57 inches 
  • Weight: 152 pounds
  • Seat adjustment: 12 positions
  • Maximum Weight Recommendation: 300 Pounds

Features

  • 22 Resistance Level: The Sole Fitness R92 Recumbent Bike is a feature-packed machine that offers 22 resistance levels and 8 preset programs, making it an ideal choice for those who want to burn calories while they watch their favorite show.
  • Adjustable Seat: The seat is adjustable up to 18 inches high, so finding the right fit shouldn’t be a problem for most users. The handlebars also adjust vertically and horizontally for easy access no matter what size you are or where you prefer to place them on the frame of the recumbent bike.
  • LargePedal Design With Ridges: The large pedal design with ridges is meant to help you keep your balance and grip on the pedal as well as improve your pedaling motion. The pedals are made of steel, so they’re durable enough to stand up to years of use.

They have an antimicrobial coating that helps prevent fungi and other microorganisms from growing on them.

ProsCons
  • Ergonomically shaped pedals
  • Solid and long-lasting framework
  • Integrated music player, water bottle holder, and fan
  • All crucial information is shown on a large LCD panel.
  • Without Bluetooth connectivity

Our Verdict

Whether you’re looking to get into exercise or already have a fitness routine, the Sole R92 Recumbent Bike is a great value for money. It has an impressive range of features and is easy to assemble. We highly recommend this bike for beginners and those who are experienced cyclists alike.

4. Best Budget: Exerpeutic 400XL

Exerpeutic 400XL is a sturdy, easy-to-use bike that’s perfect for low-impact workouts in the comfort of your own home. The bike features an adjustable seat and backrest, a magnetic resistance system with 8 levels of intensity, and an oversized pedal design to accommodate any size foot. These features make it the best exercise bike for bad knees or you can say best exercise bike for rheumatoid arthritis.

Specifications

  • Brand: Exerpeutic
  • Color: Grey
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 20 x 17 x 54 inches
  • Item Weight:43 Pounds
  • Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Maximum Weight Recommendation:145 Pounds
  • Number of Resistance Levels:8

Features

  • Adjustable Handlebars: The handlebars on this recumbent bike can be adjusted to fit different body sizes, which makes it great for people of all heights and weights.
  • Adjustable Seat Height: You can adjust the seat height so that you can find the perfect position for pedaling comfortably without straining any muscles in your legs or lower back.
  • Dual-Action Brake: This bike has a dual-action brake that gives you two ways to stop pedaling when you are done working out or want to rest before resuming your workout again later on in your session.

This is especially useful if other people are using this product with you because they won’t have access to its controls while someone else is using it!

ProsCons
  • The high torque cranking technology produces a fluid pedal movement.
  • There are hand pulse sensors on the bike.
  • The transportation wheels at the bottom make storage and transit simple.
  • Leg stabilizers prevent the bike from swaying or tipping over.
  • One-year warranty

Our Verdict

This is a great bike for beginners. It’s very affordable and easy to use. If you’re looking for something compact that can be stored in a closet or even under your desk at work, this is it!

5. Best Energy Efficient: Marcy ME-709

Marcy Fitness is a leading manufacturer and distributor of fitness equipment, including recumbent exercise bikes. The ME-709 Recumbent is the Best Exercise Bike for bad knees with Resistance and combines high-end features with a low price point. This unit provides an easy setup and quiet operation with an adjustable seat height for a customized workout experience!

Specifications

  • Brand: Marcy
  • Color: Black/Gray/Copper
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 58 x 24.5 x 38 inches
  • Item Weight: 27 Kilograms 
  • Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
  • Material: Plastic
  • Power Source: Battery Powered
  • Maximum Weight Recommendation: 300 Pounds

Features

  • LCD Display: The Marcy ME-709 is equipped with an LCD that shows you the current speed, time, distance, and calories burned. This makes it easy to keep track of your workout without having to look at the bike itself. You can also adjust the seat height and incline angle of this cycling machine with ease using its adjustable levers located on either side of the seating area.
  • Three Standard Programs: The bike also comes with three standard programs, including an 8-minute quick start program as well as two custom programs that are easy to set up. The machine’s console is large and easy to use and provides plenty of information at a glance.
  • Simple Yet Elegant Design: The ME-709 has a simple design that makes it easy to use. It has an adjustable seat and handlebars that allow users of any height to enjoy their workout without having to worry about adjusting them during workouts. The bike also features a water bottle holder so you can stay hydrated during workouts!
  • Easy To Assemble: This machine is easy to assemble, and you can do it in less than an hour. Once assembled, it will take you just a few minutes to get used to the feel of the bike before your first workout. The machine is also very quiet while in use so you don’t have to worry about disturbing anyone while working out!
ProsCons
  • The 8 resistance levels are perfect for a challenging workout.
  • We adored how easy it is on the knees and how comfortable the bike’s pedals are.
  • The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Bike for Bad Knees’ biggest draw is its pricing.
  • The bike is simple to reach thanks to the step-through design.
  • No heart rate monitor

Our verdict

The Marcy ME-709 is a great recumbent bike. It’s easy to assemble, easy to use, and easy to store. The wide range of resistance settings allows you to adjust the workout intensity according to your needs which makes it the best exercise bike for osteoarthritis.

The Marcy ME-709 has a good warranty that covers all parts of the machine for one year from the date of purchase (parts only).

What to Look for in a Good Exercise Bike For Bad Knees

1. The Right Type of Bike for Your Knees

The right type of bike for your knees depends on the severity of your injury. If you have severe knee pain, a recumbent bike may be best. In this type of exercise bike, the user sits in a reclining position with feet flat on the floor and pedals forward or backward. This position allows more relaxation on the knees and is ideal for people with chronic knee pain who need to avoid intense impact during a workout routine.

Others who are suffering from milder injuries may find that an upright exercise bike works better for them. These bikes allow users to pedal forward or backward while sitting in an upright position similar to riding a bicycle or tricycle. All of its features make it the best bicycle for knee problems.

2. Seat Height

When you’re seated on the bike, your feet should be flat on the floor with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. If the seat is too high, it can cause your knees to hyperextend when pedaling—which can lead to soreness in other joints like your hips and back.

Similarly, if the seat is too low, you may have trouble reaching the pedals or feel like they’re too close to you (not comfortable).

3. Size

When talking about bike size, there are two factors to consider: the space available in your home and the height of the people who will use it. Recumbent bikes require more space than spin bikes or upright bikes because they are bulkier. It is also important to ensure the bike has an adjustable seat so that you can reach the handlebars and pedals comfortably.

4. Warranty

Look for a warranty that covers major moving parts for at least two to three years and labor for a year.

Before you purchase a bike, check the warranty to determine what exactly it covers and for how long as each model and brand varies significantly. Check to see if the manufacturer has an extended protection policy, which entitles you to free repairs and replacements after the warranty’s allocated term has expired by paying an additional price.

5. Handlebars

Make sure they’re wide enough to be stable when you’re riding, and that they won’t pinch or scrape your legs as you move around. If the bike doesn’t have a horizontal bar, make sure it has a vertical one that can be adjusted up and down so that it’s at an appropriate height for your height (you want your arms to be bent somewhat when holding on).

Check how far apart the handlebars are from each other; this will help determine if there is enough room for your elbows to rest comfortably on them (again, depending on how tall you are). If not, check whether or not there’s an adjustment option so that it can be widened or moved closer together.

6. Safety

Safety features are paramount. It’s a good idea to look for exercise bikes that have a built-in emergency stop button and/or pedal stopper, as well as an emergency brake and chain stopper.

In addition to these safety features, if there is any way to disable the pedals or other moving parts when not in use (such as locking them), then this could potentially save you money on maintenance costs down the line as well.

7. Adjustability

Adjustability is key for people with bad knees. It helps you find the right fit and ensures that you’ll be comfortable when riding your bike for extended periods. Adjustability is important for long-term use, because if it’s not adjustable, then you can only use it in one position—and as we all know, bodies change over time!

8. Weight Capacity

One of the most important considerations when buying an exercise bike for bad knees is its weight capacity. However, this refers to how much weight it can accommodate, and it’s usually measured in pounds or kilograms.

Choosing one with too small of a capacity will be problematic if you are very heavy or have trouble getting on and off the bike because you have knee problems.

9. Programs and Features

Before you buy an exercise bike, it’s important to think about the programs and features. Depending on your goals, will determine how much you want to spend. You’ll want to consider:

Some bikes only have one or two programs, while others can have up to eight or ten. The more programs there are, the more variety you’ll get during your workout–but if those programs don’t vary enough in intensity levels (i.e., some are too easy for what you need), then this isn’t an issue for you either way!

10. Price

Price is a major consideration when buying exercise bikes for bad knees. You can get a good quality entry-level model for less than $200, while the top-of-the-line models can cost several thousand dollars.

If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider one of the cheaper models. They typically have fewer features and lower-quality parts than more expensive ones. However, their basic functionality should be adequate for most people’s needs if they’re just using it at home now and then.

11. Maintenance

While you’re buying a bike for bad knees, it’s important to consider the cost of maintenance. You don’t want to buy something that will break down or need repairs in a couple of months. Take note of how often you’ll have to service your bike and what tools you’ll need to do so.

Also, be sure that if anything does go wrong with the bike, there is customer service available from the manufacturer or retailer.

FAQ’s

Q1. Which type of exercise bike is better for bad knees?

The best type of exercise bike for bad knees is a recumbent. You should choose the best recumbent bike for knee replacement. Well, a recumbent bike has a reclining seat and pedals that are positioned in front of the body, which allows users to use their knees as they pedal.

Q2. Which is better for knees recumbent or upright bike?

The answer to this question may depend on the person. Some people with knee problems prefer recumbent bikes due to their comfort and lower impact on their knees. Other people who are not bothered by the low-impact feel of a recumbent bike, choose upright bikes for their cardio benefits.

Q3. Is stationary biking good for bad knees?

This is a question that I often get asked by people who have knee issues. The answer is yes, but it depends on the severity of your issue and how much you want to do it. You should consult with your doctor before doing any type of exercise for your knee as there are some risks associated with it.

The Takeaway!!!

As far as our suggestion is concerned, the Schwinn 270 is a good all-around and the best exercise bike for bad knee problems. It has many features that make riding it easy and comfortable, such as an adjustable seat and handlebars. Schwinn 270 has wheels on the front so you can push it around when necessary. It makes moving it into storage easier than most other bikes.

The Exerpeutic 900XL is another good option if you want an affordable bike that will last for years. Moreover, the best thing is, that it won’t break the bank or put a huge dent in your budget. The seat has plenty of room to adjust so everyone from small children to tall men will have no problem getting comfortable on this machine.”

After reading our list of the best exercise bikes for bad knees, we hope you feel more confident in your decision. Whether you choose a budget-friendly option or one with more bells and whistles, we know that a good bike will give you years of service and help keep your joints healthy!