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For ages, cycling has and continues to be one of the most effective exercises for muscle and bone strengthening, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing joint mobility and overall body coordination. Cycling outdoor could have been easy and very much achievable during one’s youth but it certainly isn’t in the golden years. Beyond age 60 people tend to tone down to less strenuous exercises. Well, you do not have to switch to other exercises if you are still passionate about cycling. Take advantage of the low-impact home exercise that the stationary upright or recumbent bike offers. This is because:
- This kind of exercise cuts across age
- It offers a good therapy option for those recovering from injury and those with conditions like arthritis
- It presents a safe and effective option for the elderly because it has the lowest risk of injury
- Offers the flexibility to intensify your workouts as you please
Jump straight to the Reviews Section
| Price | Product | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exerpeutic Magnetic High Capacity Recumbent Exercise Bike | 9.2 | ||
| Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike | 9.5 | ||
| Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 | 9.0 | ||
| Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike | 9.8 | ||
| Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike | 9.7 |
Jump straight to the Reviews Section
There are two main types of stationary bikes with the common distinguishing factor being the position of the rider.
- The upright bike. This is the more conventional type which looks more or less like an ordinary bicycle only that it is fixed to one position. The rider sits with their body in an upright position with pedals located right under the body
- The recumbent bike. The recumbent bike is more friendly in design with the rider’s sitting in a lower recline position on a wide seat that offers back support and pedals positioned in front so that the legs are stretched forward.
With this in mind, some of the factors you should look for in a stationary bike include:
Workout programs
A good bike comes with a good variety of workout programs in addition to the default programs. Confirm that some of the programs in the bike are heart-rate controlled and others self-customized to allow you to define what suits your specific requirements.
Resistance
Refers to the level of effort you need to exert to push the pedals back and forth. Resistance can be magnetic,
Design
Bikes with a step-through design are obviously easy to hop onto and out of without any impediment and are the most suitable for seniors. Others come with a crossbar that one has to climb over to access the bike.
Quality of seat
You will certainly spend all your bike work out time sitting so you need a comfortable seat. The thickness of the padding, the seat’s adjustability options, as well as its ability to contour. You also need a seat with great back support (especially if yours is a recumbent bike) that is meshed for ventilation purposes.
Display
It is good to get a bike with a display that is clear enough for easy reading. Also, ask yourself how much data you need to be displayed. The basic data your display should show is distance covered, calories burned, speed, time, and heart rate. Some bikes will have much more detail.
Bluetooth and USB connectivity
Bluetooth and USB connectivity mostly connects your unit to applications, MP3 players, iPad, iPod, or other gadgets that you may wish to connect to when working out.
Heart rate monitor
Chest strap heart rate monitors are by far better than hand grip monitors. The latter only takes heart rate data when, as their name suggests, you hold them and this can be cumbersome at times.
The extras
Extras like a media tray, water bottle holder, inbuilt cooling fans, inbuilt speakers, and foot straps are extra features that make a huge difference between exercise bikes.
5 Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors 2023
#1 Exerpeutic Magnetic High Capacity Recumbent Exercise Bike
Exerpeutic 1000 magnetic is a compact exercise machine engineered to offer a comfortable and exciting physical workout experience. This is one of those recumbent bikes with only standard features yet it stands out as a very strong model guaranteed to give you years of useful service. It measures 54 x 22 x 34 inches (L x W x H) and only weighs 63 lb. With a carrying capacity of 300 lb and 8 levels of magnetic resistance, this bike lets you customize your own workout program for the most desirable results. It is outfitted with an easily readable LCD console which displays heart rate, calories burned, distance covered, time, and speed statistics to help the user monitor their progress. The 1000 magnetic bike’s cranking system features a v-belt drive, precision balanced flywheel, and a smooth torque system ideal for those who love it smooth and quiet. Other comfort and convenience features worth your attention include the big cushioned seat with a backrest, pedals attached with adjustable foot straps and a walk-through design to keep prevent slip-offs which the elderly are particularly concerned about. Finally, it comes with wheels to facilitate easy movement.
Pros
- Smooth silent operation
- Easy assembly
- Designed with safety in mind
Cons
- Manual setting of the resistance level
- Lacks extras like a bottle holder which are a mark of quality
#2 Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn A20 bike is a perfect choice for elderly fitness enthusiasts thanks to its quality build. It comes with seven default exercise programs including 6 profiles and 1 quick start and is a suitable option for the home environment. Alternatively, customize your own workout profile from the 8 levels of resistance integrated into this bike. With a wide console, checking your speed, distance covered, calories burned, heart rate, RPM, results, and time records is pretty easy even from a distance. In addition, switch between the available resistance levels using the buttons conveniently positioned around the display. Schwinn A20 is designed with excellent comfort features including a padded seat that curves comfortably against your back and tilts forward and back eliminating back strain. With the heart rate sensor positioned conveniently at the handgrip, taking your pulse records is rather fast and easy making Schwinn A20 models the best rated recumbent bikes for seniors. Into the bargain are great additional features like the wheel for easy mobility, speaker integrated within the console, bottle holder, and a media tray. For stability, A20 comes with a walk-through design so even seniors will feel safe stepping into it. It has a 275 lb maximum weight capacity.
Pros
- A walk-through design for utmost safety especially for those with limited ability
- Tough construction
- Several default workout programs
- Generally safe and stable
Cons
- The low light can potentially cause the eyes to strain
- Short power cord
#3 Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
Of the many recumbent bikes in the space, Marcy ME-709 has managed some great ratings particularly as an exercise bike for the elderly people. At a glance, you’ll notice the compact structure of this bike especially if you do not have the luxury of space. Together with wheels, it is really easy to move it around or store it. Again, it comes with some impressive features that effectively enhance its functionality. 8 levels of magnetic resistance, a seat cushioned with high-density foam for maximum comfort and support, and a wide high-tech LCD display that records time worked out, miles covered, speed and calories burned are some great features incorporated in this bike. Quite surprisingly this bike is lightweight even with its steel construction. The 2-inches by 2-inches 14-gauge round tubing with a powder coat finish inst just tough and durable, it will charm your aesthetics if you love it cool. Its weighted pedals come outfitted with adjustable foot straps to deliver an excellent fit and foot support. ME-709 makes a great option for safe noiseless workouts thanks to its step-through design and its adjustable foot straps and handles. Its seat is also adjustable to accommodate different human heights. Ultimately, this bike is compact, safe, and highly adjustable.
Pros
- Large monitor for easy reading
- Integrated mobility wheels
- Toughly built and highly stable
Cons
- Its seat may be a little uncomfortable for some due to little padding
- LCD does not display heart rate
#4 Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
Loaded with admirable technology features, a lumbar-supporting contoured meshed seat incorporated with aluminum slider seat rails, and fast and easy lever adjustments, Schwinn 270 comes as a very comfortable recumbent bike and one of the best exercise bikes for seniors. Quite impressively, this model comes outfitted with 29 workout programs and 25 resistance levels which in comparison to most others is way above par. Programs include 9 heart control, 2 fitness test programs, a quick start, and four user profiles. It is also a safe bike thanks to its walk-through design and unyielding stability. Schwinn 270 really stands out with its advanced technology features facilitated by Bluetooth connectivity which allows you to synchronize it with Schwim’s very own Trainer App to record your record or RideSocial App if you need to see how others are progressing. In addition, a connection through USB to your iPad or to other gadgets is available. Extras like the DualTrack LCD screens, cooling fan, water bottle holder, inbuilt acoustic speakers, and a media shelf.
Pros
- Safe walk-through design
- Extremely comfortable seat
- Highly versatile with 25 resistance levels and 29 workout programs
- Several accessories
Cons
- 17 lb flywheel is a little light for strong resistance
- Manual pulse monitoring
- Not ideal for tall people
#5 Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike
Built with 20 ECB magnetic resistance levels and 22 workout programs this sturdily built recumbent bike, which features a balanced flywheel, offers remarkably smooth and quiet workouts without the slightest vibration. Its workout programs include 8 heart rate controlled, 2 fitness test, 1 quick start, 9 profile, and 2 custom programs. You’ll appreciate its quality built with a walk-through design if safety is top of your list of concerns along with two levelers so you are sure that your unit is stable on the ground before you start your workout. Its vented backrest seat features the innovative sliding seat rail system that allows you to adjust your seat and lock it firmly and safely. R614 comes enabled with Goal Track, a system that helps you set your workout goals. Once done, its DualTrack LCD displays consisting of 2 backlit screens will take up to 13 different workout statistics. Some great extras in this bike include speakers integrated within the console, MP3 port, handlebars at the base of the seat to hold on to when coming on or off the bike with an integrated pulse rate monitor. Others include the toe straps on its pedals, a cup holder, and a built-in fan.
Pros
- ECB magnetic resistance levels
- 22 workout programs and 20 resistance levels
- Integrated GoalTrack system
Cons
- Pulse grip heart rate monitor can be a bit cumbersome to use
Conclusion
Whether upright or recumbent, exercise bikes make a great workout option for all people especially if you intend to enhance your cardiovascular health. Again they have the lowest injury risk and are low-impact making them the best option for the elderly. Because there are many exercise bikes varying in shapes and sizes, it is important to get a bike that meets your specific needs. Take your time and if possible, adjust your bike right from the store to be sure that it suits you well in terms of comfort and functionality.
