For the most part, when senior citizens lose some of their mobility, it’s not because they've grown old but, rather, because the have become inactive.
Staying physically fit once you're over 60 offers a multitude of benefits to the body. It keeps you productive and functions, builds physical strength besides maintaining the health of your heart.
However, when it comes to exercise equipment for the elderly, you need to take the right precautions, as pushing the body beyond its limit may result in serious injury. Hence, it’s important that you choose workout equipment tailored to the requirements and ability of your body.
If you're in the market to buy exercise equipment, this article on the best recumbent bike for seniors is going to be very helpful.
Recumbent exercise bikes can really help you get back in shape and improve your fitness level, since they are easier and more comfortable to use compared with conventional exercise bikes.
READ ALSO: Is Sweating Good for Losing Weight?
A recumbent bike allows you to cycle in a reclining position, and the best part is that it comes with a back rest, which allows you to pedal away without any pain or discomfort in your back.
The other reason why a recumbent exercise bike is ideal for older people is that the pressure on the joints is greatly reduced.
You don’t have to hold on to the handlebars, and can allow your hands to hang naturally at the side or use the arm rests for greater comfort.
Many older people often complain that their ankles and feet hurt following a long workout on a normal bike, but this is not the case on a recumbent bike, since you’ll be cycling in a natural position.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Now that you know the benefits of using a recumbent bike, let’s dig into some of the most important features to be considered before making your purchase.
Seat
Having a comfy seat is one of the most important factors. Thankfully, with a recumbent bike, you get a nice, large seat that offers both comfort and support. Just make sure you pick a bike with a seat that’s suitable for your height.
Pedals
If you have wide or large feet, you need to choose a bike that has over-sized pedals, or you can try to find adjustable pedals, whose outer edges have spring-loaded clips. These pedals will ensure that your feet remain in place.
Size
A recumbent bike takes up a lot of space compared with other normal bikes, so make sure you find one that fits in your available space.
Weight limit
Exercise bikes usually come with a threshold weight limit, so before purchasing one, see to it that your weight does not cross this limit as it may prove to be unsafe.
Progress tracking and heart rate monitor
Some bikes come with digital LCD screens that allow you to track progress with respect to calories burned, distance, time, etc. Look for a bike that has a progress tracking feature.
Secondly, it would be foolish to overexert yourself while exercising, so a bike with a heart rate monitor will help you to track your heart health so that you don’t overdo it.
Before we get in to the nitty gritty, here is a great comparison table that measures our top picks against one another.
Quick comparison: Best recumbent bike for seniors
Recumbent bike | Features we love | Rating | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|---|
Health Fitness Magnetic 
| - Huge seat cushion and backrest | ||
Exerpeutic 1000 Magnetic 
| - LCD console and heart rate sensor | ||
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike 
| - 4 customizable | ||
Diamondback Fitness 
| - Powerful but noiseless bike |
Below is a detailed list of exercise bike reviews, each with their own merits based on your wants and needs.
Health Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
If you're looking for a cost-effective recumbent stationary bike that offers a comfy ride and is well-built, the Health Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors is one to watch.
Even though it doesn't have all the finer details (e.g. a water bottle holder), it’s a brilliant piece of exercise equipment that gives a challenging workout experience.
Right from its pedals and seat, the bike has been designed to provide seniors of any shape or size a smooth riding experience.
This is one of the best recumbent bikes for seniors as it comes with an LCD screen, along with a heart rate sensor. What's more, assembly is a piece of cake.
Technical specs
- Dimensions: 46" L x 32" W x 19.5" H
- 8 levels resistance for a broad variety of workout intensity
- Maximum weight of user: 300 lb.
- Huge seat cushion and backrest
- V-belt drive and precision balanced flywheel providing a quiet and smooth operation
- Large pedals with straps that avoids slipping of feet
- Easy mobility
- Leg stabilizers extended for preventing movement
- Adjustable frame allowing you to customize the distance between seat and pedal
- Comes with LCD display and heart rate sensor
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Well-made
- Safe and supportive
Cons
- Resistance needs manual setting
- Offers only eight levels of resistance
Our favorite feature
This is a must-buy for the price. For less than $200, you can get an effective and reliable equipment.
Exerpeutic 1000 Magnetic High Capacity Recumbent Exercise Bike
Are you a senior citizen planning to use home gym products for the first time? Are you looking for the best recumbent exercise bike available at the moment? Do you want to regain your health and beauty? Exerpeutic is a wonderful option.
This is currently one of the best bikes available at the moment and meets a majority of the criteria which people, especially seniors, want when purchasing an exercise machine.
The first advantage of this bike is that it has 8 levels of magnetic tension control system. Also, it has been designed in such a way to cater to all the members in your family, mainly because of its ride adjustment. It also comes with foot straps for keeping your feet stable.
Enjoy the comfort of the huge seat cushion and backrest while reading a book or listening to your favorite music.
Technical specs
- Dimensions: 54" L x 34" W x 22" H
- 8 levels of magnetic tension control system
- Weight capacity: 300 lb.
- Stable foot straps
- Supportive LCD console
- Heart rate sensor
- Extended capacity recumbent bike with pulse
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Quiet operation
- Affordable price
- Easy mobility
- Stable foot straps
- Sturdy frame
- Adjustable for people of all sizes
Cons
- Uncomfortable and hard-to-adjust seat
Our favorite feature
If you're looking for an efficient product within a tiny budget that can help you enjoy the benefits of a cardiovascular workout, the Exerpeutic 1000 recumbent bike is a real winner.
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is a fantastic, mid-ranged product for seniors and has everything you need to lose weight and stay healthy.
Furthermore, it gives you maximum comfort and outranks other bikes within this price range.
Available with 22 workout programs and 20 resistance levels, it’s pretty darn similar to the high-end Schwinn model. Highlights include connectivity of mobile devices and the ability to gain admittance to Schwinn Connect.
To sum up, this bike has all the bells and whistles you need to get a pleasant experience in your home gym.
Technical specs
- Dimensions: 64" L x 27" W x 50" H
- Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance of 20 levels for a broad variety of workout intensity
- Charging USB port and data exchange
- Maximum user weight: 300 lb.
- 3-speed fan that keeps you cool throughout your workout
- Easy mobility
- In-console speakers with MP3 player input port or iPod
- Dual track two LCD window system
- 4 heart rate programs with customizable settings
- Schwinn Connect keeps you informed on reaching your fitness goals
Pros
- Allows you to monitor up to 13 varying display feedbacks
- Allows you to exercise in a relaxed position
- The presence of a console makes tracking easier
- Assembly is simple
Cons
- The hard plastic seat is not the most comfortable
- Lacks Bluetooth capability
Our favorite feature
Priced at less than $300, this bike has everything you need for an intense and enjoyable workout experience. Moreover, it allows you to download exercise data!
Diamondback Fitness 910SR Seat Recumbent Bike
The Diamondback Fitness 910SR bike is similar to the Schwinn as far as the design is concerned. However, it adds a lot more in terms of ergonomics and comfort, with an adjustable seat back, seat height, handlebars, and your reach to the pedals.
The maximum weight this bike can take is also high, at 325 lbs.
The stellar craftsmanship of this bike is clear from every possible angle. It has an adjustable cooling fan, a water bottle holder, and comes with 35 workout programs.
The features of the Diamondback 910SR bike have been taken to an entirely new level, beginning with 32 resistance levels along with a front console, offering 35 unique workout programs.
Technical specs
- Dimensions: 50" L x 23" W x 64" H
- 35 workout programs and 32 gradual resistance levels
- User weight capacity: 325 lb.
- Steel-crafted elements and magnetic flywheel leads to a powerful but noiseless ride
- LCD electronic display that gives actual time feedback
- Customizable seat base and back
- Frictionless eddy current braking system
- Adjustable arm rest, cooling fan and console
- Built-in speaker system and mp3 connectivity
- Foldout table rack and water bottle holder
- USB charging port
Pros
- Lots of features for less than $300
- Easy to assemble
- Smooth and quiet pedaling
Cons
- Operating system, screen and controls confusing to newbies
- Flimsy doors and sharp edges
- Electronic display outdated
Our favorite feature
Without any iota of doubt, this is a comfortable bike with an easily adjustable seat, providing you a great support for your back. Since your hands remain completely free, you can read a book, watch TV or play any of your favorite games.
Remember to enjoy your workout or else it simply won’t work out.
Recumbent bikes are unique machines aim to ensure that you remain comfortable while working out, which is why seniors prefer these types of bikes. They have been designed in such a way so that you keep coming back for effective workouts.
If you love working out, then picking one of these best recumbent bikes for seniors is without a doubt the wisest decision you can make today.
