7 Best Exercise Bike for Bad Knees in 2024

When we talk about the best exercise bike for bad knees, we mean it should come with a robust metal construction, perfectly cushioned backrest, adjustable seats, and bright consoles that will keep you updated about the workout regime.

Our motive was to tell our readers about those exercise bikes that can actually help with getting over all the pain from the knees. There ARE exercise bikes out there, but not all are meant for knees… at least; that is what our research says.

We tried to introduce to you the exercise bikes that are ‘actually’ meant for bad knees. Read the reviews and choose the perfect exercise bike for you.

5 Top Exercise Bikes for Bad Knees Comparison in 2021

Why Do My Knees Hurt While Riding an Exercise Bike?

An exercise bike should not hurt your knees, and if it does, you need to take proper measures to fix that issue. Here are the reasons that can cause this problem.

Seat Positioning

The seat’s height and the seat distance are the primary reasons responsible for causing knee pain while training. When the seat is too high, your legs will be stretched, which will painfully strain your knees.

On the other hand, if the seat is positioned too low, your knees will fail to extend correctly, hurting your posture again.

Another possible reason behind this issue is, moving the seat far back. If you do so, you will have to sit on the bike awkwardly, and you will not feel comfortable at all.

When you sit like this, your knees will have to push forward and down simultaneously, which is not the correct way.

High Resistance

There is no doubt that you want to get in shape with an intense workout regime, but the body should be capable of taking that much pressure. So, if you are pedaling with high resistance to reach your goal fast, you may end up hurting your joints.

Therefore, you need to gradually increase the pressure to check if your body can tolerate that or not. Otherwise, your knees will be in pain all the time, and you don’t want that!

Low Resistance

Yes, even the low resistance can cause knee strains. If you ride with loose pedals, you will not get the full benefits of your exercise.

So, it is imperative to find your sweet spot of resistance that will make you feel comfortable while exercising. In this way, you will be able to enjoy trouble-free workout sessions.

Things to Consider When Riding with Bad Knees

When you are riding an exercise bike with bad knees, you need to consider something for a safe experience. Here are some tips that you can follow while riding with rehab knees.

Seat Position

One of the most important things to consider is the seat position when you have arthritic or problematic knees.

Always ensure that your knee joints are slightly bent when the pedals are being pushed away in a distance that allows you to adjust your seat comfortably.

Resistance Level

Never ride with high tension, as it can trigger your knee pain pretty severely. Find a moderate resistance level that will allow you to exercise in a relaxed position.

Type of Your Bike

While choosing a machine for bad knees, you should always go for recumbent bikes instead of upright ones. It will ensure a better experience for you undoubtedly.

Exercise Routine

You should maintain a workout regime that is suitable for your physical condition. If your body can’t handle intense training, you should avoid that.

So, before you start exercising, set a routine according to your body fitness to achieve tremendous success without any trouble.

The 7 Best Exercise Bike for Bad Knees Reviews

Here is our list of the most terrific exercise bicycles that you can use to train with your troubled knee joints. So, to get all the details, let’s get to that part right away!

1. Lanos Folding Exercise Bike

The first product on our list is by Lanos, and it comes with all the outstanding qualities to provide you greater benefits. If you are looking for the best exercise bike for knee problems, you can start your ride with this one!

This workout machine is made with a foldable and compact design, making it perfect for people who live in a small place. Once you are done with your training session, you can keep it in any corner without any trouble.

The comfortable seat allows you to have a relaxed experience as long as you are on it. Moreover, you can adjust this cushioned seat according to your body type. As a result, you will have optimal back support all the time.

Besides having comfy seating arrangements, this stationary bike is equipped with anti-slip pedals. The rubber overlay on the pedals will allow you to have a secure grip to go on with your workout safely.

On top of everything, this machine is constructed with top-grade steel. It has a weight capacity of 330lbs, and people up to 6-feet can use it without any trouble.

This elliptical bike also comes with transportation wheels; thus, you can move it around without any struggle.

And besides having ergonomic handles, it comes with a phone holder that allows you to listen to music or podcasts while working out. Isn’t it amazing?

You will get 10-level magnetic tension that you can adjust according to your capabilities. Additionally, the flywheel is precision-balanced; hence you can pedal smoothly.

Considering all its advanced features and outstanding benefits, we can confidently say that you will get exceptional service from this elliptical bike. So, if you are looking for something like this, getting this one will be the wisest idea!

Pros

• It comes with a compact and foldable design
• It runs smoothly without any noise
• Easy to assemble
• Suitable for tall and plus-sized people
• The anti-slip pedals prevent accidents

Cons

• It isn’t suitable for short users

2. MaxCare Stationary Bike

This MaxCare stationary bike has a heavy-duty steel frame that will ensure a long-lasting service for the user. Moreover, it comes with tons of ergonomic features that make it excellent exercise equipment for bad knees.

Besides doing lower body exercise, you can also keep your upper potion fit as it comes with tension-resistance bands. So, if you are looking for something for full-body training, you can take a look at this one.

To makes things more convenient, this machine is designed with a phone holder. Moreover, the LCD screen will allow you to monitor your heart rate, speed, distance, and the number of calories you have burned while training.

You will get eight levels of magnetic resistance that you can adjust according to your preference. And it runs pretty smoothly compared to the traditional chain wheel, which is impressive!

In addition, you can adjust the seat of this exercise bike depending on the user’s height. It has an extra-large seat cushion which is made with a high-density sponge.

Therefore, you will always feel comfy and have outstanding back support in any condition.

As it has a foldable design, storing this equipment won’t be a complicated task at all. Moreover, its compact shape will allow you to use this machine in any indoor environment.

This exercise bike has an excellent weight capacity of 265lbs. And people from 4’11” – 6 feet height can easily sit on it.

One of the most incredible features of this bike is that it is easy to assemble. You need to spend only 15 minutes getting things together and start working out right after.

So, for a comfortable and smooth exercise session, you can keep this machine on your Wishlist.

Pros

·        Made with a heavy-duty steel frame for better durability

·        The assembly process is straightforward

·        Suitable for people with short height

·        It comes with an adjustable seat

·        The backrest is designed with perfect cushioning

Cons

·        As the weight capacity is only 260 pounds, obese people can’t ride it.

3. ADVENOR Exercise Bike

If you are looking for a workout bike that comes with the sturdiest construction and user-friendly features, you can consider this one by ADVENOR. Besides being robust, it is exceptionally compact, which makes it perfect for every household.

The seat is made with top-grade PU material and has an extra-large cushion. Even the backrest is fully padded to provide you with the most comfortable experience while exercising.

One of the most admirable features of this machine is the double-wide handlebars. With the help of these handles, you can ride with the correct posture, and they also ensure better safety for you.

The resistance bands are adjustable, and you can perform upper body exercises anytime you want. And there are pulse grips mounted on the handlebars that will allow you to monitor your heart rate throughout the sessions.

Thanks to the transportation wheels, you will get the ease of maneuverability. And the space-saving design makes sure that it won’t be an issue while keeping it in a tight place.

As this equipment has 300lbs weight capacity, any plus-size person can train on it. Moreover, people from 5’3″-6’1″ can sit on it without any discomfort.

With this bike, you will get eight levels of magnetic resistance. Moreover, the smooth flywheel guarantees a hassle-free and smooth workout session. And you can adjust the resistance level just by twisting the large tension knob.

The LCD monitor is easy to read, and it tracks your real-time speed, covered distance, and the burned calories. Therefore, this exercise machine is made to provide an optimal service; there is no doubt.

Pros

·        Provides a smooth and noise-free experience

·        The resistance level is easy to adjust

·        Suitable for tall and overweight people

·        It comes with a heart monitor on the handlebar

·        Equipped with extra-large seat for comfort

Cons

·        The padding isn’t thick enough for some users

4. Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike

This machine by Exerpeutic comes with everything you want from an exercise bike for bad knees. From the sturdy construction to ergonomic features, it’s an all-in-one piece of equipment.

Thanks to the oversized cushioning, you can sit on this bike as long as you want. And the backrest is made to provide the maximum support to your posture, which is a relief.

Moreover, if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can adjust the seat height anytime you want. Any user from 5’3″-6’6″ in height can use this machine effortlessly.

So, no matter how tall you are, you can keep your body fit with the help of this bike.

It is made with a step-thru design that allows you to hop on and get off pretty quickly. However, it doesn’t have a space-saving design which is a little disappointing for some users.

One of the most admirable things about this workout bike is its incredible weight capacity of 300lbs. So, if you are looking for a piece of equipment for plus-sized people, you can consider getting this one.

As the LCD is large, you can read all the detail of your training session without any trouble. And, the whole thing is easy to use, which makes this machine convenient for everyone.

Pros

·        Designed with comfortable and oversized seat

·        It comes with a durable metal construction

·        It operates without any noise

·        The LCD is easy to read

·        Suitable for tall people

Cons

·        It doesn’t come with a space-saving design

5. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike

This is another recumbent exercise bike for bad knees on our list to ensure a pleasant experience for you. Once you pick this one, you don’t have to go for another machine in a long time.

It is made with a long frame and ample space, so anyone can use this bike to get fit in no time. Moreover, this exercise bike can withstand up to 300lbs, which makes it better than its competitors.

The magnetic flywheel comes with top-notch construction; your ride will be smooth in any condition. Additionally, you will get the quietest experience which is a pretty rare quality in these types of equipment.

Thanks to its ergonomic seats, you can use this machine for as long as you want. The backrest is designed to take the pressure off your tailbone and back, which will ensure a relaxing training session for you.

It offers a low-impact exercise for bad knees and provides ease from joint pains. So if you want to get a recumbent bike for arthritic knees, you can start training with this one.

This machine comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance. Therefore, you can easily organize your workout regime according to your preference. Moreover, it is equipped with a heart rate monitor that allows you to stop if something happens out of the box.

The LCD screen will keep you updated with your fitness detail while working out. And there is an iPad holder mounted on the machine, so you can watch videos or listen to your favorite song.

This recumbent bike is the easiest way to keep your body fit all the time. For a comfortable experience, this machine is a pretty good choice.

Pros

• Excellent weight capacity
• Offers low-impact exercise for bad knees
• The magnetic tension level is easy to adjust
• It keeps you updated with your fitness data
• Designed with ergonomic backrest.

Cons

• The pedaling may not feel smooth at the beginning.

6. UREVO Indoor Stationary Bike

This indoor bike by UREVO comes with a sturdy steel frame to ensure the highest durability. And it has all the ergonomic features that you expect from the best stationary bike for bad knees.

With this exercise machine, you will get adjustable cage pedals. Thanks to this innovative design, you can always ride safely.

Moreover, you can press the resistance bar anytime you want to stop the flywheel. In this way, you can eliminate the chances of an accident during your training sessions.

This stationary bike is made with a belt-driven system instead of chain transport. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy smoother and noise-free rides, which are impressive!

The LCD monitor will keep telling you about your health condition and workout data as long as you ride. And the screen is easy to read so that elders can take full advantage of it without any issue.

One of the most delightful things about this machine is that it comes with a protective floor mat. It will prevent your floor or carpet from getting damaged, which is a sigh of relief.

It is designed with a non-slip handlebar to ensure better safety. The amazingly padded seat is adjustable to ensure that you are riding without any trouble.

The maximum loading capacity of this bike is 260lbs, which pretty standard, to be honest. However, if you are more on the plus size, you can look at other options.

Pros

• Robust steel construction
• The cage pedals prevent accidents
• It comes with a comfortable padded seat
• Allows you to have a noise-free training session.
• They are designed with non-slip handlebars to ensure better safety.

Cons

• The weight capacity is only 260 pounds

7. Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike

The final recumbent exercise bike for knee pain in our list is by Vanswe, and it is one of the advanced machines you can get out there. From innovative pedals to ease of portability, this indoor bike offers all the features you need.

This exercise machine is designed with double belts, which ensures smoother and silent training for the user. Moreover, it comes with transportation wheels so you can take it from one place to another without making any fuss.

The hand pulse sensor will keep monitoring your heart rate. In this way, you can track the intensity of your workout effortlessly.

One of the most impressive features of this bike is that the pedals come with straps. So even if you are going fast while riding, there won’t be any chance of accidents. Therefore, people of any age can use this machine without any hassle.

The LED screen is bright, and all the details will be written in a large font. Hence, you can read the details of your workout anytime you want.

In addition, it is equipped with 16 levels of magnetic tension resistance! And you can understand that you won’t get this many levels in most other recumbent bikes!

Furthermore, it is fully lab tested for enhanced durability and performance. Therefore, you will get a more excellent value for the money; there is no doubt about that.

Now it’s time for us to tell you about the most shocking feature of this equipment. This exercise bike has a weight capacity of 380lbs! How amazing is that?

And any user from 5’2″ to 6’1″ can use this machine to maintain their physique. So, no matter how big and tall you are, now you can train till you reach your Everest!

The thick cushioning of the seat and backrest provide extra comfort to your posture while working out. If you are planning to do long training sessions, this bike will be a fantastic choice.

Considering all its features, it is one of the most excellent machines out there; this is not a secret. For a solid experience, getting this bike will be a great idea, to be honest.

Pros

• It comes with a weight capacity of 380 lbs
• Perfect exercise machine for tall people
• Ensures noise-free and smooth pedaling
• Easy to assemble
• The pedals have a strap to guarantee better safety

Cons

• The console is not backlit

Things to Consider before Buying the best Exercise Bike for Bad Knees

We have showcased all the innovative exercise bikes that will deal with your bad knees gently. However, you may still feel overwhelmed while choosing the most suitable one.

So here is a list of things you need to consider before buying this equipment. After reading this buying guide, you will be able to make the ideal decision confidently.

Types of Exercise Bike :

You will find two types of exercise bikes out there. Let’s see the options we have.

Upright Exercise Bikes.

It looks just like a regular bicycle, and pedals will be positioned below the hips. Moreover, the seat on this machine a similar to the ones you see on outdoor bikes. It is available within an affordable price range than the recumbent ones.

Recumbent Exercise Bike.

If you have knee problems, you should get a recumbent bike instead of an upright one. As this exercise equipment comes with a backrest, you can ride in a reclining position.

Additionally, the pedals of this bike will be positioned right in front of your body. Therefore, you can ride in a relaxed way with minimum strain on your knees.

Resistance :

The resistance of your exercise bike determines the intensity of your workout. As different users come with different capabilities, your equipment should come with multiple levels of adjustable resistance.

In this way, you can get the full benefits of your exercise machine.

When you have bad knees, you should not choose the highest resistance as it can damage your physical condition. However, you can go easy or hard depending on your mood but try to maintain a good pace that won’t hurt your knees at all.

Seat :

Different types of exercise bikes come with unique seat positioning. In upright bikes, you will adjust your seat up and down, and the recumbent bikes will allow you to go forward and backward.

When you start exercising, you should sit in a mid-position and relax against the back of the seat. If you sit in a reined position or straight, it can hurt your posture, and you don’t want that!

Moreover, cushioning is one of the most important things to consider as it is directly related to comfort. Make sure it has thick and soft seat padding so you can sit on it as long as you want.

Some exercise bikes come with extra-large bike seats that will allow you to sit in a comfortable position for an extended period. Therefore, you can go for those to enjoy the ultimate comfort while exercising.

Pedals :

The exercise machine should come with pedals that will not put too much strain on your joints. In this way, you can exercise comfortably with your rehab knees.

The pedals have to be large and wide enough. Otherwise, your feet will not sit on the pedals perfectly, and you will not be able to ride effortlessly.

Some innovative bikes come with pedals with straps or clips that will prevent your feet from slipping. So even if you go faster, this feature will ensure safety, which sounds delightful!

Handles :

You have to hold the handles while pedaling for balance and support. Therefore, they should be ergonomically designed to provide better security.

The handles should minimize the strain on your arms. As a result, you can ride in a comfortable position for a long time. Moreover, they have to provide an easy and secure grip to prevent unpleasant accidents.

Some handles come with cushioning and a heart rate monitor. This motor allows you to see the intensity of your workout so you can understand when to go slower or stop.

All of the advanced bikes will have adjustable handles. In this way, you can train every day without any trouble.

Console :

While choosing a bike for rehab knees, you should get something that comes with an excellent console. It will monitor the progress of your training in detail and will inform you about your health condition all the time.

So, pick an exercise machine with a bright screen that will show you all the data in large fonts. If you do so, you will better understand the speed, time, and distance you have crossed while exercising and the calories you have burned.

Noise :

Some bikes tend to make noise while working out, which is annoying for everyone. You will never enjoy your training sessions if your machine keeps making horrible noises.

As these bikes have many moving parts, they will keep making noise. But in this article, you will find all the options that will ensure a noise-free experience for you.

Weight Capacity :

You have to get a machine that supports your weight. Otherwise, it will break down in no time! Different exercise bikes come with varying loading capacities; hence, you will not have any trouble while picking the right one for you.

Size :

If you are living in a tight space, you can go for compact machines. However, make sure that you will feel comfortable in a space-saving design.

You can also get foldable options if you have space issues in your house. And if you are going for bigger bikes, check if they have transportation wheels to enjoy the ease of portability.

Correct Seat Position in Exercise Bike for Knee Pain

When you are riding with bad knees, you need to get the correct position to prevent this issue. Here is a method you can try to fix this problem.

• First of all, put your feet on the pedals and the pedal backward. At this moment, your knee joints have to be extended in the down position.
• Now check whether your hips rock from side to side or not. If so, you should know that the seat is too high for you.  Otherwise, you are in the correct position.
• It’s time for you to pedal forward. If your knee joints are slightly bent, you are in the correct position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stationary bikes good for bad knees?

Stationary bikes allow you to have low-impact workout sessions. Therefore, your knees will not feel any discomfort while exercising. And when it is about stationary bikes, the recumbent ones are the most excellent option you have.

Doctors and therapists always recommend recumbent bikes for knee rehab. You can train with these bikes without causing any harm to your muscles, which is all we want.

This exercise equipment comes with a padded seat and backrest. And these features ensure a comfortable experience for you.

Moreover, you don’t sit in an upright position on this bike which takes off the extra pressure from your knees while working out.

What type of exercise bike is the best for bad knees?

The recumbent bikes are the best ones for problematic knees. As you don’t have to sit in an upright position, there is no additional strain on your knee joints.

Moreover, the seats and backrest come with comfortable cushioning to provide a relaxing workout session for you.

How can I ride stationary bikes with bad knees?

If you sit in a perfectly upright position, you can ride your stationary bikes as long you want.

When you sit on it, always look down at your knees to ensure that your toes are peeking out a little. And your knees should be slightly bent while pedaling.

Moreover, for a relaxing experience, you have to avoid the fast and intense ride.

Is a stationary bike good for arthritic knees?

Studies show that riding a stationary bike helps reduce arthritic symptoms. As long as you have the correct seating position, you can enjoy the benefits of this machine to treat your knee problems.

This exercise regime can treat joint pains and stiffness. Therefore, you can ride your stationary bikes even with arthritic knees.

Can you ride a bike if you have bad knees?

If you follow the correct seating positions, you will not have any trouble riding a bike with bad knees. Moreover, it would help if you made sure that the resistance is not too high while riding. Otherwise, your knee joints will start hurting in no time.

Is Peloton bikes good for bad knees?

As Peleton bikes offer controlled leg movement, you can ride them with bad knees. You can easily adjust the seating position of this cycle, so you will not have much trouble while pedaling.

Which is better for knees, treadmill, or exercise bike?

A treadmill is an excellent alternative for running outside. It gives you more control over everything, and your joints will not be strained.

But if you have bad or rehab knees, you should go for exercise bikes. As it is a low-impact workout, your knees will be at ease while running, so it will be better for you.

Is a recumbent bike good for bad knees? 

Recumbent bikes tend to reduce the pressure on your knees with their ergonomic seating positions and to cushion. Therefore, recumbent bikes are perfect for working out with bad knees.

How long should I ride a recumbent bike?

For an optimal experience, you can ride a recumbent bike for 30 minutes a day.

Does an exercise bike hurt your knees?

Unless you are riding in an incorrect position, your exercise bike should not hurt your knees.

Is walking or biking better for the knees?

As biking is a non-weight-bearing exercise, it is better for your knee joints. Walking is also an outstanding physical activity, but it can put some extra pressure on your knees. Hence, you should go biking instead of walking.

How much should I cycle a day to lose weight with bad knees?

If you cycle about 20-30 minutes a day, you will lose weight and get fit over time. Moreover, the intensity of your workout also plays a vital role.

But it would help if you exercised according to your capabilities. Otherwise, things can go wrong with your health condition, and you don’t want that.

Final Verdict

Hopefully, this article will help you pick the best exercise bike for bad knees, as we have spent hours on research.

For an overall experience, you can go for the Lanos Folding exercise bike, as it comes with all the advanced features that you need to exercise with your rehab knee.

And if you are on the plus size, you can pick the Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike as it comes with the highest weight capacity.

No matter which product you choose from our review, you will end up with the most excellent one, there is no doubt about that!