Last Update: December 15, 2023
Our best exercise bikes for seniors are geared toward indoor cyclists who need increased comfort features like a wider seat, lumbar support, comfortable handlebars, an upright position, and more. I have also included a few options that consider the needs of an aging population while also maximizing performance. These bikes cover a wide range of options including studio, upright, and recumbent bikes. These bikes represent the best from each category.
Here’s Our List of the Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors
- Best Exercise Bike For Seniors: NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Exercise Bike with Entertainment for Seniors: Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
- Best Upright Bike For Seniors: ProForm Pro C10U
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors: Sole R92 Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Studio Cycle for Seniors: Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
- Best Exercise Bike with Content for Seniors: NordicTrack Commercial VU 29
- Best Budget Exercise Bike For Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Under Desk Bike For Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike
Best Exercise Bike For Seniors: NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Exercise Bike
The NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a challenging exercise bike. Its quiet resistance range is quiet and challenging. The bike comes with a large touchscreen display. This display gives you access to iFIT’s smart content. The R35 is best for seniors who want a subscription-based training platform and are serious about their fitness goals.
NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Exercise Bike
The NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Exercise Bike is challenging and exciting with 26 resistance levels and iFIT training.
If you are new to NordicTrack, you might not be familiar with iFIT, their subscription fitness platform. iFIT has thousands of on-demand classes for training on the R35, with other exercise equipment, or without equipment. You can have up to 5 profiles on your R35’s iFIT family membership. You and your household can then reach your fitness goals with the guidance of top iFIT trainers. The R35’s large touchscreen display is easy to navigate and view, so everyone can enjoy the available smart content.
Recumbent cycling is more comfortable for many than upright or studio cycling. The R35 has a large adjustable seat. The seat is not as soft as some users may prefer, but it did not cause me any discomfort while training. The backrest is supportive but is a little hard for my liking. If you have a bony spine, you may need additional padding to keep yourself comfortable. The handles are conveniently located and easy to grip. I like that the resistance and volume controls are located at the ends of the handles. The pedal straps are easily adjustable. The R35 is convenient and comfortable.
The R35 has 26 levels of magnetic resistance. The easiest levels may be too hard for some users. I recommend this bike for intermediate to advanced indoor cyclists. While it is a great option for seniors, it may not be best for those who are entirely new to cycling. However, if you are an experienced outdoor recumbent cyclist moving indoors, the R35 would be a great option. It is also appropriate for new indoor cyclists who would like to build strength or get a challenging workout done in a shorter time.
+ PROS
- The R35 has a 14-inch HD touchscreen display.
- The R35 has 26 levels of silent magnetic resistance.
- iFIT provides all of the onscreen content for training.
- iFIT classes automatically adjust resistance.
- The R35’s seat is comfortable, though it is not super soft.
- The seat and pedals are adjustable.
– CONS
- The R35 may be too challenging for beginners.
- The R35’s backrest may be too firm for some users, but an additional lumbar cushion may alleviate this pressure.
Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Bike Here
Best Exercise Bike with Entertainment for Seniors: Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
The Sole LCR is one of the top recumbent bikes available with practically endless content options. For this reason, it was a no-brainer for our award of Best Exercise Bike with Entertainment for Seniors. It also holds our award for Best Recumbent Bike overall! The Sole LCR is for the indoor cyclist who wants comfort as well as training and entertainment content. The “LCR” in its name stands for “light commercial recumbent,” so you know you are getting a great product that can stand up to heavy use.
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike is a light commercial and residential bike with excellent content for training and entertainment purposes.
One of the best things about the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike is that it doesn’t depend on a subscription. Once the bike is hooked up to WiFi, it is good to go. You can use the onboard training programs or any of the preloaded third-party apps. The LCR has a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, which should be relatively easy for most users to see. I actually like this screen more than the Sole R92’s low-tech screen. I find it easier to view your training metrics and navigate. There are apps for Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and more. If you want to project content from your phone screen, you can use the built-in screen mirroring function on an Apple device. Android devices can also screen mirror, but the process is much more involved.
The Sole LCR is a recumbent bike, so it has great support with a large seat and a backrest. Recumbent cycling is more comfortable than other forms of indoor cycling and is very user-friendly. The LCR has upright handles along the sides of the screen and handles with EKG pulse grips along the side of the seat. The pulse grips allow you to track your heart rate, though you can use a wearable heart rate monitor for more accuracy. The LCR should be able to connect with any Bluetooth monitor. Bluetooth also allows you to connect your phone to play audio through the speakers and pair headphones to listen to audio from the built-in apps.
There are 40 levels of electromagnetic resistance on the Sole LCR. The flywheel is 31 lbs, which should create smooth pedaling regardless of the resistance level. There are onboard programs that automatically adjust the resistance. You can also customize your own workout programs if you like. The Sole LCR has plenty of options to challenge users of all ability levels. Additionally, the seat adjusts on an angled sliding rail to accommodate users of varying statures.
+ PROS
- The Sole LCR is a light commercial machine with a lifetime warranty on the frame.
- The LCR’s recumbent design supports your back and is more comfortable.
- The 10.1-inch touchscreen shows training and entertainment content.
- The LCR has built-in training programs and custom programs.
- There are 40 magnetic resistance levels.
- The Sole LCR does not require a subscription.
– CONS
- The Sole LCR’s high-tech interface could be more user-friendly, especially for Android phone users.
- The Sole LCR is a pricey exercise bike, but it is light commercial quality.
Best Upright Bike For Seniors: ProForm Pro C10U
If you like the training style of a studio cycle but find it uncomfortable, an upright bike might be the solution. It is the perfect compromise between studio bikes and recumbent bikes. The ProForm Pro C10U is our pick for the Best Upright Bike for Seniors, because it has smart training content and great training capabilities for a very affordable price. This budget-friendly exercise bike is definitely worth your consideration.
ProForm Pro C10U
The ProForm Pro C10U is a great budget-friendly upright bike with smart training content from iFIT.
One of the biggest benefits of choosing an upright bike over other forms of exercise bikes is the effect on your posture. An upright bike encourages you to sit straighter than a studio bike, and it may feel more akin to outdoor cycling some users are familiar with compared to a recumbent bike. You can rise out of the saddle like you would on a studio cycle, and you can follow along with any cues from the iFIT trainer to do so (if you desire).
The ProForm Pro C10U is compatible with the iFIT training platform. The 10-inch HD touchscreen display combines with the two speakers to deliver great trainer-led video content. iFIT classes take you around the world and help you feel like you are on location with the coaches. They offer training advice and encouragement to help you on your way. The resistance automatically adjusts and can even adapt to your training level over time. Join series and challenges to get the most out of your iFIT experience. Because the screen only shows iFIT content, the ProForm Pro C10U is best for indoor cyclists who plan to subscribe to the iFIT subscription-based training service.
The C10U has 25 levels of silent magnetic resistance. ProForm offers a great range of difficulty with their machines to ensure exercisers of all ability levels can get a good workout in. Other features like the CoolAire fan, water bottle holder, and flat pedals with adjustable straps ensure your workout goes smoothly. The seat can adjust up and down as well as forward and backward. The handlebars cannot be adjusted but provide a lot of grip options due to their length. Most users should be able to adjust the C10U to fit their preferences.
+ PROS
- The ProForm Pro C10U is affordable.
- The Pro C10U uses iFIT to show trainer-led content from all over the world.
- The seat and pedals are adjustable.
- There are 25 levels of silent magnetic resistance.
- The upright frame is more comfortable than a studio bike for many users.
– CONS
- The Pro C10U requires an active iFIT subscription for the best experience.
- A lot of the iFIT content is designed for the studio bikes, so not all training cues may apply to the C10U.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors: Sole R92 Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Sole R92 is our Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors for several reasons. It has a quality build at a more reasonable price compared to the Sole LCR. It does not require a subscription training service, and it has a low-tech, user-friendly interface. The R92 provides a more comfortable position to train from thanks to its recumbent design.
Sole R92 Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Sole R92 Recumbent Exercise Bike has a user-friendly interface and onboard training options.
The Sole R92 Recumbent Exercise Bike has a 9-inch LCD console that is backlit for easy viewing in low-light conditions. The screen shows all of your training metrics. The one downside to the screen is it can be quite busy. Fortunately, the most important numbers like your total time are large and easier to see. The console has plenty of buttons to help you quickly set up a training program. There are options for manual, hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, HIIT, heart rate, and user-defined programs. These provide great training options at no added cost.
20 magnetic resistance levels create plenty of training variation for the R92. The resistance levels will automatically adjust during training programs and can otherwise be controlled using the buttons on the console. I wish that the handles had buttons for adjusting resistance, so you did not need to shift from your position as much. This bike has a 20-lb flywheel, which is a decent weight for smooth pedaling. Most exercisers should experience a sufficiently challenging workout on the R92 whether they are training for long durations or shorter intervals.
The R92 is for residential use only. For light-commercial applications, consider the Sole LCR instead. Yet, the R92 still has Sole’s lifetime warranty on the frame. Its parts warranty is only 2 years, labor for one year, and cosmetic items are covered for only 90 days. The R92 can support a user weight of up to 300 lbs. The frame is a step-through design so most users should have no problem getting into the seat. The handles offer additional support for users who need assistance rising from and lowering to the seat.
+ PROS
- The R92 has a comfortable step-through, recumbent design.
- No subscription is required.
- The interface is low-tech and more user-friendly than Sole’s LCR bike.
- The frame is covered by a lifetime warranty.
- 20 magnetic resistance levels offer plenty of training variation.
- There are built-in training programs.
– CONS
- There are no resistance controls on the seat handles.
- The R92’s 300-lb weight capacity may not be enough for all users.
Best Studio Cycle for Seniors: Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
The Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike does not have a large touchscreen display like most other studio exercise bikes available nowadays. While the C6 can be paired with the JRNY smart training platform, it does not need to be used with this subscription service. You can use it as a basic studio exercise bike and track your training on the small console. The C6 is the perfect studio bike for someone who isn’t sure whether studio fitness and structured training classes are right for them.
Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
The Bowflex C6 has no bulky touchscreen display and does not require a subscription training platform, but it can be used with one if you prefer.
No matter your age, the Bowflex C6 is a great option for getting an intense workout in on a sporty cycle. The C6 may be for the more experienced cyclist with its sporty saddle and optional clip-in pedals. I like it for its low-tech design and high-tech options. The console is a small backlit LCD screen, but the bike is Bluetooth. It can connect with the JRNY app on your phone or tablet for more smart training features.
The C6 uses magnetic resistance and has 100 levels. Since Peloton bikes also have 100 levels, you can more easily use it with Peloton content. The JRNY subscription service is the most compatible with the C6. Bowflex provides a 2-month free trial for new subscribers. There are trainer-led programs, scenic routes, and more. The C6’s Bluetooth capabilities also work with heart rate monitors. No worries if you don’t already have one, Bowflex includes a Bluetooth heart rate armband with your purchase.
The Bowflex C6 has plenty of adjustability, The seat can adjust up/down and forward/backward. The handlebars can adjust vertically. The pedals have SPD clips on one side and toe cages on the other, so you can use any athletic shoes that you prefer if you don’t have cycling shoes. The C6 includes a pair of 3-lb dumbbells with your purchase, so you can add some upper-body training into your workout if you would like.
Overall, the Bowflex C6 is a reasonably priced studio bike that does not require a subscription but can be used with one. It is versatile and comes with accessories that are often sold separately on other bikes.
+ PROS
- The Bowflex C6 supports JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift training content but does not require it.
- The C6 has 100 magnetic resistance levels.
- The low-tech console is lightweight and more user-friendly.
- The bike has plenty of adjustability.
- 3-lb dumbbells and a Bluetooth heart rate monitor are included with your purchase.
- JRNY provides a 2-month free trial for new members and is more affordable than competitors.
– CONS
- The Bowflex C6’s sporty saddle and geometry may not be comfortable for all exercisers.
- Some indoor cyclists may prefer a built-in touchscreen instead of using their own tablet or phone with the C6.
Read Our Full Review Of The Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike Here
Best Exercise Bike with Content for Seniors: NordicTrack Commercial VU 29
The NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 is like the ProForm Pro C10U’s big sibling. The VU 29 has a larger screen and a more premium design. If you are looking for the top experience with an iFIt-compatible upright bike, the VU 29 is definitely the better option, but it is the pricier option. I recommend the VU 29 for cyclists who intend to use the iFIT digital fitness platform regularly.
NordicTrack Commercial VU 29
The NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 is iFIT-compatible, has a large touchscreen display, and a premium construction.
One reason you should choose the VU 29 over other iFIT upright bikes is the larger screen size. At 14 inches, the VU 29’s touchscreen is easier to view and navigate compared to alternatives. This makes a big difference when you are trying to adjust onscreen features during the virtual training rides. Fortunately, there are also physical console buttons for adjusting the resistance and volume. The large display brings iFIT’s global training content to life. The motivating coaches and excellent outdoor content deliver an unmatched training experience.
The VU 29 has 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance. These resistance levels are automatically adjusted by the iFIT class. You can override the settings if you find them too hard or too easy. iFIT will remember your feedback and adjust future sessions to align more with your training status. The VU 29’s training and viewing options are very limited when not used with the iFIT subscription service, though you can train in manual mode and potentially a few featured iFIT classes.
The NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 has a large padded seat that is adjustable vertically and slightly horizontally. Unfortunately, the handlebars are not adjustable, but they do have a decent grip range. The pedals are flat pedals with a strap to keep your feet in place. The VU 29 should accommodate most cyclists within its 325-lb user weight limit.
+ PROS
- The VU 29 has a 14-inch touchscreen display.
- iFIT provides trainer-led content with automatic resistance adjustments.
- There are 24 levels of magnetic resistance.
- The padded seat is adjustable up/down and forward/backward.
- The weight capacity is 325 lbs.
– CONS
- The VU 29 is significantly more expensive than the ProForm Pro C10U.
- The handlebars are not adjustable.
- The only onscreen content is through iFIT.
Best Budget Exercise Bike For Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike is a very affordable bike with free studio content options from the SunnyFit app. I recommend the Sunny Recumbent bike for smaller users and those who are on a tight budget for their exercise bike. This bike is best for beginners rather than experienced cyclists.
Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Sunny Recumbent Exercise Bike is a budget-friendly bike with Bluetooth connectivity to pair with the free SunnyFit app.
An exercise bike doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The Sunny Recumbent Bike is very affordable at well below a thousand dollars. It has all the essential exercise bike features, like 16 levels of resistance and a display for all your training metrics. The Sunny Recumbent Bike has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, but I would recommend it for smaller users. The frame is only covered by a 3-year warranty. The construction isn’t quite as sturdy as found on more premium machines, but for its price, it is nice.
The Sunny Recumbent Bike does not require a subscription. Sunny does make a training app called SunnyFit. For a free training service, it is really impressive. I really like using their content and highly recommend it to users looking for free alternatives to Peloton and iFIT. The Recumbent Bike is Bluetooth, so you can connect it to the app for smarter workout tracking. There are also built-in training programs.
To ensure your comfort, the Sunny Recumbent Bike has a padded seat and a ventilated backrest. The seat is adjustable forward and backward along a sloping track to help accommodate height as well as distance. The pedals are flat pedals with adjustable straps to keep your feet secure while training. The bike has a lightweight (86.4-lb) step-through frame. There are handles beside the screen and the seat for two different training options. Most users should be able to get a comfortable workout on the Recumbent Bike.
+ PROS
- The Sunny Recumbent Bike is very affordable.
- The SunnyFit app provides free training content.
- There are 24 built-in training programs.
- The bike has a convenient step-through frame.
- The bike is Bluetooth.
– CONS
- The build quality may not be as nice as pricier recumbent bikes.
- The warranty is pretty short.
Best Under Desk Bike For Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike is an affordable and compact exercise solution. While it is designed for under-desk use, it can also be used while you are watching TV or seated at the kitchen table. Pretty much anywhere you like to sit can be turned into an exercise station with this Mini Exercise Bike.
Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike
The Sunny Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike turns any chair into an exercise bike and can also be used as a handcycle.
The Sunny Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike is a budget-friendly bike alternative. Exercise bikes, like any cardio equipment, may take up a lot of space in your home. The Mini Exercise Bike is a small pedaling machine that turns any chair into a bike and can be stored in a closet and out of sight when not in use. The Mini Exercise Bike can also be used as a handcycle when placed on top of a table or other surface.
This Sunny Exercise Bike has 8 levels of magnetic resistance. You can adjust the levels with the dial on the front of the machine. It also has a small LED window to view your speed, time, distance, and calories. There is no maximum user weight limit, because you are not putting weight on the machine itself! The Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike can help just about anyone add some motion to their day.
At only 19 lbs, this exercise bike can be carried around and easily moved in and out of storage compared to other exercise bikes. The Mini Exercise Bike is only covered by a warranty for one year, which could be much better. Its footprint is only 20.5” x 16.5” x 10.5”. And the stride length is a mere 7 inches. This exercise bike would be a great option for someone returning to exercise after surgery, injury, or a long period of being sedentary.
+ PROS
- The Mini Exercise Bike is affordable.
- It is compact and lightweight.
- There are 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
- It can be used as a bike or handcycle.
- The LED screen displays all of your metrics.
- It has no maximum user weight capacity.
– CONS
- The Mini Exercise Bike may not be challenging enough for all exercisers.
- Though it is relatively lightweight, it may be too heavy for some users to lift off the floor.
What To Look For In An Exercise Bike for Seniors
Comfort Features
As we age, we may lose strength, mobility, and balance. An upright or recumbent exercise bike design may be the most natural and comfortable option for users with these limitations. Recumbent bikes offer back support with their backrests. The large padded seats of upright and recumbent bikes are especially comfortable. Most importantly, the addition of comfort features does not have to result in a less effective workout.
Resistance Levels
When considering an exercise bike, it is important to ensure that the resistance levels are suitable for your training needs. An exercise bike that is too easy or too hard will not result in the desired outcome. Make sure that the exercise bike has enough training variability to account for your fitness level.
Stability
A sturdy construction will go a long way in keeping you safe. Heavy exercise bikes typically provide more stability, but you may need to find help to get the bike inside from its delivery location and set up in the right spot. Yet, doing so can ensure that you are less likely to fall if you need to rely on the exercise bike for support in getting on and off. Step-through frames are great options for users with balance issues, and their larger footprints should help with stability.
Training options
Exercisers of all ages may enjoy subscription training programs. This best list has highlighted two options: iFIT and JRNY. Other services like Echelon and Peloton provide fun training for anyone to enjoy. But, if this isn’t your training style, consider an exercise bike that does not require it. The benefit of a low-tech exercise bike is the reduced cost, user-friendly interface, and inclusion of free, onboard training programs.
Bottom Line – Best Exercise Bike for Seniors
No matter what your training style is or how it evolves as you age, everyone deserves to find an exercise bike that suits their needs. On this list, we kept the spotlight on the best recumbent and upright exercise bikes, because they are more comfortable and user-friendly than studio cycles. You can check out our Best Exercise Bike list for more studio bike options. Building strength and endurance is an important part of anyone’s life, and it becomes even more crucial for the senior population. Adopting a regular exercise routine is one way individuals can keep their independence and live longer and healthier lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best exercise bike for seniors?
The best style of exercise bike for seniors or anyone with mobility and balance problems may be the recumbent exercise bike. Of course, everyone’s needs will be slightly different, but recumbent bikes have a chair-like seat with a back. This makes recumbent bikes particularly comfortable and convenient. Specifically, this list highlights the NordicTrack Commercial R35, the Sole LCR, the Sole R92, and the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike.
What is the easiest exercise bike to ride for seniors?
Some of the easiest bikes on this list include the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike, the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Exercise Bike, and the ProForm Pro C10U. However, all of the bikes on this list have wide resistance ranges which should be appropriate for beginners to intermediate or advanced users.
Is a stationary bike good for older adults?
Stationary bikes are great options for older adults. They require less balance and coordination than treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers. Many of these bikes have step-through designs which make them particularly well-suited for exercisers with balance concerns. Adding cardio fitness into your lifestyle can improve daily living and recovery from surgery, injury, and more.
