The 7 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes for Home

Do you enjoy cycling, but find yourself unable to do it much because of muscle soreness or your busy schedule? The recumbent bike for your needs might be the answer. With a recumbent bike, you’ll get the effective workout you need to stay consistent. And if you buy a recumbent stationary bike, you’ll have the convenience of a cycling workout in your own home!

Thanks to its ergonomic design that redistributes weight with a reclined seat, a recumbent bike offers a safe, low-impact workout. By using one, you’ll be targeting your lower body without putting stress on your back or upper body. Investing in the recumbent exercise bike for you can save time, muscle pain, and injury in the long run.

But how can you find the best home recumbent bike? In this article, we’ll answer that question by reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of a recumbent bike. Then, we’ll go over our top 5 picks for the best recumbent bike based on your budget and lifestyle. We’ll also take recumbent exercise bike reviews into consideration, hearing from the people who’ve used these products themselves.

Pros and Cons of a Recumbent Exercise Bike

The best recumbent exercise bike will look much like a standard (also known as “upright”) bike. Each has pedals, handlebars, and (if stationary) usually a computer screen to help you track your distance. The main difference between them is that the recumbent bike has a reclined seat, instead of the backless upright seat that most bikes have. The best recumbent bikes will feature a comfortable seat with a back—and even armrests!

Pros

This gives the recumbent bike different advantages than a standard bike. For instance, a recumbent bike’s design provides:

• More distribution of weight. A recumbent bike lets you sit back and put most of the weight on your sit bones and thighs. This means when you buy the best recumbent bike for your needs, you’re ensuring a low-impact workout.
• Less upper body strain. When using a regular bike, you have to lean forward and somewhat hunch over the bars, using upper body strength. A recumbent bike allows you to rest your back against the seat which means you’ll be working your lower half extensively—but won’t feel the cramping and muscle soreness of your upper body.
• Protection for joints. Cycling is easy on the joints because it repositions your weight from your legs to your stronger pelvic bones. If you have a hard time walking or running, you can still use your best recumbent bike with little difficulty. The angle of the bike takes even more pressure off your knees than a regular bike.
• Good For Those With Bad Backs – They are a more comfortable option for those with lower back pain or degenerative disc disease. The backrest provides more support than an upright bike. Studies show that since the lower back receives less impact, other leg muscles become more active leading to better strength and lean muscle.
• A good workout for all levels. Because it’s easy to use and comfortable, a recumbent bike is ideal for everyone! If you want more of a challenge, you can increase your resistance level or gears. If you’re just looking for a leisurely ride or workout, you can keep the settings low.
• Peddling variation – with these bikes, you can peddle backward providing a more challenging workout
• Better muscles and bones. Pushing on the pedals of a recumbent bike helps you tone the muscles of your legs and increases bone density. This strengthens you overall with less prone to injury if you fall.

Cons

While the best recumbent bike will be good for anyone, not everyone will want to use it. If you’re looking to work your core and upper body, for example, the recumbent bike may not be the choice for you. A standard bike also takes up less room than a recumbent bike, so that’s also something you’ll want to consider. Finally, if you want a more high-impact, muscle-building workout beyond what a recumbent bike offers, you’ll probably want to go with a standard bike.

But even with their disadvantages, recumbent bikes have a lot to offer for everyone. The best recumbent bike is out there—even if you simply use it to supplement your high-impact workouts sometimes! Let’s look at some of our top picks for the best recumbent bike, along with some recumbent bike reviews.

Best Recumbent Road Bike

Looking for the best recumbent bike for riding on the road or pavement? Time to start considering a recumbent road bike.

Recumbent road bikes differ from recumbent stationary bikes in that they are made for outdoor travel. Much like a standard bike, they have gears and wheels. But the similarities end there. Recumbent bikes can have two to three tires, and they go faster than a standard bike with less effort. Many people prefer the “trike” version—three tires—because of the stability it affords. Trikes are also ideal for going up hills or moving quickly across sloping terrain. You won’t even feel the bumps or inclines!

The best recumbent road bike will have a chainless design, reclined seat, and easy joystick steering. It’ll take up more space in your garage than a standard bike—and is a bit pricier—but you’ll be amazed by how fast and easy it is to get from place to place. Check out these products and some recumbent bike reviews to help make your decision an easy one.

Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle

If you’re looking for a trusted brand backed by hundreds of reviews, this is the best recumbent bike for you. This best recumbent road bike looks pretty slick with an adjustable steel frame that comes in multiple colors. It’s also got a chainless design, foam handles for steering, and comes with a safety flag. It can accommodate riders from 4’2” to 6’3”, with a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds.

Highlights

• Ergonomic steel frame
• Three-wheel trike design
• Adjustable seat distance for different heights
• Different color options

Who Makes It?

The Mobo Cruiser is part of a collection from Asa Products, a company that manufactures several styles of recumbent bikes. They are highly regarded by cyclists and everyday users alike and provide recumbent bikes for all shapes, sizes, and ages.

The Bottom Line

Part of the trusted Asa Products brand, the Mobo Cruiser is the perfect low-price option for anyone. If your best recumbent bike includes customizable options and hundreds of satisfied reviews, this is for you.

Mobo Shift 3-Wheel Recumbent Bicycle Trike

While there are many high-end recumbent bikes for sale, such as the Artifice Adult Recumbent Tricycle, we include Asa Products’ Mobo Cruiser again based on bang for your buck. If you’re just beginning to look for your best recumbent bike or you’re a professional cyclist who’s looking for something durable and cheap, this Mobo product fits the bill.

Like the Pro Adult Cruiser, this best recumbent bike features an adjustable steel frame and chainless design. They rib its ergonomic seat, providing better lower lumbar support. The best part is, the Mobo Shift Trike has a reverse feature! Instead of getting off your bike to readjust its direction, you can simply back it up.

Highlights

• Reverse gear for backing up
• Adjustable steel frame for different heights
• Three-wheel trike design
• Safe for up to 250 lbs.

Who Makes It?

Asa Products makes the Mobo Cruiser line, which includes this reversible adult trike. We know them for their cheap, durable products and have many of the best recumbent bike products available online. The recumbent bike reviews for their products are generally positive, making them a trusted brand.

The Bottom Line

While it’s a little costlier than the Mobo Triton Pro, this best recumbent bike has a reverse feature. So, if you have limited mobility or simply want more convenience when changing direction, be sure to consider this option.

Best Recumbent Stationary Bike

While recumbent road bikes are great for supplementing your regular cycling workout, your best recumbent bike might be stationary. If you’d rather have a bike you can ride within the comfort of your own home, this option is for you. Your workout can be just a few steps away, easily working into your schedule. In fact, you can travel miles without even leaving your house!

A recumbent stationary bike acts much the same as a standard stationary bike, with the added reclined seat. Most recumbent stationary bikes have different resistance settings and tracking equipment attached, such as an odometer. The resistance settings allow you to consistently increase the intensity of your workouts, leading to improvement in cardiovascular health.

The best recumbent stationary bike will have a cushioned seat, padded handles, and an odometer. Prices are comparable to regular stationary bikes, which makes stationary recumbent bikes a great alternative. Following are some of our top picks for the best recumbent bike for home.

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709

The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike has eight resistance levels, an odometer and timer, and counterbalanced pedals, this best recumbent stationary bike offers everything you need for an effective workout. While it might not have all the flashy gadgets of a higher-end bike—such as a Bluetooth hookup or cupholders—its low price tag gives you the best bang for your buck.

Highlights

• LCD computer screen with odometer, time, and calories burned
• Padded seat and counterbalanced pedals
• 8 resistance levels
• Easy to use and assemble, perfect for all ages

Who Makes It?

IMPEX is a home and fitness equipment provider that prides itself on selling products for manufacturer’s prices. They are a recognized industry leader, and Marcy is one of their most popular brands for the best recumbent bikes.

The Bottom Line

If you want a bike without all the fluff, this is the best recumbent bike for you. It’s backed by literally thousands of recumbent bike reviews and is compact enough for a house or home gym. Whether you’re just beginning to cycle or you’ve been cycling your whole life, this bike is a great option.

Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike

Exerpeutic’s best home recumbent bike comes in at a slightly higher price than the Marcy bike, but it offers more. Along with eight levels of resistance and a one-year warranty, this option comes with a waterproof equipment mat to protect floors and carpets.

Highlights

• LCD screen with odometer, time, speed, and heart rate
• One-year warranty
• Comes with the option of a mat to protect flooring
• 8 resistance levels

Who Makes It?

Known for physical therapy and fitness equipment, Exerpeutic sells its products through several big-name retailers including Walmart and Target. It’s known for making high-quality products that don’t break the bank.

The Bottom Line

Like the Marcy bike, Exerpeutic’s offering provides the basic features of the best recumbent bike without added luxury. It also has higher ratings than most recumbent stationary bikes on the market today, which makes it an awesome choice. If you’re trying to decide between this one and the Marcy bike, you really can’t go wrong with either.

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

Are you looking for a bike that goes above and beyond the basic features we’ve talked about so far? If so, the Schwinn recumbent bike is the best home recumbent bike for you. Exercise in the lap of luxury with this stationary bike, which features Bluetooth connectivity, twenty-five levels of resistance, and even an adjustable fan.

Highlights

• 25 resistance levels to choose from
• USB media charging, adjustable fan, and powerful LCD screen
• Trusted brand

Who Makes It?

Of all the brands featured on this list, Schwinn is probably the oldest—and most trusted! Founded in 1895, they’ve been selling bikes for decades, and their customer base ranges far and wide. While their products are more high-end and pricey than most, the security their products offer is certainly priceless.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an avid cyclist or simply want to add more versatility to your workout, this is the best recumbent bike. While it’s quite a bit pricier than the lower-end bikes on this list, this bike is a great long-term investment.

Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors

As we get older, our joints become less mobile and flexible… but that doesn’t mean we can’t exercise! In fact, recumbent bikes are ideal for people with limited mobility or joint pain. A study showed that healthy older women improved their strength, power, and functional abilities after using the bike for eight weeks.

Cycling on a recumbent bike will tone your muscles and increase your bone density, all while promoting blood flow and warming up your joints. That means you’ll be faster and more flexible than ever with a recumbent bike workout regimen.

While all the models we’ve discussed thus far would work just fine for seniors, there are other options. If you’re worried you won’t be able to extend your legs far enough to reach the pedals or have a hard time climbing into the seat of a recumbent bike, never fear! Our following picks for the best recumbent bike for seniors take limited mobility into consideration.

Fitness Reality R4000 Magnetic Tension Recumbent Bike

This best recumbent bike for seniors is actually pretty darn good for anyone—and it’s affordable! Its “step-thru” design allows for an easy mount and dismount, which is ideal for people with limited mobility.

It has fourteen levels of magnetic resistance levels to help you change your workout intensity, making it a versatile option. Its LCD screen is also ideal for people with less-than-perfect vision, with a large, clear display.

Highlights

• 14 resistance levels to choose from
• Convenient “step-thru” design for people with limited mobility
• Large display LCD screen

Who Makes It?

Fitness Reality makes home and gym fitness equipment, from weights and mats to treadmills and bikes. They’re newer to the market, founded in 2007, but have quickly become a go-to brand for safe, versatile equipment.

The Bottom Line

If you’re somebody with lower mobility or who wants to have more options in their workouts, they make this best recumbent bike for you. Never worry about getting on and off it and set your workout level to fit your needs.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418 Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

It isn’t exactly a full recumbent bike, but this mini exercise bike is perfect for seniors who don’t have the strength or mobility to use a bike. This little powerhouse features eight levels of resistance. It’s also portable, which means you can exercise right from your favorite chair!

The best part? This best recumbent bike for seniors can also double as an arm workout machine! Simply treat the pedals as handles and use them to build up your upper body strength too.

Highlights

• Safety pedal straps
• Good for both lower and upper body workouts
• Supports up to 220 lbs.
• LCD screen displays time, speed, distance, and more

Who Makes It?

A manufacturer of health and fitness products, Sunny Health sells a variety of equipment for lower and upper body workouts. Their “space saver” products are especially popular with customers living in tight spaces or who have mobility issues.

The Bottom Line

Want a very cheap, portable, and versatile option for your recumbent bike workouts? Look no further than this—you won’t regret it!

Your Journey Awaits

Whether you’re journeying across the country on a recumbent road bike or progressing in your stationary recumbent bike workout regimen, you will find the best recumbent bike to fit your needs. By taking advantage of your bike’s back support, low-impact pedals, and safe design, you’ll be well on your way to getting fit.

You’ve learned more about the benefits and price points of the best recumbent bikes on the market. Now, it’s time to make your choice. If you follow this guide, you’ll get exactly what you need—and the healthy body you want!

Think you know which option is the best recumbent bike? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us more in the comments below.