Exercise has many benefits for older adults: reducing the risk of dying due to heart disease, fighting dementia, slowing the progression of Parkinson’s, even fighting high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes.
For seniors, light-to-moderate exercise is recommended, and cycling in particular is a healthy and safe way to achieve these benefits. And if we look at cycling on a stationary bike, the risks of falls or injury due to improper form and accidents drops dramatically. In fact, cardio exercise on stationary bikes helps riders lose weight, improve cardiovascular health and strengthen legs and lower-body muscles (a key in preventing falls), and provides a safe, low-impact, high-quality physical activity for any fitness level.
What to look for in a stationary bike
As a former director for a health club, I was asked to help research and test new exercise equipment. What I learned from that process can be applied to your own research as you search for an indoor cycling bike for the older adult in your care:
It all comes down to comfort
You could bring home one of the best exercise bikes money can buy, with the sleekest frame, LCD display, Bluetooth connectivity and all the bells and whistles, but if your senior struggles to get on and off the bike – or, more commonly, if they experience pain or discomfort while riding – it will all be a waste.
Because shopping online doesn’t offer a way to test the product before buying, be sure to read other customer reviews to learn which type of riders prefer the bike you’re viewing and have a plan to remedy or return the bike if your senior doesn’t feel comfortable on it.
Fair warning: Bike seats, even padded seats, are one of the least comfortable pieces of fitness equipment I’ve used, so let your senior know there will be an adjustment period and that some discomfort after the first few uses is normal. If the pain is unbearable or persists past the first few times, look at buying a wider, softer or more comfortable seat, which is as easy as a quick seat search on Amazon.
Plan for your programming
Think through how the older adult in your care will use the bike before researching. Will they want to use online workout programs to follow interval training, or will they prefer pedaling at a steady rate while reading or watching TV? Knowing how the bike will be used will guide your research and shopping experience and will help shorten the list of options available to you.
Safety is key
More than anything, consider the strength and physical ability of your senior and whether they can (or plan to) mount and dismount the bike on their own or will need help. Also, think through where the bike will be placed in their home. Will they need to move it into position to ride (if it’s a portable model), or is it ready for their use at any time? Take note of each bike’s weight capacity to make sure it provides sturdy support for the rider.
You get what you pay for
From my personal experience, this is true when it comes to most fitness equipment but is even more true for indoor bikes. While all bike models will need some level of ongoing maintenance and may break down from time to time, think about how much maintenance you feel like doing and what you’re willing to pay for upfront.
To kick-start your search for the best exercise bike for seniors, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites on Amazon. Browse this list and start the conversation with your older adult today to find the right option for you both.
Our favorite stationary bikes for seniors
Type: Upright, adjustable
Why we like this bike:
- The modern design of this bike resembles higher-end brands like Peloton and NordicTrack but is offered at a fraction of the cost.
- The heavy-duty alloy steel frame can handle a lot of use and heavier riders, and the fully adjustable handlebars and seat offer a comfortable ride for almost any height (from 4’9” to 6’3”).
- The LCD screen monitors and displays workout stats like scan, time, speed, distance, calories and odometer. There is also a tablet holder and water bottle holder for an enjoyable, safe home workout to meet your senior’s fitness goals while staying entertained and hydrated.
- DMASUN also offers a 12-month parts replacement program for free.
Type: Upright, adjustable
Why we like this bike:
- Similar to the DMASUN, the Lanos offers a similar design and functionality, and also features a 35-pound flywheel that more closely simulates real biking, along with adjustable resistance and handlebar, and a four-way adjustable seat.
- The frame is made of rust-proof, powder-coated steel so it can handle a lot of use over time.
- Of the more than 500 customer reviews on Amazon, 87% were four stars and above.
Type: Upright, semi-recumbent, recumbent, foldable
Why we like this bike:
- As the name suggests, this upright exercise bike is great for small spaces and can be easily folded up and stored when not in use. At a lower price on Amazon, this is a simple, no-frills model, great for those who want a simple machine with a smaller footprint for a low-impact workout.
- This bike offers three modes – upright, semi-recumbent and recumbent – to fit your senior’s preference and fitness level—or to offer a variety of biking experiences to keep a cardio workout interesting.
- Another similar model of foldable bike we like is the HAPBEAR Folding Exercise Bike. This exercise machine only has two modes but offers a sleeker design and is offered at a slightly higher price point.
Type: Upright, adjustable
Why we like this bike:
- This is a great example of paying more to get more. Schwinn has set the standard in cycling for more than a century and has infused their learnings over that time into each product they create.
- The indoor stationary bike offers a modern design, adjustable everything (seat, urethane-dipped handlebars, pedals, magnetic resistance with 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels) and can handle riders up to 330 pounds.
- Purchase includes a one-year subscription to Schwinn’s interactive cycling app, JRNY, which tracks your workout stats, provides custom workouts based on progress, and offers coaching and feedback along the way.
- This bike is an investment, but with the level of adjustment and app subscription, this bike is built to fit any rider, preference and fitness level.
Type: 4-in-1 adjustable, foldable
Why we like this bike:
- This model claims to be great for seniors due to its extra adjustment capabilities, quieter rides, smaller footprint, simpler installation methods, backrest, more portable folding storage capability and a more stable support structure than its competitors.
- It gets its name from its features:
- 16 levels of resistance (most other recumbent bikes offer less than 10)
- 8 seat height adjustments
- 2 seat angle adjustments
- 3 posture adjustments (upright, recline and folding)
- BARWING offers a satisfaction guarantee: In addition to a one-year service warranty, the company offers a call back to any message within 12 hours to answer any questions about your bike.
Type: Recumbent
Why we like this bike:
- If your senior is new to cycling, prefers a wider, more comfortable seat, or struggles to get on and off an upright bike, a recumbent bike is a great option for both beginners and experienced riders. I enjoy using recumbent bikes from time to time as they work different muscles than upright bikes and round out my leg workouts.
- While at a higher price point than most, this bike offers all the bells and whistles to give your senior a great ride, workout and overall exercise experience:
- LED console for workout stats, including pulse, speed, time, distance, calories and time
- 16 resistance levels for all fitness levels
- An ergonomic sport seat for enhanced waist support
- Eight seat positions
- Heart rate detection
Type: Recumbent
Why we like this bike:
- This recumbent bike takes comfort seriously with its oversized seat and back support, which is great for riders who need extra support or are new to cycling.
- Movable handlebars and eight resistance levels offer flexibility for any rider, and pulse sensors allow for easy heart rate monitoring.
himaly Mini Exercise Bike
Type: Foot peddler, mini
Why we like this bike:
- If your senior is looking for a light form of exercise or needs a way to improve circulation, this minibike is a great option. And at this lower price, it’s a no-brainer to get them started.
- While its primary use is as a leg peddler, it can also be placed on a table or desk for arm exercises for an upper body workout.
Benefits of shopping and purchasing through Amazon include
In addition to having an almost-endless supply of products at your fingertips on the platform, other benefits of shopping on Amazing include:
- Unbiased feedback from real users – Thanks to the review feature, you can view feedback from real users and get a glimpse into what your experience will be.
- Straight-forward product descriptions – Rather than having to wade through marketing copy and a branded experience on the manufacturer’s website, Amazon product listings are more to-the-point and descriptive.
- Access to deep discounts, especially on Prime Day – Amazon may offer a lower price point than a manufacturer’s website on a normal day, but visitors will see even deeper discounts on Prime Day, exclusive to Amazon.
- Free shipping – Prime members can enjoy free two-day shipping (or less) on most products, stationary bikes included.
- Expert assembly offered at reasonable price points – Assembly for each of the products listed here is offered at $89.
Shop now to take advantage of deep discounts
As with most things, it’s important to consult your senior’s physician before starting a new exercise routine, and it may take time to find the right programming for your stationary bike. But with trial and error and open communication, the older adult in your care can find a lot of joy out of their new bike, while reaping the health benefits for years to come.
