Everyone is recommended to get at least a few hours of cardio each week, it keeps the heart healthy and offers numerous health benefits. Recumbent bikes are now one of the best ways to sneak in a session of cardio in without having to leave your home.
They are low-impact on joints, easy to use, and can burn just as many calories as other cardio activities.
The only problem is many recumbent bikes can carry a heavy price tag, making them unaffordable for a majority of people. Here is our list of the top recumbent bikes under $500.
Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes for Seniors:
#1. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 270 is our top pick for recumbent bikes around $500. It has the most customizability when it comes to settings and program options within this price range.
Build and Design:
The dimensions of the whole bike are 64 in x 27 in x 50 in, and it comes in at around 102 pounds. The Schwinn 270 features a compact LCD screen giving customization throughout programs and settings.
The seating offers support for your back while biking, and the handlebars are right on the side of the seat.
Comfort:
The bike’s padded seat is adjustable to help suit many different body types. The handlebars do not block the side of the bike as they are located next to the seat instead of on the sides.
The padded seating can slide up or down, making it adjustable enough to fit a variety of heights.
The handlebars include an accurate heart rate monitoring system and the option for telemetry enabled for chest strap capability (sold separately).
Resistance:
There are 25 different options for controlled resistance, making it perfectly adjustable for beginners or seasoned athletes.
12 pre-programmed profiles include 4 variations of virtual biking paths, 4 uphill mountain paths, and 4 extreme challenges.
There are two tests that can help measure your physical fitness and design a program based on your current ability. Other featured customization through the screen;
- 9 heart rate programs with customization and heart recovery test
- 2 fitness tests to measure physical endurance
- Up to 4 user profiles
- Stores speed, time, distance, level, heart rate, calories, and resistance
Accessories:
Unlike other models, the Schwinn 270 has Bluetooth and USB connectivity to either Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal so that you can track and download workout data.
Through the screen, you can choose from up to 12 pre-programmed biking paths, ranging from beginner to expert. Check out the full Schwinn 270 Review here…
- 10-year warranty option Schwinn provides a 2-year mechanical warranty and a 1-year electrical warranty.
- Large Customization Range
- Made of High Quality Materials
- 29 Programmable Workouts
- USB Compatibility (Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal Apps)
- Time, Distance, and Calorie Tracking
- Electrical Wall Outlet
- 300 lbs Maximum Weight Capacity
Here we have a video featuring Schwinn 270.
Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#2. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709
The second bike on our list of the best recumbent bikes for seniors is the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709. This is a plain, vanilla recumbent bike that is well priced. This exercise bike will appeal to the shoppers on a budget.
Build and Design:
The dimensions for this bike are 55.5 in x 25 in x 37.5 in (L x W x H), coming in at around 61 pounds. The lightweight design makes it light enough to pick up and move if needed. Included in the design are also wheels, making the bike easy to transport.
High-end flywheels are included with a V belt drive, making it run smoothly and quietly. As mentioned above the build for this recumbent bike is structured to hold people of a bigger size.
Comfort:
Given the price of this recumbent bike, it is fairly comfortable with nice padding. The handles are good for helping you balance but they do not provide as much support, as compared to armrests in higher end recumbent bikes.
The bike has a balanced flywheel making the bike operate smoothly and quietly while in use. It offers a very large seat with padding and can support a maximum weight of up to 300 lbs.
The bike pedals are oversized, helping to create a wider area to support bigger feet. Overall the comfortability factor on this bike is above average, given its price.
Resistance:
The Marcy ME-709 recumbent bike comes with a total of 8 level magnetic tension system.
The tension can be increased or decreased manually. If you do not like pre set programs (or don’t use them anyway), this recumbent bike is the perfect fit for you.
Features at a glance:
- Foldable and lightweight (61 lbs)
- Simple LCD panel
- Manual tension adjustments
- Easy to use
- Extremely well priced
- Accommodates medium to tall people (up to 300 lbs)
- One year warranty, 90 days on all parts, offer extended warranty.
Last update on 2022-01-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3. Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike
The third bike on our list is the Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike. This bike is great for its price and offers all the basics you’d need when looking into a recumbent bike.
Build and Design:
The dimensions for this bike are 49.6 in x 28.3 in x 65.3 in, coming in at 85 pounds. It’s not one of the lightest or compact models, however, the bike sits on top of wheels allowing easy movement room to room.
The Nautilus R614 is specifically designed to support your body for lower back support for maximum comfort.
Other design features included are handlebars next to the seat, speakers supporting high-quality sound, and a 3-speed fan to keep you cool during your workouts.
Comfort:
The comfort level on this bike isn’t the best but isn’t the worst. If you’re looking for an ultra-padded bike, then this isn’t the pick for you.
The best feature is included to support only the lower back, so this is a great pick for people who tend to suffer from lower back pain while working out.
The seating is padded, however, the back is not. The handlebars rest on the side of the seating, making it easy to slide on and off the bike.
Resistance:
The Nautilus R614 offers 20 different levels of resistance, giving enough options to build intensity. While the higher models of this bike offer more programs, you’re not missing much in terms of customization. In total the machine offers;
- 9 profile programs including 3 moderate bike rides, 3 mountain rides, and 3 intensive bike rides.
- 8 heart rate programs which provide customization
- 2 fitness tests to measure your physical activity
- 1 Quick Start Program
- 2 Custom Programs
- Data included
- Time, Distance, Level, Speed, Heart Rate, Calories display
Accessories:
The screen offers two blue backlit LCD windows with Bluetooth and USB connectivity to either Nautilus connect or MyFitnessPal, for the option to download your workout data. The back of the seat is vented, allowing for heat to escape from your back while biking.
The Nautilus R614 also includes side handlebars, acoustic chambered speakers for louder sound, and 3 fan speeds to cool you during your ride.
- Up to 10 years warranty on frame
- Two-year warranty on parts
- One year warranty for electronic compartments
- 90-day labor warranty
- Bluetooth & USB compatibility
- High-quality materials
- Durable w/ extra support on frame
- Realistic motion to an actual bike
Last update on 2022-01-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#4. Exerpeutic 400 XL Recumbent Bike
The second bike on our list of the best recumbent bikes for seniors is the Exerpeutic 400 XL. This is a plain, vanilla recumbent bike that is well priced. This exercise bike will appeal to the shoppers on a budget.
Build and Design:
The dimensions for this bike are 20 in x 17 in x 58 in (L x W x H), coming in at around 43 pounds. The lightweight design makes it light enough to pick up and move if needed. Included in the design are also wheels, making the bike easy to transport.
High-end flywheels are included with a V belt drive, making it run smoothly and quietly. As mentioned above the build for this recumbent bike is structured to hold people of a bigger size.
Comfort:
Given the price of this recumbent bike, it is fairly comfortable with nice padding. The handles are good for helping you balance but they do not provide as much support, as compared to armrests in higher end recumbent bikes.
The bike has a balanced flywheel making the bike operate smoothly and quietly while in use. It offers a very large seat with padding and can support a maximum weight of up to 325 lbs.
The bike pedals are oversized, helping to create a wider area to support bigger feet. Overall the comfortability factor on this bike is just average.
Resistance:
The Exerpeutic 400 XL recumbent bike comes with a total of 8 level magnetic tension system.
The tension can be increased or decreased manually. If you do not like pre set programs (or don’t use them anyway), this recumbent bike is the perfect fit for you.
Features at a glance:
- Foldable and lightweight (43 lbs)
- Simple LCD panel
- Manual tension adjustments
- Easy to use
- Extremely well priced
- Accommodates medium to tall people (up to 300 lbs)
- One year warranty, 90 days on all parts, offer extended warranty.
Last update on 2022-01-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4616 Recumbent Bike
The last recumbent bike on this list is the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike. This bike is very minimalistic with its design, however, it offers all the basics you would need.
Build and Design: The dimensions for this bike are 41 in x 30 in x 58 in, coming in at around 71 pounds. The lightweight design makes it light enough to move.
The bike can support up to 300 lbs of maximum weight. However, the bike is more old fashioned in design, meaning the pedals use a belt system instead of electronic/magnetic.
Comfort: Everything on this bike is adjustable, making it ideal for the use of multiple people. The bike moves both back and forth while you are sitting on the bike, making it adjustable while riding.
The pedals are self-leveling making it easy for your feet to fit into the straps without any adjustments. Handlebars can be found on the side of the seats, making it easy to get on and off.
The seat and back support are padding, however, they are more firm than cushioned.
Resistance: There are 25 different options for controlled resistance, making it perfectly adjustable for beginners or trained athletes. 12 pre-programmed profiles include 4 variations of rides, 4 uphill mountain rides, and 4 extreme challenges.
There are two tests that can help measure your physical fitness and design a program based on your current ability.
- Tracks
- Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Odometer
Accessories: This recumbent bike has the most minimalistic design when it comes to the digital monitor. It’s very simple to use as there aren’t many buttons or settings. Located on the handlebar is a monitor that checks your pulse and can help you find your target heart rate for maximum calorie burning during workouts.
- 3-year manufacturers warranty
- 3-year warranty on frame
- 90 days other parts components
- Minimalistic Settings
- Tracks Progress
- Quiet
- Easy Assembly
Last update on 2022-01-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wrap up: What’s the Best Exercise Bike for Elders?
Each recumbent bike offers its own unique features, as long as you do your research on what you want to find it a bike, choosing shouldn’t be too much of an issue. The bikes listed above are the top 5 recumbent bikes for elders, so if you choose bikes with more/different features the price range will significantly change.
All of the bikes mentioned above also are all made of high-quality materials that give a longer lifespan than cheaper bikes. If assembly is going to be an issue for you, some websites (including Amazon) offer Expert Assembly for an additional price, however, this may up your shipping prices.
