10 Best Folding Exercise Bikes – Portable, Lightweight and Inexpensive

1. Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike

First on our list is the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike, which is great if you are looking for light to moderate intensity workouts. If you are seeking a bike that has hardcore features and resistance levels that push you to hard-to-reach limits, this may not be the best option for your money and needs.

However, this Exerpeutic foldable stationary bike is very functional and has a convenient folding option. Ideal for beginners, the bike has more of a semi-recumbent style than a true upright bike. As you can notice in its construction, it has the seat set back a little, with the pedals positioned low and in front of the rider. This position is very comfortable and easy to adapt to, but also one that does not replicate the feeling of riding a regular bike just like a real upright model does.

What is great is the eight levels of magnetic resistance that range from very easy to moderately difficult. Because of that, the Exerpeutic exercise bike is adequate for easy to moderate difficulty workouts, and ideal for people who don’t have very, very strong legs or high levels of fitness.

In terms of features, the bike is a relatively basic model without much to offer. However, the simple computer console is very practical and easy to control, displaying basic workout information. It also has a goal workout feature that lets the user set a goal for time, distance, or calories burned. The model also has heart rate sensors that are integrated into its handles, so that you can monitor your heart rate while exercising.

All in all, this is a folding exercise bike that is very comfortable, has the basic features you need and ideal for a workout that includes short to medium length exercise sessions. However, if you are looking for a real challenge in your exercise bike and are a seasoned “spinner,” you should maybe check out different models from the competitors.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL Ultra Cushioned Seat Folding Exercise Bike

The Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL stationary bike (also known as Sunny XL SF-B2721) is a model that was released at the beginning of 2018. The bike is quite similar to the model we reviewed above, but has a seat that features a backrest. This gives it a bit of an advantage for people who are looking for a recumbent bike designed to provide more comfort.

Also, this model is one of the most affordable foldable exercise bikes on the market, currently available for around $200. What we can see from the frame construction is a sturdy design with a steel frame, composed of two main parts which are connected at the middle. All of the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint, while the color used in its design is dark gray. At the same time, this is the only color available for the unit.

The bike’s frame can also be completely folded up, which gives you a machine that is easy to store in a closet or in the garage. When fully folded, the bike’s dimensions are 18″L X 21″W X 54″H (46 x 53 x 137 cm) which is a size that easily fits small places for storage.

If you are looking for a bike that is designed for light cardio workouts, the Sunny XL model can satisfy your needs. What many love about this model is the bar that sustains the seat – it can be adjusted in three different incline positions. However, the seat post also has 4 adjustment notches, which means that the bike can accommodate users between 4”10” and 5’8” without any problem. There are two sets of handlebars (one attached to the seat and the other attached to the front part of the frame) which are non-adjustable and designed with rubberized grips for better hand comfort.

In its actual features, the Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL model offers 10 distinct resistance levels. The first three here are fairly light and great for recovery training. However, the other levels (8-10) deliver an impressive pedaling difficulty and make this bike great for steep climbing and moderate exercises. The 3.3 lbs flywheel is perimeter-weighted, providing a more consistent momentum and its console and accessories are quite basic, featuring an LCD display with the most important workout metrics (time, distance, speed, calories, pulse). Overall, a very affordable folding exercise bike with plenty of levels and a solid construction.

3. MaxKare Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike

As you can see in its name, the MaxKare Folding Magnetic bike features an upright design, which is foldable and great for easy storage. The actual mechanism has 8 different tension levels, which are all adjustable through a kon that is conveniently located between the seat and the handlebars of this folding stationary bike.

Users love the adjustable cushoned seat and the comfortable backrest, which is something to highlight in this model. Made of high density sponges and coming in an ergonomic design, this feature is worth considering if you want the best seat for your needs.

Next on the list are the resistance bands. MaxKare’s Folding Magnetic bike comes equipped with advanced tension rope design, giving you a chance to exercise your arms and back all while burning calories by pedaling. This is why this stationary bike is also advertised as a “3 in 1” workout solution for building muscle and burning calories.

In the LCD monitor, we can spot basic features and statistics such as speed, time, distance, calories burned and heart rate. Thanks to the hand pulses located at the handles, the bike measures your heart rate and gives you insights on the intensity of your cycling. Speaking of which, the handlebars are equipped with a tablet holder in case you want to watch some movies while exercising.

Setting up the MaxKare exercise bike is a breeze – the assembly can be done by anyone and the bike actually comes partially pre-assembled. You only need to attach the LCD display, seat and pedals and all of the tools that you are going to need are also included with the bike, which means you don’t have to buy anything on your own.

Considering the price and the weight capacity of this bike, it is a model that delivers some solid features, brings some challenges with its uphill resistance, but is still not the most professional-oriented exercise bike. Instead, a machine that beginners can work out on and enjoy cycling.

4. XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike

As a new release from the XTERRA FItness lab, this foldable exercise bike upgrades the popular FB150 model, sporting a brand new design and a seat that has been revamped for comfort. One of the highlights is certainly its price, which is around $150, making this model very popular for people who want a cheap folding exercise bike that has some solid features.

To expand on that, the FB350 is a model that has a folding X-frame design, making it suitable for easy storage. It does not have any pre-programmed workout options, but still delivers a nice push with its resistance levels which can be changed manually with a tension knob. Even though this may seem old-school to some (usually people used to digital equipment), adjusting the resistance levels on a knob is an easy way to change your workout.

A major drawback for some people (especially the bulkier ones) is the fact that the XTERRA folding stationary bike can support only 225 pounds, which is among the lowest weight capacities in all of the bikes in this list. Still, for a price that is so cheap, it is understandable that basic features like a knob and a smaller weight capacity were the idea of the manufacturer.

What we love about this model is the backrest, which is unique to the XTERRA brand. Its frame structure and functionalities can be compared and are similar in other models, and the pedal straps are good, too. The handle bars have integrated pulse grips, and the LCD screen has basic features which can support you in your lower to moderate intensity workouts.

5. Lanos Folding Exercise Bike

The Lanos Folding Exercise Bike is a 2-in-1 upright bike and a recumbent bike which has foldable features. It sports an X-frame design which makes it ideal for placing it in a corner, whether it’s your home, office, apartment or weekend house.

Recommended for men, women and seniors, this bike boosts your heart rate up and is perfect if you want to improve your cardio fitness. The natural reclined body position is something that Lanos accents as one that can “reduce body fatigue and eliminate muscle soreness in the upper body.”

In terms of capacity, the 330 lbs weight capacity is a great thing to have in mind. The height range goes from 4’5” to 6’5” which is also impressive, and there is a 10-level magnetic resistance with a smooth and quiet flywheel. Users especially appreciate the sturdy construction and the 10 levels of adjustable magnetic tension control with a system that lets you challenge yourself and changes up your routine workouts with a simple touch on the tension knob (with resistance levels going from 1 to 10).

In addition, there is a large digital LCD monitor as well as a phone and tablet holder, heart rate pulse sensors and a comfortable seat with backrest and anti-slip pedals. All of this makes the Lanos foldable exercise bike great, giving it an optimal sitting position which adapts to anyone’s goals and habits.

As a final note, we like to also accent the color choices – the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike comes in three main versions (black, blue and white) which come at the same price tag and are only matter of your personal taste. This gives it a slight advantage over many other best foldable exercise bikes that come in either black or gray color variations.

6. ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike

The brand ATIVAFIT is well known in the fitness equipment industry, and especially known for its great sets of adjustable dumbbells, gym bags, half-ball balances and obviously, exercise bikes.

This folding stationary bike by ATIVAFIT is a great mix of affordability, modern design and some quality features. It lies on a sturdy frame and has a lot to offer for both beginners and seasoned spinners. If you are not extremely demanding and want to push to the limit but without going over it, this bike can be a perfect addition to your home and/or office.

This exercise bike is fully adjustable. Made of sturdy steel and featuring a 35 lbs flywheel, it uses a magnetic resistance system with a tension knob and a combination of a belt driven system. The flywheel is the main component, which uses pure wool for brake and makes less noise, which also makes it more durable.

What users also appreciate is the LCD monitor, that is perfect for tracking all the important stats including distance, time, speed, odometer and calories burned. There is also a place for a smartphone or an iPad, thanks to the holder which is conveniently located. The pedals are also pretty standard and come with caged and anti-slip design.

Among the other additions, we can spot a water bottle holder and transportation wheels. In combination with its foldable frame, this makes the portability quite easy. To prove its quality and good reputation, ATIVAFIT offers a 12-month warranty on returns and a lifetime warranty if you need to replace any parts.

Overall, this is a great bike with solid features and a nice construction. If you are not much demanding and are satisfied with a solid construction and good features without the “wow” effect, it can be a great investment.

7. Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike

What looks like a vintage foldable exercise bike with a color that is very unusual in the fitness industry is actually a model built on an X-frame that has one of the best weight capacities out there – of 400 lbs.

The Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty foldable exercise bike is unique in this perspective, just like it is unique in its color. What we love is the large seat cushion (measuring even 14.6”) and the large LCD display, which bring a great mix of modern features to an already classic-designed frame.

The key features start with the high quality construction, large seat cushion, amazing weight capacity, precise health pulse sensors and the 3-piece crankign system which gives you a smooth and consistent pedaling motion.

As the manufacturer proudly claims, they used 20% more steel than some of their other folding exercise bikes as well as an 8-level magnetic tension control system that makes workouts easy, moderate or very challenging.

The bike folds to half of its size, which makes it uniquely compact. When folded, its dimensions are 26.4" X 24.8" X 57.5" (WxLxH) and the cushion makes it perfect for people of all ages and genders, as well as sizes. The Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty foldable chair can easily accommodate users with a height from 5’1” to 6’5”.

On the LCD monitor you can see how much calories you burned, how much distance you covered, how long you are cycling, how fast you are going, as well as see your heart pulse and odometer. The precision balanced flywheel and V-belt drive work well in combination, providing a very smooth and quiet operation and not interfering with any other activities such as watching TV or listening to music.

8. ECHANFIT Indoor Cycling Bike Folding

The ECHANFIT indoor folding exercise bike has a stable S-frame with personalized customization, which is the highlight in its features. It can hold people with a weight of up to 270 lbs and height of up to 6’0”.

There is an oversized soft and adjustable seat which makes sure that you are always in a good position for pedaling and challenging yourself to push it to the limit, burn calories and lose weight while toning your lower and parts of your upper body.

What many users love about this model is the 16 level tension, with a magnetic upright mechanism that delivers sixteen different resistance levels. These ensure that you have a wide range of exercise intensity, and can help you even if you are looking for a hard challenge in your foldable exercise bike.

What is also very appreciated by people who ordered this bike is the set of arm resistance bands, which help with toning your upper body just as you pedal the bike and tone your leg muscles. The arm resistance bands allow you to target your back, arms and shoulders, making your cycling even more interesting and bringing a healthy indoor aerobic exercise on any day of the week.

The silent magnetic resistance function, nice black design and great folding design (when folded, the bike measures 15.89L x 11.37W x 52.43H inches) are all features that show that this model is the perfect home storage solution that delivers a powerful workout for men, women and even seniors.

9. Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike

The Merax 3 in 1 adjustable folding exercise bike delivers the same idea of a workout that is split into three different groups. It is a typical folding exercise bike for your home that requires minimal floor space when working out, and one that can be easily put on the side and stored in a closet, garage or basement when not in use.

In terms of its features, there is a 10 level quiet magnetic tension option which lets you warm up with easy pedaling and then push your intensity so that your workout remains challenging and effective throughout your fitness journey.

A digital tracking monitor with an LCD screen helps you track speed, time, distance, calories burned and heart rate. In addition to this, the console has a phone holder where you can dock your phone and see workout videos or your favorite shows while exercising on this recumbent bike.

The two-in-one positions mean that this folding exercise bike can be used as a convertible upright and a recumbent bike. The conversion is instant with only one pull of a knob, allowing you to target different muscle groups and tone up your body fast.

When recumbent, the bike’s dimensions are 30.7” x 19.7” x 42.3”(L x W x H). When upright, it measures 25” x 19.7” x 47.6” (L x W x H). When folded, the Merax 3-in-1 bike measures 9” x 19.7” x 54.7” (L x W x H). Its weight capacity of 350 lbs is also very impressive.

10. PLENY 3-in-1 Total Body Workout Exercise Bike

If you are looking for the best foldable exercise bike that has a great money-to-value ratio, this model should definitely be on your list. The Pleny stationary bike has a reasonable price tag and is designed for low-impact and easy use.

As such, the bike offers a great cardiovascular workout with solid quality and functionality, right from the comfort of your home. This is why it is featured in many exercise bike reviews as a model that helps you not visit the gym and tones up your muscles while burning calories from the comfort of your home, office or any other area.

What makes this model great is the fact that it is very easy to fold and assemble. The adjustable and padded seat is great when it comes to overall comfort, and helps you exercise for more extended periods without giving you pain or other issues. The bike can hold up users to 330 pounds, which is another thing you should consider.

When it comes to the resistance levels, there are even sixteen different ones! Compared to most other models and their average eight levels, the PLENY 3-in-1 Total Body Workout Exercise Bike is superior and very easy to assemble.

As a final note, users love the LED display, lightweight profile of this bike and its heavy duty steel frame. On the display, you can track your workout progress and make the most of metrics such as distance, time, calories, pulse, etc. Overall, this is one of the folding exercise bikes that are strong, compact, and delivering a great value for money.

Folding exercise bikes have been available on the market for decades, but their design and overall construction have gone through some radical changes. As a result, we can now see machines that are more sturdy, have more features, and are overall looking like they are from the future.

With so many brands and types of stationary bikes available on the market, choosing one is not as easy as you would expect. While the cheaper models have basic features such as configurable workout resistance and a couple of programming options, the more expensive models have advanced features such as accurate and detailed LCD computers, pre-set workout programs, user profiles, longer warranties and more resistance levels.

However, many people who buy cheap and basic exercise bikes later find that having better features and more resistance levels is always a good idea. Similarly ,with models such as the more expensive ones, beginners quickly realize that they won’t make the most out of the bike’s full potential.

So, the best way to get something right for your needs is to find that sweet spot and spend an amount of money you are willing to sacrifice to get a bike that supports your fitness level, workout goals and obviously, your budget.