Top Quality Pedal Exercisers in 2023 | Buying Guide & Comparison
Due to the high demand, we have created a list of the best pedal exercisers on the market. We all know the expression that says “you get what you pay for”, however, it’s not always correct and our under desk pedal exerciser reviews will prove just that.
You can see at the top of the list under desk pedal exerciser review we have a mini exercise bike that costs less than $200 and as #4 mini bike costs above $300. We (Your Exercise Bike Team) strive to base our reviews on accurate research and experts’ point of view who chose and ranked the bikes depending on their features and quality, and not solely on their price.
Pedal Exercisers are some of the most convenient workout equipment that won’t occupy extensive floor space like the traditional desk bikes and you can easily move them around your house or even use them outside after doing some healthy gardening. These foot pedal exercisers allow for good upper and lower body workouts without breaking your bank account.
Pedal Exercisers vs Exercise Bikes | See How They Differ
Compare the Best Pedal Exercisers
| Name | Resistance | For | Display | Bidirectional | Jerky | Warranty | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubii Under Desk Elliptical | Magnetic Adjustable | Under Desk Lower Body | Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | No | 1 Year | H-10" |
| DeskCycle Pedal Exerciser | Magnetic Adjustable | Under Desk Lower Body | Yes | Yes | No | 1 Year | H-10" |
| MagneTrainer-ER Pedal Exerciser | Magnetic Adjustable | Upper & Lower Body | Yes | Yes | No | 1 Year | H-15" |
| Sunny H&F Pedal Exerciser | Magnetic Adjustable | Upper & Lower Body | Yes | No | No | 90-Day | H-14" |
| LifePro Mini Foot Pedal Exerciser | Magnetic Adjustable | Upper & Lower Body | Yes | Yes | No | N/A | H-12" |
| Sunny SF-B0891 Mini Pedal Exerciser | Magnetic Adjustable | Upper & Lower Body | Yes | No | No | 90-Day | H-10.5" |
| Exerpeutic 7101 Pedal Exerciser | Motorized Adjustable | Upper & Lower Body | Yes | No | No | 1 Year Limited | H-13" |
| Platinum Fitness Fit Pedal Exerciser | Friction Adjustable | Upper & Lower Body | Yes | Yes | Jerky | N/A | H-12" |
Quick Overview: Best Mini Pedal Exercisers
Cubii Under Desk Elliptical (Magnetic)
The Cubii Pro is without a doubt one of the best under-desk ellipticals on the market and there are several good reasons for it. With this setting pedal exerciser, you’ll get a smooth elliptical motion with zero noise and zero impact on the knees.
Unlike traditional pedal exercise machines that have up-and-down cycling motion, the Cubii under-desk pedal exerciser offers an elliptical motion. It is much easier on the knee joints compared to up-and-down motion which is what you get from most seated pedal exercisers.
Aside from being easy on the joints, the elliptical motion prevents your knees from hitting the desk because your knees don’t come up 90-degree upward like it would with pedal exercisers. Therefore, the Cubii mini elliptical allows you to exercise under shorter work-desks.
In addition to its silent and smooth operation, the Cubii under-desk is built with durable bearings, pedals, and drive-system that can support users up to 500 pounds.
The surface of the pedals are soft and grippy, so you can use the Cubii with or without the shoes. They are non-slip and very comfortable compared to most floor pedal exercisers.
As far as the resistance is concerned, the Cubii is equipped with eight powerful levels of magnetic resistance. This wide range of resistance is silent and sufficient for all fitness levels and ages.
The Cubii desk elliptical is also equipped with universal Bluetooth connectivity. It connects to Android and ios devices and allows tracking your progress on Cubii, Fitbit and Apple HealthKit fitness apps.
Some of the stats that you can see and track on the above free fitness apps are; calories, strides, miles, minutes and RPM. On the apps, you can also set personalized goals and compete with other Cubii users around the world.
Last but not least, this brand stands behind its products. Based in Illinois, USA, this company provides excellent support for all its customers. In fact, this is one of the very few fitness brands that provides you with the company CEO’s email to contact directly in case you are not satisfied with the support.
Note: Cubii is a bit more expensive than a few other under-desk ellipticals on the market, but it also has unique reliability and great consumer reviews across the web. This under-desk pedal exerciser is designed to be used seated and not standing. So, if you have a standing desk, the Cubii is not for you.
Technical Information of Cubii Under-Desk Elliptical:
- DeskCycle dimensions:
23 Inches length
17.5 Inches wide front legs
10 inches Height - Under-Desk elliptical weight: 27.5 Lbs
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Resistance range: Approximately 140 watts max resistance
- Resistance steps: 8
- Designed for: Lower body
- Computer functions: Via Bluetooth tracks the calories, strides, miles, minutes and RPM
- Bidirectional pedal motion: Yes
- Minimum desk height: 27 Inches for individuals 6 feet below
- Warranty: One year on all parts
- Pedals: Large and cautioned
- Ergo Handles: No
- Sliding on slippery floors: No, chair stoppers are also included
- Power requirement: Bluetooth uses micro USB charger (included)
- Jerky: No
- Maximum user weight: 500-lb
DeskCycle Pedal Exerciser (Magnetic)
This pedal exerciser with 24 inches long and wide base is one of the most used under-desk pedal exercisers. To find out why, read the detailed review of DeskCycle mini pedal exerciser.
It has one of the widest ranges of resistance, 130 watts, which means you will probably never use that level in the office since it’s going to make you sweat, but it’s a unique feature for pedal exercisers under desk. The resistance mechanism of this pedal exerciser is magnetic which creates a smooth and quiet pedaling motion.
The digital display of this under-desk pedal exerciser shows the important values of your workout, you can track calorie, distance, speed, and scan. You can also use the accurate online calorie calculator provided on deskcycle.com.
Basically, you put your age, height, weight, duration of your workout, resistance level and distance and it tells you exactly how many calories you burnt on this pedal exerciser under desk. Pretty cool and more accurate from what’s shown on the digital display of the DeskCycle under-desk exerciser.
DeskCycle mini exercise bike comes with large pedals and adjustable Velcro straps to keep your feet firm on the pedal exerciser, Velcro tether to keep the bike from sliding on the floor and a display stands so you can put the digital display on your desk to monitor the workout values.
With the good solid quality and the lowest pedal height of only 10 inches, DeskCycle is one of the best pedal exercisers in the entire market. The only downside is that it’s leg pedal exerciser so, you can use it only for your lower body.
Note: The rear base/feet of this mini exercise bike is relatively long and comes in contact with the chairs that have wheels and it causes the chair to slide backward. DeskCycle pedal exerciser is not designed for the arm workout. Overall it’s one of the best stationary pedal exercisers for seniors as well as those working in the office.
Technical information of DeskCycle under-desk pedal exerciser:
- DeskCycle dimensions:
24 Inches length
20 Inches wide front legs
15 inches wide rear legs
10 inches Height - DeskCycle weight: 23 Lbs
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance range: 130 watts max resistance
- Resistance steps: 8
- Drive mechanism: Dual axle Twin Belt
- Designed for: Lower body
- Flywheel: 3 Lbs
- Computer functions: Digital Speed, Time, Calories Distance and Scan (The scan mode allows you to review the statistics as you exercise), display stand included
- Bidirectional pedal motion: Yes
- Minimum desk height: 27 Inches for individuals 6 feet below
- Warranty:
One year on all parts and labor - Platform: Wide
- Pedals: Large with adjustable Velcro straps
- Ergo Handles: No
- Sliding on slippery floors: No, Velcro tether to keep it from sliding is also included
- Power requirement: Runs on single AA Battery (included)
- Jerky: No
- Maximum user weight: N/A
MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike (magnetic)
In this mini pedal exerciser review, the MT has the second position for good reasons. The MagneTrainer mini exercise bike is a top-rated pedal exerciser that has few differences with the Deskcycle and other desk exercise bike pedal exerciser. In this review, we will go over the features that make them different.
MagneTrainer mini exercise bike comes with a magnetic resistance system and the highest range is 170 watts max, unlike DeskCycle pedal exerciser that has 130 watts max.
The other good feature is the ergo handgrip, MagneTrainer pedal exerciser is designed for upper and lower body (hand and foot pedal exerciser), unlike DeskCycle which is designed only for legs. The MagneTrainer compact pedal exerciser has 15 to 20 inches adjustable length which is good if you don’t have much space under your desk, while DeskCycle has a 24 inches non-adjustable length, which is the biggest downside of it.
However, what sets DeskCycle pedal exerciser at the top of our list is the lowest height of the pedal in the mini-bike industry, it’s only 10 inches, while MagneTrainer is 15 inches.
In everything else, these top pedals exercisers match exactly the same. They are both featured with magnetic drive belt system which makes them quiet and smooth, none of them are jerky nor at low resistance neither at high resistance. Both of these home pedal exercisers have wide platforms and solid bases. However, the MagneTrainer mini exercise bike is better used not under the desk due to its height.
Note: While it’s an arm and leg pedal exerciser, it has 15 inches pedal height from the floor which makes this pedal exerciser hard to use under the desk unless you have a very tall desk.
Technical information of MagneTrainer-Er Pedal Exerciser:
- MagneTrainer dimensions:
15-20 Inches Length adjustable
16 Inches Width
15.5 Inches Height - MagneTrainer weight: 22 Lbs
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance range: 170 Watts max resistance
- Resistance steps: Multi-Turn Knob
- Drive mechanism: Dual Axle Twin Belt
- Designed for: Upper and lower body
- Flywheel weight: N/A
- Computer functions: Speed, Time, Calories, and Distance (display stance included)
- Bidirectional pedal motion: Yes
- Minimum desk height: 30 inches for individuals 6 feet below
- Warranty:
One year on all parts and labor - Platform: Wide
- Pedals: Large with adjustable Velcro straps
- Ergo Handles: Included, to place your hands in a more comfortable position for the arm workout
- Sliding on slippery floors: Yes but Velcro tether to keep it from sliding is included
- Power requirement: Runs on single AA Battery (included)
- Jerky: No
- Maximum user weight: N/A
Sunny Health And Fitness Pedal Exerciser (magnetic)
This mini bike is one of the unbeatable in the market and can be used both under the desk and in the open for upper and lower body. It’s also compact which make it one of the best pedal exerciser for the elderly. The width of this mini bike is 18.11 inches and height is 14, which means it’s very stable and it won’t rock during the pedaling session.
The platform is designed to keep this sit down pedal exerciser in place as tight as possible. Sunny Health and Fitness desk pedal exerciser features belt drive and 8 levels of magnetic resistance which makes it quiet and smooth. Although, the resistance is not as powerful as the MagneTrainer pedal exerciser.
It’s not mentioned if this mini bike is compatible with ergo handles but the pedals can be used both with hand and foot for upper and lower body workout. So, it’s not only an arm pedal exerciser or lege pedal exerciser. Sunny sitting pedal exerciser also has a 90-day warranty. And looking at the consumer reviews, the majority of users are happy with the quality and functionality of this mini bike.
Overall it’s one of the best mini exercise bikes in this price range built by a popular and affordable brand, Sunny Health & Fitness.
Note: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418 Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike is lacking in bi-directional pedal motion, which means you cannot pedal reverse/backward. This mini pedal exerciser has the handles on the top for easy portability.
Technical information for Sunny Health & Fitness Pedal Exerciser:
- Sunny Health & Fitness mini pedal exerciser dimensions:
21.7 Inches Length, non-adjustable
18.11 Inches Width
14 Inches Height - Sunny Health & Fitness pedal exerciser weight: 21 Lbs
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance range: Around 80 Watts
- Resistance steps: 8
- Drive mechanism: Belt drive
- Designed for: Upper and lower body
- Flywheel weight: N/A
- Computer functions: Speed, Time, Calories, Distance, display stance not included
- Bidirectional pedal motion: No
- Minimum desk height: 29 Inches for individuals 6 feet below
- Warranty:
90-Day Manufacturer’s Warranty - Platform: Wide
- Pedals: Wide with adjustable Velcro straps
- Ergo Handles: No
- Slides on slippery floors: No
- Power requirement: 2 AAA batteries (included)
- Jerky: No
- Maximum user weight: 220
LifePro Under-Desk Exercise Bike (magnetic)
10 used from $95.99
LifePro mini exerciser comes with multiple magnetic resistance levels. The resistance watt is not described but estimated to be over 150-watt at max. For seated pedal exerciser that’s a great amount of tension. The combination of magnetic resistance and the belt makes the LifePro digital pedal exerciser very quiet and requires little to no maintenance.
A good option for working out your upper and lower body. While it’s not clear if this LifePro small pedal exerciser is compatible with ergo hand-grips, you shouldn’t have any problem using the LifePro home digital pedal exerciser bike for your upper body using the included resistant cords.
What makes the LifePro one of the best pedal exercisers is the short and compact height of the machine. Unlike many other magnetic pedal exercisers, this indoor pedal exerciser easily fits under taller desks (not average or short desks).
The lowest pedal height is 6 Inches which is good for under desk pedaling. The quality the compact design and the price of LifePro desk exercise bike pedal exerciser are unique.
The feet of this stationary pedal exerciser is non-slip. So, you don’t need to chase this chair pedal exerciser around. LifePro fitness pedal exerciser has a digital display that allows you to track the speed, time, and distance calories.
Among the amazon foot pedal exercisers, the Maxkare stationary bike pedal exerciser is a relatively new product. And there are already so many reviews compared to other pedal exercisers for under desks. With all being said, the Cubii and the DeskCycle pedal exercisers keep the first two places in our best pedal exerciser reviews for 2023.
Technical information of Merax under desk pedal exerciser:
- LifePro pedal exerciser dimensions:
23 Inches Length, non-adjustable
21 Inches Width
12 Inches Height - LifePro Fitness pedal exerciser weight: 18.5 Lbs
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance range: 150 Watts max resistance
- Resistance steps: Multiple
- Drive mechanism: Smooth
- Designed for: Lower and upper body
- Flywheel weight: N/A
- Computer functions: Speed, Time, Calories, Distance, Pulse and Scan Mode.
- Bidirectional pedal motion: Yes
- Minimum desk height: N/A
- Warranty: N/A
- Platform: Wide
- Pedals: Adjustable straps
- Ergo Handles: N/A
- Slides on slippery floors: No
- Power requirement: Self-power unit
- Jerky: No
- Maximum user weight: 300
Sunny SF-B0891 Mini Exercise Bike (Magnetic)
8 used from $75.99
A few years ago if you were spending less than $100 for a pedal exerciser, you could hardly expect something with good features and good quality. But it changed in 2023.
This pedal exerciser costs less than $100, yet has it all, from an adjustable magnetic resistance to a smooth operation to meet your exercise need.
The good thing with this mini-cycle pedal exerciser is that it’s near to silent, smooth at high resistance and not jerky as the friction pedal exercisers. Supporting 250 pounds user weight, this mini exercise bike needs to have a strong drive system.
This mini stationary pedal exerciser is designed for arm and leg workout. Thanks to its wide rear base/feet it’s very stable and doesn’t rock for lower body workout if you pedal intensely. The pedals are a good size with straps that have only three adjustable sizes.
With no doubts buying this pedal exerciser is a good investment as it’s a good value due to its magnetic system and compact design. Weighing just under 19 pounds, this under-desk bike pedal exercise is easy to store and move in the house or office. Additionally, this magnetic pedal exercise has a monitor to let you see your calories, speed, distance and time.
Note: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B0891 portable pedal exerciser is not bi-directional, which means you can’t pedal reverse/backward. Overall it is one of the best pedal exercisers for seniors.
Technical information of SF-B0891 under desk mini exerciser:
- SF-B0891 pedal exerciser dimensions:
21 Inches length
16 Inches wide front legs
12 Inches wide rear legs
10.5 Inches Height - SF-B0891 weight: 19 Lbs
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance range: 8 Levels
- Resistance steps: Turning knob adjustable
- Drive Mechanism: Belt
- Designed for: Lower and upper body
- Flywheel: 3.5-lb
- Computer functions: Speed, Time, Calories, Distance, and Scan (display is fixed and mounted on the bike)
- Bidirectional pedal motion: No
- Minimum desk height: 27.5 Inches for individuals 6 feet below
- Warranty: 90-Day
- Platform: Wide and stable
- Pedals: Standard with adjustable straps
- Ergo Handles: No
- Sliding on slippery floors: No
- Power requirement: Runs one single battery (included)
- Jerky: No
- Maximum user weight: 250
Exerpeutic 7101 Mini Exercise Bike (Motorized)
Last but not least in our under desk pedal exerciser review, we have a motorized pedal exerciser. However, we don’t compare this Active Cycle motorized pedal exerciser with the rest of the mini bikes in this review as it’s designed for different purposes.
The Exerpeutic 7101 motorized mini exercise bike is designed for individuals who can’t pedal a regular mini exerciser. Mainly for the elderly or those recovering from injuries and accidents.
This rehab pedal exerciser has a very low impact on the joints and it’s easy to adjust the speed from low to medium and high. The motor moves the pedals for you which means with and without your feet on the bike, the pedals are going to turn when the bike is on.
Motorized mini bikes don’t have resistance, they have adjustable speed. You either pedal fast which is good for better blood circulation and heart rate or you pedal slow. Either way, you don’t bring the pressure to pedals, the motor does that. It won’t build much of strength or burn many calories but it increases flexibility, balance and promotes blood circulation.
You can adjust the resistance of Active electric mini pedal exerciser through a knob on the wired controller. You don’t have to lean to change the speed, you can keep the control in your hand and easily change speed/resistance and turn off and on the bike.
The Active Cycle physical therapy pedal exerciser is very quiet and smooth and has a good range of speed, at the lowest, it can do around 30 RMP but it can also change base on the weight of the user. The digital display shows burnt calories, speed, distance and time. Due to the short width of the front feet/base of the bike, it’s not super stable but it also depends on how you use it.
The feet are designed to prevent the bike from slipping, so you don’t have to chase the little bike around, the non-skid floor mat is also included to keep it firm on slippery surfaces. The pedals of Active medical pedal exerciser are large size with adjustable straps, the bike comes with a handle on the top for easier portability. Bottom line is that it’s probably the best pedal exerciser for seniors and also a perfect therapy pedal exerciser for individuals recovering.
Note: It’s not bi-directional but you can turn the bike around and use it for reverse pedaling. Don’t pedal reverse the mini indoor exerciser, it can ruin the internal mechanism.
Technical information of Exerpeutic 7101 Active Cycle Mini Exercise Bike:
- Motorized 7101 Active Cycle mini exerciser bike dimensions:
16 Inches length
16 Inches wide front base
13 Inches wide rear base
13 inches height - Motorized 7101 pedal exerciser weight: 13.6 lbs
- Resistance type: Motorized
- Resistance range: Around 30-35 RMP, lowest speed (Max speed is not available)
- Resistance steps: Turning knob
- Drive mechanism: Motor
- Designed for: Lower body and upper body
- Flywheel: N/A
- Computer functions: Speed, Time, Calories, and Distance
- Bidirectional pedal motion: No
- Minimum desk height: 29 Inches for individuals 6 feet below
- Warranty:
One year limited - Platform: Medium
- Pedals: Large with adjustable straps
- Ergo Handles: No
- Sliding on slippery floors: No, the non-skid floor mat is included
- Power requirement: Operate on standard 120 V
- Jerky: No
- Maximum user weight: 250 Lbs
Platinum Fitness Folding Pedal Exerciser (Friction)
There are many cheap and folding bikes in the market and some of them are really junk. However, this folding pedal exerciser stands among them for its good quality. The Platinum foldable pedal exerciser is a bit different from the normal pedal exerciser because it’s lighter and doesn’t have a sophisticated mechanism.
So, it’s easy to maintain and you can use it pretty much anywhere due to its weight and easy portability. Plus, this hand foot pedal exerciser takes very little space in your home because after use you can fold it and store it anywhere.
The friction resistance is not powerful but this mini bike is not designed for strength. It’s made to stay active to improve blood circulation and boost energy or recover from injuries. You can use it both to exercise your upper and lower body, forward and reverse.
So, it provides a good pedal exerciser weight loss. However, due to its lightweight, it slips, especially on the slippery surface. To prevent this folding pedal exerciser from slipping you can tighten it to your chair with the anchor strap which is included with this bike.
Fit Sit folding pedal exerciser has a lifetime warranty. After purchasing this mini bike you have 30 days to return it back if you are not satisfied. This proves the quality of the Platinum Fitness Fit Sit folding pedal exerciser. It’s mainly used on the floor but it can also function as a table-top pedal exerciser.
This folding pedal exerciser features axle drive and friction resistance mechanism which makes the pedal exerciser louder, jerky and less smooth than those with magnetic resistance mechanisms. To stay motivated you can also track your workout data (burned calorie, distance, speed and time) on the digital display connected to the bike.
Mentioned in various mini pedal exerciser reviews, the Platinum Fitness is one of the best seller pedal exercisers on Amazon. You can purchase this popular arm leg pedal exerciser for less than $40. Overall it’s one of the best cheap mini bikes for exercising that will offer all the pedal exerciser benefits.
Technical information of Platinum Fitness Fit Sit Deluxe Folding Pedal Exerciser:
- Platinum Folding Pedal exerciser dimensions:
17 Inches length
15 Inches width
12 inches height - Platinum folding pedal exerciser weight: 5 Lbs
- Resistance type: Friction
- Resistance range: N/A
- Resistance steps: Turning knob
- Drive mechanism: Axle
- Designed for: Lower body and upper body
- Flywheel: Doesn’t have
- Computer functions: Speed, Time, Calories, and Distance
- Bidirectional pedal motion: Yes
- Minimum desk height: 29 Inches for individuals 6 feet below
- Warranty: N/A
- Platform: Wide
- Pedals: Size 4 medium pedals with non-adjustable straps
- Ergo Handles: No
- Sliding on slippery floors: Yes, the anchor strap to connect your minibike directly to your chair is included
- Power requirement: Runs on a single Battery (included)
- Jerky: Yes
- Maximum user weight: N/A
Final Verdict
Floor pedal exercisers are popular for individuals who want a safe cardio workout to stay active and burn calories, especially while doing multiple tasks. You can use your portable pedal exerciser while watching TV, working in the office, reading, etc. If you’re looking for the best floor pedal exerciser in the market, our top 8 list of mini-cycle pedal exercisers should help you choose the right stationary pedal exerciser for home and office. Read our thorough and detailed pedal exerciser reviews for 2023, and if you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. NOTE: Many pedal exercisers are not practical to use under the desk for people 6 feet above because the user will not be comfortable or efficient at work.