The Best Pedal Exercisers in the UK For Seniors
Everyone in the United Kingdom could benefit by getting some fitness equipment in their life. After all, being fit benefits those same people. However, the combination of winter and COVID has made it much harder to get workouts in a more traditional manner. That’s why people have been turning to pieces of equipment that would fit at home and allow them to work out during their regular schedule. Thus, we introduce the best-rated pedal exerciser in the UK.
These act in the same manner as exercise bikes, but are designed to fit under a desk, on top of a table, or in front of a sofa to use while watching TV. With one of these, you can be having a video conference with colleagues or writing that report you need to get done, or watching your favorite Netflix show, all while getting that blood pumping in those lower legs. These are also great for seniors who need just a little bit of stimulation in their old age. So we’ve gathered a collection of some of the best pedal exercisers in the United Kingdom and have decided to share them!
Important Note! What makes the mini bikes different from the mini ellipticals is the fact that you can use them (most of them allow you) to either exercise your arms or your legs. That’s not the case with mini ellipticals as they can only be used for leg exercise. In fact, if you are thinking to buy one of these only for leg exercise, I suggest you buy a mini elliptical because its elliptical motion has less impact on the joints.
Compare The Best Desk-Pedal Exercisers in the UK
| Name | Desk | Arms | Resistance | Dimensions | Height | Weight | Console | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeskCycle 2 Mini Exercise Bike | Yes, Perfect For Under Desk Exercise | No Arm Exercise, Only Legs | 8 Levels Magnetic | 62L x 51W x 27H cm | Height: 27-31 cm Adjustable | 10 Kgs | Calorie, speed, time, distance | No Transport Handles |
| MagneTrainer ER Pedal Exerciser | Not For Under Desk Exercise | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | Adjustable Magnetic | 50L x 40W x 45H cm | Height: 45 cm Fixed | 10 Kgs | Calorie, speed, time, distance | With Transport Handle |
| Exerpeutic 7101 Activ Recovery Cycle | Can Be Used But Not Ideal For Under Desk | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | No Resistance | 40L x 40W x 33H cm | Height: 33 cm Fixed | 5.5 Kgs | Calorie, speed, time, distance | With Transport Handle |
| Choncho Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike | Can Be Used But Not Ideal For Under Desk | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | 5 Levels Magnetic | 59L x 55W x 39H cm | Height: 39 cm Fixed | 10 Kgs | Calorie, RPM, speed, time, distance | With Transport Handle |
| Dripex Mini Desk Exercise Bike | Can Be Used But Not Ideal For Under Desk | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | 5 Levels Magnetic | 53L x 43W x 39H cm | Height: 39 cm Fixed | 10.4 Kgs | Calorie, RPM, speed, time, distance | With Transport Handle |
| Vangona Under Desk Cycle | Can Be Used But Not Ideal For Under Desk | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | 10 Levels Magnetic | 58L x 33W x 40H cm | Height: 40 cm Fixed | 10 Kgs | Calorie, speed, time, distance | With Transport Handle |
| HOMCOM Mini Exercise Bike | Can Be Used But Not Ideal For Under Desk | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | 8 Levels Magnetic | 63L x 44W x 33H cm | Height: 33 cm Fixed | 9 Kgs | Calorie, speed, time, distance | No Transport Handle |
| Ultrasport Mini Desk Cycling Bike | Not For Under Desk Exercise | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | Adjustable Belt Friction | 40L x 40W x 30H cm | Height: 30 cm Fixed | 4 Kgs | Calorie, count, time, distance | No Transport Handle |
| Himaly Mini Exercise Peddler Bike | Not For Under Desk Exercise | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | Adjustable Belt Friction | 40L x 40W x 30H cm | Height: 30 cm Fixed | 4 Kgs | Calorie, count, time, distance | No Transport Handle |
| NRS Healthcare Pedal Exerciser | Can Be Used But Not Ideal For Under Desk | Yes, Arm & Leg Pedal Exercises | Adjustable Friction | 48L x 37W x 30H cm | Height: 30 cm Fixed | 2.7 Kgs | Calorie, count, rpm, time, distance | No Transport Handle |
Top Ten Pedal Exercise Bikes in the UK:
Best Overall for Leg Exercise: DeskCycle 2 Mini Exercise Bike
Up first on our list of the best-rated pedal exercisers in the UK, we have the DeskCycle 2 Mini Exercise Bike. As the name might indicate, this machine is an attempt to replicate the effectiveness of a regular exercise bike – just in a mini fashion.
The resistance used on the DeskCycle 2 is magnetic. This makes it a lot smoother and more maintenance-free than the friction-based resistance you might find elsewhere. There are 8 levels of resistance available by default. The machine is surprisingly quiet, even on the higher resistance levels.
These bikes tend to be rather small, as one would imagine. After all, they are only the pedals segment of a regular exercise bike. The dimensions of the DeskCycle 2 are as follows: it is 24.4 inches (62 cm) long, 20 inches (51 cm) wide and 12.2 inches (31 cm) long. As for how much it weighs, that number sits right around 22 lbs (10 kg).
On the higher resistance levels, the work you can get done starts to suffer somewhat. You’ll be swinging back and forth and less able to concentrate on that work. However, there is a nice medium zone that you should be able to pedal on and focus on work. You’ll also need to readjust your workstation in order to not hit your knees or anything on the desk. Annoying, but it isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Best Overall for Leg & Arm Exercise: MagneTrainer ER Pedal Exerciser
In second place of our list of best pedal exercisers in the UK is the MagneTrainer ER. This machine looks more akin to a box with pedals, but might surprise you with the benefits.
The MagneTrainer ER, like the DeskCycle, uses a magnetic resistance system in order to challenge the user. However, we can’t say how many levels of resistance it actually has, as that isn’t listed anywhere. It claims to have “more than twice the resistance range of the other magnetic pedal exercisers”, but that isn’t an exact number.
The MagneTrainer ER is rather tall for one of these machines, making it less ideal for under-the-desk work. It measures out to be 20 inches (50.8) cm long, 16 inches (40.6 cm) wide and 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall. It weighs 22 lbs (10 kg).
The MagneTrainer ER would work well in medical or elderly environments. In these, where there are more open spaces for the users to actually set up and pedal (either with their arms or legs), it works quite well. However, as we alluded to above, the regular at-work cycling here would be a lot more difficult due to the size.
Exerpeutic 7101 Activ Recovery Cycle
Up next is the slick looking Exerpeutic 7101 pedal exerciser for elderly. This white and blue pedal exerciser for seniors should provide some nice benefits to those who cannot find time to cycle regularly.
The system of resistance that is present in the Activ Cycle is one that we’ve seen before. However, there’s an extra element in play here. There’s a motor in this resistance system, which replaces the levels of resistance that you’d normally find. However, if you still want a challenging workout, you can turn that motor off and pedal, which would give you a similarly challenging workout.
The dimensions of the Exerpeutic 7101 are fairly straightforward. It measures out to be 17 inches (43 cm) long, 16 inches (40.6 cm) wide and 15 inches (38 cm) tall. The Activ Cycle also weighs 12.5 lbs (5.6 kg). The maximum weight of the machine sits at 250 lbs (113 lbs).
This machine does have a monitor that will display stats like time, distance, calories burnt and repetitions made. There’s a handle that allows for easy transportation, the pedals are foldable and it is compact enough to fit in most spaces. There are no built-in programs on the screen and no bottle holder, but that’s about the only weaknesses here.
Concho Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike
Now we’ve reached one of the bigger names in the exercise bike field. Choncho decided to put out their own mini exercise bike and it works fairly well.
As you might be able to guess from the name, this arm and leg pedal exerciser has a system of magnetic resistance. There are 5 levels of that resistance, giving you a selection to choose from through your manual knob on the bike.
The Choncho aerobic pedal exerciser is actually quite small and compact, with more room going to be needed if you intend on using the resistance ropes that come with the bike. It’s dimensions are 23.6 inches (59 cm) long, 21.8 inches (55 cm) wide and 15.3 inches (39 cm) tall. It weighs about 22 lbs (10 kg) and there is no weight limit. This is because you’d be using it while sitting down on another piece of furniture.
There is a digital LCD monitor that tracks measures like time, distance, speed and calories burned. However, users have warned that this tracks inaccurately and that other methods should be used. The pedals are non-slip and comfortable enough.
Dripex Mini Desk Exercise Bike
Midway through our list, we have another entry arm and leg pedal exerciser from one of the familiar names in the biking field. This time it is the mini exercise bike from Dripex.
The resistance of the Dripex mini exercise bike reverts once again to the reliable trop of magnetism. You have 5 different resistance levels on this Leg and arm pedal exercise machine, while even the hardest level doesn’t make too much noise. It might take away some focus from work or school, however.
This is not a big piece of equipment. In fact, we’d say that it looks relatively spartan in comparison to many other pedal exercisers in the United Kingdom featured in this buying guide and comparison. The dimensions reflect this rather well. It is 23 inches (59 cm) long, 12.2 inches (31 cm) wide and 12.2 inches (31 cm) tall. It weighs 23 lbs (11 kg), with no maximum weight involved.
There is an LCD screen on the Dripex mini bike that shows stats like time, count, calories burned and total count. The pedals are non-slip and adjustable, while you also have resistance bands to add an extra dimension to the workout.
Vangona Under Desk Cycle
Coming in 6th of our list of the best pedal exercisers in the UK, we have the Vangona Under Desk Cycle. This foot pedal exerciser in the UK goes for a simple white and black design, which works quite well.
There are 8 levels of a magnetic resistance that come with the Vangona Under Desk Cycle. The upper ones should provide a decent enough challenge, though will probably not be conducive for working at the same time. You can switch between these levels through a manual knob that sits right at the centre of the cycle.
Once again, this cycle is pretty compact. You won’t find it taking up too much space in the home. It measures out to be 24.6 inches (62.5 cm) long, 15 inches (38.5 cm) wide and 9 inches (23 cm) tall. It weighs right around 22 lbs (10 kg).
There is an LCD monitor on board the Vangona cycle, which tracks statistics like distance, workout time, calories burned, speed, ODO and RPM. There is also an app that comes with the bike. However, reports for this are terrible. You have to reconnect every time you get on and it frequently just doesn’t work. The base of the bike is stable and the pedals are non-slick, which should result in a fairly good workout for most.
HOMCOM Mini Exercise Bike
Coming in 8th place of our best pedal machines in the UK is the HOMCOM mini exercise bike. We return to a white and black design here, with it being longer than most other machines in this field.
The resistance onboard this machine uses magnets in order to form all sorts of challenges. Specifically, there are 8 different levels of said challenges. You can use it on the floor with your legs or on a table if you want to give your arms a try at pushing these pedals. It’s your call and nice to have the option available.
The dimensions of the HOMCOM mini exercise bike are straightforward, though like we mentioned, it is longer than many other options here. It measures out to be 22.6 inches (57.5 cm) long, 13 inches (33 cm) wide and 9.4 inches (24 cm) tall. It has a weight capacity of 100 kg (220 lbs), though we’re not sure why you’d need it. You’re not going to be sitting on it.
There is an LCD screen available, showing stats like scan, time, speed, calories and distance. It has a handle on the top of it to make it portable, but that’s about all the other features available. Once again, it seems that this is meant more as an entry-level or basic machine rather than one that will keep you at the peak of your fitness.
Ultrasport Mini Desk Bike
33 used from £29.07
Coming in 7th place of our list of the best desk pedal exercisers in the UK, we have a mini bike from the good people of Ultrasport. Another simple looking bike, this mini pedal exerciser in the United Kingdom does well enough for those who want the blood pumping.
The resistance that comes with the Ultrasport mini bike is not mentioned anywhere. However, based on our experience, we are almost 100% sure this mini stepper uses a friction belt resistance which is not as quiet as magnetic resistance. It is still reasonably quiet and smooth when adjusted with the manual knob. It most certainly isn’t powered by any sort of motor or electricity.
As for how much space the Ultrasport portable pedal exerciser takes up and how much it weighs, it really isn’t too much at all. It measures out to be 14 inches (36 cm) long, 14 inches (36 cm) wide and 11.4 inches (29 cm) tall. It weighs 13 lbs (6 kg), with 4.4 (2) of those lbs (kg) being devoted to the flywheel.
There is an LCD monitor onboard this arm pedal exerciser. It can track statistics like scan, time, distance, rotations per exercise, total rotations and calorie consumption. That’s… really all it offers. There isn’t a whole lot else to include about this foot pedal exerciser. It’s features are pretty barren.
Himaly Mini Exercise Peddler Bike
Nearing the end of our list, we come upon the Himaly Mini Exercise Bike. While it looks more like a brick than a bike, it should still do a job for those who choose it.
The resistance type, once again, is not actually named anywhere bust based on our experience it should be belt friction resistance which is not as good as magnetic resistance. This is rather annoying, but it still has some form of resistance being used. Regardless of the type, it uses a manual knob in order to allow you to switch between the resistance settings. It’s a vague system, but should allow you to get some work in.
The dimensions of the Himaly mini exercise bike should be fine for most people. It is quite narrow, so you should keep that in mind. It’s specific dimensions are (42 cm) long, (32 cm) wide and (20 cm) tall. It is listed as weighing about 6.6 lbs (3 kg), which seems extremely light.
There is an extremely small LCD screen that comes with this mini pedaller in the UK. It can show your time, count, calories and distance. The pedals are anti-slip, but once again, that’s about all the features available here.
NRS Healthcare Pedal Exerciser
3 used from £27.32
We reach the conclusion of the list of top 10 pedal bikes in the UK with the NRS Healthcare Pedal Exerciser. Coming from a healthcare provider, this desk pedal exerciser in the UK primarily targets those who are injured or elderly and need assistance keeping somewhat fit on the lower body.
The NRS Healthcare Pedal Exerciser uses “adjustable pedal resistance” as its form of resistance. Since this is basically a bunch of rods put together, there’s no room for a flywheel or anything like that. So the resistance is adjustable through a knob, though it doesn’t offer a very high ceiling of that resistance.
The dimensions of the pedal machine measure out to be 18.8 inches 48 cm) long, 14.5 inches (37 cm) wide and 10.7 inches (27 cm) tall. The machine is foldable, so it can be transported with the greatest of ease. It weighs a very light 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
There is a tiny LCD monitor that shows time duration, calories consumed, cycles & revolutions per minute (RPM). Other than that, there’s nothing here. It’s basically only used for rehabilitation purposes rather than regular fitness attempts.
Buying Guide To Find the Best Mini Peddler in the UK
Now we’re going to state some of the individual components you should look at to make sure the bike you are interested in is right for you.
Type of Resistance: Many of these pedallers are powered by magnetic resistance systems that have preset settings for different challenges. However, some have more vague settings that are hard to determine. You’ll want to know how the one on your machine works before getting it.
Monitor: Normally you won’t find many flashy monitors in these exercise bikes in the UK. Often you will find that they will display basic statistics and that’s it. It’s mostly a case of whether or not the screen is backlit or large enough.
Price: Obviously how much you are willing to spend on one of these mini pedallers in the UK will determine which ones you look at more closely. One thing is for sure, the price doesn’t necessarily indicate quality when it comes to buying the best mini steppers or the best min desk bikes.
Size: The size of the desk pedal exerciser matters. If you want to use it to exercise underneath a desk or table, it will need to fit underneath that table. Some of these are relatively large, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when picking.
Hi there, I'm Sayed Hamed Hosseiny, the founder and one of the authors at yourexercisebike.com (YEB). I am a former indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience. With a passion for indoor cycling, I have spent years designing cycling parts, repairing, and importing exercise bikes. All the articles, tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on YourExerciseBike.com (YEB) reflect my personal opinion and expertise in the field. I'm excited to share my knowledge with fellow exercise bike enthusiasts and help people find reliable indoor cycling information and the best exercise bike for their needs.
Although it might be a bit pricey and not have everything I’d like it to have, I still think the MagneTrainer ER Pedal Exerciser is a good choice. The 1-year warranty is ok I guess but would have preferred to see a 2-year one.
It’s great that this is a 2-in-1 with you being able to exercise your legs and arms on this. A good investment for a good workout.
I prefer the Exerpeutic 7101 Activ Recovery Cycle. It doesn’t have a bottle holder but it does offer a lot of information on it’s monitor so you know how you are doing.