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Knee pain, whether it be from an injury or normal wear and tear on your joint, can interfere with your health and fitness goals. And really there is nothing more frustrating to a fitness junkie than bad knees or other injuries getting in the way of a workout. Cycling is a great alternative for those looking to stay on track with their fitness while not further hurting their knees. In fact, very often part of knee rehabilitation and physical therapy is using a stationary bike to strengthen surrounding muscles and ligaments.
The Best Exercise Bikes for Bad Knees - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Exercise Bike for Bad Knees: SOLE Fitness LCR
- Best Premium Exercise Bike for Bad Knees: NordicTrack VU 29
- Best Exercise Bike for Bad Knees and Arthritis: SOLE Fitness R92
- Best Budget Exercise Bike for Bad Knees: ProForm Pro C10R Recumbent
- Best Exercise Bike for Bad Backs and Bad Knees: SOLE Fitness R92
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Bad Knees: NordicTrack Commercial R35
Specifically, recumbent bikes are some of the best exercise bikes for anyone with nagging knee pain. They are ergonomically designed with a semi-reclined position that provides back support and a relaxed cycling position. Since the pedals are in front of the body, there is minimal stress on the knee allowing you to get in a solid cardio sesh without the pain.
You can find great recumbent bikes at every price point made by major manufacturers in the fitness industry—ProForm, and NordicTrack to name a few. Narrowing down the right one for you can be daunting given all the options on the market. So, we have rounded up the best recumbent bikes for bad knees in this comprehensive review. Read on to find yours.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com’s editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Exercise Bike for Bad Knees - SOLE Fitness LCR
SPECS
- Dimensions: 60"L x 29"W x 56"H
- Display: 10.1" Android touchscreen
- Weight: 152 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Material: Steel frame, aluminum tubing
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 2-year electronics, 1-year labor, 90-days cosmetic damage
SOLE Fitness is a leader in the field of cardio equipment and is known for engineering machines with top-of-the-line components at an affordable price. The SOLE Fitness LCR (light commercial recumbent) fits into your home just as well as in a pricey fitness studio and boasts a durable steel frame with aluminum tubing reinforced by a lifetime frame warranty.
The bike has several new and exciting features, including a 10.1-inch Android touchscreen, screen mirroring from your phone, a wireless charging pad, and the ability to pair with the SOLE+ App. The SOLE+ App allows you to sync your workout history to your bike to track your progress and unlock achievements. There is also an integrated device holder to stream media or workouts from a third-party app and Bluetooth connectivity for listening to your favorite playlist while you ride.
The SOLE LCR will be shipped to you partially assembled with easy-to-follow instructions for setting up the rest of your bike. It also has 40 resistance levels with a solid 31-pound flywheel, an adjustable seat, and extra back support to help you find the best position to alleviate knee pain or discomfort, all on a frame that can accommodate up to 350 pounds.
What We Like
- 10.1" touchscreen with screen mirroring
- Bluetooth compatibility
- 10 built-in programs plus a fit test program
- Integrated app experience
- Excellent warranty
What We Don't Like
- Somewhat large/heavy and may be difficult to move for some
- Some users had issues with the app
Best Premium Exercise Bike for Bad Knees - NordicTrack Commercial VU 29
SPECS
- Dimensions: 55.29"H x 24.86"W x 41.49"L
- Display: 14" HD Smart touchscreen
- Weight: 115 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs.
- Material: Alloy steel
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
The NordicTrack VU 29 is an upright bike as opposed to the lower-to-the-ground recumbent model, but it was built for added support and comfort. This bike has an oversized cushioned seat, oversized ergonomic pedals, and adjustable straps. You can adjust the seat horizontally or vertically to achieve the most comfortable set-up for your knees. There's also an AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan to help keep you cool during your sweat sessions.
What makes the NordicTrack VU 29 so premium is the inclusion of a 14" HD Smart touchscreen that can stream media or integrate with the iFIT App for access to trainer-led workouts, live classes, and yoga to help you stretch and rehab your joints after a tough workout or on active rest days. Additionally, this model has 24 levels of resistance that can be adjusted in real-time by expert iFIT trainers. Still too much? You can also manually adjust your resistance and incline with iFIT making note of your preferences.
You'd probably expect to pay a lofty price for a machine this connected, but the VU 29 comes in at less than half the cost of its close competitor, the Peloton. If your knees can allow for a bike that isn't quite at the easy step-over level of a recumbent, we highly recommend this one.
What We Like
- Oversized adjustable cushioned seat and ergonomic pedals
- 14" smart touchscreen with iFIT app integration
- 325 lb. weight capacity
- Comes with a 30-day iFIT trial
- Great warranty
What We Don't Like
- Seat may still be too high for those with knee issues
- After the 30-day trial you will have to pay to continue iFIT
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial VU 29
Best Exercise Bike for Bad Knees and Arthritis - SOLE Fitness R92
SPECS
- Dimensions: 57"L x 30"W x 50"H
- Display: 9.0" LCD
- Weight: 134 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Material: Aluminum steel frame
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic damage
The Sole R92 Recumbent Bike lives up to the formidable Sole reputation and has snagged the top spot as our pick for the best overall exercise bike for bad knees. From its easy step-through design to the patented two-degree inward design of the foot pedals which corrects posture, the Sole R92 is an ideal choice for anyone with knee or mobility issues.
The Sole R92 features a large padded and adjustable seat (fore and aft) as well as a supportive padded back support which ensures comfort and a fit that minimizes stress on your knees. The aluminum-coated steel frame comes with a 300-pound user weight capacity providing a sturdy and supportive workout experience.
Notable conveniences include an integrated 9-inch LCD screen, integrated fans, a tablet holder, a USB port for charging, Bluetooth audio speakers, pulse grips, and an included chest-strap heart rate monitor to more accurately track your fitness metrics.
What We Like
- Ergonomic fit
- Low stress on knees
- Quality build
- 10 programs
- Warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Large footprint
- Basic display
Best Budget Exercise Bike for Bad Knees - ProForm Pro C10R Recumbent
SPECS
- Dimensions: 25.4" W x 56.8" D x 49.8" H
- Display: 10" Smart HD Touchscreen
- Weight: N/A
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Material: N/A
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 1-year parts and labor
The ProForm Pro C10R is a good choice for anyone who is budget-minded and looking for a knee-friendly cardio machine as its engineering and adjustability make it easier to maintain proper posture, lessening stress on all of your joints. As an added bonus, the budget-friendly bike comes in at well under $1,000—sometimes even less, depending on the current promotion —and is equipped with a 10-inch Smart HD Touchscreen display with iFit capabilities and a trial membership. These smart features are not often seen on recumbent bikes at this price point.
Beyond the iFit subscription, users can choose from the 10-20 onboard workout options (WiFi required). Alternatively, you can use the 25 levels of silent magnetic resistance in manual mode to create your own workout. For added comfort, the C10R comes equipped with ergonomic pedals with adjustable straps, a CoolAire™ fan, dual 2-inch Bluetooth speakers, Bluetooth headphone compatibility, a water bottle holder, and oversized leveling feet to keep the frame sturdy.
The weight of the inertia-enhanced flywheel is not noted on ProForm’s website however several users do report that it is lighter in weight producing resistance that may not challenge more experienced cyclists.
What We Like
- Very affordable
- Interactive programming
- 30-day iFIT trial
- Quick-touch resistance buttons
- Comfortable
What We Don’t Like
- Resistance may not be challenging enough for some
- Warranty on parts is disappointing
BUY: ProForm Pro C10R Recumbent
Best Exercise Bike for Bad Backs and Bad Knees - SOLE Fitness R92
SPECS
- Dimensions: 57"L x 30"W x 50"H
- Display: 9.0" LCD
- Weight: 134 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Material: Aluminum steel frame
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic damage
We can't help but recommend the SOLE Fitness R92 bike in this category because of its previously mentioned large padded, adjustable seat and supportive back support, which provides the extra cushioning to help take the stress off of your back and knees while you pedal. It also features an easy step-through design and foot pedals that help correct your posture. Lastly, the SOLE R92 has an aluminum-coated steel frame and 300-pound user weight capacity for a sturdy and supportive machine.
What We Like
- Ergonomic fit
- Low stress on knees
- Quality build
- 10 programs
- Warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Large footprint
- Basic display
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Bad Knees - NordicTrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 68.22"L x 23.69"W x 53.42"H
- Display: 14" Smart HD Touchscreen
- Weight: 192 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Material: Commercial-grade steel construction
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
The NordicTrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Bike is a high-quality bike with top-notch technology making it a great choice for those who want a quality recumbent with a sturdy build and interactive programming. The durable solid steel frame offers a 350-pound user weight capacity, patented StepThru design, an oversized lumbar-supported cushioned adjustable seat, and extra-wide ergonomic foot pedals with adjustable straps making it suitable for just about any sized user looking to minimize knee pain while getting a dynamic workout.
Featuring a 14-inch Smart HD Touchscreen, automatic trainer control technology, easy One-Touch controls, two 2-inch digitally amplified Bluetooth speakers and an AutoBreeze™ workout fan, the VR35 engineering places an emphasis on comfort and convenience. Included in your purchase is a 30-day iFIT trial which unlocks access to thousands of on-demand workouts to spice up your routine.
What We Like
- Tons of program options with iFIT free trial
- Sturdy frame
- High weight capacity
- Comfortable seat
- Larger monitor
What We Don’t Like
- Footprint and weight
- You will need to pay a monthly fee for iFIT after trial
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Bike
Types of Exercise Bikes for Bad Knees
Stationary exercise bikes fall into one of two categories—upright exercise bikes and recumbent exercise bikes. Upright exercise bikes look similar to traditional bikes with a seat located in an upright position and the pedals located below the hips. These seats are typically more narrow which reduces friction between the seat and legs.
Recumbent exercise bikes look different with the seat typically in a semi-reclined position and the pedals located out in front. These seats are broader and usually padded with backing for lumbar support. Recumbent bikes also carry a larger footprint than upright bikes.
Both types of exercise bikes are good options for people with bad knees. There is research that suggests recumbent bikes may have a slight advantage over upright bikes in regards to bad knees since the seat is located behind the pedals thus reducing stress on all joints. But this is largely dependent on the reason you are experiencing knee pain and where it stems from. As such, we recommend talking to your healthcare provider to determine which bike is the best one for your knee condition.
How to Choose the Best Exercise Bike for Bad Knees
Dimensions
By design, recumbent bikes take up more space than any other stationary bike. Still, each model may vary in dimensions which becomes particularly important if you reside in a smaller home. The first step in your search is to measure out the area where you plan to keep your new piece of cardio equipment. You can then narrow your search criteria down by those specific dimensions.
Display
The display on exercise bikes varies by size, type, and overall functionality. The majority of stationary bikes that are good for bad knees are somewhat basic. You will usually find a smaller LCD monitor which displays basic fitness metrics you can use to guide your workout. A few exercise bikes that made our top list offer monitors with interactive, touchscreen displays on which you can engage in some virtual programming. Typically the more technological displays come on bikes that cost more and require a subscription to the associated virtual fitness platform such as iFIT. If you prioritize interactive training options be sure to consider the display any given bike comes with for functionality and size.
Size and Weight Capacity
Because of their inherently larger size, many stationary exercise bikes that are good for people with knee pain weigh quite a bit. As such, they are less portable than some of the more compact cardio machines found in home gyms so be sure to have a dedicated space for your new bike to call home.
As a general rule of thumb, the greater in weight the bike is, the sturdier ride it offers. While this is not always the case, it holds true for most exercise bikes. And, the girthier frames usually accommodate a higher user weight capacity. This is an especially important consideration when multiple users of different weights plan to use the same machine.
Adjustability
The best exercise bikes for bad knees come with adjustable seat positions and/or adjustable handlebars. Not only does this allow for multiple users in one household but it also enables each user to find a fit that is comfortable and ergonomically sound.
How We Chose the Best Exercise Bikes for Bad Knees
We had certain criteria that we looked at when narrowing down the bikes for our list. We searched for bikes from reputable brands and prioritized models that could meet the needs of those dealing with knee and joint pain. We reviewed the features and specifications for each stationary bike; this included comfort and adjustability, footprint, digital displays, weight capacity, and manufacturer warranties to highlight the rewards and risks of each machine. The goal was to find the best bikes that could help minimize any pain or discomfort rather than exacerbate it. Lastly, we considered bikes at different price points to ensure a quality bike was available for different budgets.
FAQs About Exercise Bikes for Bad Knees
Is using an exercise bike ok if you have bad knees?
First, it is always important to check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine, especially if you are dealing with bad knees. But, generally, stationary exercise bikes are a good way to strengthen muscles and ligaments surrounding the knee while keeping the stress on the area minimal. In fact, most physical therapists use stationary bikes as part of knee rehabilitation.
Is an upright or recumbent bike better for bad knees?
There is a lot of mixed information gleaned from research studies regarding whether an upright or recumbent bike is better for bad knees. Some research points to recumbent bikes being a better choice for bad knees since there is even less stress on the joint in the reclined position. But it is often dependent on why you are experiencing pain.
Which is better for bad knees: a treadmill or a bike?
Treadmills certainly place more stress on all joints as it involves higher-impact activities such as walking, jogging, or running. For those with bad knees, this kind of impact will likely aggravate bad knees. As such, cycling on a stationary bike is a better, low-impact choice for bad knees.
What’s the correct form to protect your knees while riding an exercise bike?
When in doubt about your exercise form—especially when injured—your first step should be to consult your physical therapist or personal trainer. A recumbent bike can do a lot of the work for you by placing you in a naturally reclined position that relieves the majority of the pressure on your knees. Adjust your bike so your knee bend is minimal; try aiming for a 5 to 15-degree bend. In addition to proper form, you may be able to help protect your knees and minimize pain by using a knee sleeve when cycling.
Our Final Takeaway
Knee and joint pain can be a heavy burden, especially if you like to stay active. The last thing you want is to make your pain worse by pushing yourself too hard or, in the case of injury, returning to regular training before you're ready. The exercise bikes on this list are all excellent options to help you get your cardio fix without causing extra strain on your joints. Many of these bikes even have an integrated app experience that provides thousands of options for exciting workouts from the comfort of your home gym and features to help keep you active and engaged. We hope our bike recommendations help you find the best machine for your training needs.
About the Author
Kristine has been immersed in the fitness world for nearly 20 years. She has competed in marathons and Ironman races and earned a spot to compete in the 2012 Age Group National Championship Olympic Triathlon.
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