A pedal floor exerciser is a fantastic piece of equipment to improve your fitness level; it is ideal as part of your regular exercise routine, as part of your rehabilitation from an injury, or as an alternative to your usual exercise equipment. If you are currently on the hunt for a pedal floor exerciser, you are in the right place.
The pedal floor exerciser is ideal for individuals who are unable to sit and ride on a regular bicycle. It can be used on the floor for leg exercises or on a tabletop for arm exercises. As you can see, it is versatile as you can do both upper and lower body workouts. And if low-impact exercise is your jam, this one is a must-have. Just picture being able to sit on your desk and burn calories while strengthening your leg muscles.
As a replacement for a stationary bike, a pedal floor exerciser allows you to get the same rehabilitation workout. If you recently had a knee injury, use your pedal floor exerciser to increase the flexibility of the muscles surrounding your knee. Or perhaps you are trying to recover from heel pain; a pedal floor exerciser is also a good idea for treatment.
If this is your first rodeo buying this type of equipment, it’s always good to do your homework to find what you are looking for and what you should pay attention to. However, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed; below, you’ll find that we’ve put together a short and easy-to-understand guide so you can make an informed decision about your new pedal floor exerciser.
Pedal Floor Exerciser Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Pedal Floor Exerciser: Cubii JR1 or JR2, Under Desk Elliptical
- Best Seller on Amazon Pedal Floor Exerciser: Vaunn Medical Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
- Best Affordable Pedal Floor Exerciser: GOREDI Pedal Exerciser Stationary Under Desk Mini Exercise Bike
- Best Magnetic Resistance Pedal Floor Exerciser: Sunny Health Portable Under Desk Elliptical Machine
- Best Slim Design Pedal Floor Exerciser: Vive Stationary Exercise Leg Peddler
How To Choose The Perfect Pedal Floor Exerciser?
When in the market for a pedal floor exerciser, there are critical criteria to keep in mind. Most importantly, consider its size, resistance levels, and versatility.
Durability and portability are enormous when shopping for a good pedal floor exerciser. You want to be able to move the unit from place to place quickly and to last for a long time.
Many models weigh less than five pounds and often can be disassembled. Therefore, this is one of the most mobile cardiovascular exercises available for those who travel, especially by plane.
The pedal floor exerciser also has the advantage of being able to be used by more than one person. Therefore you want a model that can easily adjust the length to fit an individual’s legs.
If you also want to keep an eye for a smooth ride, choose one with smooth magnetic resistance, which allows for quiet operation. Pedal straps must be adjustable to best fit feet or hands; a digital display is also essential; this way, you can track speed, time exercised, calories burned, distance pedaled, etc.
Bottom line, when choosing a pedal floor exerciser, convenience is key. Look for options that are both simple to use and easy to maintain.
Types Of Pedal Floor Exerciser
Magnetic Resistance Pedal Floor Exerciser
Magnetic does not come in contact with the disk; it simply gets close and far to provide little or high resistance. Magnetic, since it doesn’t touch the disk, it doesn’t wear out, needs little maintenance, and doesn’t make any noise.
With magnetism and electricity, internal magnets attract or repel to provide the desired resistance level. This technology is used in most high-end exercise bikes.
Friction Resistance Pedal Floor Exerciser
Friction, on the other hand, touches the disk to bring resistance, and that causes two major problems; the pads wear out and need to be changed and maintained often. Number two, it makes noise because it touches the disk.
Simply control the resistance level at the turn of a knob which adjusts the pressure applied to the internal rotating mechanism to vary between mild or intense workouts.
Pedal Floor Exerciser List
1. Cubii JR1 or JR2, Pedal Floor Exerciser
Pros
- Compact
- LCD Display
- Portable
Cons
- It Slides Without A Mat
Leading compact and ergonomic mini exercise bike lets you workout or rehab while you sit at home or the office.
The smooth gliding motion can be switched between 8 resistance levels to increase desk exercise as you gain strength. Enjoy your favorite show, read your current book, and stay productive at work, all while you Cubii without worrying about distraction.
What Our Testers Say
The Cubii is an outstanding machine, and I have received great results toning my legs without experiencing any knee or leg pain. But what stands out to me is Cubii’s excellent customer service and a company that backs their product. So if you are in the market for a portable elliptical machine, you have nothing to lose by choosing a Cubii. Many thanks again to the Cubii Team!!!
The digital monitor allows you to keep up with your progress by tracking calories burned; strides pedaled, distance traveled, and more.
The Cubii under-desk elliptical allows you to move a little more and burn calories while you pedal home in the living room or the office at your desk.
Tips
Wear supportive shoes while using the PowerRider and avoid using the machine on your bare feet.
2. Vaunn Under Desk Bike Pedal Floor Exerciser
Pros
- Stable
- Folding Mechanism
- Electronic Display
Cons
- Might Slip
This pedal floor exerciser had a wider base and heavy-duty frame for increased stability and support during the cycle. Designed with a lower height to better fit under desks and tables.
Combine your favorite activities with your workout routine. Place your pedaler under your desk while you work. Play an online game, read a book, watch a movie or chat with a friend while doing your workout.
What Our Testers Say
After finishing my PT course, I could do 90% of the exercises at home. I saw this pedal exercise and thought it might help me continue building quadriceps and loosen the joints. I ordered it, and it arrived quickly. I can walk much more easily now, with much less knee pain. I credit the pedaler for being an integral part of the exercise routine for my knees.
This mini exercise bike helps tone muscles, improves blood circulation, and strengthens your shoulders, arms, and legs. The adjustable tension knob allows you to control the level of resistance and workout intensity.
Under-desk bike, pedal exerciser folds instantly. Compact, lightweight, and easy to store or bring on the go.
Tips
For arm pedaling, ensure both arms are at a comfortable height when holding the pedals.
3. GOREDI Stationary Pedal Floor Exerciser
Pros
- Stable
- Safe
- Multifunctional Display
- Easy To Use
- Adjustable Resistance
Cons
- Too Heavy
GOREDI level-up fitness cycle provides gentle, low-impact exercises for muscles and effectively helps stimulate and improve blood circulation, which is very beneficial to the movement and recovery of legs and arms.
The quiet and smooth pedal movement allows you to use it in the office or home without disturbing others.
What Our Testers Say
I love this mini stationary bike. The tension works; my heels do not hit the ground; it’s solid, super quiet, has a strap to hold it in place, has a user-friendly LED display, and is easy to store. This is the bike you want, but if you are looking for a hard-core workout, the best thing is a real bike. An upright bike would be second best, but I wanted it to keep me active while watching a movie with some challenge. I can break a sweat and feel good afterward!
I would highly recommend this Goredi bike!
Equipped with a multifunctional LCD display, the under-desk bike tracks time, distance, count, total counts, and calories burned. A large and easy-to-read display can easily track your workout progress or reset the data by pressing and holding the red button.
Easy to adjust the intensity level by rotating the tension knob for a customized exercise. It is specially designed for the elderly and rehabilitation people to perform physical therapy, relieve pain, and restore and maintain sports function.
Tips
Once the operation lasts more than 30 minutes, don’t forget to let the bicycle take a rest which will make it for a longer operation life.
4. Sunny Health Pedal Floor Exerciser
Pros
- Digital Monitor
- Compact
- Magnetic Resistance
Cons
- On The Heavy Side
Track time, speed, calories, and distance using the centrally located digital monitor. Or choose the scan function to scroll through all variables during your workout.
This under-desk bike has a belt drive mechanism with magnetic resistance to give you low maintenance and a smooth, quiet exercise experience.
What Our Testers Say
No assembly is required! Took right out of the box and put it under my desk. Spend long hours on the computer and suffer from hip and leg pain. Use the exerciser on and off all day, especially first thing in the morning, to loosen up joints. Felt the difference in just a couple of days. Just what I needed.
Choose between 8 levels of magnetic resistance using the tension knob to provide increased intensity levels to your workout as you build muscular endurance.
This low-profile under-desk bike will fit under most desks and around your favorite chairs, allowing you to exercise while sitting in many different environments.
A centrally located transportation handle allows you to move your elliptical with ease.
Tips
There is a clear strip of plastic you need to pull out of the side of the digital meter to allow it to start working.
5. Vive under-desk bike Stationary Pedal Floor Exerciser
Pros
- Sitdown
- Slim Design
- Compact
Cons
- Requires Assembly
- Foot Pedals May Loosen
A compact pedal floor exerciser can strengthen arms and legs, increase circulation, improve stamina, and relieve tension for greater focus and concentration.
The quiet and smooth pedal operation allows the Vive under-desk bike to be used in the office and home. Use while on your phone, watching tv, or playing video games to include beneficial exercise in your day.
What Our Testers Say
Love it! Use it when I watch tv. It doesn’t even feel like a workout until I get up. I just had knee surgery (torn meniscus) in late August. Perfect for building strength up. Price is a bargain. Bought one for my dad for Christmas. Hoping he uses it too. He’s 84 and doesn’t exercise much. Any movement is better than none (at any age). Glad I purchased this!
Non-slip, nonmarking feet ensure the pedal exerciser stays in place on any surface, including any tabletop, carpet, or hard floor surfaces. The low-profile design keeps the pedal floor exerciser from wobbling and sliding.
Each pedal has a nonslip surface with molded finger grips and adjustable toe loops for added comfort and safety.
Tips
Easily adjust the resistance level for a personalized experience.
mini exercise bike Buying Guide
What Is A Pedal Floor Exerciser?
The pedal floor exerciser is a type of mini exercise bike. It is designed for low-impact indoor workouts. It is a simple device that simulates the same motion as an exercise bike but can be used nearly anywhere with a seat and flat floor.
It is a piece of exercise equipment that looks like nothing more than a pair of pedals set around a fulcrum. Though the pedal exerciser is very small, it can provide a workout comparable with that of a traditional bicycle.
But an under-desk bike does more than just help you with aerobic exercise; experts say that pedaling under a desk has significant health benefits, including preventing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease through insulin resistance.
How Does A Pedal Floor Exerciser Work?
Pedal exercisers use the pedal mechanism to help strengthen your legs and arms. They are a great way to improve heart fitness and a great way to enhance joint health for those with knee pain and knee arthritis.
The mini exercise bike allows you to increase your circulation, coordination, range of motion, and muscle strength. Whether you use the exerciser for an upper body or lower body workout, you will benefit from convenience and versatility.
Sit in a comfortable yet firm chair to stabilize your back. Place your pedal exerciser on the floor in front of your chair. Place your feet on the pedals and slowly begin to pedal with no tension.
As you progress, gradually increase your time duration and tension level. An alternative to executing an entire pedal movement involves using the pedal exerciser as a stretching machine.
Slide your feet into the stirrups. Bring the pedal to the highest level possible with our affected leg. Hold. Gently push the pedal back down and pull back up. Repeat this rocking movement for five repetitions.
Features To Look For In A mini exercise bike
Smoothness
The key to staying motivated while exercising on a stationary bike or pedal exerciser is to feel the smooth road bike momentum, which is impossible with a jerky pedal exerciser. Most pedal exercisers have one common problem; they are jerky when you pedal.
Platform
Pedal exercisers are designed to be small and fit under the table and desk, although you need to keep in mind that if your mini exercise bike has a narrow platform, you will have a problem keeping it stable.
Therefore, look for pedal exercisers with a wider platform for better balance and stability.
Size
Most pedal exercisers are compact enough to fit under a desk with plenty of space for knees when cycling. They can tuck away into small spaces for easy storage and portability.
Smart Device Capability
The ability to track and log data from your workouts on your phone is a great way to monitor your progress and fitness journey. Smart models pair with most iOS and Android devices. They also house multiple ride-along workouts to choose from with either personal trainers or scenic views.
Weidth & Height
If it’s taller than the width (for example, 20 inches tall and 15 inches wide), it will not be stable and will rock. A wide and short ship is always more durable than a tall and narrow ship.
Resistance Level
It’s also important to know that many pedal exercisers have little resistance tension. So, look for a pedal exerciser with high levels of resistance, preferably magnetic resistance.
Quiet
Regardless of where you want to use it, at home or office, it’s important to pay special attention to how quiet the exercise bike you are buying is to multi-task and not disturb or disturb others.
What makes any mini exercise bike quiet is the drive and resistance system. Drive belt and magnetic system are the keys to a good indoor exercise bike.
Pedal Height & Adjustable Straps
The lower the pedals are better because they allow you to exercise under short tables and desks and are more comfortable. Knowing how low your desk is is essential because some mini exercise bikes can’t be used under low desks.
In the description of the pedal floor exerciser, the size of the pedal is usually written from the floor. To keep your feet firm on the pedals, adjustable straps are essential.
Digital Display/ Metrics
To stay motivated, keep track of your workout values such as calories, distance, speed, and time. Most mini bikes have digital displays, but check to make sure.
Built-in digital displays are included with each pedal exerciser and are used to display a variety of health metrics like time, speed, distance, calorie burn, total rotations, and RPM.
Using a one-button interface, you can cycle through these options while exercising, letting you measure the effectiveness of your workout quickly.
Bidirectional Pedal Motion
Choose a pedal floor exerciser that lets you do both forward and reverse pedaling. It’s revealed that pedaling backward/reverse on some exercise bikes elicited higher heart rate and energy-cost values and reduced the joint’s pressure.
Common Questions About A Pedal Floor Exerciser
How long should I use a pedal floor exerciser?
Improve your heart health by using your under-desk bike as part of your aerobic conditioning for 30 minutes per day for at least five days a week. Use it in place of a standard or exercise bike.
Is a mini exercise bike good for weight loss?
Cycling at a 5.5 mph pace for one hour per day will help the 160-pound person burn off a pound of fat in about 12 days, the 200-pound person, after about ten days using the foot peddler at that pace. However, it’s also possible to up the ante and burn even more calories.
Is pedaling recommended for knees?
Cycling makes the knee joint bend and stretch gently and helps to ease the movement of the joint.
Cycling also improves the muscle strength around the knee joint, which ultimately protects the knee joint if there are any impact actions. So it’s wise to say that cycling promotes knee joint health in many ways.
What are the benefits of a pedal floor exerciser?
- Improves blood circulation
- Improves heart rate
- It helps you lose the fatty parts above your knee and, in general, tone your legs.
- The under-desk bike helps with confidence and desk work efficiency and improves your mood.
- Exercise pedal helps the elderly who have problems going up the stairs
- Another pedal exerciser benefit is assisting in the rehabilitation following a surgery or injury
- The pedal floor exerciser helps burn calories, lose weight, stay active and live healthier
- The mini exerciser bike helps to lower stress and boost energy; you don’t need extra coffee or energy drink to get you started; the pedal exerciser will do that for you.
Enjoy Your New Pedal Floor Exerciser
The pedal floor exerciser is excellent equipment for a low-impact workout. You can not only work on both the low and upper body but also pedaling has essential health benefits, including preventing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Remember, a quality mini exercise bike should be compact, portable, and versatile.
We hope you have found this helpful information and that your search for a pedal floor exerciser gets easier. Feel free to send us a message with comments or questions you may have.
