Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Jeff
Recumbent bikes offer a safe, low-impact exercise that can be done at home by users of all heights and sizes. Buying your own recumbent bike is an investment. That is why it is important to buy a bike that suits your height and weight.
Not all recumbent bikes will suit shorter persons. That is why we rounded up and reviewed some of the best recumbent bikes out there that are suitable for shorter people.
There is a myriad of designs and bikes to choose from. Some of the recumbent bikes boast premium features like swivel seats and high-tech consoles.
Some offer built-in workout programs, compatibility with fitness apps, and more than enough resistance settings to choose from.
Recumbent Exercise Bikes for Short People (Our Review)
SciFit ISO7000R Recumbent Bike (Best Overall Recumbent Bike)
The SciFit ISO700R boasts premium features and a durable design. At around $3500 this heavy-duty recumbent bike costs a pretty penny.
This bike has a true step-through design. The step-through design can adjust up to 23 inches and provides ample clearance for safe mounting and dismounting.
This SciFit bike also has a swivel seat, which allows the user to step on and off their bike on both sides. The seat can be removed for direct wheelchair access.
The seat can rotate in a full circle, and be adjusted lower and higher. The seat slides forward and backward on its horizontal base.
This bike will suit most users. Short users can expect to mount the bike comfortably and adjust their seat position with ease.
High-end bikes like this one are designed for comfort and safety. This makes it safe to use as rehabilitation and while recovering from injury.
You may be wondering: is a recumbent bike good for osteoporosis? Recumbent bikes take the strain off your back and joints; this bike is especially comfortable. We would say that people with osteoporosis can use it when their doctor has given the green light.
The swivel seats, step-through frame, and durable design of this bike make it one of the best recumbent bikes for seniors, injured persons, and those with mobility issues.
A 400 lb weight capacity recumbent bike is fairly impressive. But, with a massive user weight capacity of 450 pounds, this SciFit bike is also a suitable recumbent bike for big and tall people.
This high-end bike is not only extremely comfortable and accessible, but it also delivers excellent resistance and high-intensity workouts. It even offers bi-directional pedaling – you can pedal backward too.
There are 20 resistance levels and 11 professional workout programs to choose from. The most impressive console feature is its body fat analysis. There are also fitness tests.
There is a myriad of workout options on this bike. Some workouts include Heart Rate, Hill Profiles, Random Profiles, and Iso-Strength. Your bike automatically guides you into a cooldown after each session.
The large 7’’ LCD console is easy to operate, and user-friendly. You can keep track of your time, distance, calories, and the metabolic equivalent of task, among other things. Heart rate is measured with grip pulse sensors.
The bike is USB compatible and has two USB ports. This makes it very easy to document and transfer fitness data and metrics.
For your added comfort, it has an integrated three-speed fan that can keep you cool while you pedal. It also boasts an accessory tray, reading rack, and water bottle holder.
No power chord is needed for this self-generating recumbent bike, so you can move it anywhere in your home. You can pedal your recumbent bike with TV shows or books to keep you entertained.
Pros
- Swivel seat.
- Direct wheelchair access.
- Self-generating power.
- Body Fat Analysis Feature
- Bi-directional pedaling.
- User weight capacity: 450 pounds.
Cons
- The bike is heavy and difficult to transport.
- Not Bluetooth compatible
- Not compatible with fitness apps.
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike (Best Value for Money)
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is one of the best bikes in the Schwinn line, and it costs below $1000. For around $650, this bike offers an impressive set of features.
The inertia weighted flywheel guarantees a smooth ride and gives the rider 25 resistance levels to choose from.
This bike has a walk-through design, making it safe and easy to mount and dismount. The extra-large seat is roomy, and the ventilated backrest provides comfort and lower back support.
There are handlebars on both sides of the seat, where heart rate grip sensors are located. The seat slides on closer or farther from the pedals on its horizontal rail and can be adjusted easily.
Unfortunately, the angle of the seat is not adjustable, but this might be the bike’s only flaw.
This bike can accommodate users as short as 5’ and as tall as 6’6’’. Persons taller than 6’2’’, however, might find the bike slightly uncomfortable. The user weight capacity of the bike is 300 pounds.
The dual-display console allows you to choose between 29 different workout programs and keep track of 13 different fitness metrics.
Besides its 29 workout programs, the Schwinn 270 is compatible with Bluetooth, USB, MyFitnessPal, and Schwinn Connect. You never have to lose track of your fitness data and progress.
Some other impressive features include a large water bottle holder, a three-speed integrated fan, and transport wheels.
Pros
- 25 Resistance levels
- 29 Fitness programs
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Four different user profiles.
Cons
- The angle of the backrest cannot be adjusted.
- Slow data transfer with MyFitnessPal.
Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Bike (Best Recumbent Bike Under $200)
The Exerpeutic 900XL is the most affordable recumbent bike in our round-up because buying your own bike does not need to cost a pretty penny. It costs less than $200.
The bike has eight levels of magnetic resistance and it operates smoothly and silently.
This bike can give you a workout and it is user-friendly. Ultimately, it gets the job done without the need for bells and whistles, at a rock bottom price.
The LCD monitor tracks and displays metrics like calories burned, distance traveled, and speed. It has heart rate grip sensors to measure your pulse.
This bike can accommodate many people, including shorter riders. With a user weight capacity of 300 pounds and a maximum user height of 6’6’’, everyone should be comfortable on this bike.
The Exerpeutic 900XL is an excellent option for exercisers who are on a budget and looking for something simple.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quiet operation.
- Suitable for people up to 6’6
Cons
- Basic features.
- Hard to assemble.
Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Bike (Best Recumbent Bike for Beginners)
Much like the Exerpeutic 900XL, the appeal of the Marcy ME-709 recumbent bike is its affordability and simplicity. Priced at around $200, you will not break the bank with this bike.
This bike has an especially large LCD monitor so you can easily keep track of your distance, time, speed, and calories burnt. It cannot measure heart rate, unfortunately.
The bike has eight resistance levels and a silent operation. You can pedal while you watch TV.
This bike might be better suited for beginners and seniors since more experienced riders often complain that the resistance offered by the bike is not challenging enough.
The Marcy ME-709 wins a spot in our round-up for its ergonomic, comfortable design. The step-through frame allows you to mount and dismount your bike with ease.
The seat has an adjustable length positioning of 40 – 49 inches. The pedals are counterbalanced for extra foot control and support.
The bike has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, and is said to support most users under 6’6’’. It might be the best recumbent exercise bike for tall people.
This bike is safe and hassle-free, even for short users.
Other features include a comfortable and adjustable seat. The seat and the handles are clad in high-quality, dense foam. This provides additional support for your arms and back.
These Marcy recumbent bikes are light enough to move around and they have transport wheels. These hassle-free bikes are for people looking for comfort and a bargain.
Pros
- Cheap recumbent bike.
- Adjustable seat.
- Fits most users up to 6’6’’ tall.
- Easy to transport and move around.
- Safe and stable exercise machine.
Cons
- No heart rate monitor.
- Basic features.
- The backrest screws into place; it is not adjustable.
Sole R92 Recumbent Bike (Best Ergonomic Design)
The Sole R92 Recumbent Bike is the cheapest bike in the Sole Fitness range, but it offers some nifty, high-quality features.
The 20-pound flywheel is bound to deliver excellent resistance and a smooth, quiet ride. There are 20 levels of resistance to choose from.
The 9’’ blue backlit LCD monitor has 10 challenging built-in workout programs.
This bike is a good match for beginners and intermediate exercisers since it is durable and will last long. It gets the job done. But, more experienced and elite riders should look for heavier resistance.
The R92 was designed with the comfort of the rider in mind and is meant to take the stress off the rider’s feet and joints. The R92 is perfect for breaking a sweat during intense workouts and pedaling slowly for gentle rehabs.
The seat is adjustable in 12 ways and padded with high-quality foam for your comfort. It can slide backward and forward on its axis.
The back of the seat is also adjustable. The custom-fitted adjustable handlebars can go up, down, forward, and backward.
The pedals were ergonomically designed with a 2° inward cant that takes additional pressure from your knees and feet.
One would expect a recumbent bike weight limit above 350 pounds on a bike of this quality and caliber. But, it has a maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds
It can comfortably accommodate users between the heights of 5’ and 6’4’’.
The LCD monitor tracks and displays a number of fitness metrics, including heart rate. This is measured by pulse grip handles, and a heart rate chest strap that is included with your purchase.
Two of the 10 workout programs are heart rate controlled. There are two customizable user-designed programs and six standard programs. Some workouts include hills, fat burn, and interval training.
To make matters even better, the bike has additional perks, while costing under $1000.
It has an integrated workout fan, water bottle holder, audio jack, and speakers. You can hook up your iPod or MP3 to blast your favorite tunes. The bike is also compatible with Bluetooth and some fitness apps.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Built-in cooling fan.
- Heart rate chest strap included.
- 20 resistance levels.
- Fitness app compatibility.
Cons
- Weak fan
- Large and takes up space.
Conclusion
The recumbent bikes in our round-up have lots of bells and whistles, and each offers a unique exercise experience. Here is our breakdown.
The SciFit ISO700R is one of the best heavy-duty recumbent bikes out there. It offers bi-directional pedaling, a premium swivel seat, and a 450-pound user weight capacity.
The list of features offered by the SciFit bike is nearly endless. Everyone might not be willing to spend $3500, but this is a great option for buyers looking for a premium, high-quality recumbent bike.
The Schwinn 270 is one of the best recumbent bikes in Schwinn’s range, and it offers a whopping 25 levels of resistance and 29 workout programs.
Some other perks include compatibility with Bluetooth and fitness apps and an integrated fan. What’s charming is that this bike costs around $650.
The Exerpeutic 900XL is a cheap, straightforward, and effective choice for buyers on a budget.
It boasts eight levels of magnetic resistance and provides a smooth pedaling experience. The LCD monitor tracks some of your most important fitness metrics.
The Marcy ME-709 boasts eight resistance levels and an extremely adjustable seat. Its ergonomic and comfortable design earns its spot in our round-up.
It also offers arm support and is accessible to users of a wide range of heights and weights.
The Sole R92 boasts some of the most impressive features, and it only costs around $1000. This is the most comfortable, ergonomically designed recumbent bike in the round-up.
The seat is adjustable in 12 ways. The seat, handlebars, and pedals were specially designed to ease the strain on joints and knees.
A telemetric chest strap for contactless heart rate monitoring is included when you buy your Sole R92 recumbent bike.
