The 19 Best Under Desk Cycles & Ellipticals

The 19 Best Under Desk Cycles & Ellipticals

The 19 Best Under Desk Cycles & Ellipticals

The 19 Best Under Desk Cycles & Ellipticals

Ellipticals and desk cycles are both at the top of my list for suitable desk exercise equipment.

They’re affordable, quiet, very portable, and can be used for both sitting and standing desks.

My colleague Meredith Chandler (OT) talks a lot about the dangers of sitting and the importance of active sitting.

So both these types of exercise equipment are a great way make your workspace more ergonomic.

Below you will find my recommended list for ellipticals and cycles.

DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Cycle

DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Cycle

  • Portable
  • Adjustable Velcro straps
  • 8 resistance settings
  • LCD display

If you don’t want to change your work desk but still need to stay fit while working we would suggest looking into the DeskCycle pedal exerciser.

This indoor exercise bike is perfect for small spaces. It works with desks as low as 27’’ off the ground, and you could use it while sitting on the sofa and watching TV.

Portable

The little LCD screen will show you useful info like calories burned and distance traveled but the best thing about the DeskCycle is its small size and the option to take it with you.

It is very quiet so you can be certain you won’t disturb anyone at home or work and the pedal height can be adjusted from 9’’ to 10’’ depending on your needs.

How to use it

Pedaling on the DeskCycle while you work takes some time to get used to, but the manufacturer recommends to begin with the first level of resistance, and work your way up weekly.

Level 4 is the final resistance level where you can get things done, everything above it demands more effort and starts to become distracting.

Together with the package you also get a strap to secure the exerciser to your chair which is extremely helpful if your floor is too slippery.

Assembly

Assembling the DeskCycle should be quite easy, you’ll only need to use the tools supplied in the package and follow the instructions they’ve laid out.

People that got this product say that you can actually lose weight if you use the exerciser every day and the only issue some of them have is the initial investment.

What We Like

  •  Portable
  •  Doesn’t take up space
  •  Completely silent

What We Don’t Like

  •  High initial investment

Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine

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Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine

  • Built-in display monitor
  • Low-impact exercise
  • Ergonomic design

Cubii is one of the most recognized ergonomic brands on the market and people seem to trust them to deliver high-quality products.

The Cubii JR1 elliptical features an ergonomic design that was built with high-quality materials and should last long. It was created for low-impact exercises and comes with 8 resistance levels.

How to use it

To use it you’ll need 2-3 inches of clearance above your knees as it was designed to be used while sitting. Do not try to step on it while standing.

Once you start using it you’ll feel positive effects in your legs, glutes, and abdomen.

Assembly

The assembly process is fairly easy, and the tools necessary are provided in the package. It all comes down to placing 4 screws in their holes and tightening them.

This device is heavy compared to other models on our list and weighs 28 lbs. So if you’re a post-surgery patient make sure you’ve got someone to pick it up for you.

We really need to mention Cubii’s reliable and responsive customer service that will answer your queries timeously and send any replacement parts needed.

People that use the Cubii regularly say that it is easy on the joints and produces no sound at all.

What We Like

  •  High-quality parts
  •  Easy assembly
  •  Easy on the joints

What We Don’t Like

  •  Too heavy to transport

FLEXISPOT Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike

FLEXISPOT Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike

  • Adjustable
  • Comfortable seating
  • Weight capacity of 300 lbs

If you’re looking to do some cycling while working at your desk, Flexispot might have the perfect solution.

Their Deskercise Pro model was made for people between 5.1’’ and 6.2’’ tall and can handle up to 300 lbs of weight.

Comfort and Adjustability

The seat upholstery is made of soft vinyl and feels incredibly comfortable. It’s height adjustable and goes from 29.6 to 37.1 inches off the ground with the help of a pneumatic lever.

The seat is also wider than most options on the market but the cushion is on the firm side. If you wish to add some more cushion you’d need to get a cruiser-type bike seat cover.

That being said, if you sit on it correctly with a good posture, you should be comfortable for at least 2 hours.

With regards to the work desk surface, you get 22.75’’ of width and 16.5’’ of length. Once lifted up to a maximum height it stands at 46’’ of the floor.

Portability and Storage

What we really like is the wheels underneath the machine rolls smoothly, and will allow you to store the desk bike away, or move it to another position with ease.

The wheels lock in place once you sit on the bike, so it won’t move while you work and cycle. The package itself is pretty heavy (75 lbs) but assembly is easy and should take you about 15 minutes.

The people that bought this bike say it’s a very rewarding purchase because it increases productivity while improving personal health.

What We Like

  •  Good quality materials
  •  Sturdy and safe
  •  Increases work productivity

What We Don’t Like

  •  Limited desktop surface

Exerpeutic Fully Adjustable Exercise Bike Desk

Exerpeutic Fully Adjustable Exercise Bike Desk

  • Highly adjustable sliding desktop
  • AirSoft Seat
  • 8 levels of resistance
  • Weight capacity of 300 lbs

The Exerpeutic folding bike desk from Fully comes with a very comfortable 3’’ thick AirSoft seat and a cushioned backrest filled with thick foam.

This model was designed for people that are 5.2 to 6.3 inches tall and comes with a desktop that’s 24’’ wide and 16’’ long. This will be a good fit for a 17’’ laptop.

Adjustability

The desktop surface is fully adjustable and can be tilted to 16 or 33 degrees, or raised from 41’’ to 45’’ of height.

You’ll also be able to slide the desktop forward and use the Exerpeutic bike as a standing desk. The desktop surface will support up to 44 lbs of weight. It is sturdy and does not wobble.

The bike option comes with an integrated LCD screen that measures your heart rate, speed, distance, and calories burned.

What customers are saying

People that use this bike regularly say that it keeps them in shape, helps them build stamina, and even lose some weight over time.

Others who bought this model say that the pedals start making clicking noises after 100-300 miles of use. Luckily, this issue has an easy fix and you’ll only need to re-tighten the pedals occasionally.

For more information on this refer to the instruction manual. The only thing the customers would love to see in an updated version is a larger desktop surface.

What We Like

  •  Comfortable wide seat
  •  Easy to store
  •  Great for active people

What We Don’t Like

  •  Limited desktop surface

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical

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Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical

  • Space-saving size
  • Handle for easy transportation
  • 8 levels of resistance
  • Arrives fully assembled

If you’re looking for a low profile under-desk elliptical that is easy to carry around, check out this model from Sunny Health & Fitness.

The pedals on this elliptical have a non-slip surface and will be good for people with 14’’ of the foot size. They are bi-directional so you’ll be able to move the pedal forward or backward.

In the center of the machine, you’ll find a digital monitor that works with batteries and shows you useful stats while you work out.

Minimal noise

Unlike other models, this one works with little wheels that roll on a surface as you pedal. You might hear some noise coming from the wheel rubbing against the surface, but it’s minimal.

This one doesn’t come with a strap to secure it to your chair, so you might need to get a mat to prevent any sliding of the device. You’ll need a 24’’x18’’ mat surface.

What customers are saying

The people that purchase this device usually use it post-surgery for low-impact knee exercise, or to stay active while working at their desks. Most of them say it’s a solid product well worth the price.

The only real issue some people had was the display monitor that either comes flawed or breaks after a few months of use.

What We Like

  •  Compact size
  •  Easy to carry (24 lbs)
  •  Keeps you active

What We Don’t Like

  •  Needs an extra mat
  •  Some issues with the display monitor

Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical

Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical

  • The only Bluetooth enabled elliptical machine
  • Has 8 resistance levels
  • Very quiet
  • How low impact on your joints

The Cubii was one of the first devices that offered people the opportunity to exercise while sitting down. It was the first digitally connected under desk elliptical and as it is Bluetooth enabled, you can synch with your phone and track how you are doing online.

The Cubii allows you to choose the intensity level you like and is “whisper” quiet as the manufacturers claim. It is quite sturdy and has been built to avoid sliding on the floor. The ergonomic design aims to keep the impact on your joints low. We like that the manufacturers take a lot of pride in their product, introducing extra quality control to ensure customer satisfaction.

From the product reviews, it is clear that many people absolutely love their Cubii. People using it at work say that it really is very quiet with co-workers not even noticing when it is turned on. Those who want to lose weight will be happy to hear one customer said had he lost 15 pounds in a few weeks without even trying to lose weight.

Look and feel
The Cubii is low and compact and has a funky look, coming in various colors. It can be used in the office or anywhere in the house. There is a reason why it was included in the TIME Favorite Gifts List in 2017!

What else do we like about it?

  • It takes between 3 to 5 minutes to set up
  • Customer service is very good
  • It is easy to set up
  • Can be used by anyone “]

What don’t we like about it? The one thing that stands out about the Cubii is the price. It is priced higher than similar products while really offering much of the same features. While this product may be of high quality, if you have a budget issue, then this could be a concern.

Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser

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Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser

  • Quick-release folding
  • Digital LCD monitor
  • Non-skid rubber feet
  • Safety strap

The Vaunn pedal exerciser is sold at a budget-friendly price that should be acceptable to most people. The design is pretty simple, but it works.

The entire device measures 15.2’’ x 11’5’’ and due to its small footprint, you can use it in places with limited space.

It features an LCD monitor that measures the calories burnt and the number of cycles you perform.

Lightweight

Compared to the other models on our list this one is extremely lightweight, it is only 6.2 lbs and can be transported with ease.

The exerciser also comes with rubber feet and a strap that can be placed around your chair to secure it from sliding.

How to use it

To use this device effectively under your desk make sure you have at least 13’’ clearance between your knees and the desk. The highest point of the exerciser is 14’’ off the floor.

Also, don’t expect to burn a lot of calories with this one, as it was designed for a low impact exercise, as an addition to physio, or to stay active while working or watching TV.

Note that this model is that it can be used both with your feet and your arms but if you cycle too fast it will become wobbly.

What We Like

  •  Budget-friendly price
  •  Good for gentle physio
  •  Can be used both for feet and arms

What We Don’t Like

  •  Becomes wobbly at higher speeds

Sunny Health Magnetic Recumbent Desk Bike

This Sunny Health & Fitness model is a recumbent bike that comes with a 15” x 22” desktop surface that is limited to 20 lbs of weight capacity.

The work desk surface is non-slip and comes with an additional tray with a cup-holder and a device holder.

The lower part of the tray features an ergonomic padded wrist grip that molds to your hand and increases your work productivity.

Both the seat and the backrest are padded and will comfortably hold users up to 350 lbs of weight.

Vive Pedal Exerciser

The Vive pedal exerciser is all about convenience. It comes with a handle so you can carry it around and the package arrives with all the tools necessary to put it together.

The exerciser can be used with both your hands and feet. To use it with your hands simply place it on the desk and move your arms. You get both finger grips and toe loops on the pedals.

This model comes with an adjustable resistance knob and non-slip rubber feet. All your activity is also displayed on a large LCD screen.

Moreover, the device connects to the VIVEFit app which gives you various options for tracking your progress and provides some training videos.

YOSUDA Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

If you’re a fan of magnets and how they work you will find the Yosuda exerciser very interesting. It is magnet driven and there’s no friction when in use.

This means the device will last longer than most of the models on the market since there are no parts inside that can get worn out.

It’s perfect to use under standard desks plus it’s bi-directional, portable, and can be used both for feet and arms.

The sound it produces is minimal and below 20 decibels. The Assembly process is easy and the package comes with all the tools necessary to put it together in about 10 minutes.

Mindful Living Under Desk Exercise Bike

If you’re a minimalist type of person and don’t like bulky exercise equipment, this Mindful Living exercise bike might be just the thing for you.

This model has a unique look with solid bamboo panels which sets it apart from all other models on our list. The seat was made extra wide and is comfortable even for longer use.

The foot supports can be tucked away for storage, and the hidden castor wheels make it easy to move it around.

It comes fully assembled and the only thing you’ll need to do is adjust the height of the seat and begin pedaling.

However, it will not work with a standard desk since it is 21’’ tall and was designed to be used with a standing desk.

Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer

This elliptical trainer can be used while standing or sitting at your desk. You have textured foot pedals to grip the soles of your feet and prevent sliding. Use it while working or watching TV. It comes at a very good price and many customers report quite impressive weight loss results with it. On the downside, it is quite clunky and heavy and takes about 15 minutes to put together.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

This magnetic stationary bike is designed to fit under the desk, allowing you to pedal away while working. The price isn’t bad, but you may want to have a look at your desk to see if you can raise it, or alternatively lower your chair as you may have trouble with your knees hitting the desk. It comes with an LCD display and has 8 settings.

Stamina InStride Folding Cycle

The really nice thing about this product is that it is portable, so you can fold it up, take it home or to work with you. It is also very affordable, coming in much lower than similar products on the market. Some customers complain that it slips and is not as stable on the ground. However, you could always add a rubber mat underneath it.

MagneTrainer Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser

Used in hospitals and therapy centers, the MagneTrainer is recommended by doctors and physical therapists. There is a full one-year warranty and while it is not the cheapest on the market, it certainly is more affordable than pricier versions. It is described as a leg and arm exerciser and has quite a high rating from a high number of happy customers.

Stamina InMotion Compact Strider

This strider can be used while standing or sitting and offers a cardio workout for the home or office. The carrying handle allows you to carry it and it has a compact design with a fitness monitor to keep track of your activity. However, it may not be suited for frequent or heavy use when looking at some customer complaints.

FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical

This elliptical machine fits under the desk and can go under desks as low as 25 inches. There are 8 positions and the high-velocity flywheel keeps the pedal motion smooth and quiet. On the negative side, though, some customers have complained that it is not as light and portable as is claimed by the manufacturers, so keep that in mind.

jfit Under Desk & Stand Up Mini Elliptical/Stepper

This mini elliptical is quiet and has large rollerblade wheels to provide a smoother exercising experience. You can adjust the intensity of the workout and the monitor records your time, distance and calories burnt. Some customers do say that it is not as compact as it may seem, not fitting easily under all desks.

DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike and Pedal Exerciser

DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike and Pedal Exerciser

  • Can be used with desks that are very low
  • Has twice the resistance range of other pedal exercisers
  • Very quiet - won't bother colleagues
  • Shows your calorie burn

One of the biggest reasons why we love the DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike is because of the price. It is significantly cheaper than similar products but offers some great features and is solidly built. In addition, scores of customers love it, saying it has exceeded their expectations. If your aim is to lose weight while working and be a bit more active while sitting down, then this product fits the bill. It is very low and goes under desks as high as 27 inches. With this desk cycle, you can set your pace and you don’t even have to be sweating to see the benefit of exercise.

Even at the lowest setting, one rotation per second, you increase your energy expenditure by 50%. We also like that the design is quite unobtrusive, so it will blend into your office space without attracting too much attention.

Look and feel
It is small and compact, perfect for tight desk spaces. There are two legs to keep the desk cycle stable and to prevent rocking. It also comes with a display unit to show you how fast you’re going, the number of calories you are burning, and this can be kept anywhere on the desk.

Best thing about it?
You can use it anywhere, while watching TV, reading or playing games. It is very quiet, so you will be able to have phone conversations without anyone realizing that you are pedaling away.

What else do we like about it?

  • There is a full 1-year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee
  • Children from age 5 and up can use it too
  • It is easy to set up

What don’t we like about it?

This is an impressive product with one customer complaining that he only wishes he had bought it sooner!

What’s the difference?

The main difference between the under-desk bike and the under-desk elliptical is the motion you get while using them.

The under-desk bike will have your legs going in a circular motion while the elliptical gives you forward and backward motion.

Another major difference is the space they take, the bike requires a high or adjustable desk, while the elliptical can be placed underneath most standard desks without the need to raise anything.

Which is better?

This will depend entirely on your needs but here are some pointers to make that decision easier:

  • People with larger feet or longer legs are better suited for an elliptical because the forward-backward motion doesn’t require much space under your desk.
  • People that need a challenge would go for an under-desk bike since your feet won’t be sliding once you crank up the tension
  • People that need a post-surgery recovery would choose a low-impact device that would be easy on their joints but still provide the much-needed exercise

Can you lose weight with a desk cycle?

This is the question everyone wants to ask – and the answer is yes! Even if you set your device at the lowest setting, you will see an increase in calorie burn.

There are many reviews by customers who say they have lost weight within a week of using their under desk bike or stepping/elliptical machine.

The trick is to keep going, to keep an eye on your diet and you could lose up to four pounds in a week.

Under-desk bikes

Under-desk bikes are a great way to stay healthy and active while you work.

To effectively use an under desk bike you will need a height-adjustable desk so you don’t end up hitting your knees on it.

This kind of exercise equipment was previously only used at the gym, but now more and more people are choosing to include them in their busy workday.

Under desk ellipticals

Under-desk ellipticals are a life-saver for people that work long hours at their desks and don’t have much time for exercise but still need to stay active and healthy.

They usually come with a small foot-print design that requires no changes to your work set-up and can be placed under a standard desk.

Most models have an LCD display that keeps track of your distance, calories, and RPM. The ellipticals help you burn calories and improve blood circulation.

Most people that use them at work say it helps them de-stress. They are also used by post-surgery patients that wish to have a healthy recovery.

Bike desks

The Bike desk is great for people that want to have it all in one compact product. What you get is a seat with pedals and a desktop surface that usually can be adjusted for height.

The design of these bike desks reminds us of a stationary bike except it has a desktop surface included. Some models also come with handles and a backrest for ease of use.

The only real drawback here would be the limited desktop area that is usually enough for a standard-sized laptop or a tablet.

Build quality

One thing that’s very important to consider before making any purchase is the quality of materials.

While there are several models on the market make sure you buy from a trusted brand that has good customer service, so even if something gets damaged during delivery you’ll have an option to receive extra parts.

Also, some devices tend to malfunction after 6 months of use, and poor customer service might mean throwing money down the drain.

In our experience, Cubii has amazing customer support that is reliable and responsive.

Noise

There’s nothing more irritating than hearing a constant clicking sound on your exercise machine while using it. Add an office full of co-workers to this mix and there’s a recipe for a disaster.

To make sure you have an amazing experience choose a model that is whisper-quiet and doesn’t produce sounds while being used.

It’s worth mentioning that some devices might start squeaking after a few months of use and this is usually due to some screws getting loose, so you’ll only need to re-tighten them.

Space

Another important feature to consider when buying an exercise bike or elliptical is the available space that you have.

In regards to ellipticals, they tend to have a small footprint and only require that you be mindful of the space under your desk.

But when it comes to compact all-in-one bike desks make sure you get something that folds easily and comes with wheels so you could roll it into a different room if needed.

Screen display

All of the models on our list come with a screen that gives you real-time info on your activity.

They usually have info on the calories you burn, the distance you cycled, how many rotations you’re doing per minute and some models will even read your heart rate.

Resistance

Most of the models on our list come with the standard 8 levels of resistance which should present a challenge for most people. The rule of thumb is to start with the first level of resistance.

One thing that most people have found to be true is that an effective working environment can be achieved up to level 4, anything above it might be a challenge and will definitely make you sweaty.

Most customers also recommend getting a second pair of shoes at work because if you constantly use the same they might get a bit smelly after a while.