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Desk Bikes Reviews USA

Best Under Desk Bikes

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Your Ultimate Guide to Under Desk Bikes

By now, many of us know that sitting for long periods every day in front of a desk can cause significant strain on our bodies. For those who can’t afford to move around while at their desk job, ergonomics has become more important than ever. 

Luckily, plenty of available tools and equipment promote movement and stand as a form of physical therapy. An under-desk bike pedal exerciser is an example of such a product. 

Let’s take a quick look at the best under desk bikes that even a certified personal trainer will approve.


Which Are the Top Under Desk Bikes

Editor's Choice

DeskCycle Desk Exercise Bike-Pedal Exerciser
Best Under-Desk Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk Elliptical Machine
Best Magnetic Mini Elliptical
Cubii Pro Under-Desk Elliptical
Best Smart Mini Elliptical
DeskCycle Desk Exercise Bike-Pedal Exerciser

With 8 resistance levels and magnetic resistance technology, this DeskCycle is the best for low-impact exercises while you're sitting at work.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk Elliptical Machine

Sunny Health's mini elliptical is perfect for travel, thanks to its handle and compact size. It comes with various magnetic resistance settings.

Cubii Pro Under-Desk Elliptical

Keeping track of your fitness is easy with the Cubii Pro! This exerciser can be synced with a fitness app to help you reach your exercise goals.

Functionality: Quality: Price:
Functionality: Quality: Price:
Functionality: Quality: Price:

Let’s Go Over Each Under Desk Bike

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Our pick for the best pedal exerciser is none other than the Desk Cycle Pedal Exerciser. This machine is highly popular because of its enhanced features and functions, such as multiple resistance levels, a big and bright LCD display to track progress, and a feature to make the pedals quiet. Available in white, this under-desk bike weighs in at 23 pounds and measures 24 x 20 x 10 inches. 

An under-desk exerciser can serve as a form of physical therapy, and the DeskCycle Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser is just what you need if you’re worried about being stuck in front of a desk for too long. With its patented magnetic resistance mechanism, pedaling at your desk is easier and smoother than ever. It gives you just enough of a challenge to work your muscles without tiring you out too much.

This under-desk bike also helps boost productivity by keeping movement in your lower limbs. Studies have shown that these constant motions are vital to keep your health in tip-top shape. If you’re worried about leg clearance, the Deskcycle Under-Desk Bike can work with a desk space that’s as low as 27 inches. This product ranks #17 in the Amazon Exercise Bikes category.

Pros and Cons of the Desk Cycle Desk Exercise Bike-Pedal Exerciser

ProsCons
✔️ Eight levels of resistance
✔️ Resistance uses a magnetic mechanism
✔️ LCD display shows time, speed, distance, calories used/burned
✖️ Some models can be loud
✖️ Might be complicated to assemble

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

If you’re looking for a magnetic elliptical that’s also relatively affordable, the Sunny Under Desk Elliptical is your go-to. Available on Amazon, the SF-E3872 comes with full-fledged features for making your work-at-home or office life easier and your sedentary job more active and productive. The compact size and 24.2 lbs. weight makes it easy to transport just about anywhere.

If you’re also concerned about your health and want to track the progress you make, be it calories burned, heart rate, distance traveled, and speed, this elliptical has an LCD monitor that shows you important statistics. You can say goodbye to the sedentary lifestyle with this machine, and with the help of the digital monitor, you’ll be able to keep track of your health and fitness milestones. The greatest part is you won’t even have to leave your desk to get a great workout for your lower body.

One hassle with desk ellipticals or desk bikes is their assembly. Not everyone has the time to put together a complicated piece of equipment, and many would rather have their appliances pre-assembled when possible. This Sunny Health under the desk bike model, thankfully, is pretty easy to assemble and doesn’t take more than one person to put together, so you will be able to use it right away.

Pros and Cons of the Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical

ProsCons
✔️ Has a wide range of motion
✔️ It’s easy to assemble and easy to use
✔️ Eight levels of resistance
✔️ Compact size for easy transportation
✔️ Uses two AA batteries to work
✖️ Some models develop a noise after few weeks of use

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

Think under desk ellipticals aren’t for you? This model might change your mind. Another pick for the best under-desk elliptical, Cubii Pro has come up with a model that’s hard to resist. It’s one of the more advanced appliances in our lineup, which is why we’ve named it our best smart under-desk machine. It’s an edge over the other models. The Cubii Pro Seated Under-Desk Elliptical comes with a Bluetooth sync for your devices, including Fitbit and Apple watch, as well as a phone app, making tracking data over time easy.

Perfect for fitness junkies who lament sitting still at a desk all day, this under-desk elliptical not only helps you stay active but also keeps track of your fitness goals. All you have to do is connect this device to your Fitbit or download the app (available on both the iPhone app store and Android Play Store), and you’ll be able to see your distance, calories spent, etc. If you’re conscious about weight gain while sitting for long periods, the Cubii Pro can burn up to 125 calories in just an hour.

This isn’t just for work, either. When you’re unwinding, try to use this machine while you spend hours watching your favorite shows or reading a good book. It comes with whisper-quiet technology, so there are no squeaking sounds to distract you from immersing in your hobby while getting exercise at the same time.

 

Pros and Cons of the Cubii Pro Under-Desk Elliptical

ProsCons
✔️ Has bluetooth sync for Fitbit and other fitness bands to
✔️ Syncs with Fitbit app or Apple Health app
✔️ Burns 125 calories in just an hour
✔️ Quiet and doesn’t disturb work or relaxation
✔️ Portable
✖️ Expensive

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

Sunny Health appears again on our list, this time with a more budget-friendly under-desk bike, the SF-B0418. We picked this machine as our best budget mini under-desk bike because there are tons to love about this product, from its adjustable safety straps on the pedals to its durable weight support. It’s also a lot more lightweight than other under-desk bike models at only 21 lbs. weight, making it easy to transport from your home office to your living room.

This mini exercise bike is designed not only to work out your feet but your hands, too, giving you a good upper body workout. Use this as an ergonomic device that keeps your hands moving. Simply dust off the foot pedals place your hands where your feet usually go and start moving them in a circular motion. This helps keep the blood flowing in your upper body when you’re too tired typing all day or preparing meals in the kitchen.

The Sunny Health SF-B0418 Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike is also able to track your distance covered, speed, and time spent on the device. The LCD display shows your progress after each run so you won’t have to guess how many calories you’ve burned or miles you’ve covered. One downside of this machine is its less than sturdy bottom surface which could be prone to slipping, so be careful.

Pros and Cons of the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Under-Desk Bike

ProsCons
✔️ Affordable Adjustable pedals with safety straps
✔️ LCD display
✔️ Can support users of up to 220 lbs.
✔️ Can also be used for arm exercises
✔️ Has a carry handle
✖️ Bottom surface is not slip-resistant
✖️ Pedals can wear down after long use

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Exercise Bike is an upgrade from its predecessor, making it a little pricier. As for its features and functions, it still comes with 8 resistance settings so you’re able to ease into exercising without tiring yourself out on the first try. Once you’ve gotten the hang of the mini exercise bike, you can increase resistance and give yourself more of a challenge.

You can use this device anywhere, from your home office to your room while you’re reading a book or watching TV. It’s portable enough (although a tiny bit heavier than the previous Desk Cycle offering) for easy, effortless transport. You can also use this under-desk bike on different surfaces because it has an adjustable height.

Its magnetic resistance gives you enough of a challenge to get your muscles pumping without making a loud noise or giving you a jerky, bumpy motion. The machine is also smooth and easy to operate so you aren’t even thinking too much about your legs moving.

 

Pros and Cons of the DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

ProsCons
✔️ Comes with 8 resistance settings
✔️ Works well even with a low table height
✔️ Can also be used for upper-body workouts
✔️ Adjustable pedal height
✔️ Magnetic mechanism technology
✖️ Pricier than other models

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

One of the best under-desk bikes in the market, the MagneTrainer mini stationary bike comes packed with features and functions that haven’t been seen before in other models. With more than 20 resistance options for each health and fitness level, you’re getting all types of exercises to meet your different needs. Let’s take a closer look at this model’s features and functions to understand why it’s such a well-loved product.

Customizable workouts are these under-desk exercise bikes’ premium offering. With different resistance levels aimed at different kinds of exercise levels, you’re able to switch it up with ease. Resistance levels 1-5 are recommended for a warm-up as well as a cool-down, while resistance levels 6-10 are built for light cardio and therapy. If you need a bit of endurance training to enhance your day, resistance levels 11-15 are for you. Lastly, for toning those leg muscles, simply up the intensity to resistance levels 16-20 and you’ll be able to get shapely legs in no time!

Pros and Cons of the MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser

ProsCons
✔️ 20+ resistance settings
✔️ Sturdy steel base
✔️ 15-inch base to accommodate different size footprints
✔️ LCD monitor shows progress
✖️ Pricier than other models
✖️ Non-slip base not very effective

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Stamina-In Motion Elliptical Trainer is a great mini-elliptical for those who need to burn calories or simply get some rehabilitation for their lower body. Once fully assembled, you can use the Stamina Elliptical either sitting or standing, depending on your fitness needs. It can be a great passive or quick workout done while watching a movie or gaming, while it can also be part of a higher resistance exercise regimen. 

This is one of our picks for the best under-desk elliptical because it comes with a few unique features, such as three different color options (green, orange, and silver), an adjustable tension knob, and a foot pedal that can move both forward and backwards. You can adjust the resistance via the adjustable dial. To view your progress and stats, simply take a quick look at the monitor.

Pros and Cons of the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer

ProsCons
✔️ Three color choices
✔️ Adjustable tension knob
✔️ Can be used to pedal forward or reverse
✖️ Pricier than other models
✖️ Non-slip base not very effective

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Looking for an exercise machine that can fit right into your smartphone-synced health and wellness ecosystem? The Cubii Jr. Under Desk Elliptical has an ergonomic design that’s specifically built for a low-impact workout. This model promotes active sitting because you’re able to get movement into your legs even when you’re working.

This elliptical is compact. With dimensions of 23.15 x 17.56 x 10 inches, you can transport it to any part of your home with ease, from your bedroom to your living room. It’s also a sturdy option and can accommodate a user weight of up to 250 lbs. It’s easy to move in and out of your standing desks, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of moving your office chair away and then leaning down to get your under-desk elliptical.

While it’s designed for low-impact exercises, this device can double as a high-resistance fitness tool. Simply switch from one of its eight resistance settings to another and you’ll be able to customize your workout as you see fit. Not only that, the device is made with extremely quiet technology, so you can perform hobbies like reading and gaming without disturbance.

Pros and Cons of the Cubii Jr. Desk Elliptical

ProsCons
✔️ Quiet and smooth movement
✔️ Lightweight and portable
✔️ Eight adjustable resistance options
✔️ Has a built-in monitor
✖️ Can be expensive

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

One under-desk elliptical that’s sure to give you relaxation and comfort is this FitDesk offering. With its magnetic mechanism technology, you’ll be able to get a smoother, more effective exercise for your lower limbs. With its 8 different resistance options, you can go from a low-impact to a higher-intensity workout to burn more calories.

If you prefer under-desk ellipticals over a mini cycle or stationary bike, then you’re certainly looking at the right product. An elliptical makes sure your feet are more relaxed and planted firmly on its pedals. You can even try different foot positions with this model, such as tiptoed or in heels. The 6-function display of the FitDesk Under-Desk Elliptical machine shows a variety of menu settings for different types of use. However, it’s also worth noting that Amazon reviews and other media outlets show some versions of this product to develop a squeak over time, so it’s important to read the manual carefully to take the best care and avoid any unwanted issues.

Pros and Cons of the FitDesk Elliptical

ProsCons
✔️ Low pedals work with any desk height
✔️ Includes magnetic mechanism
✔️ Comes with a 6-function electronic display w/ menu
✔️ Menu settings for different uses
✖️ Comes in only 1 color
✖️ May develop a squeak

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

While this is our best pick for a simple mini cycle, the Vive Pedal Exerciser still manages to incorporate many of the essential functions and features of a great ergonomic appliance. Coming in at 12.5 inches high, this is a compact exerciser that can fit even under a desk that has little clearance. 

With its adjustable resistance levels, the Vive under-desk bike can help you build a customizable workout that adjusts to your different everyday needs. Simply switch the resistance up or down, depending on if you want a low-impact exercise while relaxing with a good book, or a moderate-intensity exercise for building muscle and toning the body.

The quiet and smooth cycling motion helps you move with ease. It helps boost your concentration at work, so you’re able to answer calls and process papers with full focus. The LCD screen also shows time, speed, distance, revolution count, and calories burned, so you can keep track of your progress over time.

Pros and Cons of the Vive Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

ProsCons
✔️ Easy, simple assembly
✔️ Tones muscles and improves concentration
✔️ Compact design fit for even low desks
✔️ Adjustable resistance
✖️ Doesn’t work on carpeted surfaces
✖️ Straps are not adjustable
✖️ Instruction manual not easy to read

What is an Under Desk Bike?

An under-desk bike is one of the many forms of desk cycles. It’s also called a pedal exerciser or mini exercise bike. It is an independent appliance that can be placed underneath a regular desk or a standing desk and works in much of the same way as a regular bike, keeping our lower bodies moving. A certified personal trainer may agree that mini exercise bikes offer many benefits for your health such as helping increase circulation and blood flow, keeping heart rate in check, and aiding weight loss or shedding extra calories while we’re busy typing away on a keyboard at work and living a sedentary job.


Does Under-Desk Pedaling Work?

The physical benefits of pedal exercisers have been proven time and again: they’re a great way to move part of your body without distracting you from your job, and they also don’t cost much. Pedaling with an under-desk bike can help become more active, reducing the risk of muscle soreness, obesity, heart disease, and more.


What is the Difference Between Under Desk Bikes and Ellipticals

An under-desk elliptical doesn’t look like your regular bike. Instead, you’ll find it looks more similar to regular ellipticals you see at the gym. Desk ellipticals have a larger platform for your feet to rest on. Under-desk ellipticals also have a different stride and motion than under-desk exercise bikes because they let you move your feet forward and back, much like walking or going up the stairs.

On the other hand, under-desk mini exercise bikes look like regular, easily portable bikes (without the cup holder and resistance bands). It involves similarly moving your feet as that of riding a bicycle. If you have more clearance for your legs underneath the table, then you won’t have to worry about bumping your knees while you pedal. For that reason, we give the under-desk mini exercise bikes one point more than the elliptical.


Final Note

Under-desk bikes and ellipticals are great low-maintenance fitness machine wonders that can give you a low-impact exercise or a high-intensity training session. Whether you need to get those muscles moving in front of a desk or want to maximize your relaxation time with low-impact passive exercise, mini exercise bikes and ellipticals are the compact, portable solutions to your fitness needs. They also provide great therapy for those who might have trouble walking, whether due to a physical condition or old age. Under-desk mini exercise bikes and ellipticals are also good tools to help aid your weight loss journey.


Editor’s Choice

The DeskCycle Pedal Exerciser is a great, easy-to-use appliance that can greatly improve one’s everyday life. With features that include a multifunctional digital monitor that shows the user’s progress, the ability to choose between 8 resistance options, and the mini cycle’s portable design, you can’t go wrong with DeskCycle mini exercise bikes offering. It comes at a relatively affordable price, too, and you’re getting more than what you pay for with its functions and features.

Whenever you’re feeling a little stagnant at your table, this device can help kickstart you into full focus and concentration so you’re able to work better. You can set the resistance to a low level so you maintain activity without working up a sweat. Even then, this magnetic mini-exercise bike doesn’t have to be used only at your workstation — you can use it to pedal while scrolling through your phone or catching the news.


Tricia Montano

Tricia founded Pain Free Working in 2019 due to suffering from degenerative disc disease in her L5-S1 from working an office job for the past 18 years. She and her team strive on finding and reviewing the best office equipment to help fellow pain sufferers find relief and to enable people like her to do their jobs comfortably.