Subscribe
Fresh Weekly Insights In Your Inbox?

Best Pedal Exerciser for Elderly Seniors (Who Need Safe, Low Impact Exercise)

Best Pedal Exerciser for Elderly Seniors (Who Need Safe, Low Impact Exercise)

Pedal exercisers are a great way for seniors with mobility or balance problems to get a safe workout. No standing or walking required! Here are the best pedal exercisers for the elderly.
Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®
Last Updated:
Best Pedal Exerciser For Elderly Featured Image
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Income Disclosure.
Best Pedal Exerciser For Elderly Featured Image

One of the best exercises for seniors to do is a gentle seated bike motion. This exercise doesn’t put much pressure on the hips, knees, or ankles but still gets your body moving.

A few minutes of this a couple of times per week can make a difference in your lifestyle and how you feel.

Check with your doctor to ensure it is safe, then review my list of the top models below.

Best Pedal Exercisers for the Elderly

Here are my top recommended pedal exercisers for seniors and the elderly. After these reviews, I also have a brief buying guide for mini exercise bikes like these.

legxercise pro in front of the box

LegXercise PRO Passive Exercise Machine

from $199.94

The LegXercise PRO is a capable and easy-to-use automatic leg exercise machine for seniors and the elderly.

It is designed to provide passive movement to the feet and legs to stimulate blood flow which, in turn, reduces leg pain, cramps, and swelling.

The LegXerciser PRO is an entirely automatic home leg pedal exercise machine – meaning the pedals move for you.

This device is designed specifically for seniors and the elderly who need a more passive workout due to mobility or balance issues that cause walking to be unsafe.

Legxercise PRO Review: Passive Exercise for the Elderly

This passive movement stimulates blood flow in the legs and feet to help relieve leg pain, swelling, and cramps caused by poor blood circulation.

By moving the feet, even if passively, the body will respond by providing more blood to oxygenate that area. It can be used while watching TV, reading a book, doing crafts, and more.

It is simple to set up and use – almost any senior will be able to use it independently, especially once it is set up. I like that the tech is very basic on this one too.

Just pick one of 2-speed settings on the attached remote control and hit the OFF button once you are finished. That way, even tech-averse seniors will feel comfortable using it.

It is important to note that this device does not provide a cardiovascular workout and isn’t designed to build muscle. Its main use is for providing increased blood flow to the lower extremities.

So, if that is what you or your loved one need, I highly recommend it.

You can read my full detailed review of the LegXercise PRO here.


TherapyCycle Hand and Feet Pedal Exerciser

TherapyCycle Hand and Feet Pedal Exerciser

$258.35

This commercial-grade pedal exerciser is like the ones you might see in a physical therapy clinic. It has adjustable resistance with smooth, quiet operation. You can pedal forwards or backward using your hands or your feet.

First up is a more medical-oriented pedal exerciser from TherapyTrainer, which perfectly suits seniors’ needs. The large LCD screen has very large text and is easy to read.

The five functions displayed include scan, time, calories burned, distance, and speed, which makes tracking your fitness super easy. It also has adjustable resistance settings if you feel strong enough to increase that setting with a large, easy-to-turn knob at the front of the device.

This machine is closer to what you or a loved one might have used in the therapy clinic. This company makes a larger, more expensive version of this just for use in hospital and outpatient therapy settings.

It is a versatile machine, though, as it’s easy to use for arm or leg workouts and small enough to fit anywhere or be transported around easily.


Smart Magnetic Pedal Exerciser

Vive Smart Magnetic Pedal Exerciser

$99.99

This ultra-quiet pedal exerciser is a great alternative to traditional exercise bile for seniors and the elderly. It uses adjustable magnetic resistance that can go backward and forward for both upper-body and lower-body exercises.

The easy-to-read digital display shows speed and distance “traveled,” plus an app is available for tracking progress.

If that magnetic resistance feature is something you’d like to dive into even deeper, check out the Vive Smart Magnetic pedal exerciser.

Its patented magnetic resistance technology allows you to adjust resistance levels to what’s best and safest for you, with virtually no noise in either forward or backward directions.

How To Assemble The Vive Smart Magnetic Pedal Exerciser

The steel frame and wide 24.6-inch base offer great stability, but it includes straps for the pedals anyway for added peace of mind. It’s still compact enough to fit virtually anywhere though and can be used for arm or leg exercise.

It also has a simple battery-powered electronic display screen that shows you your calories burned, speed, distance, and time for your workout. You can even download an app on your iOS or Android to track your progress, but it’s not required.


Exerpeutic 2000M Motorized Electric Legs and Arms Pedal Exerciser - Mini Exercise Bike for Work from Home Fitness - Black

Exerpeutic 2000M Motorized Leg and Arm Pedal Exerciser

$153.40
as of 03/18/2024 7:43 am

This highly portable mini exercise bike has an adjustable motor and a large LCD screen for easy viewing of your distance and time. It has built-in carry handles and includes a non-skid mat for older adults who travel and need a device they can take with them.

One of my favorites on this list is the Exerpeutic pedal exerciser, mostly because it includes an anti-skid mat with your purchase. Many other pedal exercisers need to be placed against some wall or edge of the desk to not move around while in use, but this anti-skid mat allows the machine to be placed virtually anywhere and ready to go.

Besides that, this pedal exerciser has a motor-powered operation ranging from low-impact pedaling to high-impact, intense resistance workouts. It also works for arms or legs since it can be placed on any surface (floor or tabletop) without slipping.

The large LCD display shows you your time, distance, calories, and speed in a nice and simple layout. There’s also an included handle at the top of the device for easy transportation and added stability, which is a unique feature. The pedals also have removable foot straps for security as well.


Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser - Desk Exercise Equipment with Magnetic Resistance - Leg Exerciser While Sitting for Office Workout or Home Fitness

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

$149.98
as of 03/18/2024 7:43 am

For a high-tech option that still offers low-impact training, check out DeskCycle’s under-the-desk bike pedal machine.

It fits discreetly under any desktop or tabletop surface and has a detachable monitor so that you can keep track of what you’re doing without looking down at the screen

This monitor tracks speed, time, burned calories, distance, and scan mode, showing all the data every 3 seconds. This is especially useful for seniors who are still working or just want to be able to perform other tasks while exercising.

The other main advantage of this pedal exerciser is its low rotation height of just 10 inches. This is more than enough for most seniors, who just want a low-impact, gentle exercise, and also makes it easy to fit anywhere in your household.

It also has the option to choose between 8 resistance levels though, so it’s very customizable despite the small size.

It also has added safety features like a wide base to prevent instability, velcro straps for security, and magnetic resistance operational features, which make the motions incredibly smooth and virtually noiseless.


Folding Pedal Exerciser

Vive Basic Pedal Exerciser

$49.99

First, this foldable pedal exerciser is an excellent choice for seniors because it’s easy to use and has great safety features. Plus, it doesn’t take up too much space.

It can be folded up entirely to be stored in any compact space or carried around for easy transportation. No assembly is required either!

It even comes in 2 fun colors!

What I really appreciate about this pedal exerciser is the wide base with non-slip rubber feet that stabilize the machine while it’s being used, so you can be sure that it won’t slip or cause any injuries.

The pedals also have straps over the top to secure the feet onto them, adding even more safety.

You can use this one with your hands and feet to exercise your upper and lower body. It even has an LCD screen that tracks revolutions.

Should You Exercise with Stationary Pedal Exercisers?

First, you should discuss this option with your doctor or therapist before beginning any exercise program!

We all know how important it is to stay active, regardless of our age. But for seniors and the elderly, getting your body moving is imperative to living a healthy lifestyle.

Regular exercise increases circulation, reducing the chance of heart problems, arthritis in the joints, and more. It also elevates mood and helps you sleep better.

You don’t need an expensive gym membership or personal trainer to do this. All you need is a seated pedaling machine. Pedal exercisers are small and portable and can sit on the floor in front of a seat of your choice or elevated on a table.

These little machines give you versatility and control over your workout without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Buying Guide: Choosing a Pedal Exerciser for Seniors with Mobility or Balance Problems

There are different styles and types of stationary pedals out there that do different things. Here are some features to consider:

  • Unit Weight. If the machine is used for both the arms and the legs, choose a lighter-weight model that you can lift easily.
  • Variable Tension. If you are using the exerciser for longer as part of an exercise program, choose one with varied workouts and tension. That way, you can still keep getting the benefits as you get more fit.
  • Foldability/Storage. Do you have limited space or want to be able to put the exerciser away in between uses? If so, look for a foldable or collapsible design.
  • Resistance. Choose a model with motorized or magnetic resistance if you want to improve strength. You can increase the difficulty of these machines as you get stronger.
  • Noise Levels. Will you be using the device around others? If so, you might want to consider the noise level of the peddler you choose. Motorized and magnetic models are the loudest.

Summary and Final Recommendations

In my opinion, the best pedal exerciser for elderly people is the Exerpeutic model, with the Platinum Fitness coming in at a close second.

The safety features of these stand out and make them perfectly suited for seniors just looking for a quick, safe workout to keep their bodies active and their minds at ease. Check them out and let me know what you think in the comments below!

If you are ready for a full exercise bike, check out my recommendations in this guide.

What do you use to get a safe workout at home? Let me know in the comments below. Share with friends and family on social media so that they can also experience this easy-to-use exercise method!

Don't Miss a Beat!

Stay up-to-date with helpful, uplifting insights for living your best years with practical tips and resources to maintain your health, independence, and quality of life as you age gracefully.

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

With over 20 years of experience and certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®, Scott Grant provides reliable recommendations to help seniors maintain independence through informed product and service choices for safe, comfortable living.

Learn More Email

1 thought on “Best Pedal Exerciser for Elderly Seniors (Who Need Safe, Low Impact Exercise)”

  1. tom spiewak

    All informative articles for seniors. thanks

Leave a Comment