Let’s face it…
One of the biggest challenges for anyone looking to lose weight or stay fit is having to exercise with bad knees!
Luckily, the solution to this problem is to use exercise bikes that support knee rehabilitation. In this article, I’ll recommend the best exercise bikes for bad knees and share all you need to know so you can make the best purchase.
Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike
Our Top Recommendation for Best Exercise Bike For Bad Knees!
- Exercise Bike dimensions: 54” L x 22” W x 34” H.
- Easy-to-read LCD display indicates distance
- Recumbent stationary bike offers challenging cardiovascular workout while minimizing stress on your joints and back
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6 Best Exercise Bike For Bad Knees
We tested and reviewed over 30 bikes that we know are good for bad knees and created this short list of the six best bikes. After reading this article, we’re sure you’ll be able to select the best bike for you that will aid the recovery of your knees or at least keep you in shape.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike | • Weight Capacity 300 lbs • Easy-to-read LCD display • Heart Rate Information | |
 | Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike Review | • 2 Blue Backlit LCD Displays • USB Charging Port • Bluetooth Connectivity | |
 | Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike Review | • Easy-to-Read LCD Display • Foldable Recumbent • Supports up to 300 Pounds | |
 | Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike | • DualTrack 2 LCD Screen Displays • 22 Preset Workout Programs • High Speed, High Inertia Drive System | |
 | Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 | • Ultra-Functional LCD Computer Screen • Extended 90-Day Return Window • Adjustable Foot Straps | |
 | Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike | • A Large 3.5" x 1.5" LCD Screen Makes it Easy to See Your Distance • Perfect for Smaller Spaces • Perfect for Beginners While Level 8 |
1. Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike
The Exerpeutic 900XL recumbent bike is the bike we’ve chosen as the best recumbent bike for anyone with bad knees.
On the 900XL Exerpeutic recumbent bike, you get a tonne of features that are immensely beneficial to rehabilitating knee injuries.
When looking for a bike that supports knee rehab one key factor is to ensure that the bike selected provides comfortable seating.
The Exerpeutic 900XL fulfills that requirement with its large cushioned seat that offers excellent comfort.
Moreover, the bike also features an adjustable chair that is at just the right angle to limit the degree you bend your knees. This seat design is beneficial for persons that feel pain whenever they bend their knees to a certain extent. Also, the Exerpeutic 900XL recumbent bike also features eight levels of magnetic tension that can be easily adjusted to your liking. Furthermore, the bike also features a step-through design which makes getting on and off the recumbent bike less of a burden on the knees. All these features make the Exerpeutic 900XL a great bike to purchase.
What We Liked?
- The Exerpeutic 900XL bike has a 300-pound user weight capacity.
- It comes with levels of Magnetic Resistance.
- The bike features an LCD that shows distance, calories, speed, time and heart rate.
- We loved the comfortable seat cushions and loved the adjustability of the seats.
- It can perfectly accommodate persons from 5 ft 3 inches to 6 ft 6 inches.
- The Exerpeutic 900XL recumbent bike for bad knees also comes equipped with transportation wheels for smooth movement.
2. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike Review
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike ranks second on our list of the best bike for injured knees to get right now.
Like the previous bike, the Schwinn 270 also packs many great features that make it worth every penny.
The Schwinn 270 bike has a high user weight capacity of 300 lbs and features a decent 12 lb perimeter weighted flywheel.
The Schwinn 270 bike has a high user weight capacity of 300 lbs and features a decent 12 lb perimeter weighted flywheel.
Also, this recumbent bike comes with a whopping 25 levels of resistance which is excellent for anyone with bad knees.
With the Schwinn 270 bike, you get 29 built-in workout programs to choose from that features nine heart rate control and two fitness test. These features make this bike an excellent choice for seniors and anyone that want more control over their workout and knee rehab. This bike comes with Schwinn’s dual-track LCD console. With the top display showing your selected workout program, intensity, time, and heart rate percentage. The lower display shows your pedaling speed, distance, and heart rate. If you want a feature-rich recumbent bike that is easy on the knees, then the Schwinn 270 is a reliable bike for the job.
What We Liked?
- The bike allows you to download and use the Ride Social App for free so you can enjoy virtual rides with friends in real time.
- It has Bluetooth connectivity and can sync with Schwinn’s trainer app and some other fitness apps.
- We loved the high level of control you get with 25 resistance levels.
- It has a perimeter weighted flywheel that lowers physical strain.
- The bike also comes with built-in speakers and a 3-speed fan at the bottom of the console.
- It has a pulse rate monitor that works through contact or telemetry.
- The bike has a padded contoured seat with a ventilated back support.
3. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike Review
The third bike on our short list of best exercise bikes for bad knees is the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike.
This bike is slightly different from the previous options but is a great solution nonetheless.
It features a unique folding recumbent design that makes getting on and off the bike very easy on the knees.
Moreover, since this recumbent bike is foldable, it fits in nearly any room and is surprisingly easy to transport from one area of your room to another.
The Exerpeutic 400XL bike also comes equipped with all the standard features. It features an easy to adjust tension knob with levels of resistance for more control of your workout and pressure applied to the knees. The bike also comes with a three pieced high torque cranking system for super smooth pedaling. Another cool perk is the large cushioned adjustable seat that comfortably accommodates users ranging from 5 ft 2 inches to 6 ft 2 inches. Moreover, the bike supports persons weighing up to 300 pounds as such it is a reliable option for just about everyone.
What We Liked?
- We loved the foldability of this semi-recumbent bike for bad knees.
- It has a smooth and quiet V belt dual drive system.
- The bike has eight levels of magnetic tension that is easy to adjust.
- It features a simple but easy to read LCD that tracks distance, calories, time, speed and heart rate.
- We loved the comfort level of the large cushioned seats.
- The bike features a user weight capacity of 300 lbs.
- It is easy on the knees and provides enough adjustability to aid knee recovery.
- We liked that you can use the bike even in small space.
- The bike comes with hand pulse sensors.
4. Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Another great stationary bikes for bad knees is the Schwinn 230.
This bike features the amazing Schwinn Dual track console that displays your workout data on two separate screens.
In addition this bike features a large media rack at the top of the bike’s console.
With the Schwinn 230 recumbent bike, you also get built-in speakers and MP3 input connectivity which allows you to listen to your music through the console speakers. Additionally, the bike comes with built-in USB charging ports to keep your device battery charged.
The Schwinn stationary bike is excellent for knee rehab as it features 20 levels of resistance and allows exceptional control over your workout. This stationary bike features a movable rail slider system that enables you to find the perfect seating position easily which is crucial for knee rehab. With all these fantastic perks it is easy to consider the 230 recumbent bikes from Schwinn one of the best exercise bikes for knee problems.
What We Liked?
- The bike has 20 levels of resistance.
- We loved the 22 preset workout programs that come with this bike.
- It has excellent adjustability to fit users of different heights.
- This stationary bike has a large media rack to hold your media devices.
- It has a 300 lb user weight capacity.
- We loved how sturdy the bike felt and how easy it was on the knees.
5. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
Working out with bad knees does not need to be painful. This is especially true if you decide to opt for this Recumbent Bike from Marcy.
With the lowest cost of all the bikes on this list, you’re sure to not hurt your budget at the very least.
All jokes aside, the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709 is a great bike that aids knee recovery.
Marcy ME-709 features a comfortable recumbent seating position that does not put a lot of pressure on the knees. The stationary bike features eight levels of magnetic resistance and is near silent while working out. Also, this bike also comes equipped with padded oversized cushioned seats with adjustment for persons with different leg lengths. With this bike you also get a small LCD that shows time, calories burned, the distance and speed.
What We Liked?
- We loved the price of the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Bike for Bad Knees.
- It has comfortable seats.
- The bike has eight levels of resistance that allows more control of your workout.
- We loved the comfort of the pedals on the bike and how easy it is on the knees.
- It has a step-through design for easy access on the bike.
6. Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
The last bike on our list of the best exercise bike for bad knees is the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike.
This stationary bike is slightly different from the others as since it isn’t a recumbent bike, but it is a superb alternative.
This Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike features eight levels of magnetic tension and provides excellent control when cycling out with bad knees.
Moreover, with a user weight capacity of 300 lbs, you can rest assured that this bike is a sturdy stationary bike. Also, the bike also comes with heart rate sensors and features a large cushioned seat.
The foldable design of this bike makes it easy to use and store after your workout. With this bike, you get a quiet V-belt drive that features a three-piece high torque cranking system for smooth pedaling that is easy on the knees. And best of all features is the incredibly low price of the bike. So if you are on a budget, this bike is a reliable option for you if you don’t mind an upright bike!
What We Liked?
- We loved how inexpensive this bike is.
- The large cushion seat provides just the right amount of comfort.
- It allows easy adjustability of the seating position to fit users of 5 ft 3″ to 6 ft 1″.
- We love that the bike can be folded and stored easily in tight spaces.
- The bike has eight levels of tension that allows enough control of your workout.
- It has a drive system that is easy on the knees.
Now that we’ve covered the list of the best exercise bikes for bad knees here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Cycling ok For Bad Knees
The answer to this question is YES!
Using a stationary bike as a form of knee rehab or as a means of staying in shape is one of the best ways to exercise for persons with bad knees. It is often considered the best way because cycling is a low impact workout that hardly places any physical strain on the knees.
A word of Caution:
You still need to put consideration on the intensity of the workout you are doing as it is easy to overexert yourself while cycling since it requires so little effort.
What Type of Exercise Bike is The Best For Bad Knees?
There are many exercise bikes available for purchasing and knowing which type is the best for knee injuries is critical to your decision-making process.
Of the many kinds of stationary bikes, the top option recommended by medical professionals and physiotherapist is the recumbent bike.
This recommendation is so because recumbent bikes provide superior support to the body and seats you in a position that puts the lowest pressure on the knees. So to answer the question of whether a recumbent bike is good or bad for knee rehab the answer is that it is.
Wrapping Up
Our top pick for the best exercise bike for bad knees is the Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike. The bike has all the essential features to aid knee recovery and is an overall all rounded bike. If you want a more feature-packed bike, then selecting the Schwinn 270 bike will be the next best alternative.
If you just need a bike to recover from a physical disability we recommend you check out our top picks for dual action bikes with moving arms.