The 7 Best Elliptical Machines for Seniors [2025]

Elliptical machines are a popular choice for seniors because they’re low-impact and can provide a full body workout.

They can also be pretty fun to use and come with a wide range of features to make working out more entertaining.

Choosing the right elliptical can make a big difference in helping seniors stay active, healthy, and safe.

And with so many models to choose from these days, it’s important to know what features and specs are essential for older adults to consider when shopping.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the key factors to consider when shopping for an elliptical, including all the most important performance specs seniors should know about.

We’ll also share our top picks for seniors based on these pertinent specs and features.

After reading, you’ll be ready to make a well-informed decision.

	Stride Length	Flywheel	Step-On Height	Warranty
#1 Sole’s E25	20″	20 lb	14″	Lifetime frame 2 year parts 1 year labor
#2 Life Fitness’ E1	20″	?	6.5″	Lifetime frame 5 year parts 1 year labor
#3 Matrix’s E30	20″	23 lb	9″	Lifetime frame 5 year parts 2 year labor
#4 Sole’s E95	20″	27 lb	14″	Lifetime frame 3 year parts 1 year labor
#5 Spirit’s XE195	20″	24 lb	11.25″	Lifetime frame 5 year parts 1 year labor
#6 Schwinn’s 430	20″	20 lb?	14″?	10 year frame 2 year parts 90 day labor
#7 Horizon’s EX-59	18″	14 lb	10.75″	Lifetime frame 1 year parts 1 year labor

The 7 Best Elliptical Machines for Seniors [2025]

#1 Sole’s E25 Elliptical

It’s hard coming up with a top option when creating lists like this, but ultimately, I decided to give this honor to Sole’s E25 because it has a great combination of senior-friendly specs and features.

Plus, Sole has a great reputation for their heavy-duty machines and great warranties.

The E25 is Sole’s most affordable elliptical to date (~$1000), but it’s performance specs are right up there with ellipticals that cost quite a bit more.

For starters, this elliptical comes with a 20″ stride length, a 20 lb flywheel, and a weight capacity of 350 lb.

It also comes with 20 resistance levels and 20 levels of power incline, giving seniors a ton of control over their workouts.

I also love that the E25 weighs in at 209 lb, which makes for a very robust machine.

Seniors looking for a simple, easy-to-use elliptical will appreciate the straightforward console this elliptical comes with.

You won’t find any touchscreens or membership fees here, just a 7.5″ LCD screen that makes it easy to see all your stats.

It only comes with a handful or so of built-in workouts to choose from, but it does come with bluetooth speakers and a USB charging port.

And Sole’s warranty for their E25 is pretty generous for the price range too: lifetime frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.

The biggest downside here is the step-on height: at 14″, the E25 may be a little hard to access for seniors with mobility issues.

But if you’re comfortable with the step-on height and looking for an affordable, well-built machine, Sole’s E25 is a great option.

#2 Life Fitness’ E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Seniors working with a higher budget and who are looking for a comfortable, easy to access elliptical may prefer Life Fitness’ E1.

Life Fitness has been one of the premiere fitness equipment providers for decades now and they still offer some of the best residential and commercial machines out there.

The E1 here is their most affordable home elliptical machine, although at almost $3000, it’s still not cheap.

But you know what they say, you get what you pay for.

The E1 comes with a 20″ stride length, 20 levels of resistance, a 400 lb weight limit, and a sturdy frame that weighs in at 211 lb.

Life Fitness doesn’t disclose the flywheel weight (I’ve seen some sources reporting it at around 16 lb), but that isn’t too out of the ordinary for nicer brands like this.

Life Fitness also offers a great warranty on this elliptical: lifetime frame, 5 year parts, 1 year labor.

These performance specs are pretty good, but what really makes the E1 great for seniors is the really low, 6.5″ step-on height.

This is one of the lowest step-on heights I’ve come across.

This makes the E1 one of the easiest ellipticals to get on, something seniors with really stiff joints or other mobility issues will likely appreciate.

FYI, this low step-on height is due to the fact that the E1 is a rear-drive elliptical, meaning the resistance system is in the rear of the machine.

Rear-drive ellipticals also tend to provide a more flat pedaling motion as compared to front-drive machines (which makes for an even lower-impact workout).

That said, the E1 doesn’t come with any adjustable incline settings and the ‘Go’ console is pretty basic.

You can upgrade to the ‘Track Connect’ console for bluetooth capabilities, but doing so brings the asking price up even higher.

Overall, I could see the E1 being a great choice for seniors looking for a well-built elliptical that’s easy to access and really easy on the joints.

#3 Matrix’s Elliptical E30

Matrix is another top-notch fitness brand, known both for their high-quality residential and commercial-grade equipment.

And the E30 is one of the smoothest, quietest ellipticals I’ve ever used.

No, seriously, this machine is the closest thing to silent I’ve ever witnessed… crazy.

Anyway, the E30 is Matrix’s most affordable home elliptical, but it still comes with an asking price over $3000 (and goes up from there, depending on which console you go with).

So, this is definitely a luxury model, but seniors looking for a comfortable, easy to access elliptical should consider it.

The E30 comes with great specs, including a 20″ stride length, a 23 lb flywheel, 20 resistance levels, comfy pedals, and a really heavy-duty frame (322 lb assembled weight).

And even though the step-on height isn’t quite as low as the E1’s above, at 9″, it’s still a lot lower than most ellipticals.

And Matrix’s warranty for the E30 is great too: lifetime frame, 5 year parts, 2 year labor.

The biggest downside, other than the cost, is probably the fact that this elliptical doesn’t come with an adjustable incline.

All that weight would make moving it around pretty difficult too.

Oh, almost forgot – Matrix gives you the option to choose between 3 consoles, ranging from a simple LCD screen to a 16″ HD touchscreen loaded with entertainment apps, iFit, and much more.

Overall, the E30 is a quiet, smooth-acting elliptical with loads of great performance specs and a low step-on height.

Seniors looking for a comfy workout will appreciate Matrix’s suspension design.

#4 Sole’s E95 Elliptical

The E95 is one of Sole’s higher-end ellipticals and it has some interesting features that a lot of seniors could enjoy.

In terms of pure performance, the E95 is built like a horse.

With a 27 lb flywheel, 20 resistance levels, 20 levels of incline, and a weight capacity of 400 lb, the E95 is designed to be able to challenge users of all fitness levels.

This elliptical scores highly in the console department too.

Now that Sole is updated a lot of their machines, the E95 comes with a 10″ touchscreen that comes loaded with workout programs, entertainment apps, and the ability to screen-mirror anything from your phone.

This is all great, but the E95 also comes with adjustable pedals, allowing seniors to fine tune the angle of each pedal for optimal comfort.

Sole actually consulted with physical therapists when designing their elliptical pedals… very cool.

This elliptical also comes with a great warranty: lifetime frame, 3 year parts, 1 year labor.

In terms of downsides, there’s not much to complain about here.

The E95 is usually priced just under $2000, so it’s still priced pretty well for home use.

The only real downsides I see (other than the fact that it may have more muscle than a lot of seniors need) is that the E95 does take up a fair amount of floor space and the step-on height is a bit high (14″).

At almost 7′ long, this is a large elliptical – homes with limited space might not be able to accommodate it.

Otherwise, I think the E95 is one of the finest home ellipticals around for folks of all ages.

#5 Spirit’s XE195 Elliptical

As a brand, Spirit is really similar to Sole, mostly in that both brands create really heavy-duty machines with impressive specs and great features.

Actually, Spirit tends to offer even better warranties than Sole, although their consoles tend to be a little simpler.

This makes Spirit a good brand for seniors who like the idea of simple, straightforward equipment that’s built to last.

And the XE195 fits nicely into all those categories.

The XE195 is Spirit’s entry-level elliptical and I could see it being a great fit for seniors looking for an easy-to-use option.

With a 20″ stride, 24 lb flywheel, and 20 resistance levels, this elliptical is well-equipped for a model in this price range (~$1400).

And with an 11.25″ step-on height, it’s a little easier to access than some ellipticals already mentioned.

The XE195 weights in at around 170 lb, making it a little lighter-duty, but it still comes with an impressive weight capacity of 350 lb.

As mentioned, the console on this machine is pretty simple.

It only consists of a 7.5″ LCD screen with a handful of built-in workouts, but it does have a cooling fan and is compatible with heart rate monitors.

And Spirit’s warranty is pretty fantastic: lifetime frame, 5 year parts, 1 year labor.

The biggest downside is likely the fact that it doesn’t come with an adjustable incline, but seniors looking to keep their workouts flatter won’t mind.

Overall, the XE195 is a well-built, straightforward elliptical with some great performance specs and a generous warranty.

#6 Schwinn’s 430 Elliptical

Schwinn is mostly known for their cycles and exercise bikes (and rightly so), but they do offer some other nice fitness equipment.

And their 430 Elliptical is a great example of this.

The 430 is Schwinn’s mid-range model and it offers a nice combo of performance and specs for such an affordable machine (~$1000).

In terms of performance, the 430 is no slouch.

This elliptical comes with a 20″ stride length, 20 resistance levels, 22 built-in workout programs, and a respectable assembled weight of 169 lb.

Schwinn doesn’t disclose the flywheel weight for this model, but other sources have cited it around 20 lb, which is quite good for this price range (assuming that’s accurate).

The performance specs for this model are nice, but the console features are impressive too.

The 430’s console comes built-in speakers, a cooling fan, heart rate monitoring capabilities, and a USB charging port.

Schwinn’s warranty isn’t bad either: 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 90 day labor.

I can’t find any specifics regarding the 430’s step-on height, but assuming it’s average, it’s likely around 14″.

This may be a bit high for some seniors, but folks without any significant balance/mobility issues should be ok accessing this machine.

Overall, the 430 could be a great fit for seniors looking for an affordable elliptical that offers a nice selection of performance and console features.

#7 Horizon’s EX-59 Elliptical

Horizon’s another great, moderately-priced home fitness brand that offers well-built cardio machines.

This brand is likely better known for their impressive treadmill lineup (I have one of their treadmills myself), but their other cardio options are stellar as well.

And for the price, the EX-59 is hard to beat.

Speaking of which, at right around $700, but the EX-59 is quite affordable for a full size elliptical machine.

When it comes to performance, the EX-59 isn’t packing the same kinda muscle seen on the machines above, but again – there are reasons why some models cost more.

That said, this elliptical is still capable of providing a smooth, lower-intensity workout for seniors.

This model comes with a 14 lb flywheel and a smaller, 18″ stride length that shorter seniors or seniors with limited mobility might actually prefer.

It also comes with 10 resistance levels, a 300 lb weight capacity, and 5 built-in workouts to choose from.

With an assembled weight of only 145 lb, the EX-59 is a lighter-duty elliptical, but it still comes with a decent warranty for the price (lifetime frame, 1 year parts, 1 year labor).

The console is quite simple, but it does come with bluetooth speakers and a USB charging port.

And with a step-on height just under 11″, the EX-59 is easier to access than a lot of ellipticals out there.

Overall, I could see the EX-59 making a nice option for seniors looking for a simple, gentle elliptical workout that won’t break the bank.

Choosing An Elliptical for Seniors

When searching for a senior-friendly elliptical machine, there are several performance specs and features you’ll want to consider.

Most of these are centered around comfort and optimal performance, but it’s important to think about personal preferences too.

For example, if a senior is excited about having access to instructor-led workouts or scenic routes, it makes sense to look for an elliptical with a touchscreen console and access to these tech features.

That said, I still think most seniors will benefit from an elliptical that’s built to last and designed to provide smooth, comfy performance.

When comparing, options, I encourage you to think about the following:

Step-On Height

The first consideration, especially for seniors with balance or mobility issues, should be making sure the senior can safely access the elliptical.

And the “step-on height” is a good place to start when trying to figure out how easy the machine is to get on/off of.

The step-on height tells us how high off the ground the pedals are at the lowest position, telling us how high we’ll have to be able to step up in order to get on the machine.

Your average, front-drive home elliptical comes with a step-on height of around 14″, but there are plenty of ellipticals with much lower step-on heights.

Seniors with mobility issues may want to opt for an elliptical with a lower step-on height to make it easier to access the elliptical.

Stride Length

When it comes to performance and comfort, the stride length is one of the most important specs to look for.

The stride length tells us how far apart our feet will be moving with each movement of the pedals and it’s a key indicator of overall comfort during use.

Simply put, if the stride length is too long or too short, the workout experience will suffer.

With that in mind, most higher-quality home ellipticals come with a stride length of around 20″ because this size can comfortably accommodate most users.

However, shorter seniors or seniors with limited joint range of motion might actually prefer an elliptical with a smaller stride length (16 – 18″).

This rule isn’t written in stone anywhere, but generally speaking:

• If you’re 5’7″ or taller, you’ll probably prefer a stride length of 18 – 20″
• If you’re 5’6″ or shorter, you may prefer a stride length of 16 – 18″

Resistance

The resistance system is another key performance indicator you’ll want to look for.

And more specifically, we’re talking about the flywheel weight and the number of resistance levels the elliptical offers.

Most ellipticals create resistance by pairing a spinning flywheel with a magnetic system, just like exercise bikes.

And most home ellipticals benefit from having a heavier flywheel because the added weight makes for smoother pedaling motion.

This is because the more weight you have on the spinning flywheel, the more momentum you create – and this momentum actually helps keep the pedals moving in between pedal strokes.

This reduces any unwanted lag between pedal strokes and makes for a smoother feel.

Now some of the nicer ellipticals can create a perfectly smooth pedaling motion without adding a bunch of extra weight to the flywheel.

But again, most home models do benefit from additional flywheel weight.

But how heavy is heavy enough?

Tough to say, but any flywheel in the 20 lb or higher range is certainly heavy enough to create a smooth pedaling motion.

Having a heavier flywheel is also beneficial when it comes to overall resistance (machines with heavier flywheels can usually provide more total resistance).

But having more resistance levels is also a benefit because it gives you more control to fine tune the intensity of your workouts.

When in doubt, I’d go with the elliptical with a heavier flywheel and/or more resistance levels.

Frame

Having a smooth pedaling motion is important, but so is having a sturdy frame that won’t wiggle or wobble every time you use it.

It can be hard to spot a heavy-duty frame without physically test driving an elliptical, but there are a couple of specs we can look for to get a better idea.

The assembled weight tells us exactly how much the elliptical weighs and it’s a great indicator of overall quality.

Heavier machines will feel more stable and be less likely to wobble during use.

Look for assembled weights over 150 lb to ensure a stable machine.

It’s also a good idea to check the weight capacity too – not only to make sure the machine can safely hold you, but seeing a higher weight limit usually means the elliptical is of better build quality.

I like to see at least a 300 lb weight limit for any elliptical I’m considering (even though I weight a lot less than this).

Warranty

It’s also a smart idea to consider the warranty before buying any type of fitness equipment because this is our insurance plan.

And when it comes to warranties, longer is always better.

Elliptical machine warranties are usually divided into the following sections:

• Frame – this will be the longest coverage, with many of the best ellipticals coming with lifetime frame guarantees.
• Parts – this covers pretty much any component that isn’t considered part of the frame and its coverage period is much shorter. Most quality warranties offer 3 – 5 years on parts, but many will only offer 1-2 years.
• Labor – this covers the cost of paying a repair man to fix your elliptical and most brands will only offer 1 year of coverage here.

When stuck between two similar ellipticals, I’d go with the one with the longer warranty.

Features

The above represent the most important performance specs to consider, but console and comfort features are important too.

When looking for a senior-friendly elliptical, you may want to think about the following features:

• Console size
• Workout options
• Pedal size/cushioning
• Heart rate monitoring
• Bluetooth capabilities
• Cooling fan
• Speakers
• Charging ports

When it comes to features, it’s all about personal preferences – there are no wrong answers.

Some seniors may want a simple console with limited features that’s really easy to use; others may want streaming options and higher-tech features to make workouts more entertaining.

There are plenty of ellipticals that fall into both categories.

Budget

I put budget last, but realistically, I know this is one of the first things seniors and caregivers will be thinking about.

Fortunately, there are ellipticals in all price ranges, so regardless of your budget, you’ll probably be able to find something.

Just know that more expensive ellipticals are usually more expensive for good reason.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different price ranges and what you can expect:

• Less than $1000: budget-friendly ellipticals, expect lighter-weight frames, lighter-weight flywheels, shorter warranties, and less console features.
• $1000 – $2000: moderately-priced ellipticals, expect heavier frames, heavier flywheels, generous warranties, and access to higher-end console features.
• $2000 and up: luxury and commercial-grade ellipticals, expect heavier-duty frames, smoother pedaling motions, advanced console features, and machines that are designed to handle multiple users.

Contraindications for Using An Elliptical

While elliptical machines are generally considered safe and effective for seniors, there are certain health conditions and physical limitations that may make them less suitable:

1. Severe Joint Pain: Individuals with severe arthritis, particularly in the knees or hips, may find the elliptical’s movement uncomfortable or painful. A stationary bike might be a better alternative in such cases.
2. Balance Issues: Seniors with significant balance problems or vertigo may struggle to stabilize themselves on an elliptical. In such situations, a recumbent bike provides better back support and stability.
3. Heart Conditions: Those with cardiovascular issues should consult a healthcare provider before using an elliptical. The exercise intensity may need to be monitored closely to ensure a safe heart rate.
4. Recent Injuries or Surgery: If recovering from a recent injury or surgery—especially in the lower body—an elliptical might place undue stress on healing joints or muscles. Lower-impact options like gentle walking or seated exercises may be better alternatives.
5. Osteoporosis: In severe cases of osteoporosis, the weight-bearing nature of an elliptical workout may increase the risk of fractures. Consulting a doctor is crucial to determine if this type of exercise is appropriate.

If any of these conditions are a concern, it’s always advisable to seek guidance from a physical therapist or healthcare professional before starting an elliptical exercise routine.

Final Thoughts

Ok, I know that was a lot, but that about does it.

We tend to think of exercise bikes when it comes to low-impact workouts, but ellipticals are remarkably low-impact too.

And the added benefits you get from performing a weight-bearing exercise really makes ellipticals a great choice for seniors that are able to get on/off ’em safely.

When it comes to finding the right elliptical machine for seniors, it’s all about balancing comfort, safety, and performance.

I encourage seniors and caregivers to focus more on the performance specs, but the console features are important too.

Consider what features are most important for your fitness goals and physical condition and try to find an elliptical within your budget that checks as many boxes as possible.

I know there are plenty of great ellipticals out there that didn’t make this list, but ultimately, I stand by my choices here.

When it comes to performance, price, accessibility, and features, I think the above are a great representation of the best ellipticals out there for seniors.

Anyway, I hope you found this guide helpful.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or know of any ellipticals that deserve a spot on this list, just leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you soon.