The 8 Best Stationary Bikes for Seniors – A Comprehensive Guide [2025]

Stationary bikes make great options for seniors because they offer a gentle, low-impact way to get your daily exercise in.

The joint-friendliness factor these exercise bikes offer is great, but stationary bikes are also pretty compact, easy to use, and available in all price ranges.

Add all this together and it’s pretty easy to see why exercise bikes are such a great fit for seniors, but that doesn’t mean all bikes are smart options.

Seniors and caregivers need to know what to look for in order to find the best option and avoid disappointment – and that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing here and now.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll go over all the most important specs and features seniors should look for when comparing exercise bikes.

I’ll also share my top picks the year has to offer, based on the guidelines discussed.

After reading, you’ll be more than ready to pick the right stationary bike for yourself or a loved one.

	Style	Resistance	Warranty	Price
1. Spirit’s XBR25	Recumbent	20 lb flywheel 20 levels	Lifetime frame 5 year parts 1 year labor	$$
2. Sole’s LCB	Upright	27 lb flywheel 40 levels	Lifetime frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	$$
3. Sole’s LCR	Recumbent	31 lb flywheel 40 levels	Lifetime frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	$$
4. Matrix’s Cycle U30	Upright	23 lb flywheel 20 levels	Lifetime frame 5 year parts 2 year labor	$$$
5. Schwinn’s 230	Recumbent	13 lb flywheel 16 levels	10 year frame 2 year parts 90 day labor	$
6. Sole’s B94	Upright	20 lb flywheel 20 levels	Lifetime frame 2 year parts 1 year labor	$$
7. Schwinn’s 190	Upright	8 lb flywheel 25 levels	10 year frame 2 year parts 90 day labor	$
8. Keiser’s M3i	Indoor cycle	8 lb flywheel Micro-adjustable	10 year frame 3 year parts	$$$

Why Stationary Bikes are Great for Seniors

Stationary bikes are particularly beneficial for seniors due to their low-impact nature, which helps protect joints while still providing a cardiovascular workout.

They’re a safe, indoor way to build muscle strength, improve balance, and enhance mobility – all while reducing the risk of falls.

Exercise bikes are generally pretty easy to get on/off of too, and the fact that you can remain seated the whole time makes them accessible for seniors with mobility deficits as well.

As a physical therapist, I find myself recommending stationary exercise bikes to my patients all the time.

I recommend these bikes often when trying to help my senior patients find a way to comfortably get more cardio in, but I also recommend ’em to plenty of my arthritis patients to help reduce joint stiffness.

Overall, stationary exercises bikes are great for seniors because:

• They offer a joint-friendly way to exercise
• They can improve cardiovascular health and leg strength simultaneously
• They can help reduce joint stiffness
• They’re easy to use
• They’re easy to get on/off of
• They don’t take up too much floor space
• They’re available in all price ranges

Ok, let’s get to the good stuff already.

“Stationary bikes” can technically refer to any style of exercise bike, but most seniors will likely prefer a recumbent bike or traditional upright bike.

The 8 Best Stationary Exercise Bikes for Seniors

1. Spirit’s XBR25 Recumbent Bike

Seniors looking for the lowest-impact, most comfortable biking experience will want to opt for a recumbent bike, so I figured I should start this list out with one of the top home recumbents out there.

I’ll admit, Spirit Fitness doesn’t have the same kind of brand recognition as a NordicTrack or Schwinn, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still have some of the best options out there.

And the XBR25 is a perfect example of what makes Spirit such a great brand.

The XBR25 is their most affordable recumbent bike to date, but it comes with better performance specs than most recumbents costing quite a bit more.

With a 20 lb flywheel and 20 magnetic resistance levels, the XBR25 offers a smooth pedaling motion and plenty of control over the intensity of workouts.

And the robust frame offers a stable feel for riders of all sizes, so you won’t have to worry about this recumbent feeling lightweight or flimsy.

One of the standout features here though, is the extra-large backrest that provides more support than most competitors.

Which is something seniors with achy backs will likely appreciate.

The only real downside to the XBR25 is that it comes with a simple console that only comes with 6 workout programs.

But, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use exercise bike, this simple console might actually be a benefit.

Oh, Spirit’s warranty on this bike is also amazing – with a lifetime frame, 5 year parts, and 1 year labor guarantee, the XBR25 comes with one of the best warranties you’ll see in this price range.

Overall, seniors looking for a comfortable, high-performing recumbent that won’t break the bank should certainly consider the XBR25.

2. Sole’s LCB Upright Bike

Sole’s another great home fitness brand and one of my personal favorite’s (they’re actually owned by the same parent company that owns Spirit Fitness).

I like Sole because they offer heavy-duty fitness equipment that’s well-priced and backed with good warranties.

Anyway, the LCB is Sole’s premiere upright bike and it’s got a lot going for it.

With a 27 lb flywheel under the hood, the LCB offers a smooth pedaling motion with the ability to provide some serious resistance for seniors who need it.

And with 40 resistance levels to choose from, this exercise bike can accommodate riders of all skill levels.

Other nice features include a fully-adjustable seat, large handrails for easy gripping during/after workouts, and a solid frame that can handle seniors weighing up to 350 lb.

The LCB also comes with one of Sole’s upgraded consoles that comes loaded with traditional workout programs, entertainment apps, access to free instructor-led workouts, and more.

And as mentioned, Sole’s warranties are quite good as well – the LCB is backed with a lifetime frame, 3 year parts, and 1 year labor guarantee.

Overall, the LCB would make a great option for seniors looking for an upright bike that offers optimal performance and plenty of higher-tech console features.

3. Sole’s LCR Recumbent Bike

If you like what the LCB up above is all about, but are more interested in a recumbent model, Sole’s LCR could be a great fit.

The LCR is Sole’s top-end recumbent bike and it comes with a lot of the same great specs and features found on the LCB.

But of course it’s a recumbent bike, so it comes with the added comfort and supportive back rest.

And the LCR actually comes with an even heavier flywheel – at 31 lb, this recumbent comes with one of the heaviest flywheels you’ll find on any recumbent bike.

I go into more detail in the buyer’s guide below, but having a heavy flywheel is beneficial because it gives the bike a smoother pedaling motion (and allows it to provide more overall resistance usually as well).

Anyway, the LCR comes with more than enough muscle under the hood to provide a smooth feel and like the LCB, it comes with tons of resistance levels (40).

I also like that this recumbent weighs in just over 150 lb, giving it a stable feel while sitting on it.

This sturdy frame also allows the LCR to safely hold riders weighing up to 350 lb, which is great.

When it comes to the console, the LCR comes with the same 10″ touchscreen console found on the LCB and it too comes with all the workouts, streaming apps, and additional tech features.

And Sole offers the same great warranty on this model too: lifetime frame, 3 year parts, 1 year labor.

Overall, the LCR is easily one of the best home recumbent bikes on the market. Seniors looking for smooth pedaling and plenty of console features should put this one on their short list.

4. Matrix’s Cycle U30 Upright Bike

Seniors looking for a quiet, smooth-acting upright bike will want to take a close look at Matrix’s Cycle U30.

I’ve had the opportunity to try out just about all of Matrix’s home cardio machines and I have to say they’re some of the quietest machines I’ve ever used.

Nearly silent.

And the pedaling motion on their equipment is ridiculously smooth…

Anyway, Matrix is a higher-end fitness brand and they offer both residential and commercial-grade equipment.

The U30 I’ve included here on this list is their entry-level upright bike and it comes with a lot of great features.

In terms of performance, the U30 comes with a 23 lb flywheel and 20 resistance levels, both of which are impressive for an upright bike.

You’ll also notice the dual-frame design, which makes for a remarkably stable feel while getting on/off the bike (the fact that it weighs 140 lb doesn’t hurt either).

The seat on this bike isn’t fully adjustable, so you can’t adjust the horizontal (fore/aft) position, but the seat is large and comfy and easy to height adjust.

The U30’s performance is impressive enough, but what really sets Matrix apart is their consoles.

With the U30, you get to choose between 3 consoles, ranging from a simple LCD screen to a 16″ HD touchscreen that comes loaded with entertainment apps, instructor-led workouts, scenic routes, and more.

This bike is even iFit compatible, the same streaming platform used on all of NordicTrack’s equipment.

Matrix’s consoles are great, but going with their large HD touchscreens will definitely increase the price of the bike (in this case, almost doubling the cost).

Oh, I want to mention that Matrix offers some of the best warranties out there too.

The U30 comes with a lifetime frame, 5 year parts, and 2 year labor warranty, which may add a little extra peace of mind when making a purchase.

Overall, if you’re looking a smooth-acting upright bike with loads of console capabilities, Matrix’s U30 could be a great choice.

5. Schwinn’s 230 Recumbent Bike

Schwinn’s a well-known brand and their 230 is a classic recumbent bike that’s been around for a long time.

And it’s still one of the smartest buys in recumbent bikes.

Sure, the console is a bit dated and there are certainly sleeker looking exercise bikes out there, but when it comes to value for the price, the 230 is difficult to beat.

The 230 is actually Schwinn’s lower-end recumbent (with the newer 290 being their higher-end model), but I personally think it’s still Schwinn’s best option.

This bike comes with a 13 lb flywheel, which is light compared to some of the heavy flywheels mentioned earlier, but it’s still pretty heavy for the price range (~$600).

And with 16 resistance levels, this recumbent gives seniors a fair amount of play over the intensity of their workouts.

As mentioned, the console is pretty simple on this bike, but it does come with 13 built-in workout profiles, bluetooth, heart rate monitoring, and weighted pedals.

The back rest is also pretty supportive and the seat is easy to adjust.

Schwinn’s warranty is pretty good for this price range too: 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 90 day labor.

Overall, the 230 isn’t the most sophisticated recumbent on the market, but for the price, it’s going to be hard to find a more comfortable or higher-performing option.

This recumbent could make a lot of sense for seniors looking for a simple recumbent bike that won’t break the budget.

6. Sole’s B94 Upright Bike

Ok, I promise I don’t secretly work for Sole Fitness or anything, but like I said, they’re one of my favorite brands.

But I promise this is the last Sole bike I’ll put on this list.

Jokes aside, the B94 is another great exercise bike so it definitely earns its spot on this list.

The B94 is Sole’s most affordable upright bike and it doesn’t come with the fancy touchscreen console, but it comes with great performance specs for the price.

Speaking of which, the B94 usually sells for around $1200, give or take (I remember when this bad boy was under $1k… those were the good ol’ days).

Specifically, this upright bike comes with a 20 lb flywheel, 20 levels of resistance, and a weight capacity of 300 lb.

It also sports a large, fully-adjustable seat and large handrails for added comfort.

The console isn’t a touchscreen, but it still comes with bluetooth speakers, USB device charging, and a handful or workout programs to choose from.

And of course Sole’s warranty doesn’t disappoint: lifetime frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.

Overall, there’s not much to complain about here.

Seniors looking for an affordable, easy-to-use upright bike that’s built to last will likely love the B94.

7. Schwinn’s 190 Upright Bike

Here’s another impressive upright bike for the price from Schwinn.

The 190 is Schwinn’s highest-end upright model to date, coming with a sleeker frame and updated console as compared to the more affordable 130.

Speaking of price, the 190 usually costs around $700, making it roughly half the price of many of the other exercise bikes on this list.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable upright, the 190 could be a good fit.

When it comes to performance, the 190 is only packing an 8 lb flywheel, so it’s safe to say this bike isn’t designed for higher-intensity workouts.

But, if you’re simply looking for a comfy bike to keep your legs moving, this may not matter.

The 190 does come with 25 resistance levels though, which does give seniors a lot of options when it comes to controlling workout intensity.

With an assembled weight of only 80 lb, the 190 is a lighter-weight bike, which is pretty common for the price range.

That said, it still comes with an impressive 330 lb weight limit.

And when it comes to the console, there are plenty of cool features to enjoy including bluetooth, USB charging, built-in speakers, 13 workouts, and heart rate monitoring.

Schwinn’s warranty for the 190 is pretty good too – 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 90 day labor.

Overall, the 190 is an affordable upright bike with some impressive console features. It’s also one of the best uprights $700 will get ya.

8. Keiser’s M3i Indoor Cycle

Ok, I realize all the other bikes listed above were either recumbents or uprights and I did that on purpose because these are the kinds of bikes most seniors benefit the most from (in terms of comfort and joint-friendliness).

But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t use indoor cycles.

Indoor cycles offer the most realistic outdoor bike riding experience and they can be great for getting higher-intensity workouts in, but they do tend to be a little rougher on the joints than the uprights and recumbents mentioned above.

That said, Keiser’s M3i is different than most indoor cycles.

I say that because most cycles use really heavy flywheels (30 lb+) – but the M3i only uses an 8 lb flywheel.

And they do that on purpose.

Unlike cheaper exercise bikes, where extra flywheel weight is useful for creating a smoother pedaling motion, the M3i is able to create a (very) smooth pedaling motion while using a much lighter flywheel.

They do this by engineering their M3i to get that flywheel spinning really fast – it all has to do with the gear ratio, but if I remember correctly, the flywheel on the M3i spins 11x for every full rotation of the pedals.

That means that flywheel is moving really fast as you pedal.

Well, this speed creates the momentum necessary to create a really smooth feel as you pedal, but without the added stress a heavy flywheel can impose.

The fact that this bike uses a light flywheel makes it easier on the joints than most indoor cycles, making it more senior-friendly than most.

Other highlights include a micro-adjustable magnetic resistance system, a V-shaped frame that can handle riders up to 7′ tall, and dual-compatible pedals.

The console on the M3i is a little basic, but it accurately measures all metrics and is bluetooth compatible with training apps.

And Keiser’s warranty is pretty good too: 10 year frame, 3 year parts.

Overall, seniors looking for a well-built, low-impact indoor cycle should certainly check out Keiser’s M3i – it just so happens to be considered one of the finest indoor cycles in the world.

What to Look For in a Stationary Bike for Seniors

When writing guides like this, I really try to avoid making assumptions because I realize that not all seniors are looking for the same things.

That said, in general, seniors tend to prefer equipment that’s lower-impact on the joints, easier to access, and easier to use.

Now all stationary exercise bikes are low-impact when compared to something like a treadmill, but some exercise bikes are certainly lower-impact than others.

So, the first thing seniors/caregivers should consider is what kind of stationary bike you’re looking for…

Upright vs Recumbent Bikes (vs Indoor Cycles)

I mentioned this earlier, but most seniors will likely want to go with an upright bike or a recumbent bike because these bikes are more comfortable and a little easier on the joints than indoor cycles.

Again, that doesn’t mean seniors can’t use indoor cycles – I’ve worked with several seniors who do just fine with indoor cycles and they love ’em.

But indoor cycles don’t come with a back rest and they tend to put you in a more flexed position, which puts more stress on the low back.

And the high-speed, high-intensity workouts these cycles are often used for may not match the fitness needs of many seniors.

When it comes to recumbents and upright bikes, recumbent bikes are the better fit for seniors looking for optimal comfort and support.

That’s because recumbent bikes:

• Come with a back rest
• Place the pedals in front of you for a lower-impact, more comfortable riding position
• Come with a lower seat which is usually easier to access

On the other hand, upright bikes offer a more realistic experience to riding a real road bike, as well as the option to stand up and work against higher resistances.

Choosing between a recumbent or upright bike (or indoor cycle) is all about considering your comfort preferences.

For more info, check out my full guide on recumbent and upright exercise bikes.

Budget

I’m realistic and understand that cost will be one of the biggest considerations most seniors will be making as they go through the decision making process to find the right exercise bike.

Fortunately, stationary bikes come in all price ranges.

So, regardless of what you budget is, you should be able to find a bike to fit it.

That said, you normally get what you pay for:

• Under $500 – very affordable, expect lightweight flywheels, lightweight frames, and very short warranties.
• $500 – $1000 – affordable, but should expect nicer components with longer warranties and more sophisticated consoles; some good options in this price range.
• $1000 – $2000 – these moderately priced bikes offer a great combination of performance specs and features and come with much longer warranties. This price range is where most folks will find the best options.
• Over $2000 – luxury price range, commercial-grade exercise bikes with stellar performance specs, features, and generous warranties.

Resistance Systems

Once you know which style of exercise bike you’re looking for, it’s time to start comparing options.

And the first thing I go to when researching any new bike is the resistance system.

Most exercise bikes these days utilize magnetic resistance systems, which is great because they offer smooth and quiet resistance.

What differs greatly, though, between exercise bikes is the flywheel weight and the number of resistance levels they come with.

The flywheel is the part that physically spins as you pedal and having a heavier flywheel is usually a good thing when it comes to smoothness of operation.

Generally speaking, heavier flywheels (20 lb+) offer a smoother feel because the flywheel builds more momentum as it spins, which helps the pedals continue rotating between pedal strokes.

Bikes with heavier flywheels can usually provide more overall resistance too, but this rule isn’t written in stone anywhere.

And when it comes to resistance levels, having more is a good thing because it gives you more control.

Now having more levels doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get more overall resistance, but it does mean you’ll be able to make smaller adjustments to that resistance.

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

Frames

When comparing bikes, whether they be upright, recumbent, or an indoor cycle, it’s important to examine the frame.

Specifically, I’m talking about:

• Physical dimensions- check to see how much space the bike takes up and make sure you have enough floor space at home.
• Assembled weight- check to see how much the bike weighs. Bikes with higher assembled weights (over 100 lb) will likely provide a more stable feel during use (but they may be a little more difficult to move around).
• Weight limit- always check to see how much weight a bike can handle before purchasing. Most importantly, you have to make sure you can safely use the bike, but seeing higher weight limits (300 lb+) is also a sign of superior craftsmanship.

Warranty

A bike’s warranty gives you a little peace of mind that the product you’re about to spend hundreds of bucks on will actually last.

Exercise bike warranties usually come in 3 different parts and longer is obviously always better:

• Frame – this should be the longest part of the warranty because the frame is the least likely part to breakdown. Generous warranties will offer 10 years to lifetime guarantees on the frames.
• Parts – this part generally covers any component not counted as part of the frame (although some bikes come with separate electronics warranties) and its usually much shorter than the frame guarantee. Most brands will offer somewhere between 2-5 years on parts, although some go above and beyond and offer 10 year parts guarantees.
• Labor – this section covers the cost for a handyman to be paid to repair your bike and it’s by far the shortest guarantee. Most brands only offer a single year on the labor warranty.

When in doubt, I’d go with the bike that offers the longest warranty.

Features

Stationary bikes vary greatly with regards to the console features they offer, so it all really depends on what you’re looking for.

Folks looking for simple LCD screens can opt for such, while others looking for streaming workouts and entertainment apps will have plenty of models to choose from as well.

Here’s a quick rundown on the common features you can find if preferred:

• Built-in workout programs
• Bluetooth compatibility with apps
• Bluetooth speakers
• Bluetooth heart rate monitoring
• Touchscreen consoles
• Built-in entertainment apps
• Instructor-led workouts
• Charging ports
• Cooling fans

Again, there are tons of bikes to choose from, so you should be able to find as many (or as few) features as you like.

Just know that having more sophisticated console features often elevates the price of the bike.

Contraindications for Using Exercise Bikes

While exercise bikes are generally safe, there are some situations where they may not be suitable:

1. Severe Joint Issues: Conditions like advanced osteoarthritis or severe knee, hip, or ankle issues may worsen with repetitive cycling motions.
2. Cardiac Concerns: Seniors with uncontrolled heart conditions, high blood pressure, or arrhythmias should consult a healthcare provider, as even low-impact cardio can impact heart rate.
3. Balance or Coordination Impairments: Exercise bikes require stable positioning, so those with balance or coordination issues may need additional support or adaptive equipment.

If any of these apply, consulting with a doctor or physical therapist is recommended before using an exercise bike.

When in doubt, always check with your physician before starting any new exercise programs.

Final Thoughts

Ok, I think that about does it.

The right stationary bike can be an excellent tool for seniors to stay active and support their health from home.

When deciding between bikes, I encourage you to compare the specs/features that matter the most.

Namely, the resistance systems, frames, and warranties – comparing these stats will tell you a lot about the bikes you’re looking at.

These specs, as well as personal experience, where used to choose the exercise bikes included in this guide.

That said, I know there are a lot of great bikes that were left off this list.

But when it comes to performance, features, and cost (as well as trying to include both upright and recumbent models), I stand by the list created here.

Anyway, I hope you found this guide helpful.

And if you know of any great stationary bikes that deserve a spot on this list (or have any other comments/questions), just leave ’em below and I’ll get back to you shortly.