Recumbent bikes are stationary exercise bikes with large seats and backrests. They’re an effective way to get in exercise from the comfort of your own home. Sounds great, right? Chances are, you’re thinking “sure, they sound amazing, but something like that’ll cost an arm and a leg”. Wrong. While some high spec models do cost a fortune, some fantastic recumbent bikes are less than $500 or even $300. In this article, we’ll talk you through some of the best, inexpensive recumbent bikes on the market.
The Merach S19 Recumbent Bike is a fantastic value for the affordability of this bike. I still can’t believe that this model is below $500 because of the level of its craftsmanship.
EXCLUSIVE: Click on "Buy from Merach" and use the code GirlBikeLoveS19 for $80 OFF! Use the code in the Checkout Page.
What Are The Advantages Of Recumbent Bikes?
How many times have you sat on the sofa, contemplating whether or not to do any exercise? Most of the time, Netflix sounds more appealing than going to the gym. However, recumbent bikes allow you to do both; sit down and watch TV simultaneously. It’s a win-win situation. Despite being sat down, they provide a good, effective workout. They also have some specific advantages that make them stand out from other exercise bikes:
If you are a shorter rider, you might find our list of the best recumbent bikes for short person useful.
Cheap Recumbent Bikes: Worth it, or Waste of Time & Money?
When you hear the term “budget” what comes to mind? Cheap? Low-quality? Unsustainable? It’s easy to be skeptical of a recumbent
Reviews of Our Best Inexpensive Recumbent Bike Picks
Best Overall Under $500: Merach S19 Recumbent Bike
The Merach S19 Recumbent Bike is a fantastic value for the affordability of this bike. I still can’t believe that this model is below $500 because of the level of its craftsmanship.
EXCLUSIVE: Click on "Buy from Merach" and use the code GirlBikeLoveS19 for $80 OFF! Use the code in the Checkout Page.
I have tried and reviewed the Merach S19 personally, so I know firsthand that it offers a high level of comfort and adjustability. The vented backrest and padded seat allow for maximum comfort while riding. I could easily watch an entire movie with my family while riding without my tailbone feeling numb or my shirt stuck to my back from sweat, which was fantastic!
I also liked how easy it is to move the saddle and lock it into the correct position. My mom, who is 70 years old, could also easily adjust this bike to get into the proper set-up to accommodate her. This bike accommodates a wide range of inseams from 17.72 to 35.43 inches.




Best Overall Under $300: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4616
Our best inexpensive recumbent bike pick. Can be easily adjusted to suit your body size and space and comes with adjustable resistance and heart rate control.
- Dimensions: 46” x 24.5” x 38”
- Weight: 58.7lbs
- Number of Resistance Levels: 8
At the top of our list is the SF-RB4616 from Sunny Health &
The SF-RB4616 can be easily adjusted to suit your body size and space. The seat moves forward and back with the flick of a handle. What’s even better is you can make these adjustments while seated. The SF-RB4616 has two sets of handlebars; at the side and the front. Adjustability and dual handlebars ensure you can stay comfortable while working out. The SF-RB4616 also contains stabilizers that level your
Overall, we think the SF-RB4616 is the best overall recumbent exercise
Runner-Up: Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike
It uses Bluetooth Smart Technology (compatible with iOS & Android) to provide free fitness data straight to your device & allows you to track your workouts.
- Dimensions: 45” x 20” x 40”
- Weight: 53lbs
- Number of Resistance Levels: 16
Next up is the Vanswe recumbent exercise
The Vanswe comes with a thick, soft seat cushion and backrest to provide maximum comfort during your workout. The seat is fully adjustable to ensure a range of sizes can comfortably and safely perform the pedaling motion. The pedals also come with a strap to help keep your foot in place to aid comfort and safety. Small attention to details makes the Vanswe a popular choice with its customers – “worth every penny”.
Best Folding No1: Original As Seen On TV Slim Cycle
Slim Cycle is a well-known brand endorsed by many famous figures. It provides a full-body workout with top-of-the-range heart rate technology to help you reach your goals.
- Dimensions: 42” x 21.5” x 43”
- Weight: 39lbs
- Number of Resistance Levels: 8
Slim cycle is popular with celebrities and everyday people. Their folding recumbent
Related:
Best Folding Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Slim cycle is the perfect product for people who don’t have time to get to the gym (checkout our review and test of the Slim Cycle). We all live busy lives. Traveling to and from the gym and getting in a workout takes up much of our day. With Slim cycle, you can get in a full-body cardio-based workout from the comfort of your own home. Many reviews state time-saving is one of the most attractive features of Slim cycle; “If you need to get moving and start an easy daily routine at home, this is a winner in my book!”. When it comes to budget home gym equipment, many think of something pretty basic. But, not with Slim cycle. On the




Best Folding No2: Ativafit R8
Provides a smooth and quiet riding experience with its lightweight flywheel and magnetic resistance. It has a sturdy construction and an adjustable seat to accommodate various heights. The console offers a goal function and device holder attachment. Priced at under $200, the R8 offers excellent value for money.
Exclusive 10% Discount: Use the code GBL10 on the checkout!
I was excited that I was the team member asked to try the Ativafit R8. I have tried a wide range of




Best Convertible: Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Recumbent-Upright Bike
Suited to those with very tight space limitations. All you have to do is turn and pull the dial, and the bike folds up nice and compactly.
- Dimensions: 30.7” x 19.7” x 42.3”
- Weight: 48lbs
- Number of Resistance Levels: 10
The Merax 3 in 1 is a jack of all trades. It can be used as an upright stationary
Folding and unfolding the Merax 3 in 1 couldn’t be simpler. All you have to do is twist and pull its dial and you’ve suddenly turned a bulky
What You Should Consider Before Buying an Affordable Recumbent Bike
Now we’ve discussed our favorite affordable recumbent bikes, let’s help you find the perfect one. There are several factors you’ll need to consider before making a decision. We’re here to guide you through the differences between each model and how certain features might suit one person and not another.
Price
All our picks are less than $300, but there are slight differences in price between the bikes. Depending on your budget, you might have to choose a cheaper
Heart Rate Analysis
Heart rate is a neat feature, but it’s not a priority for some people. For those who just want to get more active, a recumbent
Body Size Limits
Recumbent exercise bikes are known for their larger seats, thus suit a larger population of people. However, not all recumbent bikes will suit everyone, especially those who are very large or small. If you’re worried you may exceed the weight or height limit, be sure to check with the manufacturers. Exercising on a recumbent
Resistance
Most recumbent exercise bikes have several levels of resistance. However, some bikes have more levels than others. More levels give you more options and control over your workout intensity. Not only is this great for switching up your workouts, but it can also push you further. The Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike has 16 levels of resistance, the most out of our top picks.
Multi-Purpose
Recumbent exercise bikes are perfect for increasing your daily movement, improving your cardio, and strengthening your core and legs. However, one of the biggest flaws with recumbent exercise bikes is they don’t work your upper body. This isn’t ideal for someone trying to strengthen their shoulders, for example. Fortunately, some manufacturers have identified this flaw and created built-in resistance bands that allow you to work your upper body while cycling. The Original As Seen On TV Slim Cycle has two resistance bands attached to the
Space
Recumbent exercise bikes are all well and good when in use, but they can get in the way when not. There’s no denying they’re a bulky item. If you have a lot of free space or don’t mind it getting in the way, most recumbent bikes will be suitable. However, if space is limited and you don’t want it getting in the way, you can pick up a folding recumbent exercise bike. Once you’ve finished your workout, simply fold it up and store it in a cupboard or the corner of your room. Both the Original As Seen On TV Slim Cycle and Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Recumbent-Upright Bike are foldable.
Conclusion
Recumbent exercise bikes provide comfort and support while cycling in the comfort of your own home. They’re a great way to stay fit and active without having to go down to the gym every day. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank to own one. In fact, there are some very high-quality options for less than $300. No matter what your needs, there’s bound to be a perfect recumbent