10 Best Reliable Exercise Bikes for Short People

If you’ve got short legs a standard-sized indoor bike will not work for you, no matter how adjustable they are. Apart from the legs hanging from the seat, you can also experience pain in the butt and back if you are trying to use one that doesn’t fit your stature. 

Despite these limitations, there are still indoor bikes that can suffice your needs. And we’ve picked them out for you.

Best Exercise Bikes for Those with Short Legs

No need to just settle for bikes with your feet almost touching the ground. Here are exercise bikes made for your shorter stature. 

Keiser M3i

If you are below 5 feet it will be more challenging to find a suitable bike, and you’re looking at one. So if you stand 4’10” to 4’7”, you’ll find this useful.

The disadvantage is, that you have to work on your stroke to ensure that the uphill and downhill motion will not be too hard on your knees. So it would feel a bit different riding experience, not similar to when you are riding outdoors. Though the ride is still smooth, it feels different from what most are used to.  

NordicTrack Commercial VU

Also, the seat is properly cushioned and oversized, so most will find it very comfortable. More people will be able to use this, especially if you are sharing it with those who live with you.  So when it comes to comfort, this is king.

It also has adjustable pedals that not only add stability but make it easier for shorter people to find the most comfortable spot.

It also has one of the more advanced technologies that can add more value to your routine. It has a 10-inch console display that you can easily hover through. All the smart features can improve your riding experience. It also uses collected data to suggest future workouts that can make this bike suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. You can also make it a more immersive exercise with Bluetooth connectivity. 

Spinner NXT

Dimensions: 54” x 21” x 40”

Product Weight: 133 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.

This is a basic fuss bike that is perfect for those who do not want any learning curve. Despite the absence of fancy features, this is a reliable and sturdy bike. It can also mimic the natural riding experience when traversing along your favorite outdoor spot.

We love that this bike keeps the joints pain-free and doesn’t put too much pressure on the knees. 

It has handlebars that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. so short folks will be able to find the proper adjustment 

Keep in mind that you do have to bear with the lack of some modern conveniences such as a console. But it is equipped with intensity resistance levels so you can still add more challenge to your routine. 

Rogue Echo V3.0

Dimensions: 55″  x 29.5″  x 52.5″ 

Product Weight: 123 lbs.

Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 lbs.

If you are looking for an indoor bike that you can use for more intense routines, we highly recommend this one. It is quite stable for intense training, such as a HIIT workout. 

It also has more advanced features that can help add a thought of fancy to your exercise routine. You can enjoy the modern-looking console, Bluetooth connectivity, backlit display, and air resistance. It also has an ANT + that you can use to integrate fitness trackers and smartwatches. 

The overall design of the bike is shorter making it suitable for those who stand 5 feet.

Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike 

Dimensions: ‎65.5” x 27” x 13” 

Product Weight: 91 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

This recumbent bike is not only suitable for shorter folks, it is also a more budget-friendly one. But keep in mind that along with the more affordable price, you may miss out on some of the modern conveniences. 

But when it comes to the warranty this brand has your back. So if you don’t mind more basic functions, then this is a reliable bike that you can use for the longer haul.

Schwinn Fitness 270 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Dimensions: 64” x 27” x 50” 

Product Weight: 86.6 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

This is another promising recumbent, we highly vouch for this one. It has a wide range of resistance levels that can add a lot of spice to your exercise. This is also one of the reasons why both beginners and experienced riders will find this useful.

Also, it has some added features, though not too fancy but can add value.  The handlebars have heart rate sensors on them. If you also have back problems, you’ll find the cushion and the lumbar support very impressive. It has a supportive lower back support that can help you keep a better posture while you are riding. 

Sunny and Health PRO Version

Dimensions:  49″  x 22″  x 50.5″ 

Product Weight: 88.2 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 lbs

One of the best selling points of this bike is the pedals. They are pretty solid and the caged straps are adjustable and ensure that your feet will not fly during your daily routine. 

The PRO version is perfect for more serious cyclists who want a more smooth ride and manually adjustable magnetic resistance. 

This is a very stable bike. It has floor stabilizers placed on the four corners of the bike that keep it steady on any surface. 

Advenor

Dimensions:  40” x 21” x 46” 

Product Weight: 78 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

Shorter forks can find this a delightful ride with the easy-to-adjust handles and pedals. The overall dimensions of the bike are shorter too. 

The forward and backward resistance can also be adjusted, you can choose from over 100 resistance levels. You’ll never get bored with it. 

This is a value-for-money bike. Despite the more reasonable price, the features are not downplayed. Aside from the 100 magnetic resistance levels, it also has a built-in LCD monitor that can track the speed, time calories burned, and a lot more. 

Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708 

Dimensions: 31.5” x 48.75” x 18” 

Product Weight: 41 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

This is another take on a more affordable and compact indoor bike. This is a household brand too, though basic and not fancy, this can suffice if you are looking for a straightforward ride.  And though it is functioning more of a basic unit, it still offers a handful of resistance levels, you can enjoy up to 8 options. 

It is also a stable and steady unit, you cannot go wrong with it. It also has advisable pedals and straps. The seat is quite comfortable too. 

Echelon Smart Connect

Dimensions:  52.36″ x 56.29 x 21”

Product Weight:106 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

One of the special features of this bike is the rotatable console, you will be able to adjust it to 180 degrees. Of course, the pedals and straps are also adjustable, so shorter people can find the most comfortable position. It is quite adjustable and you can tinker through the features. 

This is a powerhouse and the machines are quite heavy too.

We Also Tried These Indoor Bikes

And here are some indoor bikes that, though lacking some of the things that we are looking for, can still suffice your needs.

Exerpeutic 400XL

You can enjoy modern conveniences such as the LCD, hand pulse sensors, and the 3-crank system. So you’ll find this rather comfortable too. It has a folding design that makes it suitable for use in smaller spaces. But this also can have some cons as some foldable units often lack some stability that we are looking for. 

Marcy Exercise Upright Bike

The dimensions are perfect for shorter people. And this is a pretty stable bike but it might not offer variations and resistance level options, especially for those who are on the more progressive road. You will not be able to adjust the resistance levels. However, the resistance level depends on how fast or slow you can paddle. 

And oh, this introduces a wallop of air as you bike. The faster you bike, the more air it can produce. It uses a fan instead of a flywheel.

Buying Guide: What We Looked for

The primary consideration is of course the overall dimensions of the bike. These bikes should be specifically built for short people so that they will not have their legs hanging from the seat of the bike. 

Aside from the shorter dimensions here are other important features

Adjustability

You have to pay close attention to the adjustability of the pedals, handlebars, and the seat. These should be adjustable in height. It’s also best if you can adjust the forward and backward position of the seat. With this, you can be assured that you will be able to adjust the entire bike according to your shorter statute.

Stability and steadiness

We opted for bikes that can provide a smooth and steady ride. We said no to rocking or shaking, these can disrupt your momentum.

Bikes should be well constructed and should not have significant shaking when you are pedaling away.

We love how most of our options can mimic a smooth riding sensation almost similar to when you’re riding outdoors. 

Where We Stand

We put more emphasis on how adjustable the bikes can be. Checking for the dimensions of the units to ensure that it is short is one thing, but you also have to check on how you will be able to tinker through the pedals, the seat, and the handlebars. These are the main things that can make the bike work for your lower stature. 

Short legs but not short on options

If you’re particularly short, it can be hard to find an indoor bike that works for you. Most indoor bikes may have adjustable pedals, handlebars, and seats, but can only go to a sow as the needs of those who stand up to 5’2”.

Some even suggesting to work on the weldings to make the bikes shorter. So here are our best picks for shorter folks and may you enjoy a smooth ride.