Cardio exercise is a top way to keep your heart healthy1 and a highly effective method to reach other health goals, like weight loss or disease prevention. “Cycling in particular is an excellent form of cardio for people who have joint pain, as it keeps pressure off of the knees, hips, and ankles,” says Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC. “The problem is, indoor cycling bikes can be bulky and expensive. The best folding exercise bikes solve that problem with lower price points, smaller dimensions, and the ability to store away when not in use.”
Our team is full of experts in fitness and gym equipment, including cardio equipment. We’ve reviewed some of the top cardio machines, from compact treadmills to ellipticals to stationary bikes and air bikes. For this guide, three members of our team tested indoor folding exercise bikes to find the ones with standout features. When testing, they used our multi-point exercise bike testing methodology to evaluate the following:
- Footprint and Portability: We look for bikes that are easy to move around and store, while remaining cognizant that a beefier bike generally means more features and better durability. To earn at least a 3 out of 5, one person can easily move the bike around their home gym.
- Adjustability and Ergonomics: We analyze features like pedal size and spacing, handlebar adjustments, and seat height adjustment to determine how inclusive and comfortable a bike is. Machines earn a 3 if they, at a minimum, have a padded, adjustable seat and adjustable handlebars.
- Durability: A key criterion for exercise bike performance testing, we look for a user weight capacity of at least 275 pounds while accounting for builds that prioritize portability over stability. To earn a 3, there is no shaking or wobbling when using the bike, regardless of weight capacity.
- Conveniences: Features like water bottle holders, media shelves, and cooling fans can make or break the cycling experience. We award a 3-point score to bikes that have at least one cup holder, a shelf that supports media viewing, and a safety stop button.
- Programming: Built-in workouts can help you stay motivated and consistent. To meet our benchmark 3-point score, a bike must have at least a few onboard workout sessions, even if a companion app is required for viewing.
Our independent testing processes have helped more than 3 million people learn more about cardio equipment and how to choose the right piece for their home. With our analysis of the best folding exercise bikes, we’re certain we can help you, too.
Best Folding Exercise Bikes
- Best Overall Folding Exercise Bike – Marcy Fitness Upright Foldable Exercise Bike
- Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike – LEIKE X Bike
- Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike – XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
- Best Compact Folding Exercise Bike – Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
Current Top Deals
- Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike – 25% off $175, 20% off $125, 15% off no minimum with code BFEARLY
Editor’s Note
In November 2025, we updated this guide to include complete tester analyses and full rankings according to our multi-point methodology for each product. We replaced our previous pick for the best budget option, the Pooboo Folding Exercise Bike (now discontinued), with the XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike.
Best Overall Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
This is a sturdy and affordable exercise bike that’s a great fit for home gyms of any sizes.
What our tester says:
“I was pleasantly surprised using the Marcy bike. It’s become the bike I use in warmups and cool-downs.”
At a Glance
- 14-gauge steel frame
- Transport wheels
- 8 resistance levels
- Weighs under 40 lbs
When I tested the Marcy Fitness folding upright bike, I was pleasantly surprised by how much it offered, especially given its price of under $250. Folding bikes are typically designed to be basic and compact, but this one delivers more features and value than I expected at this price point. Sturdier than most yet lightweight and easy to move, the Marcy bike easily took the top spot for the best folding exercise bike.
Durability: 5/5
Delivery & Setup: 3/5
Customizations: 4/5
Why We Like Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
I like the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike because it’s heavier and sturdier than any of the others I’ve tried, and the steel tubing is thicker. It’s actually made of 14-gauge steel, so it’s objectively stronger than most foldable exercise bikes, which tend to be made of 16- or 18-gauge steel. (The higher the number, the thinner the steel.)
Thanks to its sturdy construction, this Marcy folding bike feels stable during use. I didn’t experience any feelings of instability, even while pedaling hard, which earned it a 5-out-of-5 score for durability. This bike would be a good choice for beginners to start cardio workouts because of its stronger steel frame. I wouldn’t exactly call it heavy-duty, but most people will probably be able to get a more intense workout on the Marcy bike than others, thanks to its stability.
This bike gets a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. It isn’t the smallest folding exercise bike out there (unfolded, it’s 34 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 44 inches tall; folded, it’s 18.5 inches long, 18.5 inches wide, and 51.5 inches tall). But it does have wheels, and it’s easy to move around and store.
This foldable exercise bike is the one that changed my perception of foldable bikes and actually became a permanent fixture in my home gym. It doesn’t have enough resistance for me to use in an actual workout, but it’s now a staple in my warm-ups and cool-downs.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CF-L1, CNC, CSNC
Alternatives
The Marcy foldable bike has an LCD screen larger than most, but it only displays three basic stats: time, distance, and calories. It also doesn’t have any special tech features, but then again, neither do most folding exercise bikes. It meets industry standards for these components, so it earns 3 out of 5 for tech capabilities.
Notably, this bike lacks conveniences. There’s nowhere to put a water bottle or a phone, which is a major bummer. I give it 2 out of 5 for conveniences. The wide padded seat helps its case here.
If a media shelf is a nonnegotiable for you, check out the LEIKE X Bike Ultra, which features a convenient place to store your phone.
Testing Breakdown
The Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike met or exceeded our benchmarks in most categories; convenience was the exception, as there is no water bottle or phone holder on this bike.
Vs. The Average
For just about the average price point, you get a sturdy but lightweight folding bike with respectable specifications.
| Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike | Average Folding Exercise Bike | |
| Price | $220 | $222.75 |
| Weight | 37 lbs | 41 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 | 9 |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 263.5 lbs |
| Seat Adjustments | 5 | 6.5 |
Read our full Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike review for more details.
Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike: LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
At a Glance
- Folds easily
- Basic LCD screen
- Media shelf
- Adjustable handlebars, seat, and pedals
This is one of the best adjustable folding bikes because it can accommodate tall people and shorter folks, while still maintaining features you can’t go without, like a comfortable seat and a wide seat with a backrest. The handlebars and pedals are also adjustable. Former GGR reviewer Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC not only tested this indoor cycling bike, but he has also actually been using it for close to two years and has put well over 3,000 miles on it. And while he’s 6’ 3”, he’s also seen it work for people much shorter than that.
Durability: 3.75/5
Tech Capabilities: 2/5
Footprint & Portability: 5/5
Why We Like the LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
The LEIKE bike scored higher than other folding bikes for customizations and conveniences. It earned a 4.25 and a 3, respectively. This is because it has a stand that fits most phones or tablets and has 10 levels of magnetic resistance, beating out the average eight. It can also be used as both a recumbent and upright bike, so you can customize your ride each day. While this bike doesn’t have a true tablet holder, it does have a lip where the LCD monitor is, and you can place your device there.
Anthony gave this bike a perfect 5-out-of-5 score for footprint and portability. “I was able to store the LEIKE X Bike in my 300-square-foot apartment in NYC, and when I moved to a (thankfully) larger place, the bike fit in the moving truck with no problem. No disassembly was required,” he told me.
Additionally, this bike has a higher maximum user weight than most other foldable bikes. The LEIKE bike can support up to 330 pounds, while 250 to 275 pounds seems to be the average maximum weight for this category of equipment.
I got this bike from a friend but after riding it for a while, I’d gladly buy it out of pocket. It’s super quiet and adjustable, so it fits my 6’3″ frame as well as my girlfriend, who is 5’5″.
Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC
Alternatives
Like most foldable exercise bikes, the LEIKE X lacks in the tech department, sporting a basic LCD display that shows speed, time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. “I’m not a big cardio person, so the lack of tech doesn’t bother me. But for some, that might be a drawback,” Anthony says. He rated it 2 out of 5 for tech capabilities.
Additionally, Anthony calls out some durability concerns, rating it a 3.75. “Slightly shaky if you pedal really hard, or if you go fast on a low resistance, but I never got complaints from downstairs neighbors,” he says. “I’ve had to retighten screws once or twice, but they’ll stay for a few months before I have to do it again.”
The sturdiest folding exercise bike we tested was the Marcy Fitness Foldable Upright Bike. Our testers didn’t experience any uncomfortable shaking, even at faster speeds.
Testing Breakdown
Our tester rated the LEIKE bike highly for footprint and portability, delivery and setup, and customizations, making it one of the highest-rated folding bikes we tested.
Vs. The Average
The LEIKE X Bike is less expensive than average and has more resistance levels, a higher weight capacity, and more seat adjustments than average. It’s a great value.
| LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike | Average Folding Exercise Bike | |
| Price | $180 | $222.75 |
| Weight | 38.5 lbs | 41 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 10 | 9 |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs | 263.5 lbs |
| Seat Adjustments | 7 | 6.5 |
Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike: XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike
At a Glance
- 8 resistance levels
- Small LCD screen
- Affordable price point
- Tough to assemble
The XTERRA folding bike gives you a lot for the price. It features eight adjustable resistance levels to tailor your intensity, a compact folding design that shrinks to just 20.5″ by 20.5″ when stored (complete with built-in transport wheels), and an LCD read-out of speed, distance, time, calories and pulse via handlebar sensors—all features you’d expect at higher price points. I tested this bike and was pleased with its performance for its sub-$180 price tag, solidifying its place as the best budget folding exercise bike.
Customizations: 4/5
Delivery & Setup: 2/5
Footprint & Portability: 4/5
Why We Like the XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike
For a home gym setup with limited floor space, this bike covers the essentials—low-impact cardio, ergonomic seat padding, and a compact footprint—without breaking the bank, making it a smart pick for budget-conscious buyers. I give it 4 out of 5 for value, because while it’s missing some key elements (like a cup holder), it still has several features that other folding bikes don’t have: a backrest, a phone holder, and pulse sensors on the handlebars to measure heart rate. Likewise, it earned 4 out of 5 points for conveniences.
The XTERRA folding bike also impressed me with its sturdiness, earning a 3 out of 5 for durability. It’s not the most sturdy folding bike I tested, but it felt quite stable, especially when you consider its weight capacity (225 lbs) and slender frame. I was able to pedal quite vigorously without the bike shaking, and the powder-coated parts will hold up just fine in a residential environment.
For the conveniences and adjustability that come with this bike, the price is really not bad. Plus, it’s often cheaper on Amazon and ships free, making it an even better value.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CF-L1, CNC, CSNC
Alternatives
This bike earned just 2 out of 5 points for delivery and setup, which is unusual for this category. Once I untangled this bike from the packaging, assembly was relatively easy. But just getting this thing out of the box is a feat, because there’s a metric ton of tape and plastic surrounding all of the parts. I spent a solid half-hour just getting all of the parts unwrapped and out of the box. After that, it took over an hour to assemble, due to the extra parts (back rest, rear handlebar, and phone holder) and unclear instructions.
I liked that some of the bolts are welded on in certain places, which makes it easier to attach the washers and nuts, but I did have to backtrack several steps due to using the wrong bolts at a certain point (again, unclear instructions). If you can get past all that, you’ll enjoy the bike itself.
If easy assembly is a must, check out our best overall pick, the Marcy Fitness Foldable Upright Bike. It was a breeze to put that one together.
Testing Breakdown
Our tester had positive remarks for the XTERRA folding bike in most categories, with the big exception being delivery and setup.
Vs. The Average
Cheaper than average and right on par for most specs, the XTERRA folding bike is a good pick for those looking for a solid value buy.
| XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike | Average Folding Exercise Bike | |
| Price | $170 | $222.75 |
| Weight | 42.3 lbs | 41 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 | 9 |
| Weight Capacity | 225 lbs | 263.5 lbs |
| Seat Adjustments | 7 | 6.5 |
Best Compact Folding Exercise Bike: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
At a Glance
- Folds into a small rectangle
- No assembly required
- Can be used under a desk
- No screen or display
The Sharper Image folding exercise bike is by far the most compact folding bike out of all the ones our team tested. It folds up into just 25.5 inches in length, 7 inches in width, and 23 inches in height. It can easily be stored under a bed or in a small closet. Former GGR Staff Writer Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1 told me that even when it’s unfolded, this stationary bike may still fit under a desk, so you could use it while you work.
Durability: 3/5
Customizations: 4/5
Footprint & Portability: 5/5
Why We Like Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
At $370, Caroline points out that this bike is priced higher than most stationary folding bikes, but it could be worth it for those who are really concerned about space. It legitimately folds up entirely into a small rectangle, whereas most foldable bikes just kind of scrunch up to become thinner, but taller. This earned it a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
Caroline said one of the best features about the bike is that it doesn’t require any assembly, giving the bike another perfect 5-point score for delivery and setup. It only took her about 10 minutes to unwrap the plastic from the bike and pop out the folding pieces to get started on a workout.
Despite its small size, this bike supports riders from 5’ 0” to 6’ 4”, and has a 250-pound weight limit. It has eight levels of magnetic resistance, which is standard for folding exercise bikes.
It’s very compact and the extremities can be folded in like the stabilizing legs, seat, and pedals. It makes it into an actual square, which makes it great to store in small spaces.
Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1
Alternatives
Caroline thinks this bike is kind of pricey for an exercise bike that doesn’t even have a backrest or a screen, and our other testers agree, though it is frequently on sale. “There’s not even a screen to tell you how long you’ve been riding,” she points out, giving it a 1 out of 5 for tech capabilities.
She also wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who struggles with balance, as the base is small and the pedals are somewhat close together. Additionally, this bike is probably best used on a hard floor versus carpet, due to its potential shakiness.
If you need more adjustability, whether in seat height or handlebar distance, try our top pick for adjustability, the LEIKE X folding bike.
Testing Breakdown
For the most part, the Sharper Image space-saving bike scored well, with our tester noticing drawbacks in tech capabilities and conveniences.
Vs. The Average
The Sharper Image compact bike is more expensive than average but does feature more seat adjustments and has a higher product weight, which leads to a sturdier feel. Its unique design will be worth it for people whose biggest concern is space.
| Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike | Average Folding Exercise Bike | |
| Price | $370 | $222.75 |
| Weight | 45 lbs | 41 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 | 9 |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 263.5 lbs |
| Seat Adjustments | 7 | 6.5 |
Other Folding Exercise Bikes We Researched
In addition to our top picks above, we also tested a few other folding exercise bikes we think are worth mentioning. While they aren’t our favorites, one of them might be right for you.
- Fitnation Flex Bike Ultra: This isn’t a bad magnetic upright exercise bike. It has all of the basic features—magnetic tension control, cushioned seat, adjustable resistance, LCD display, and folding functionality. It also folds into a semi-recumbent exercise bike position. However, it appears to have been discontinued at the time of writing.
- ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike: Caroline tested this ShareVgo bike and it wasn’t a favorite. Her key callouts include: The backrest is great, but the seat isn’t as comfortable as others; it feels flimsy and creaky when riding; and the warranty isn’t impressive.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Folding Exercise Bikes
Our team of product testers took all of these folding exercise bikes through their paces. From ordering to assembling to pedaling, we spent hours with each bike to find out which ones are worth your money. Here’s a glimpse at how we compiled our list of the best folding exercise bikes:
- Delivery and Setup: Setup shouldn’t be an impossible task, especially for a smaller piece of equipment like a folding bike. To get at least a 3 out of 5 for delivery and setup, threshold (to-your-doorstep) delivery is available and assembly with two people takes no longer than 90 minutes.
- Footprint and Portability: This is a key point of consideration for folding bikes, considering the point is that they’re stowable. To earn a 3, one person is able to move the bike around their gym on their own, and the bike easily stores away when not in use.
- Conveniences: We prefer folding exercise bikes to have at least one cup holder, a media shelf that supports viewing (not just storing) a phone or tablet, and a safety stop button. They also should not be disruptively loud.
- Durability: We expect bikes to have a user weight capacity of at least 275 pounds and not wobble or shake uncomfortably during use. If those benchmarks are met, a bike earns a 3 out of 5.
- Tech Features: We evaluate each bike’s tracking features and other tech components. Bikes that meet the following industry standards earn a 3 out of 5, with more features earning more points: a console to show time, distance, and resistance level; a visual progress meter on the display; and heart rate/pulse monitoring through contact sensors.
Benefits of Folding Exercise Bikes
Biking is a great form of exercise—here’s a look at some of the benefits of folding exercise bikes and why you might want to add one to your home gym.
RELATED: Stationary Bike Benefits
Low-Impact Exercise
For those who need to spare their joints from high-impact workouts, biking is among the best forms of low-impact exercise. You can get your heart pumping without taking a toll on your ankles, knees, or hips in the way that higher-impact cardio, like running, can.
Cardiovascular Health
Using a folding exercise bike can improve your cardiovascular health by increasing your overall aerobic fitness, which lowers your risk of developing cardiovascular disease1.
“Biking regularly may decrease your resting heart rate, lower blood pressure readings, and improve your cardiac output, which refers to how efficiently your heart pumps blood through the body,” says Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC.
Improved Circulation
Using a stationary bike, especially intermittently throughout the day, encourages blood flow and reduces fluid buildup in your legs.
“Exercise in general is known to improve blood circulation, but this is especially true for desk workers,” says Nicole. “If you sit for long periods of time, a quick spin on a folding exercise bike can be an antidote to swollen knees and ankles.”
More Daily Movement
Investing in a folding exercise bike is one way to help you increase your overall daily movement. You can easily take work calls from a stationary bike or hop on for five minutes as a quick break.
“Doing this will increase your non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which is a fancy way of saying all the calories you burn outside of structured exercise or sport,” says Nicole. “Of course, you can also use them for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or structured cardio workouts to reach specific fitness goals, too.”
RELATED: Best Treadmills for Seniors
Budget-Friendly
Folding exercise bikes cost a few hundred dollars, max, whereas something like a Peloton or NordicTrack X24 Studio Bike costs thousands. Of course, you won’t get all the fancy tech specs with one of these folding exercise bikes, but if all you care about is pedaling and saving money, a folding bike is a smart way to go.
Space-Saving
Not only will a foldable exercise bike save you some cash, it’ll also save space in your home. Whether you have a decked-out home gym setup or you’re trying to make the most of a small apartment, a bike that folds up will leave room for other equipment you’re yearning for.
RELATED: Best Compact Exercise Equipment
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Folding Exercise Bikes
Before you buy, make sure to account for these factors.
Budget
Budget is always a good place to start. If you have a number in mind, you can filter your search on Amazon or wherever you’re shopping. Generally speaking, $300 is on the high end for folding exercise bikes, while you’ll find some priced as low as $80 to $100. Even with something as simple as a folding bike, you get what you pay for. We recommend looking in the $150 to $300 range if you can, as you’re most likely to find the best value.
Ordering and Assembly
Make sure to double check the delivery notes before you click the buy button. Some of these bikes are pretty heavy, so it may be helpful for certain people to look for a folding bike with an indoor delivery option (versus having to drag it in from your doorstep). Some companies offer assembly services for an extra charge, but it’s probably not worth it for most people as these bikes are pretty easy to put together.
Resistance Types
The type of resistance matters. Most folding exercise bikes have magnetic resistance systems with a belt drive, which produces the quietest type of flywheel. Magnetic flywheels also don’t require any maintenance and typically come with between 10 and 20 levels of magnetic resistance. An air-powered flywheel will be noisier due to the fan itself and typical use of a chain drive. Air bikes often require more maintenance, but have virtually unlimited resistance.
RELATED: Best Schwinn Exercise Bike
Resistance Levels
Whether you’re a beginner or at a more advanced level, having multiple resistance levels is key in an exercise bike. “When you have more levels of resistance, you have more room for growth,” Nicole points out. “This means you’ll be able to continue improving your fitness without having to purchase a new piece of exercise equipment down the line.”
Conveniences and Comfort
Does the bike have an adjustable seat, a backrest, rear handlebars, and adjustable front handlebars? What about a water bottle holder, phone holder or tablet holder, or a cooling fan? These are all important features to look for and will make a difference in your overall experience with a bike.
Consider the ergonomics, too. Do you need back support? Extra padding for a comfortable seat? Adjustable handlebars (horizontal movement) and an adjustable seat (vertical and horizontal movement, ideally) are key to making a folding bike comfortable for different heights and body proportions.
Tech Features
If you’re interested in tracking fitness metrics like your heart rate or distance, look for a bike that has basic tracking capabilities. For heart rate monitoring, you’ll need pulse sensors on the handlebars or the ability to connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device. An LCD monitor is helpful for viewing stats like pace, distance, time, and estimated calories burned. For more advanced tracking, a Bluetooth-enabled bike that connects to a cycling app like Strava is required, but that capability is not common among folding exercise bikes due to the lower price points.
RELATED: Best Exercise Bike With Screen
Portability
Check to see if the folding bike has wheels for easy transportation. Most do, but not all, and it might be a dealbreaker if the bike isn’t easy to move around. Check the product weight, too, to make sure it’s something you’re comfortable moving on your own.
Sturdiness
Check to see if the exercise bike stays still during heavy pedaling, especially if you’re someone with a higher body weight. If it wobbles, it’s probably not safe to ride on for long periods of time.
Best Folding Exercise Bike FAQs
How do I choose a folding exercise bike?
When searching for a folding exercise bike for home use, make sure to consider: your budget, the ordering and assembly process, the bike’s resistance mechanism, comfort and convenience features, and portability.
RELATED: How to Choose an Exercise Bike
Can you get a good workout on a folding exercise bike?
Advanced exercisers may not feel like a folding exercise bike provides a good enough workout—people who have been exercising for a long time might be better off choosing a bike with more resistance settings or pre-programmed workouts. However, those new to fitness can definitely get a good workout on a folding exercise bike. And, sometimes, it’s not purely about the workout: Even fitness veterans can benefit from a folding exercise bike for warmups or for increasing their overall daily movement.
Are exercise bikes good for losing weight?
Any exercise machine can help you lose weight, but remember, losing weight requires more than just exercise. Sustainable and permanent weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume over time. This is achieved with both exercise and nutrition, as well as sleep, stress management, and other factors.
Is it okay to use an exercise bike every day?
Sure, you can use an exercise bike every day. Just remember that rest days are good and to take one when you need one.
Should I get an exercise bike, an elliptical, or a treadmill?
Treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes have their own uses, pros, and cons. We recommend reading a variety of treadmill reviews and exercise bike reviews to learn more about high-quality cardio equipment and what type of exercise best satisfies your needs.
Is a folding exercise bike worth it?
Yes! They’re space-friendly, usually pretty affordable, and can help you stay active throughout the day.
How much should a folding exercise bike cost?
You can find a high-quality folding exercise bike for under $300, and much less than that if you’re willing to give up conveniences like an advanced monitor.
References
- Isath A, Koziol KJ, Martinez MW, et al. Exercise and cardiovascular health: A state-of-the-art review. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2023;79:44-52. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2023.04.008
