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If your fitness goals include reaching 10,000 steps per day or increasing your daily movement, a super compact and portable treadmill might be the solution for you. While there are many small machines suitable for under-desk walking or small spaces in general, there are few treadmills in this size category that offer incline training.
In this LifePro PacerMini treadmill review, we’re going to take a look at this super small, light, and portable treadmill that is fixed to a 7% incline. It comes fully assembled and is priced under $500. Will this be your next investment for your home gym?
Over 40 Treadmills Tested
The team of GGR expert product testers—which includes CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, Olympic athletes, and certified personal trainers—has tested over 40 treadmills from top-name brands and budget brands alike. We’ve tested everything from the best treadmill for seniors to the best manual treadmill and everything in between.
For this LifePro PacerMini review, our resident cardio expert and lead reviewer for Garage Gym Reviews Everything, Lindsay Sheele, tested the Pacer treadmill and is going to let you know exactly what she thinks and if you should buy one for your home gym.
LifePro PacerMini
PacerMini Pro Portable Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Portable treadmill for use at home or work
- Display panel to track time, speed, calories, and steps
- Great for cardiovascular exercise
- Your choice of color: blue or black
- Use code GARAGE35 at checkout for 35% off your purchase (valid through 12/31/24)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Adjustable handlebar
- Foldable
- Free shipping
Cons
- Does not surpass 3 mph
- Incline cannot be changed
Bottom Line
Are you looking for a portable treadmill that would work great in your office? If you are, the PacerMini Pro Portable Treadmill might be for you! With a foldable handlebar and transport wheels, you can easily move your treadmill to best suit your needs. The PacerMini Pro Portable Treadmill has a display panel, which allows you to track your time, calories, speed, and steps. This treadmill is especially good for people who want to walk while working during the day. If you want to reach speeds greater than 3 mph or adjust your incline, this treadmill is not for you.
A Quick Look at the LifePro PacerMini Treadmill
You may be familiar with the LifePro brand because of its wide array of fitness and recovery tools. LifePro manufactures everything from sauna treatments and massage guns to adjustable dumbbells and portable gym setups.
You may have even seen the brand’s dog-specific treadmill pop up on your TikTok feed. Yes, large dogs and small dogs alike can workout beside you on their very own Dog Pacer treadmill (cute!).
Before You Buy
- Be aware that this treadmill is a fraction of a traditional size treadmill and still small for a walking pad or an under-desk-style machine.
- Rather than multiple incline levels, this treadmill is set to a 7% incline and cannot be changed.
- LifePro offers a lifetime warranty on the PacerMini and will replace the treadmill free of charge if it doesn’t function as intended.
LifePro PacerMini Video Review
Is the LifePro PacerMini Worth It?
Compact treadmills are not the solution for every home gym owner. In fact, most compact treadmills don’t support running speeds or offer the durability for a ton of impact.
That said, you’re likely reading this review if you’re on the hunt for one of the best under-desk treadmills. The LifePro PacerMini is worth considering if you want a super small machine for walking while you work and like the idea of walking on an incline.
Great for:
- Anyone navigating small spaces
- Folks on the shorter side
- People who like to walk on an incline
Not recommended for:
- Anyone with a long stride
- Exercisers looking for built-in training programs
- People over 220 lbs
LifePro PacerMini Treadmill Specs
Price | $400 |
Footprint | 32.7” L x 25.0” W x 41.0” H |
Weight | 46 lbs |
Weight capacity | 220 lbs |
Max speed | 3 mph |
Running belt | 27.6” L x 15.7” W |
Incline setting | Set to 7% |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Using the LifePro PacerMini Treadmill
One of the first things Lindsay mentions about the LifePro PacerMini is the fact that it has an easy assembly process. Actually, Lindsay reports there is basically no assembly required. That means once she was done with the unboxing, she was ready for walking.
OK—you will have to attach the handrail, but that’s about it. The handrail features the treadmill safety key and a remote control for your start and stop buttons and speed settings. “The remote points to the bottom of the treadmill where you can easily see your speed with lit up numbers,” says Lindsay.
The simple LCD display shows basic workout metrics including speeds, time, calories, and steps.
You won’t find any incline setting buttons, though. That’s because the incline on this treadmill is fixed at 7% incline and cannot be adjusted. “I like that this treadmill is set at an incline. You don’t see that with a lot of walkable treadmills,” she says.
RELATED: Incline Treadmill Benefits
That said, Lindsay does mention that the incline could make it more challenging to use this as a true under-desk treadmill. “This could be a difficult desk treadmill for sure—this could be due to the incline or due to the shorter deck. While I was walking on it I did want to look down quite frequently to make sure that I wouldn’t fall off,” says Lindsay.
RELATED: Best Under-Desk Exercise Equipment
Lindsay also mentions just how mini the PacerMini is with the tread belt measuring just over 2 feet long. In comparison, many of the under-desk treadmills we’ve tested measure at least 34 inches long. After walking and trying out different speeds, Lindsay reports that it’s “honestly too small for a lot of people to use.”
While that’s not surprising, she does mention the handlebar has adjustable height settings and the machine is straightforward and easy to use. While it may lack preset programs and fancy touchscreens, if you’re not concerned about your long stride, the PacerMini could still be the right choice to achieve your step goal.
Lastly, the PacerMini can reach speeds up to 3 mph, which is a decent walking pace but certainly not a speed that will have you jogging or running. To that point, Lindsay says, “I wouldn’t want to go any faster given the deck size.”
RELATED: Best Home Treadmill for Running
Footprint and Portability
The small footprint of the PacerMini offers a lot of versatility for your office, living room, or home gym. It’s just under 3 feet long, about 2 feet wide, and 7 inches tall when the handrail is folded down for storage. With the handrail in the upright position, it stands 41 inches tall.
While it weighs in at a reasonable 48 pounds, Lindsay doesn’t actually think it’s that easy to move saying that “it isn’t heavy—however the handles to move it are not placed well for as small as it is.”
So it may be awkward to pick up entirely, but the good news is that it’s still fairly portable because of the transport wheels.
Durability and Construction
Due to the small stature of this treadmill, it’s not unreasonable to assume it could fall short on some industry standards when it comes to durability. Typically we’re looking for a treadmill motor of at least 2.5 horsepower that can keep up with consistent use and a weight capacity of 275 pounds.
For the PacerMini, the weight capacity is 220 pounds and although the motor size is not disclosed on the website, Amazon lists the motor as 1.75 HP.
For being a fraction of the size of a traditional treadmill, these specs still have a favorable ratio. Plus, Lindsay did not report any shaking or rocking while on the PacerMini.
Take Ergonomics in Stride
So far you know that the PacerMini has a very small belt deck. If you’re still wondering if that will be problematic for you, let’s start by mentioning that for taller folks or people with long strides, we suggest treadmills with at least 55- to 60-inch-long running decks.
RELATED: Best Treadmills For Tall Runners
While walking can sometimes reduce the need for so much length, it’s worth comparing the 27.6-inch deck to a traditional running deck.
That said, Lindsay was still able to walk on the MiniPacer without issue at 5 feet, 4 inches tall. However, she mentions “I did keep looking down and checking to make sure I wouldn’t fall off. Anyone taller or with a longer gait might find this hard to walk on. I felt like my toes kept coming off the top and my walking gait took up most of the belt deck,” Lindsay adds.
Missing Some Tech and Conveniences
You may not be surprised to learn that the PacerMini does not have any smart features like Bluetooth, built-in exercise programs, or heart rate monitoring. All that said, Lindsay notes that the LCD “screen displays clear numbers that are easy to see.”
“Although it’s a very simple display, overall for what the treadmill is, I think it works,” she adds. It’s worth mentioning that although the display is easy for Lindsay to read, the numbers are down by your feet, on the running board of the belt deck.
Lindsay also points out there is no water bottle holder or media shelf (let alone extras like a built-in workout fan or Bluetooth speakers).
LifePro PacerMini vs Egofit Walker Plus-M1T
EgoFit Walker
Egofit Walker M1/M1T Smallest Under Desk Electric Walking Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Compact treadmill
- Incline set to 5%
- Remote control included
- Arrives assembled
- Works well on carpet
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Under $500
- No assembly required
- Control speed with app or remote
- Has transport wheels
Cons
- Fixed incline
- Max capacity is under 220 lbs
- Small deck
- 1-year warranty
Bottom Line
The Egofit Walker is a unique under-desk treadmill offering a fixed 5% incline for use during the workday or non-work hours. For it's compact size, it has a powerful motor and can be used at speeds up to 3.73 mph.
While we’ve tested some of the best under-desk treadmills on the market, the most comparable is the Egofit Walker Plus-M1T because it also has a fixed incline, set to 5% grade.
The walking belt is longer on the Egofit and delivers more horsepower. But both treadmills offer similar price points, weight capacities, and small LCD displays.
Although neither of these treadmills are our top picks for running machines, either will be suitable for counting steps and introducing indoor exercise to your routine.
LifePro PacerMini | Egofit Walker Plus-M1T | |
Price | $400 | $459 on Amazon |
Footprint | 32.7” L x 25.0” W x 41.0” H | 38.39″ L x 26.18″ W x 39.96″H |
Weight | 46 lbs | 58.4 lbs |
Weight capacity | 220 lbs | 243 lbs |
Top speed | 3 mph | 3.11 mph |
Fixed incline | 7% | 5% |
Display | LCD display | LCD display |
Running surface | 27.6” L x 15.7” W | 38” L x 26.18” W |
Motor | 1.75 HP (not confirmed by LifePro) | 2.0 HP |
Workout programs | No | 10 |
Warranty | Lifetime | 1 year |
Customer Experience With LifePro
LifePro offers a lifetime warranty on the PacerMini, which we think is generous for a mini foldable treadmill. According to the website, if your treadmill doesn’t function as intended, the company will replace the product free of charge.
Returns can be made within the first 30 days of delivery. If you received the wrong item, LifePro will pay for shipping fees, but if you’re returning because you’ve changed your mind or tried the treadmill and didn’t like it, you may have to pay a 15% restocking fee.
Additionally, LifePro expects returns in the original package with all cords, accessories, and documentation that were included when you received it.
When you need to get in touch with LifePro to process a warranty claim or make a return, the contact page on the website provides a phone number to text or call, email address, and an online form. The website also provides business hours for weekdays and weekends, which is a nice touch and sets expectations on when you’ll get answers.
Customer Reviews
While there are no customer reviews currently featured on the LifePro website, there are nine customer reviews on Amazon. The PacerMini is currently rated 4.3-out-of-5 stars. So far, no one has given the mini treadmill a one-star review, but there is a theme of customers being surprised at just how small the walking belt truly is at 27.6 inches long.
Final Verdict of Our LifePro PacerMini Treadmill Review
If you’re someone who wants an ultra-compact treadmill that offers incline training, the LifePro PacerMini could be a reasonable option. If you’re someone who wants more versatility by way of speed and incline range (or the ability to run), then the PacerMini is not recommended for you.
Here are a few key highlight to take into consideration before buying the LifePro PacerMini:
- The brand offers a lifetime warranty if problems were to arise from continuous use.
- While the PacerMini is a fraction of the size of a traditional treadmill, the durability is fairly sound for how small it is.
- The incline could make this treadmill more difficult to use while at a standing desk.
LifePro PacerMini Treadmill Rating
LifePro PacerMini Treadmill
In this LifePro PacerMini treadmill review, we’ll share our experience and let you know if it’s worth adding to your home gym.
Product Brand: LifePro
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 399.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.1
Overall score: 3.1
LifePro PacerMini Treadmill FAQs
What’s a good small treadmill?
What you consider small might be different than what we consider a small treadmill. But lucky for you, we have curated a few roundups you can use to find a small treadmill that works for your home gym: the best treadmill for walking, the best folding treadmill, and the best treadmill for low ceilings.
Can you run on a mini treadmill?
While some mini treadmills and under-desk treadmills support speeds for jogging, most are designed with walking in mind. Compact treadmills usually have shorter walking decks, less powerful powers, and a lower weight capacity that doesn’t always allow for running.
What to look for when buying a folding treadmill?
In our treadmill buying guide, your friends here at GGR outline some of the most important things to consider when purchasing a treadmill. The list includes price, motor size, running deck, weight capacity, and programming options to name a few.
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If your fitness goals include reaching 10,000 steps per day or increasing your daily movement, a super compact and portable treadmill might be the solution for you. While there are many small machines suitable for under-desk walking or small spaces in general, there are few treadmills in this size category that offer incline training.In this LifePro PacerMini treadmill review, we’re going to take a look at this super small, light, » Read more about: LifePro PacerMini Treadmill Review (2024): Will You See Big Potential From This Tiny Treadmill? » Read more