7 Best Under-Desk Bikes, Tested by Fitness Experts
Keep your legs moving all day long.
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Sitting in a desk chair from 9 to 5 can be tough. While a standing desk can help you stretch your legs, an under-desk bike allows you to get those legs moving. Not only are under-desk bikes compact so you can easily squeeze one underneath your work area, but some are lightweight and portable enough to be moved around. While you won't burn as many calories as you would jogging on a treadmill, we like that biking is generally an accessible and low-impact activity.
"A good rule of thumb is to try to move every hour for a few minutes," says NASM Certified Personal Trainer and the Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition and Fitness Lab Director Stefani Sassos. She adds that an under-desk bike can be a great tool for periods of activity to break up the sitting throughout the workday.
Our top pick: DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Bike. Our pros love this bike for its sturdiness and stability when in use. We found it easy to assemble and liked that the resistance is straightforward to adjust.
The fitness experts and product analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab test everything you need to stay active, from under-desk ellipticals to under-desk treadmills. When selecting the best under-desk bikes on the market, our pros evaluated picks based on their ease of assembly and use, sturdiness, performance, and more. These are the best under-desk bikes to create a less sedentary office setup.
DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Bike
Pros
- Eight resistance settings
- Adjustable Velcro straps
- Built-in display
- Bi-directional stride motion
Cons
- Doesn't include a handle
Not only is this DeskCycle model a top pick among Amazon reviewers, but it also performed well in our tests. We liked how this bike features eight resistance settings, allowing you to adjust the difficulty level according to your goals. You can also adjust the pedal height to work with various office spaces, so your knees won't hit your desk. We found the DeskCycle 2 to be fairly quiet, so your colleagues won't even know you're getting your pedal on.
In addition to allowing you to cycle both forward and backward, this bike comes with an LCD screen that shows you metrics such as calories burned, speed, time and distance. Simply adjust the Velcro strap to ensure your foot remains securely in place against the pedal and start pedaling. We do caution, however, that this bike doesn't come with a handle, which makes it less portable than other picks.
| Dimensions | 10.24" x 24.02" x 20.08" |
| Weight | 23 lbs |
Wakeman Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
Pros
- Affordable price
- Foldable and portable
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Not as sturdy
While this indoor pedal machine may feature fewer bells and whistles than other models, its price tag is hard to beat. Our pros like that it comes with a small electronic display to show basic stats (time, revolution count, etc.). Best of all, you can fold it up into a compact size once you're done for the day, making it easy to store. It also features straps on the pedals for your feet and an adjustable tension knob, allowing you to choose the level of effort you're looking for.
Both our pros and reviewers agree that it is relatively quiet, but note that it's less sturdy than other higher-end models, likely due to its very lightweight design, which weighs roughly six pounds.
| Dimensions | 19.5" x 14" x 9.5" |
| Weight | 5.82 lbs |
Sunny Health & Fitness Under-Desk Bike
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Convenient carry handle
- Eight resistance levels
- Can be used with legs for lower body or arms for upper body workout
Cons
- Design could be more sleek
A great choice thanks to its two-in-one design, this under-desk bike allows you to pedal with either your feet or your hands. A surface grip keeps the bike in place on your desk so you can work your upper body as well as your lower body, and the carry handle makes it easy to move it around if you don't want to keep it at the office, or you want to move it from your home office to your couch.
Like many other under-desk bikes, this model features eight levels of magnetic resistance and a display that tracks activity. Although it may not be the most elegant-looking, our experts appreciate that it's fairly affordable compared to other models and still well-made.
| Dimensions | 20.5" x 16" x 10.5" |
| Weight | 19.1 lbs |
FlexCycle Under Desk Bike
Pros
- Lighter than other models
- Includes resistance bands and two-in-one design for upper body workouts
- Eight resistance levels
- Built-in display
Cons
- Foot straps may not be intuitive
Coming in at 18 pounds, this under-desk bike is at a sweet spot where it's not too heavy but substantial enough to feel sturdy. The weight helps hold the machine in place while you pedal as well. It features a handle on top, designed to make it easily portable, and is available in three colorways.
We like that, in addition to eight resistance levels and a built-in display, this model comes with resistance bands so you can work your upper body when you're ready to take a break from your keyboard. You can also pedal with your hands to build up your arm strength. Although the foot straps are adjustable, they may not be the most intuitive to use.
| Dimensions | 17.5" x 20.9" x 13.2" |
| Weight | 18.1 lbs |
Vaunn Under-Desk Bike
Pros
- Foldable and lightweight
- Affordable
- Two-in-one design for upper and lower body workouts
- Built-in display
Cons
- Resistance levels aren't specified
- Doesn't include a handle
Several online reviewers claim that this Amazon bestseller is a great tool for at-home physical therapy. It's a perfect fit if you're tight on space and want a bike that can be easily stored when not in use, as it is collapsible and weighs only five pounds. It doesn't have a handle and resistance levels aren't specified, but it's lightweight and easy to move around if needed.
This sturdy under-desk bike also features a display to track performance and includes a tension knob, allowing you to select the ideal intensity for your workouts with both legs and arms. It's an affordable and reliable choice, but it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some higher-end models on our list.
| Dimensions | 11.25" x 15.2" x 18.25" |
| Weight | 5.15 lbs |
Flexispot Standing Desk Exercise Bike
Pros
- Two-in-one model includes desk
- Eight resistance levels
- Accomodates up to 300 pounds
Cons
- Expensive
- LCD with metrics can be hard to see while using the desk
Flexispot has consistently performed well in our tests, offering products that are thoughtfully designed for any home office space. Our pros love this two-in-one bike-meets-desk solution to maximize your productivity during the workday. Available in white or black, this standing desk exercise bike features eight resistance levels and an adjustable lever to accommodate different heights, ranging from 5'1" to 6'2".
The design is sturdy and stable, according to Amazon reviewers, and an LCD screen is located on the middle of the bike, below the seat, that tracks metrics such as mileage, calories burned, and time spent cycling. However, the desk makes it difficult to see the LCD while pedaling and working.
Take note that the model itself weighs 51 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around, and it isn't exactly discreet, unlike a standard under-desk bike that can be hidden beneath your desk. It does, however, accommodate up to 300 pounds. "It arrived quickly and was easy to assemble," one Amazon reviewer said. "I really like the size of the desk on it. Not too big and not too small."
RELATED: The Best Exercise Bikes
| Dimensions | 37.6" x 23.2" x 47.2" |
| Weight | 51 lbs |
Himaly Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordale
- Large LCD display
Cons
- Machine moves a bit when pedaling if not on a non-slip surface
- No handle for portability
Place this lightweight under-desk cycle beneath your workspace and get pedaling. The machine features a large LCD screen that tracks metrics such as time, count, calories, and distance. Additionally, you can activate the scan feature, which continuously updates the displayed statistic. Use the knob on the front of the bike to adjust the resistance based on how difficult you want it to feel.
While the cycle is lightweight (weighing less than eight pounds), making it easy to pick up and store when not in use, some Amazon reviewers noted that it can move and "scoot away" while you're pedaling. However, it does come with a rubber mat that can help keep it sedentary, or you can place it on a rug or mat of your own. Other Amazon reviewers raved that it was easy to assemble and that the anti-slip pedals are smooth and not noisy.
Choose from five different colorways, including black, gray, silver, and black, silver or white. Bonus: You can place the bike on a desk or counter and pedal with your arms for an upper body workout. Just note that there's no handle for moving it around.
| Dimensions | 15.98" x 13.8" x 12.6" |
| Weight | 7.6 lbs |
How we test the best under desk bikes
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have decades of experience testing home office and fitness products, including standing desks, workout mirrors, rowing machines, and more. To select the best under-desk bikes, we vetted each pick for ease of use and assembly, performance and design, safety, price point, and consulted customer reviews.
We considered the weight and dimensions of each machine, as well as any additional features, such as a display or wheels for portability. Our list includes a variety of options to suit different needs and home office setups. We also sought to include a range of products, including those at affordable prices that still perform well.
What to look for when shopping for an under desk bike
While these models may all seem similar, there are a few features you'll want to consider before making your purchase:
✔️ Type: Do you prefer an under-desk bike or an elliptical? While these fitness tools are similar, the motion of biking versus using an elliptical is not identical. We'll touch more on the differences between the two types of models in a moment.
✔️ Size and weight: Double-check the dimensions of your under-desk bike to ensure it will fit under your desk. Keep in mind that it will raise the level of your knees as you use it, so ensure there's enough clearance for your full range of motion. You should also check the weight of your machine if you plan on moving it from your desk to the couch or elsewhere, since some machines are lighter and more portable than others (some have wheels, too).
✔️ Features: Assess for features like secure and durable straps for your feet, as well as wheels or handles, so your equipment is easy to move around. Ask yourself if you want your machine to have multi-resistance options and if the adjustable knob looks easily accessible. Does the machine feature a non-slip bottom to keep the model firmly in place, or does it come with a mat to prevent movement? What about the display—is it easy to read? These are all factors to consider.
✔️ Noise level: Some under-desk bikes will be noisier than others. If a quiet machine is important to you, so you're not distracted while working or watching TV, check customer reviews for mentions of noise levels.
Is an under-desk bike better than an elliptical?
"This ultimately comes down to personal preference," Sassos says. "You may find the back-and-forth motion of an under-desk elliptical easier to manage than the circular motion of a bike." She adds that the elliptical works slightly more muscles, may burn a bit more calories, and usually requires less desk clearance than a bike model. Lastly, an under-desk bike has a pedal strap that goes around your foot to keep it in place, whereas an elliptical may not. Because of that, however, it can oftentimes accommodate larger foot sizes.
How does an under desk bike compare to a treadmill?
Sassos notes that the biggest difference here is that you sit down on an under-desk bike, whereas an under-desk treadmill requires you to stand up. "You'll likely burn more calories on an under-desk treadmill, but they tend to be a bit more intensive to use and also are considerably larger and heavier and not as easy to maneuver around."
Since you're walking on an under-desk treadmill, they can also potentially generate more noise than their under-desk bike or elliptical counterparts. "In general, cycling is also lower impact than walking or jogging, so keep this in mind as well if you don't want to put undue stress on your joints," Sassos adds.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Olivia Lipski is a fitness and outdoors enthusiast, and you’ll frequently find her swimming, running, hiking, ice skating, skiing, cycling, or taking a yoga class. She's the first to jump into trying a new fitness class or app, and she regularly collaborates with GH’s Wellness Lab to test and review the best fitness gear, including rowers, treadmills, fitness trackers, dumbbells, massage guns, meditation devices, and more.
Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Stefani uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She began her indoor cycling career in college where she was a Penn State Fitness Instructor, and continued to teach indoor cycling at major gyms and studios including Equinox Fitness Clubs.
Amy Schlinger is an NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, and reporter, writer and editor who has been working in the health and fitness industry for more than a decade. Amy is extremely passionate about fitness and healthy living, and she can often be found strength training in the gym when she isn't testing gear or equipment. She has completed two triathlons, biked two century rides, and often turns to cycling as a great low-impact workout.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
Amy Schlinger is a skilled reporter, writer and editor who has over 14 years of experience covering health, fitness, wellness, nutrition and lifestyle topics. She regularly interviews world-renowned doctors and medical professionals, elite trainers, nutrition experts, professional athletes and celebrities, and has held staff positions at Shape, DailyBurn, Self and PopSugar. Her work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Men’s Health, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, Women’s Health, Glamour, Runner’s World, Bicycling and more. She earned her BA in Media Arts and Design, with a concentration in Print Journalism, from James Madison University. Amy has run six half marathons, completed two triathlons, biked two century rides, finished two Tough Mudder races and four Spartan races, including a beast at the Spartan World Championships.
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