6 Best Exercise Bikes for Short People in 2024

Selecting the right equipment for your size can make or break your workout experience. The ideal stationary bike for short people must be smaller in size and feature lower seat increments. So, which is the best exercise bike for a short person? These are our top six choices to get.

Top 6 Best Exercise Bikes for Short People Reviewed

1. Rogue Echo Bike v3.0 – Top Pick
2. ProForm Pro C10U – Runner-Up
3. Assault Airbike – Best for Hiit
4. NordicTrack Commercial R35 – Best Recumbent
5. Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Exercise Bike – Budget Pick
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Exercise Bike – Best Foldable

Product	Total	Adjustability	Durability	Comfort	Drive system	Assembly	Portability	Price/ Quality
Rogue	68.5	9.5	10	9.5	10	10	10	9.5
ProForm	68	9.5	9	9.5	10	10	10	10
Assault AirBike	67	9	10	10	9.5	10	9	9.5
NordicTrack	66.5	9	9	10	10	9	10	9.5
SunnySynergy Exercise Bike	66.5	9	9	9.5	9	10	10	10
SunnyFoldable Exercise Bike	65	8.5	8.5	9	9	10	10	10

1. Rogue Echo Bike v3.0 – Top Pick

Starting off our best exercise bike for short people list is Rogue Echo Bike V3.0. Rogue is a brand synonymous with quality, and their products can be seen anywhere from commercial gyms to professional sports training facilities. This is the third version of the Echo Bike, now with an even more advanced main console.

• Dimensions: 55″ L x 29.5″ W x 52.5″ H
• Adjustable height: Recommended 4’11” and above
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Air resistance
• Product Weight: 123 lbs
• Noise level: Low
• Assembly: Required (tools included)
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
• Best Uses For: Intense exercise, cross-training, HIIT
• Special Feature: Air resistance, backlit display, Bluetooth / ANT+ connectivity
• Warranty: 2-year full warranty
• Package: Bike, user manual, warranty, assembly tools

The Rogue Echo V3.0 stands out for its advanced console, a feature not commonly found on manual bikes. On top of tracking essential metrics, it offers wireless connectivity through BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and ANT+ for easy integration with various fitness trackers and gadgets like heart rate monitors and smartwatches.

Also, it’s compatible with cycling apps like Zwift. Moreover, the backlit display is clear and bright in any lighting conditions. Underneath the console, you’ll find an ergonomically placed phone shelf and water bottle holder.

The bike itself sports a shorter design and is highly accessible, with easy-to-reach handlebars. This makes it a great choice for smaller athletes, especially for HIIT workouts where arm engagement is important. Thanks to its belt-driven flywheel, the bike operates smoothly and quietly despite its air resistance system.

The steel frame and flywheel construction are sturdy, with additional powder coating ensuring its durability. The oversized cushioned and contoured seat is very comfortable and adjustable both up and down and forward and back. Additionally, professional cyclists will be happy to hear they can switch the basic pedals to clip-in if preferred.

However, we have to mention that additional features such as the device shelf or additional pedals must be purchased separately, which can add up to the total cost.

2. ProForm Pro C10U – Runner-Up

Our runner-up best spin bike for short people is the ProForm Pro C10U. ProForm is especially renowned in the home fitness community especially due to space-saving designs and budget-friendly options without cutting down on modern features.

• Dimensions: 34.5" L x 21.2" W x 58" H
• Adjustable height: Not specified (adjustable both horizontally and vertically)
• Display: 10-inch touchscreen
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic (25 levels)
• Product Weight: 77 lbs
• Noise level: Low
• Assembly: Required
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise, interactive workouts
• Special Feature: Smart console, Bluetooth headphone pairing, cooling fan, iFit compatible
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 1-year parts & labor
• Package: Bike, user manual, warranty

The key feature of the C10U is the 10-inch touchscreen display. It not only tracks important data and saves your progress but also comes with some smart features. First, it provides on-demand trainer-led workouts with clear audio and video guidance, automatically adjusting the bike's resistance to match the workout.

Second, it uses collected data to suggest future workouts, which gives a more tailored experience and is especially handy for beginners. However, it's important to note that to get the most out of it, you'll need to use the iFit app, which requires a monthly subscription.

This bike is designed to fit well in homes with limited space, as it has a small footprint. It is stable on any surface thanks to the oversized leveling feet. With 25 levels of magnetic resistance, it offers quite a bit of workout versatility and operates quietly. If the dual speakers don’t cut it for you or you’re surrounded by background noise, you can make your workouts more immersive by connecting Bluetooth headphones.

For added comfort, there's a CoolAire™ exercise fan with two speed settings. You'll also find a water bottle holder on the bottom frame, though it may be a bit hard to reach, which somewhat defeats its purpose.

3. Assault Airbike – Best for Hiit

Next on the list we have the classic Assault AirBike, our favorite choice for HIIT workouts. Made by Assault Fitness, it’s considered by many to be the industry standard for a manually powered exercise bike and is a popular choice for cross-training especially.

• Dimensions: 50.9" L x 23.3" W x 48.4" H
• Adjustable height: Recommended for 5'0" to 6'4"
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Air resistance
• Product Weight: 98.1 lbs
• Noise level: Medium
• Assembly: Required (user manual and video tutorial provided)
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
• Best Uses For: Intense exercise, cross-training, HIIT
• Special Feature: Air resistance, seat adjustable horizontally and vertically
• Warranty: 5-year frame and parts
• Package: Bike, user manual, warranty

The Assault AirBike is built with heavy-duty steel, powder coated for added durability and a sleek matt-black look. It's designed with a low center of gravity and stays still even during intense workouts. Additionally, the horizontally and vertically adjustable seat makes the bike highly accessible to users of different sizes and shapes.

This bike operates using air resistance, meaning the harder you pedal, the more challenging your workout becomes. Air resistance provides a smooth riding experience, similar to outdoor cycling. One thing to note though is that it can get a bit noisy during intense workouts, so it may not be ideal for apartments or shared living spaces.

The main console features a small LCD that tracks various metrics like watts, calories, distance, time, RPM, speed, and heart rate. It doesn't require electricity; it starts when you begin pedaling. That makes the bike convenient for placement, but you should know that it doesn't come with built-in workout programs.

However, you can manually set your target metrics and track your progress. There's also a handy water bottle holder located below the console, but that’s it as far as ergonomic features go. Overall, it’s an excellent manual indoor bike choice with a moderate price, but also not high-tech at the same time.

4. NordicTrack Commercial R35 – Best Recumbent

No exercise machine top list is complete without mentioning NordicTrack at least once. This time, we’re talking about the Commercial R35, a highly advanced recumbent bike.

• Dimensions: 68.22" L x 23.69" W x 53.42" H
• Adjustable height: Not specified (Easyglide™ seat adjustment)
• Display: 14-inch touchscreen
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic (26 levels)
• Product Weight: 192 lbs
• Noise level: Low
• Assembly: Required (tools included)
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
• Best Uses For: Interactive workouts
• Special Feature: HD display, Bluetooth connectivity, workout fan, lumbar support, iFit compatible
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
• Package: Bike, user manual, warranty, assembly tools

The main feature of the NordicTrack Commercial R35 is the impressive smart console. Featuring a 14-inch cinematic HD touchscreen display with sound array speakers, its primary function is to provide an immersive audio/video experience for interactive workouts through the iFit app.

The console automatically adjusts resistance levels among the 26 available options based on the chosen workout. Moreover, it's Bluetooth headphones-compatible, which can improve overall workout immersion.

Recumbent bikes are an excellent choice for users who need added comfort and support during exercise. The Commercial R35, in particular, offers an oversized seat equipped with side handlebars, along with a ventilated backrest that offers lumbar support similar to a quality office chair.

The Easyglide™ seat adjustment mechanism ensures that users of all sizes can find their optimal seating position, while the strapped workout pedals keep your feet securely in place no matter how hard you pedal. To top it off, the bike boasts a robust commercial-grade steel construction capable of supporting weights up to 350 pounds.

5. Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Exercise Bike – Budget Pick

Sunny Health & Fitness is known in the home fitness community for making solid products at unmatched prices. Their Synergy Exercise Bike series is excellent if you’re having trouble fitting on the average gym bike thanks to highly customizable seat and handlebar positioning and a compact frame.

• Dimensions: 49" L x 22" W x 50.5" H
• Adjustable height: 27" – 37.5" (inseam length adjustment)
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic resistance
• Product Weight: 88.2 lbs
• Noise level: Low
• Assembly: Required (tools included)
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise
• Special Feature: Four-way adjustable seat, two-way adjustable handlebar, 20 lbs capacity dumbbell holders
• Warranty: 3-year frame, 180-day parts and components
• Package: Bike, user manual, warranty, assembly tools

The Synergy bike is available in the Standard and Pro versions, with a slight price increase for the latter. The main differences being the Pro version is slightly heavier, with a slightly higher weight capacity (300 lbs), and pedal type. The standard version of the bike uses excellent caged pedals that can be adjusted to fit perfectly to any shoe/foot shape thanks to the twisting mechanism on the side.

Moreover, the Pro version has dual-sided pedals with both the foot cage and clip-in pedals for cycling shoes, which serious cyclists will appreciate. Both versions use a smooth-operating and quiet manually adjustable magnetic resistance. The drive system is exposed, making it easy to clean and maintain and letting you see how it works, which gives it an attractive design as well.

Thanks to the floor stabilizers placed in the four corners of the bike's frame, the bike stays even on any surface, whether it’d be in your room on carpet, concrete in the garage, floor tiles in the hallway, etc. At just over 88 lbs, the bike is relatively lightweight and easy to move around and store thanks to the transportation wheels on the bottom.

The bike is highly adjustable, making it easy to find your ideal riding position. The seat can be adjusted in four ways — both up and down and forward and back. Additionally, the multi-grip handlebar allows for unlimited grip positions for your comfort and is also adjustable in two ways — up and down and position angle.

Also found on the handlebar is the oversized smart device shelf, allowing you to place a tablet or phone for entertainment or use of fitness apps. To the bike’s side, you’ll find two easily accessible dumbbell holders with up to 20 lbs carrying capacity, but keep in mind dumbbells are not included.

6. Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Exercise Bike – Best Foldable

Next up, we have another bike by Sunny Health & Fitness. If you’re short on space and don’t have a permanent place to put your bike, we highly recommend this best folding exercise bike for short people.

• Dimensions: 33.3" L x 16.9" W x 45.3" H
• Adjustable height: 29" – 35.5"
• Display: LCD
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic (16 levels)
• Product Weight: 30.9 lbs
• Noise level: Low
• Assembly: Required
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
• Best Uses For: Daily exercise
• Special Feature: Foldable design
• Warranty: 1-year frame, 180-day parts
• Package: Bike, user manual, warranty

The main feature of this bike, and a reason you might consider purchasing it, is its compact design and foldability mechanism. You'll notice it takes up very little floor space and can be folded up and stored away when not in use. That said, many parts of this bike are made of plastic.

While this is understandable for the price, handling it with care and avoiding dropping it is essential if you want it to last. The LCD is quite basic and shows one metric at a time. It will get the job done, but you'll have to track things manually and set your workouts.

The 16 levels of magnetic tension are a welcome addition and significantly diversify the range of exercises available, although they have to be adjusted manually. The seat is wide and cushioned and can be adjusted up and down. It can be set as low as 29", making it one of the best exercise bikes for short female athletes.

It's comfortable to grip, thanks to the large handlebars, which also feature pulse sensors on both sides. Additionally, it has self-leveling pedals with a non-slip texture on top of the straps, making it practically impossible for your feet to slip off.

What Are the Differences Between an Exercise Bike for Short People and Tall People?

Both people of shorter and taller stature can find it difficult to find the ideal exercise bike. Most machines are built standardized to fit the widest range of users, so if you stand out in any way you may have to research well before making a purchase. Generally, the best spin bike for short people will not work as well for someone taller.

For example, an exercise bike for petite people will have a lower seat height range and fewer settings. The handlebars may be positioned lower to be easier to reach if they’re not adjustable by height already.

The frame of the bike and the seat may be smaller in comparison as well. The frame dimensions and type will also play a role in accessibility, with more compact frames with step-through designs being more common on exercise bikes for small people. Here’s a quick table breakdown of some of the main differences:

Feature	Exercise Bike For Short People	Exercise Bike For Tall People
Seat Height Range	Low	High
Handlebar Height	Low	High
Pedal Size	Smaller or standardized	Standardized or larger
Seat Size	Small	Large
Frame Dimensions	Compact	Large
Access	Step-through frame	Step-over frame

Benefits of Exercise Bikes for a Short Person

Size doesn’t change the fact that working out is good for your physical and mental health. Cycling is a popular form of cardio exercise known for carrying many benefits. Here are some examples:

✅ Weight & Muscle Management

Probably the most common reason people start indoor cycling is to stay in shape and manage/lose weight from the comfort of their homes. Studies have shown that just three 30-60-minute workout sessions per week can help you lose weight.

Moreover, a study observing women with sedentary lifestyles showed indoor cycling can help you lose weight even if you don’t change your diet (which you should consider if you want maximal results).

Once you’ve hit your desired weight, it’s easy to stay in shape with regular cycling. What’s more, exercise bikes are excellent for muscle toning and improving your physical appearance. Cycling hits major lower-body muscle groups, including glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, and core muscles and bikes like Echo Bike address the upper body as well!

✅ Convenience & Accessibility

For athletes with a smaller stature, finding a truly comfortable exercise bike at public gyms can prove challenging. Not only does it have to fit you well, but you also have to cross your fingers that it's available when you need it. This is precisely why many shorter athletes choose to invest in their own exercise.

✅ Cardiovascular Improvement

Studies have shown indoor cycling can have massive improvements on your cardiovascular health. The benefits include regulating your blood pressure, improving your lipid profiles (cholesterol levels), and increasing aerobic capacity, to name a few. A 12-week workout program of just three 1-hour training sessions per week can have major health improvements, and this effect is even greater among higher-weight individuals.

✅ Low-Impact Exercise

Cycling AKA spinning provides a low-impact cardio workout. It places less stress on the joints compared to high-impact activities like running, helping minimize the risk of injury and reducing wear and tear on the body.

Being low-impact makes it especially beneficial for people recovering from injuries, or older folk who may be suffering from common aging issues like knee arthritis. Studies have shown that indoor cycling can help lessen pain in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA)

✅ Mental Health Improvements

Exercise is highly recommended as a way to improve your mental health. Indoor cycling has been shown to improve motivation, increase energy levels, generate positive self-perception, and more.

What to Look For in the Best Exercise Bike for Short People?

It doesn’t matter how good your exercise bike is or how much you spend on it if it doesn’t fit. With that in mind, here are the key factors to consider when looking for an indoor cycling bike for short people:

1. Adjustability

Commercial exercise bikes are highly adjustable to fit a variety of users with different shapes, sizes, and body types. The most important part of adjustability on an exercise bike for petite people is the ability to lower the seat down into a comfortable position.

2. Comfort

For most people, comfort plays a big role in their workout experience. Discomfort during exercise can lead to demotivation and add unnecessary stress. Truth be told, exercise bikes aren’t the pinnacle of exercise comfort, especially if used for extended periods of time.

That said, subtle enhancements like cushioned seats, cooling fans, and easy-to-reach water bottle holders can massively improve your comfort and help you exercise for longer, leading to greater results.

3. Seat Position

Adjustable seats are an essential part of stationary bikes for shorter people. Nowadays, most bikes offer the ability to adjust the seat both up and down and forward and back, helping users of various sizes find their ideal position. That said, it’s important to keep in mind the manufacturer-specified height range.

4. Inseam Length

Undoubtedly, the most important aspect when selecting an exercise bike for small people is the inseam length, which is the distance from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle. Make sure to get an accurate measurement to ensure the bike will fit. Not all bikes have a specified inseam length, so you may have to contact the manufacturer if you have special inquiries.

5. Price/Quality

Price vs. quality is often subjective and depends on your budget. Our top picks usually strike the best balance between affordability and long-term value. A higher price typically guarantees higher quality upfront, but it’s not always necessary to overspend on premium products.

6. User Interface

The interface is an important part of the user experience. An intuitive machine console makes exercising easier and more enjoyable. Although nowadays we’re used to seeing large touchscreen displays, they drive up the prices of machines but aren’t always necessary. Unless you’re specifically looking for an interactive bike with immersive audio/video workouts, a basic LCD coupled with a fitness app is all you need.

FAQ

What Is the Proper Height for an Exercise Bike?

When setting up your exercise (or spin) bike, stand up straight next to it and adjust the seat level to align with your hip bone. This will be the optimal seat height on any stationary bike for short people, giving you proper body alignment when seated and an optimal range of motion.

Can Short People Do Spinning?

Absolutely, but you will have to be careful and select an indoor cycling bike for short person that can cover your height range. The majority of commercial bikes are recommended for around 4′10″–4′11″ and up, but some options can be set up for 4′5″–4′6″ too.

What Is the Minimum Height for Spin Class?

Typically, the minimum required height for spin classes is 4′11″ (roughly 150 cm). Almost any commercial exercise bike for a small person will be adjustable to this level.

Conclusion

These were the best exercise bikes for short people. Although it can be challenging to find the ideal bike if you’re of smaller stature, we’re confident one of these will fit you well.

Overall, the Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 took #1 as our favorite stationary bike for short people. That said, we suggest checking out the others for their unique features. Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to check your measurements and refer to the product specs.

Are you planning on getting an exercise bike for your home or garage gym? If so, which of these bikes did you like the most and why? Leave a comment letting us know and remember to follow us on social media for more valuable fitness content.

Also read:

• Best Folding Exercise Bike
• Best Exercise Bike to Lose Weight
• Best Exercise Bike for Heavy Person
• Best Magnetic Spin Bikes

References:

1. "Effect of Spinning Cycling Training on Body Composition in Women", Fatih Kaya, Dilek Nar, Mustafa Said Erzeybek, Journal of Education and Training Studies Vol. 6, No. 4 https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1174469.pdf (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
2. "The effects of indoor cycling training in sedentary overweight women", Bianco A, Bellafiore M, Battaglia G, Paoli A, Caramazza G, Farina F, Palma A., The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2010 Jun;50(2):159-65. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20585293/ (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
3. "Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review", Chavarrias M, Carlos-Vivas J, Collado-Mateo D, Pérez-Gómez J., Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Aug 8;55(8):452. https://rb.gy/xvn35 (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
4. "Understanding Blood Pressure Readings", Heart.org https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
5. "Lipid Panel", my.clevelandclinic.org https://rb.gy/pglui (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
6. "Aerobic Capacity", sciencedirect.com (quote from Overflow Metabolism by Alexei Vazquez, Academic Press, 2018) https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/aerobic-capacity (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
7. "Effects of an Indoor Cycling Program on Cardiometabolic Factors in Women with Obesity vs. Normal Body Weight", Ratajczak M, Skrypnik D, Krutki P, Karolkiewicz J., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020 Nov 24;17(23):8718. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7727675/ (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
8. “Arthritis of the Knee”, my.clevelandclinic.org https://rb.gy/h84de (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
9. “Stationary cycling exercise for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis”, Ratajczak M, Skrypnik D, Krutki P, Karolkiewicz J., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020 Nov 24;17(23):8718. Doi: https://rb.gy/veqwb (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)
10. "Effects of increased indoor cycling activity on exercise motivation, body image and health perception in the adult female population", S. Latrice Totsch, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 24. https://louis.uah.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1023&context=uah-dnp (accessed Sept. 14, 2023)