6 Best Types Of Exercise Bike To Rehab Knee in 2024

According to studies, one third of U.S. adults report experiencing knee pain in their lifetime.

The issue affects various age groups, with common causes being injury, chronic pain, or simply aging.

Let’s see why recumbent bikes are the best type of exercise bike to rehab knee issues and help you choose the best one for your needs.

Top 6 Best Types Of Exercise Bikes To Rehab Knee Reviewed

1. NordicTrack Commercial R35 – Top Pick
2. ProForm Pro C10R Exercise Bike – Runner-Up
3. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Cross Trainer
5. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors
6. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709

Product	Total	Adjustability	Durability	Comfort	Assembly	Size	User Interface	Safety	Price/ Quality
NordicTrack	79	10	10	10	10	10	9	10	10
ProForm	78	9	10	10	10	10	10	10	9
Sunny H&F Recumbent	77	10	9	10	10	10	8	10	10
Sunny H&F Cross Trainer	76	9	9	9	10	10	9	10	10
JEEKEE	74	9	9	9	9	10	9	9	10
Marcy	74	9	9	9	9	10	9	9	10

1. NordicTrack Commercial R35 – Top Pick

The R35 is premium in every way – from materials used in production, to attention to detail and functionality. It’s a fantastic bike with a ton of impressive features.

• Dimensions: 68.22” L x 23.69” W x 53.42” H
• Adjustable height: Not specified
• Noise level: Not specified
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic. 26 resistance levels
• Product Weight: 192 lbs in box
• Assembly: Required
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
• Best Uses For: Cardi, recovery
• Special Feature: Extra large pedals, Easyglide seat adjustment
• Warranty: 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty
• Package: Bike parts, user manual

The first thing you’ll notice is that nice, big HD touchscreen screen. At 14’’, you can see everything clearly and it’s very comfortable to look at. You can stream live and on-demand iFit workouts directly to your bike and it comes with a 30-day free iFit trial. With it, you can focus only on your workout and the trainer will lead it and adjust the resistance on your bike. This feature is amazing for everyone, but it works particularly well for those who don’t have a lot of experience with workouts.

The bike’s design provides a low-impact cardio workout which reduces stress on your joints. This is very beneficial for anyone in a rehabilitation process, because it allows you to work out while recovering.

Its’s easy to get on and off it due to the step through design and the big seat with lumbar support makes your workout sessions super comfortable. The big pedals are a nice addition, too, and the Easyglide technology makes it easy to adjust the seat. It will slide a bit to the left and right sometimes, but it doesn’t affect the bike’s functionality at all.

And speaking of comfort, there’s also a built-in fan to keep you cool – this si something you’ll be very thankful to have if you like long workouts. 

All things considered, you get a lot of bang for your buck with this bike and it’s a fantastic addition to any home gym.

2. ProForm Pro C10R Exercise Bike – Runner-up

Our runner-up for the best exercise bike for bad knees is the ProForm Pro C10R exercise bike.

ProForm is a US-based company that has been around for decades. And it comes as no surprise that the top pick would come from a brand that has dedicated its efforts into perfecting fitness equipment for so long.

• Dimensions: 25.4” W x 56.8” L x 49.8” Height
• Adjustable height: Not specified by manufacturer
• Noise level: Low
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic, 25 resistance levels
• Product Weight: 150 pounds
• Assembly: Required
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Best Uses For: Daily cardio exercise, recovery periods, smart workouts
• Special Feature: Multimedia touchscreen console
• Warranty: Frame 10 years ; Parts and labor 1 year
• Package: Bike parts, user manual

Most of the bike’s features are focused on the 10-inch smart touchscreen display, which is used for stat tracking, workout settings, and entertainment.

It’s integrated with the iFit app, which is equipped with all kinds of smart features, including detailed stat tracking, customized workouts, studio classes, and automatically adjustable scenic courses with full audio and video support.

That said, many of the bike’s features are practically useless without iFit, meaning you’ll have to maintain a subscription if you want data recording, preprogrammed workouts, automatic adjustments, etc.

I do recommend this bike specifically for people who want to take advantage of the smart device functions, however, it’s a bit of a shame that so many features are locked behind a paywall.

Other than that, the console has built-in speakers and a cooling fan, while you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to it as well.

Another thing I like about the console are the buttons that allow you to quickly switch between resistance levels, instead of having to turn leavers or press buttons up and down.

This can make adjusting your workout on the fly much easier, but it also serves as an under-the-radar safety feature.

The bike features an impressive 25 magnetic resistance levels, and the flywheel is near silent thanks to the SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance unique to ProForm machines.

Similar to the Schwinn 230, the backrest is ergonomic with lower back support and air ventilation, although on this bike the seat is fully cushioned.

The step-through design of the bike frame makes it very easy to mount and dismount, which is especially useful for people with low mobility, such as seniors.

The back stabilizer has intentionally oversized leveling feet that adapt well to common surfaces found in homes, including laminate, tiles, carpets, and others, to keep the bike stable.

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness makes some of the best affordable home workout equipment.

Their exercise bikes are an especially great choice if you’re on a tight budget, so their magnetic recumbent bike made it into our top three picks with ease.

• Dimensions: 56.3" D x 26.3" W x 42.9" H
• Adjustable height: 30 to 38 inches
• Noise level: Low
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic, 8 resistance levels
• Product Weight: 58.7 Pounds
• Assembly: Required
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Best Uses For: Daily cardio, recovery periods
• Special Feature: Tall backrest and large seat
• Warranty: Frame 3 years ; Parts and components 180 days
• Package: Bike parts, user manual, assembly tools

This bike doesn’t “reinvent the wheel”, but apart from basics, it does pack some unique features.

Both the seat and backrest are large and cushioned, which makes sitting down for longer periods of time much more enjoyable, and the bike seat can be adjusted during exercise thanks to the quick pull lever.

The self-leveling pedals snap back into a neutral position when disengaged, meaning they’re ready to go any time you want to hop back.

This means you don't have to go through all the trouble of adjusting them manually each time you want to train.

4. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Cross Trainer

Another Sunny Health & Fitness product worth mentioning in this category is their magnetic resistance cross-trainer.

This is a recumbent bike and an arm exercise machine in one, which makes it unique to other bikes.

• Dimensions: 25.5" L x 60" W x 52" H
• Adjustable height: 24 to 31 inches
• Noise level: Low
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic, 8 levels
• Product Weight: 95.77 Pounds
• Assembly: Required, paid assembly assistance available
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
• Best Uses For: Daily cardio, full body exercise
• Special Feature: Movable front handlebars
• Warranty: Frame 3 years ; Parts 180 days
• Package: Bike parts, instruction manual, assembly tools

Resistance is adjusted with an easy-to-reach lever as opposed to pressing buttons, which does make it a little faster and safer for some users, especially if you have a visual impairment.

The pedals are large and have a nice texture that grips well onto workout shoes, but adjustable straps are still there in case you need more security for your feet.

Since this is a cross-trainer machine, the front handles are also meant to be engaged, making this a near full-body workout machine.

However, there are no side handles or side armrests, which are a big part of comfort but also safety. These are usually put in place to help you balance on the machine.

5. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors

Next, let’s briefly mention the JEEKEE recumbent bike.

It has a simple design with a large and comfortable seat and backrest, making it ideal for seniors and longer workout sessions.

• Dimensions: 53.5" L x 19.3" W x 39" H
• Adjustable height: 27 to 39 inches
• Noise level: Low, 20 decibels according to manufacturer
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic, 8 levels
• Product Weight: 61 pounds
• Assembly: Required
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Best Uses For: Daily cardio exercise, recovery periods, senior workouts
• Special Feature: Made from carbon steel, very quiet
• Warranty: Frame and construction 1 year
• Package: Bike parts, user manual, assembly tools

Not only does it have a compact footprint that makes it a great fit for tight spaces, but it's also incredibly mobile due to its transportation wheels.

According to the specs, the noise it creates is no higher than 20 decibels, and I can confirm it’s very quiet.

6. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709

Finally, we have the Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike.

Marcy’s products are affordable and generally of good quality for their price.

So, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the lowest-priced bike on this list.

• Dimensions: 25" L x 58" W x 38" H
• Adjustable height: 27 to 36 inches
• Noise level: Medium (shaky construction)
• Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic, 8 levels
• Product Weight: 61 pounds
• Assembly: Required, official video tutorial available
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Best Uses For: Daily cardio exercise, recovery periods
• Special Feature: Compact, backlit digital display
• Warranty: ‎Frame 2 year
• Package: Bike parts, user manual, assembly tool

The simplicity of this bike makes it a good choice for beginners and seniors.

It’s perfectly capable of providing a light daily cardio exercise, but not much else.

The digital display has a black background with bright green contrasting numbers. This is a nice touch if you’re exercising in the dark or have a visual impairment

The weighted pedals are really helpful to control the spin when going for higher-intensity runs.

Best Exercise Bike Type for Knee Problems

Exercise bikes come in various shapes and sizes depending on their athletic purpose and intended users.

One way we can categorize them is by the type of position the rider takes.

Most commonly, these are the traditional, upright, and recumbent bikes.

Traditional bikes are most common and imitate the position of a typical outdoor bike, where the athlete is meant to lean forward.

Upright bikes put the athlete in a vertical, near-standing position, while recumbent bikes are seated and used horizontally.

Out of those, recumbent bikes are considered to be the best exercise bike for knee problems.

They put less stress on your knee joints and body in general compared to traditional or upright bikes for several reasons.

Firstly, your body weight is supported by a seat and backrest as opposed to your legs.

Second, since the pedals are positioned in front of you, your legs are always extended forward, meaning there is less flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) occurring in the joint.

Research has shown that recumbent cycling puts less load on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is one of the four major ligaments in the knee joint and a common place of injury and chronic pain.

Because you’re seated, there’s also a reduced risk of falling or losing balance during exercise.

Finally, since your weight is not supported by your legs, they’re the best exercise bike for knee replacement rehab and are quick and easy to dismount in case of pain or discomfort.

Benefits of Recumbent Bike for Knee Rehabilitation

✅ Rider Safety

As discussed in the point above, the combined benefits of seated exercise with reduced leg stress make the recumbent bike the safest type of exercise bike for knee rehab.

✅ Low-Impact Exercising

One in four people report having chronic knee pain.

The highest recommended non-surgical treatment by experts is engaging in low-impact aerobic exercise.

Cycling on a recumbent bike for knee rehab is one of the best ways to achieve this effect from the comfort of your home.

✅ Strength Building

Recumbent bikes have adjustable resistance levels, which you can use to steadily increase the challenge of your workout as you get more comfortable.

Utilizing progressive overload by gradually increasing resistance over time is the main strategy to build strength in your lower body, including the muscles surrounding the knee joint.

This will improve your knee stability and decrease the risk of further or repeated injury.

✅ Improved Circulation

Exercise in general is known to improve circulation and raise body temperature.

Using a recumbent bike will stimulate blood flow to the knee joint, which can help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.

This is especially useful if you’re using the exercise bike after knee replacement or other surgical intervention.

Features of Recumbent Bike for Knee Rehabilitation

1. Adjustability

The primary adjustability features on recumbent bikes include adjustable seat height and resistance level.

Apart from that, it’s common to see adjustable back support, handlebar distance, pedal straps, etc.

These features are important so the bike can be adjusted to different body types and athletic abilities.

2. Durability

When it comes to durability, it’s important to have a build from high-quality materials, a sturdy frame, and a stable base to stand on.

Other features that can improve durability can include corrosion-resistant finishes, easy maintenance, and a good warranty, among other things

3. Dimensions

Proper dimensions impact the athlete’s overall workout experience a fair amount.

We’ve all had experiences in life where a product was simply unusable because we couldn’t get it to fit in its intended place or we couldn’t access its features properly.

Also, improper dimensions can limit access to some core features of the exercise bike.

For example, it’s important that we can reach key components such as handlebars, resistance leavers, and the emergency stop button from the exercise position without issue.

If these are put in an awkward position, that’s a sign of a bike with a bad design.

4. Resistance System

Simply put, I took a look at how well the resistance system works, how many settings it has, how easy it is to adjust, whether you can adjust it mid-exercise, etc.

Also, how easy the flywheel is to maintain and how much noise it creates.

Recumbent bikes usually come in three types of resistance: Magnetic, Direct Contact, and Fan or Air Resistance.

The latest and most common nowadays is magnetic, as it produces the least amount of noise.

5. Safety

Common safety features on recumbent bikes include base stabilizers, an adjustable backrest, multiple sets of handlebars, easy-to-reach emergency stop buttons, and an easy-to-read console.

Also, it’s important how easy it is to mount and dismount the bike pre and post-workout, especially for those recovering from knee injuries.

6. Rider Comfort

The main comfort features on recumbent bikes include adjustable seat height, seat position, backrest angle, and handlebar reach.

Additionally, seats, handlebars, and backrests commonly feature cushioning and padding to increase their overall comfort.

Other things we’ve considered in rider comfort are an easy-to-use and clear console, as well as features like Bluetooth connection, cooling fans, built-in speakers, smart device holders, and other experience-enhancing tech.

How to Use Exercise Bike for Rehab?

1. Choose the Right Type of Bike

So far we’ve concluded that the recumbent bike is the best type of exercise bike for rehab and it is often used in physical therapy.

However, not all recumbent bikes are the same.

This list has 6 great bikes, and although they practically serve the same purpose, they all have differing specs, features, and pros and cons to consider.

2. Adjust the Bike

Once you get your stationary bike for knee rehab, it’s important to adjust it to correctly support your weight and size, with the goal of avoiding issues or injuries.

The seat distance should be set so that your feet can comfortably reach the pedals with a slight bend in your knees when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Your knees should be in line with the pedals when your feet are in the middle of the pedal stroke.

The seat itself should be adjusted so that your hips are leveled with it, and your back is fully supported in an upright position by the backrest.

Handlebars should be set to be within reaching distance in a neutral sitting position, without leaning forward or back to grab them.

Also, remember to check the user manual, there might be some additional settings tips for your weight or height.

3. Warm Up

This is a general tip for all types of exercise, but make sure to do a warmup routine before you start using your bike.

You don’t have to focus on your upper body as much - although you shouldn’t skip it - but light leg drills and stretches are essential.

Some standing hip circles, knee rotations, and stationary marches should do the trick.

4. Start Slowly

It’s not uncommon to see people at the gym immediately hit the treadmill or bike without a quick stretch.

This leads many inexperienced athletes to believe that they can just jump into the exercise and warm up “on the go”.

However, this is a mistake.

In the case of immediately engaging with the exercise machine, it’s very important to start slowly to get a good feel for the exercise and look for body queues.

This means starting with the lower resistance settings first and working your way up, no matter your athletic level.

5. Stop if Necessary

When going through a rehab phase for your knee, it’s important to listen to your body and stop if you feel unusual levels of pain and discomfort.

If you’re in active therapy, chances are you’ve already discussed working out with your doctor, and they’ve explained the sort of sensations you might feel for your specific case.

In most cases, you’ll be warned about the normal levels of pain or discomfort to look out for.

However, anything out of the ordinary should be reported back to your doctor as soon as possible.

FAQ

What Is the Best Exercise Bike for Arthritic Knees?

According to health professionals at the Arthritis Foundation, the best exercise bike for knee arthritis is a recumbent bike.

Which Is Better for Knees Recumbent or Upright Bike?

When comparing a recumbent bike vs upright bike for knees in pain, recumbent bikes are undoubtedly better.

Upright bikes work based on vertical motion, which puts stress on the knees both for supporting your weight and providing pushing power.

On the other hand, recumbent bikes let you sit back and relax while you pedal in a horizontal position.

Which Is Better for Knees Recumbent or Upright Bike?

Your age plays a lesser factor in whether or not it’s safe for you to use an exercise bike than your athletic level, health, and medical history.

Most exercise bikes make it clear that they’re not for children to use, especially unsupervised, and user manuals typically have a “recommended for 13/14 and over” label on them.

On the other hand, there is no age limit.

Moreover, cycling is a highly recommended endurance exercise for adults over 50, as it improves cardiovascular health and lowers the chance of health issues common at that age, including diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, and more.

In adults 70 and over, scientific research has shown cycling improves cardiovascular health and metabolic responses, as well as functional status, muscle strength, and cognitive performance.

Conclusion

Recumbent bikes are the best type of exercise bike to rehab knee issues.

They’re highly recommended by physicians, physical therapists, and coaches because they provide a low-impact cardiovascular exercise from a comfortable seated position, which makes them gentle on the knees.

Exercising during your rehab knee stimulates the healing process, strengthens the muscles surrounding it, and reinforces it from repeated injury. There are many recumbent bikes out there, but these were the top based on thorough research and examination, combined with years of experience in health and fitness.

NordicTrack Cimmercial R35 is the overall best exercise bike for bad knees.

Have you felt knee pain before? Have you used a recumbent bike to exercise a bad knee?

Share your experience with us in the comments and remember to follow our social media pages for more valuable fitness content.

Also read:

• 1 Month Exercise Bike Results
• Is Exercise Bike Good for Weight Loss        
• Best Exercise Bike Under 1000        
• Best Budget Exercise Bike
• Best Exercise Bike With Moving Arms

References:

1. Knee Pain Statistics and Causes // Classic Rehabilitation: https://classicrehabilitation.com/knee-pain-statistics-and-causes/
2. Knee Loads in the Standard and Recumbent Cycling Positions // National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15133932/
3. One in Four Adults Suffers From Chronic Knee Pain // ACL: https://acl.gov/news-and-events/news/one-four-adults-suffers-chronic-knee-pain
4. How Recumbent Bikes Can Help You With Physical Therapy // PTANDME: https://ptandme.com/blog/recumbent-bikes-help-with-physical-therapy/
5. Best Exercise Equipment for Arthritis // Arthritis: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/other-activities/best-exercise-equipment-for-arthritis
6. Tips to Cycling When You’re Older // WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/tips-cycling-after-50
7. Health Benefits of Cycle Ergometer Training for Older Adults Over 70 // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4748329/