<em><em><br></em></em></strong></p><p>Under desk bikes are practical, stealthy tools that quietly combat the risks of sitting too long, much like <a href=” desk treadmills</a>. Got a <a href=” desk</a>? Even better. An under desk bike works best when paired with a quality standing desk because the adjustable height gives you the clearance to pedal comfortably without hitting your knees. These compact pedaling machines target your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, giving your lower body a solid workout while you tackle emails or power through that afternoon videoconference marathon. But not all under desk bikes are created equal. Some are like late-night infomercial gadgets—exciting at first but quickly forgotten. Here’s what to look for when picking the perfect one for your workspace. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider</h2><h3 class=”body-h3″>Stability</h3><p>Under desk bikes are lighter by default, so stability is a valid concern. Choose a model that’s secure and heavy enough to stay put during use, and consider using a non-slip mat underneath for the best experience. “Look to see if the machine comes with a non-slip pad, an anchoring strap, or choose one that weighs more so it stays put,” says Dr. Malpelli.<br></p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Noise</h3><p>Considering using the machine during work? Opt for a model that isn’t too noisy, especially if you’ll be taking phone or video calls. A quiet under desk bike ensures you can seamlessly integrate your workout into your work routine without distractions.<br></p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Adjustability</h3><p>Resistance settings and adjustable pedal height are essential for finding the perfect fit. The ideal bike should integrate smoothly with your desk setup while offering the right level of challenge. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Ease of Use</h3><p>Keep it simple. You need something intuitive that fits right into your office routine. Nobody wants to spend hours setting up a fitness machine either, so check the setup process before purchasing. Some under desk bikes come fully assembled, while some require a little more work to get up and running.<br></p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Resistance</h3><p>Look for models with adjustable resistance to scale up the intensity of your workouts. This feature is crucial for building strength while pedaling or striding. Ensure your under-desk exerciser allows you to customize your workouts to make them more challenging.<br></p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Storage and Portability</h3><p class=”body-text”>Small spaces demand smart solutions. A compact bike that’s easy to move or store is a must for keeping your workspace uncluttered and functional.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected</h2><p>Over the past year, our team of editors (in part consisting of certified trainers) and writer Joseph Arangio, C.S.C.S.—tested dozens of under-desk bikes to find the best of the best. We also consulted top fitness pros, including our <a href=” Health</em> Advisory Board</a>, to ensure these bikes meet the needs of anyone balancing work and wellness—even if your biggest lift of the day is your coffee mug. <br><br>Our editors put these bikes through their paces—testing everything from smoothness and stability to noise levels and adjustability. And yes, there were a few laughs (and sore quads) along the way. The result? A lineup of under desk bikes that are smooth, sturdy, and ready to transform your workday into an opportunity to move more. You might even forget you’re at work—well, almost.</p>” data-next-head/>
Cons
- Display is tough to read when attached to the bike
- Might not fit under smaller desks
The Vivo DeskCycle is like having your cake and eating it too—except in this case, you’re burning calories while you sit. This under desk bike is whisper-quiet, super smooth, and adjustable enough to fit most workspaces (or living rooms, let’s be honest). With the lowest pedal height on the market, it slides right under your desk without turning your knees into battering rams. The eight resistance levels offer just the right amount of challenge, whether you’re easing into the day or pedaling through your email inbox.
The Bluetooth-enabled LCD display tracks all the good stuff—distance, RPM, calories burned—and can be removed so you’re not awkwardly craning your neck trying to read it mid-ride. Assembly? A breeze. It took us 15 minutes, and we didn’t even break a sweat. The only downside? The bike’s length might cramp your style if your desk is on the smaller side, and the display’s default spot isn’t exactly ergonomic.
Read More: Best Exercise Bikes, Tested by Us
| Resistance Levels | 8 |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 23 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 10.24 x 24.02 x 20.08 inches |
Best Under Desk Bike For Non-Carpeted Floors
Yosuda Under Desk Bike Pro
Cons
- Lightweight build may wobble under higher resistance levels
- Straps can feel tight for users with wider feet
The Yosuda Under Desk Bike Pro allows you to pedal your way through emails without missing a beat. At under $150, this budget-friendly bike is compact, lightweight, and easy to assemble. Setup took us only 10–15 minutes, which is quicker than getting through most Monday meetings. With 16 levels of magnetic resistance and a smooth belt-drive system, it’s a great way to add some low-key exercise to your day.
The pedal stroke is smooth at lower resistance levels, but crank it up and the 18-pound frame might wobble a bit under pressure. The pedals, with adjustable straps, keep your feet in place—though they can feel a little snug for wider feet. The console tracks your time, RPM, distance, and calories burned, while Bluetooth connectivity links to trusted fitness apps like Zwift.
This Yosuda works great on carpet, but it’s also a solid pick up if you have uncarpeted floors, as it comes with a mat that adds stability on smooth surfaces. Ideally the bike is kept prety close to your chair, so that you legs aren’t too horizontal, since that will help you keep more of your pedaling force downward. As an added bonus, they’ve included resistance bands that you can use to engage your upper body. If you’re looking for an affordable, portable under desk bike for light activity, the S04 delivers. It’s not built for intense workouts, but for keeping your legs moving while you work. It gets the job done.
| Resistance Levels | 16 |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 17.9 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 19.69 x 17.71 x 12.99 inches |
BEST BUDGET UNDER DESK BIKE
Vaunn Medical Under Desk Bike
Cons
- Not as smooth as higher-end models
- No clear levels, just a tension knob
- Lighter than most models and can be a little less stable
The Vaunn Medical Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser is the no-frills, budget-friendly option for anyone looking to sneak in some movement without making a big production out of it. At just five pounds, it’s lightweight, foldable, and easy to stash away when you’re done pedaling—perfect for small spaces or those of us who don’t want fitness gear permanently taking over the living room or office cubicle. Setup? Practically non-existent. It comes almost fully assembled, so you can get started in minutes.
The tension knob lets you adjust resistance to match your vibe—whether you’re casually spinning through emails or working your arms with it propped on a desktop. The LCD display tracks time, RPM, and calories burned, so you can feel productive while binge-watching HR training videos. Is it perfect? Not quite. The ride’s a little choppy compared to higher-end models, and it’s not exactly whisper-quiet. If you’re pedaling during a Zoom call, you might want to hit mute.
Still, for the price, it’s tough to beat. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, multitasking, or just trying to feel less sedentary, this bike is a solid, dependable way to keep your body moving without overcomplicating things. Simple, effective, and easy to live with—what more do you need?
| Resistance Levels | N/A (tension knob) |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 5.4 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 18.75 x 15.5 x 11.25 inches |
BEST ELLIPTICAL-STYLE UNDER DESK BIKE
Cubii Move
Cons
- Display can be hard to read in low light
- Grip feet aren’t ideal for smooth floors
Want to pedal away calories while hammering out emails or zoning into a Netflix binge? At under $200, the Cubii Move Under-Desk Elliptical is an affordable way to sneak in movement without alerting your coworkers or disturbing your dog’s nap.
Setup? Easy. In 25 minutes (or 10 if you’re handy), I had it assembled and ready to roll. At 17.6 pounds, it’s light enough to shuffle around, but once it’s in place, it stays smooth and whisper-quiet—perfect for Zoom calls or pretending you’re fully engaged in that meeting. The six resistance levels let you dial up the intensity, and the LCD monitor tracks your progress, from calories burned to rotations completed. The free Cubii app adds a fun edge with leaderboards, though I’m still waiting for the day it counts my mid-ride snack breaks.
Downsides? The grip feet aren’t great on smooth floors (it slid around more than I’d like), and the display could use a backlight if you’re working late. Still, averaging 150 calories burned per hour without breaking a sweat? Not bad for something you can do in sweatpants. It’s not replacing my morning hill sprints, but it’s the ultimate multitasker for a busy day.
| Resistance Levels | 6 |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 17.6 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 19.69 x 9.45 x 21.65 inches |
Best All-In-One Desk Bike Workstation
FlexiSpot Cycle Desk Bike V9 Pro
Cons
- At 51 pounds, not easy to lift
- Takes up more space than other models
The FlexiSpot Cycle Desk Bike V9 Pro is the ultimate hybrid for anyone looking to move more during the workday. It’s part standing desk, part exercise bike, and all about keeping you moving while you crush your to-do list. Whether you’re pedaling through follow-up calls or updating the company database, this bike makes multitasking feel like a win.
Setup is so easy it’s almost suspicious—snap a few parts together, and you’re ready to roll in 10 minutes tops. The desk is roomy enough for your laptop, coffee, and a snack (because priorities), while the bike offers eight resistance levels to keep things interesting. Best of all, it’s whisper-quiet, so no one on Zoom will know you’re secretly working on your quads.
But let’s be real—it’s not perfect. At 51 pounds, it’s heavy but still easy enough to wheel around. The real downside? Its bulky size, which makes it tough to store in smaller spaces. The FlexiSpot V9 Pro is a practical way to stay active during long workdays—just make sure you’ve got the space for it.
| Resistance Levels | 8 |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 51 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 37.8 x 21.3 x 46.8 inches |
Best Sturdy Under Desk Bike
LifeSpan Ampera Office Bike
Cons
- Can feel too tall for users under 5’1”
- At 68 lbs, it’s tricky to move or store
The LifeSpan Ampera Office Bike is a heavy-duty under desk bike that lets you pedal through your workday without skipping a beat. Designed for standing desks, it’s built like a tank—stable, sturdy, and smooth enough to keep your legs moving while you try to remember 15 different passwords. With four resistance levels, it strikes a nice balance between light movement and a low-key workout, perfect for staying active without sweating through your work clothes. The coolest feature? Your pedaling generates power, letting you charge your phone, laptop, or earbuds via a USB-C port. There’s even a wireless charging pad under the seat, though it’s awkwardly placed—good luck reaching for your phone mid-ride without pulling a hammy.
At 68 pounds, the Ampera isn’t exactly portable, but its heft keeps it rock-solid while you pedal. The seat, while functional, isn’t the most luxurious for long rides, and if you’re under 5’1″, you might feel like you’re climbing onto a barstool.
A standing desk pairs perfectly with the Ampera, giving you the clearance to pedal comfortably and the flexibility to switch between sitting and standing. Together, they can keep you active, can boost circulation, and can make your workday healthier. If you’ve got a standing desk and some space to spare, the Ampera is a clever way to stay active while you work, keeping you productive, powered up, and guilt-free about those afternoon snack breaks. Just don’t expect it to replace your next HIIT session.
Read More: The Best Standing Desks
| Resistance Levels | 4 |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 68 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 25.2 x 18.9 x 32.8 inches |
Benefits of an Under Desk Bike
An under desk bike is not a replacement for a workout, and because you’re not never truly decelerating your body, as you do when taking a walk, it won’t have profound impacts on overall movement markers like balance or locomotion, says fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. But you will drive lower-body bloodflow and circulation. There’s no downside to an under-desk bike, but you’re not using this for calorie burn, either.
Research from sources like the American Council on Exercise suggests that incorporating physical activity, even in the form of under desk cycling, can even enhance cognitive function and focus. By pedaling discreetly under your desk, you’re not just getting a workout—you’re potentially boosting your mental clarity and overall well-being. It’s a win-win for your body and your mind.
How Does an Under Desk Bike Compare to a Treadmill?
When comparing under desk bikes to under desk treadmills, the key distinction is in your seating arrangement (or lack thereof). Under desk bikes allow you to comfortably sit, offering a lower-impact option.
Under desk treadmills, on the other hand, may burn more calories as they require you to move your whole body, but they come with a trade-off: standing. They are also larger and heavier, making them less maneuverable.
Plus, we’ve found that the potential noise from walking on a treadmill is typically greater than that of an under desk bike. So, if you prefer a seated, lower-impact experience that’s gentler, quieter, and more compact, an under desk bike might be your pedal-perfect choice.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.
Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
link