Best Arm Bike Exercise Machine Review (Updated 2021)

Arm bikes are your best fitness partners that get your heart pumping without tiring your legs and knees. The most reliable arm bikes are packed with innovative features and providing quiet functionality. 

MagneTrainer Exercise Bike ticks all the right boxes which made it our best pick. Apart from giving your upper body a good workout, its features are also made from up-to-date technology. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Drive Medical Deluxe Arm Bike is the way to go.

For less than $30, it’s equipped with a five function display with added features that can compete well with more expensive arm bikes on the market. We like its well-built frame and foldable design.

So if you have limited space, this arm bike’s compact design is the best solution. 

Let’s take a look at some of our top picks.

Best Arm Bike Exercise Machines at a Glance

Product
TOP PICK		MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
BEST NOISE-FREE		DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
BEST BUDGET		Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Exercise Peddler	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
BEST FOR REHAB		ANCHEER Under Desk Cycle Mini Exercise Bike	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
BEST FOR INTENSE		Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike	CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Overall Best Pedal Exerciser - MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser

Things we like:

• LCD monitor workout session
• Equipment easily carried anywhere
• Sturdy base and wide footprint
• Adjustable resistance levels
• Adjustable velco straps for all foot sizes

Things we didn’t like:

• Not suitable for intense workout
• Not advisable for uneven surfaces

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Specifications:

• LCD – tracks time with calorie calculator
• Resistance – Touch-free magnetic resistance for noise-free function 
• Pedal – designed for physical therapy with adjustable velcro straps
• Dimensions – 16 in. L x 9 in. W x 16 in. H x 15 in. wide base
• Warranty – 1 year
• Quality – Sturdy and durable steel frame
• Five-Rotation Dial – Stepless and adjustable  resistance dial

The MagneTrainer Mini Exercise bike is the answer to your busy schedule. If you don’t have the luxury of time at your disposal, this machine will give your arms and legs a good exercise.

Its base measures 15-inch wide which is compact and lightweight enough to be carried anywhere. Larger machines may also create noises, which can be a major turn-off when brought at work.

This is another concern that the machine was able to address. You can operate it smoothly without distracting your co-workers.

MagneTrainer also understands that users have different resistance preferences. The resistance levels give you the freedom to amp up your workout sessions from the easiest to the most difficult level.

In terms of value for money, this is our top pick because of its reasonable price of just less than $200. It also comes with a 30-days money-back guarantee in case you’ll not be satisfied with the product, but we doubt that! 

Best Noise-free and Maintenance-Free: DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle, Pedal Exerciser – Stationary Mini Exercise Bike

Things we like:

• Easy to install
• Lightweight and portable
• Maintenance-free and Noise-free
• Sturdy and durable metal frame
• Cost-effective

Things we don’t like:

• Insufficient clearance under the desk for tall people
• Sitting on a swivel chair makes pedaling a bit of a challenge unless you have a leg strap

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Specifications:

• LCD – records up to 1000 minutes or 16 hours.
• Resistance – 8 resistance levels 
• Pedals – Large sized with adjustable velcro straps
• Dimensions – 24 in. L x 20 in. W x 10 inches H and 23 lbs 
• Warranty – 1 year 
• Quality – high-quality, sturdy and durable materials for long work out sessions
• Kensington Slot – secured  bike on desk
• Whisper-Quiet Operation- precision flywheel for noise-free usage

A busy schedule always gets in the way of improving your overall health.

DeskCycle Pedal Exerciser perfectly captures what users need by creating an ergonomically designed machine that’s also easy on your budget.

DeskCycle provides the lowest to the highest resistance levels. At 1 revolution per second, you can have a leisurely pace until you work your way to a more intense level. 

What’s even more impressive about this machine is that it offers a low-impact, high-calorie burning workout without distracting anyone.

Its design allows you to pedal under your desk. It fits a 27-inch desk without feeling any back discomfort. 

Best for Budget and Limited Space - Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Exercise Peddler with Electronic Display

Things we like:

• LCD indicates exercise time, revolution count, revolutions per minute (rpm's) and calories burned
• Noise-free exercise equipment
• Resistance easily adjusted with tension screw
• Built with four anti-slip rubber pads prevent sliding and protect surfaces
• Well-built frame with easy foldable design

Things we don’t like:

• You will need a separate pulse oxymeter to track heart rate
• Some parts break quickly
• Small people find it challenging to fully reach the pedals
• Limited weight capacity

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Specifications:

• LCD – tracks time, RPM, and calories burned
• Resistance –  Adjustable with a tension screw
• Pedals – Anti-skid pedals with Four anti-slip rubber pads 
• Dimensions – 55.5 in. L x 25in. W x 37.5 in. H
• Warranty – Lifetime limited warranty
• Quality – Sturdy and well-made frame, portable and stable equipment

The Folding Exercise Peddler with Electronic Display by Drive Medical comes with high quality, lightweight and very sturdy metal frame.

If you have limited space in your home or your office, this is the perfect choice for you because it comes with a foldable and easy to assemble option.

The peddler also monitors and records five different functions as stated in the Pros section, these include a timer for a workout session, revolution count, revolutions per minute (rpm’s), calories burned and quick scan features for all values.

So if you’re always on the go, has limited storage or footprint, small office cubicle space then this is the one for you! 

Best for Low Impact Exercise & Rehabilitation - ANCHEER Pedal Exerciser – Under Desk Cycle Mini Exercise Bike

Things we like:

• Equipped with 8 Levels of tension for a versatile workout
• Ideal for a person undergoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Adjustable buckle can be attached to the office-chair firmly and the foot cap is secured and will not fall off

Things we don’t like:

• No in-built music system
• No resistance level indicator
• The model is still new on the market

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Specifications:

• LCD – tracks distance, time, calories burned, speed, ODO, and RPM.
• Resistance – 8 Levels resistance for light to intense workout
• Pedals – Anti-skid pedals with four rubber pads 
• Dimensions – 24.6 in. L x 15.5 in.W x 8.6 in. H
• Warranty – 2 years
• Quality – sturdy and durable steel frame for light to intense workout 
• Non-slip fixed rope – Adjustable buckle with tether attachable to office-chair 

The ANCHEER Pedal Exerciser is a good option if you are recovering from medical conditions like stroke or other types of muscle weakness problems.

This exercise machine is ergonomically designed for low impact exercises, helping to reduce further injury instead it helps to improve muscle condition and promote better circulation all throughout the lower portion of the body.

It gives the best value for your money with its $120 price range, and has  Whisper Quiet Operation feature that makes it a win-win if you are using it in the office or simply watching TV at home!

Best for Intense Workout - Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike with Digital Monitor and 8 Level Resistance

Things we like:

• Reliable and easy-to-read digital monitor
• Noise-free operation
• Large pedals with adjustable straps that can fit both hands and feet
• Equipped with 8 Level micro tension controller

Things we don’t like:

• Cannot be integrated into workout apps or programs
• Limited to 220 lbs maximum user weight
• Requires higher table or desk when doing arm exercises
• This model requires assembly

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Specifications:

• LCD – tracks Time, Speed, Distance, ODM, and Calories
• Resistance – 8 level resistance level through micro tension controller
• Pedals – Large with adjustable velcro straps
• Dimensions – 22 in. L X 18 in. W X 14.75 in. H 
• Warranty – 1 year
• Quality – metal frame with compact and space-saving design

Sunny Health and Fitness is no stranger to the fitness industry.

This brand is well-known and they are a go-to brand in terms of affordability and quality. If you are planning to buy an arm and bike machine that will cost you less than $100, then this is a good option.

For an intense workout program but still considering portability, weight, size, and functionality. This product is a win-win, although some users report some malfunction on screens and other parts it is still a go-to product. 

Our Verdict

In buying an arm exercise bike, you have to know what your fitness goals are. You have to figure out how often you’re going to use the pedal exerciser and how hard you’re going to push yourself. In some cases, people overestimate their abilities and they end up buying the most expensive bike. You need to set realistic estimations so it will be easier for you to choose the best pedal exerciser that is aligned with your workout goals. 

Our picks the MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciserbecause of its superior performance, durability and versatility that can match a regular exercise bike for an affordable price. Anyone who needs a good workout can rely on MagneTrainer when it comes to providing great results. Since it provides quiet operation, you can continue your workout sessions in the office without distracting your coworkers. 

Over-all, this arm and leg exerciser is a major hit, “I absolutely love it and it is good for home use or in the office under a desk. Best money spent.” according to one reviewer. Whether at-home or in-office workout, we recommend MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser as the best bike in this category. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an Arm Bike Exercise Equipment?

It’s a piece of pedal exerciser that you pedal using your arms. It works like a bicycle and it is intended for improving the strength and endurance of your upper body. 

Is the arm bike a good workout?

The arm bike can boost your heart rate and burn calories just like regular cycling. You can even achieve a total body workout from an arm bike. 

How many calories do you burn on an arm bike?

A 30-minute arm bike session can burn up to 393 calories. Keep in mind that you burn calories based on a number of factors including the session’s level of intensity. 

What Features to look for an Arm Bike Machine?

• Pedals

Exercise routines need to be sustainable to achieve your personal fitness goals. For this to be possible, the best pedal exerciser for the upper body needs to have comfortable and natural pedaling motion so you won’t end up jarring your joints. Wide pedals are a must as they ensure that your feet won’t slip whenever you pedal. The pedals should also have straps for stability. 

• Weight & seat 

The weight of exercise bikes may vary but the maximum weight capacity should be at least 15 kg more than your weight. The weight capacity of a mini exercise bike determines its stability. Greater weight means more stability. As you need to use the pedal exerciser for long hours, the seat should be softer and larger. A piece of indoor pedal exerciser that does not give you any discomfort makes your physical activity more enjoyable. 

• Resistance levels

The resistance levels will depend on your bike machine. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your exercise equipment, choose a machine with 8 resistance range you can adjust. 

• Noise level 

Some bikes make a louder noise the harder you pedal. The noise can be distracting and unbearable. Some brands with fans make a noisier sound because of the air resistance feature. If you’re concerned about the noise, you should choose quieter brands. 

• Design and Appearance 

Comfort should be a priority regardless of your budget. However, you should not also overlook the design and appearance as they are equally important. It’s also essential that you can use all of the basic features for a maximum upper and lower body workout experience. 

• Durability 

Many exercise bikes these days are ergonomically designed so you don’t have to worry about storage. Make sure the equipment is made of durable materials so it will last long. You’re not getting value for money if you end up replacing your exercise equipment after several uses. 

• Functionality 

While the purpose of arm bikes is to give you a good upper and lower body workout that will tone your muscles, your exercise experience doesn’t have to be a bad one. Check handlebars and pedals if they’re easy to use. Smooth operation is an essential recipe for comfort. Tracking your progress allows you to adjust your performance. The best pedal exerciser is the type that you can integrate with a fitness app is the way to go. 

• Affordability and Warranty 

A pedal exerciser manufacturer that stands by its word will offer a warranty for its product. Some offer warranty against defects while others provide a full warranty. Be sure to ask the arm bikes manufacturer about the product’s warranty. When it comes to pricing, expensive options don’t guarantee durability. You’ll need to do some research to find out if your prospective brand is worth every penny. Focusing on the cheapest option is not the best practice to follow either as the quality is often compromised. Be sure to buy a high-quality arm bike that is reasonably priced with free shipping options.

Other exercise bikes that you can consider:

Upright bikes – Also known as a static exercise bike, this is a common type of pedal exerciser. The exercise position resembles a standard shopper bicycle. It is the cheapest entry-level option to consider. If you don’t have enough space, an upright bike is also the best alternative because of its compact design. Although it’s a low-impact option, it guarantees to tone your muscles and strengthen your legs. It’s a great piece of pedal exerciser to assist you in your upper and lower body cardio workout. 

Recumbent bikes – A recumbent exercise bike has a unique shape and comes with a seat more comfortable than most standard exercise bikes. The seat is also larger for better back support. You’ll be able to sit back as you perform a cardio workout. It’s best for people recovering from back or knee injuries. It can aid your existing physical therapy. The primary focus of recumbent bikes is on the glutes with a more powerful impact on your lower body, especially your stomach muscles. 

Spin bikes – A spin bike is also referred to as an indoor cycling bike. Its design provides you with the same experience as riding an outdoor bike. 

Hybrid bikes – With a hybrid bike, you get the best of both worlds as it is a cross between a recumbent bike and an elliptical machine. It makes a workout more interesting as you utilize two pieces of exercise machines for the price of one.