10 Best Recumbent Bikes under $500 [2021] – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Cardio exercises are becoming very popular in the modern-day and age due to their huge benefits. People join the gym or have the necessary equipment at home for the cardio workout. For a low-impact cardio regimen, the best choice is to have a recumbent bike. Recumbent bikes are on the rise considering their popularity in this era. They provide us a great way for cardio workouts and losing weight. The common perception about recumbent bikes is that they are very expensive, but you can easily find some of the best recumbent bikes under $500. These bikes have a positive impact on every muscle of your body. They are known to improve blood circulation, build endurance anad stamina.

There are plenty of good recumbent bikes that you can find in the marketplace. Here, you will find the best recumbent bikes under $500 available in the market today. Have a look at them and make up your mind accordingly…

Best Recumbent Bikes under $500 – Comparison Table

Best Recumbent Bikes under $500 – Product Reviews

1. Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike

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The Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike allows you to program your exercise goals inside your house. You can customize your exercise routine easily with its 16 present levels of smooth magnetic resistance. This machine is also equipped with a wide LCD screen that displays time, distance, speed, odometer, pulse, and calories. It has a weight capacity of 380 lbs. There is tablet support as well that allows watching movies and many other things when riding this exercise bike.

The wide LCD provides reading in large numbers for better visibility. You don’t have to worry about the machine’s performance as it is fully lab tested for durability, performance, and endurance. A user can perform infinite slider seat adjustments for the user height range of 5’2″ to 6’1″ for this recumbent exercise bike. Your shoes will not slide or slip while using this machine as it has pedals with straps. 

The Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike provides a more comfortable and quiet user experience than other machines. It uses a Needle Roller Bearing for quieter operation rather than an ordinary ball bearing. You also get a double belt that is more stable and smooth than other exercise machines with a single belt. You can easily relocate this recumbent bike with transportation wheels. 

Quick Features

• 48 lbs. product weight
• 380 lbs. user weight capacity
• 16 levels of magnetic resistance
• 3-year frame warranty
• Recommended height range of 5’2″ to 6’1″

2. Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series

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Nautilus is a great brand when it comes to exercise equipment. This recumbent bike by Nautilus is an exciting machine that can satisfy your exercising needs in all ways. It is certainly amongst the best recumbent bikes under $500 having many crucial features for its users. You can set your individual exercise goals during workout periods by its goal tracking capability. It has a total of 22 programs with 9 profile setups so you can set the preferred goals with different choices.

You get 8 heart rate controls, 2 custom, 2 fitness tests, and 1 quick start option that makes you compatible with different exercise stages of this bike. This recumbent bike has 25 resistance levels while having a weight capacity of 300 lbs. that means a significant level of acceptability for bulky people to work out. There are many exciting programmed features like heart rate monitoring and chest strap to name a few.

The LCD is an important feature of any exercise machine nowadays, this recumbent bike also has a dual-track LCD. This LCD allows you to monitor the workout parameters like time, distance, and calories burned. It also gives a better viewpoint for proper workout options. It also features in-console speakers with an MP3 input port so you can have some entertainment while doing exercise.

Quick Features

• 105 lbs. product weight
• 300 lbs. user weight capacity
• 25 resistance levels
• 29 customizable workout programs
• 3 free exercise courses

3. SCHWINN Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike

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If you want to have the ultimate return on investment, you have to have this Fitness 230 Recumbent bike. It features a sturdy but low-profile step-through frame that makes it very easy to get on and off the bike. You can even level this recumbent exercise bike on uneven surfaces and eliminate annoying wobbles by its leveling feet in the back. You have also got a pair of wheels in the front to move the bike around easily.

The seat of the SCHWINN Fitness 230 Recumbent bike has been made of contoured, ventilated hard plastic. It is not a heavily padded seat still a very comfortable one. All-in-all, with this hard plastic seat combined with the side-mounted handlebars, you are looking at a pretty comfortable setup for longer rides. You can do plenty of adjustments to it as the seat is mounted to a solid rail. There is a well-balanced flywheel upfront that runs super-smooth and quietly even if it is pushed hard.

The main console unit digitally controls the resistance on this recumbent bike. It is featured with a large interface, intuitive controls, and two different displays. The top display is for built-in programs while the lower one displays your main stats. The SCHWINN 230 comes with 2 user profile options so more than one person can build their fitness routine. You get 22 presets to choose from, the manual resistance selection is limited to 16 levels.

Quick Features

• 80 lbs. product weight
• 300 lbs. user weight capacity
• 16 resistance levels
• 5.5ʺ LCD screen
• Magnetic resistance mechanism

4. Sunny Health & Fitness Programmable Recumbent Bike SF – RB4850

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Sunny Health & Fitness represents a well-known option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on recumbent bikes. The SF-RB4850 recumbent bike by Sunny is an example of one such bike that is of good quality at an affordable price. It has the trifecta of good frame design i.e. fine leveling adjustment in the rear, a transport handle, and transport wheels. It is constructed from solid steel and is an extremely stable recumbent bike.

The seat of this bike defines what bike comfort is by providing an optimal solution related to it. The seat is made of hard plastic mesh for the contoured backrest while the actual seat is heavily padded with high-density foam. You can adjust the seat using a simple lever mechanism. This bike also supports heart rate monitoring by the sensors found on the handlebars mounted to the seat.

Sunny’s flywheel has always been on point just like in this case. The flywheel of this bike is reasonably silent and smooth. The bike also features a great console with a backlit display that has been mounted above the console. This lets you enjoy your favorite shows while having a bit of exercise. The console is digitally controlled and has 12 built-in presets with 16 levels of resistance to choose from. 

Quick Features

• 86.4 lbs. product weight
• 300 lbs. user weight capacity
• 16 resistance levels
• 12 built-in presets
• Magnetic resistance mechanism

5. Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike NS-716R

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If you want to ride your way to a perfect, strong, and tones body, this Magnetic Recumbent Bike NS-716R is for you. It is certainly amongst the best recumbent bikes under $500 you can lay your hands on. It is a great affordable option without any compromise on the quality and features. It has all the features that are required for a recumbent workout style like magnetic resistance, a large seat with a backrest, a console, and pedals.

Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike NS-716R is popular because of its compact design and ease of use. You don’t need any experience of recumbent bikes to use this machine, just read the manual and you’ll be fine. This machine is the answer to all of your exercise and cardio needs. It has 8 preset resistance levels that can be increased or decreased by simply twisting the resistance knob. 

This bike also includes a user-friendly LCD. You can easily track time, speed, distance, calories, and total distance traveled through various sections of this display. NS-716R has a good comfortable seat with a back pad having high-density foam. There are foam-covered handlebars that provide you maximum comfort and stability while you exercise. You can easily adjust the recumbent bike seat using the adjustment seat knob.

Quick Features

• 59 lbs. product weight
• 300 lbs. user weight capacity
• 8 resistance levels
• Cup and bottle holder included
• Transport wheels included

6. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike SF – RB4953

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This recumbent bike by Sunny Health & Fitness has been designed with a lot of promising features in an exciting price range. It gives you maximum workout options and better optimization, all under $500. The SF-RB4953 makes workout safe and enjoyable by providing good cardiovascular opportunities like broader seats, back support, and universal foot pedals. It has 8 magnetic resistance levels to control the workout intensity according to the user’s requirements.

This magnetic recumbent bike has been equipped with an adjustable wide seat with back support. It makes working out more enjoyable, comfortable, and convenient. You can also track your workout intensity easily with the handrail pulse sensors. It keeps your workouts safe and secure when you use the adjustable self-leveling pedals to prevent slipping of your feet. Its belt-driven mechanism is an exciting feature that ensures low maintenance and smooth workout sessions.

Sunny Magnetic Recumbent Bike SF-RB4953 also features a digital monitor for better control and observation of your workout sessions. You can use this multifunctional performance monitor to track important details like your time, distance, RPM, speed, calories burned, and pulse. This display also has a preinstalled calendar, thermometer, clock, scan, recovery mode, BMI, and body fat percentage calculator. It can also read hear rate by the pulse sensor on the seat-level grip.

Quick Features

• 74 lbs. product weight
• 275 lbs. user weight capacity
• 8 resistance levels
• Magnetic resistance mechanism
• Belt drive system

7. ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Bike

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The ProForm 235 CSX Bike offers an aerobic workout that is more effective, safer, and easier on the joints than running. It is certainly a great option for people searching for the best recumbent bikes under $500 because of its many salient features. It comes with 18 workout apps that mean a variety of workout options with many customizations. This product has a digital silent magnetic resistance ranging from 1 to 18, it allows the workout adjustment at a significant intensity.

ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Bike has a 14 pounds effective inertia-enhanced flywheel. This flywheel ensures a smooth, steady pedal stroke with a faster gear ratio and adequate weight replacement that delivers a natural striding experience. You get to enjoy a large LCD blue tint display that shows the time, distance, and calories burnt during the workout session. There is a Watt calculator on this LCD to calculate the total workload in Watt during exercise.

The frame is the most important part of any cycling device. Gladly, this recumbent bike has a good frame with front-mounted transport wheels so you can move around the equipment easily. There are foam-covered handlebars of standard dimensions that make a solid hold on the bike for a perfect workout session. ProForm 235 CSX has an oversized adjustable cushion seat that can a wide range of individual users. It comes with a 5-year frame warranty and 90-day parts warranty.

Quick Features

• 102 lbs. product weight
• 275 lbs. user weight capacity
• Magnetic resistance mechanism
• 18 resistance levels
• Silent magnetic resistance

8. CIRCUIT Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike AMZ – 587R

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Enjoy the benefits of cycling right in the comfort of your home with this magnificent Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike AMZ-587R. You can perform a full-body workout in an all-in-one workout station that offers convenience, performance, and safety. It is an innovative exercise machine that showcases a heavy-duty steel frame. This frame guarantees you reliable equipment that can withstand heavy usage. It effectively resists scratches, chips, and damage from environmental elements.

The CIRCUIT Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is also equipped with Pulse Sensor and uses magnetic resistance to power a smooth and quiet cardio workout that is ideal for any home. There is an LCD monitor that works in combination with the pulse sensor to track your pulse, calories, speed, and time. This helps you keep track of your progress by constantly notifying you about your workout performance. The console also has 15 workouts presets to add variations to your daily workout routine.

This recumbent bike has a comfortable seat that can be easily adjusted by pulling on the large lever under the seat. The seat is also padded with high-density foam so you can ride the bike for extended periods comfortably. The bike also has small red cogs to level it and minimize any wiggling that occurs during use. You can easily step in and out of this machine by its wide-open design.

Quick Features

• 100 lbs. product weight
• 300 lbs. user weight capacity
• 32 resistance levels
• Magnetic resistance levels
• 15 workout programs

9. HARISON Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike 

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This recumbent bike is an excellent product especially for seniors who wish to remain fit and strengthen their muscles. It is an ideal equipment for cardiovascular exercise and also boosts endurance. It has a well-built frame that can withstand years of usage. It is made from heavy and refined steel that makes the bike run super steadily. It features a step-through design so you can easily step in and out of this machine. Its solid construction can support 350 lbs. weight.

The surface of this recumbent bike has been sprayed with special paint that is environment protecting, anti-rust, and anti-corrosion. You will like its multi-function LCD. It has a real-time digital monitor equipped to record time, speed, distance, calories, RPM, scan, odometer, and heart rate. Some other great inclusions to this model are 2 in 1 tablet holder, water bottle holder, and mobile phone holder. It has 14 levels of smooth magnetic resistance for a wide range of workout intensity options.

HARISON Recumbent Bike features a comfortable oversize padded seat suitable for people of different weights. The seat also has a vented back for a cool, comfortable ride so you can focus more on your workout. Its silent side rail can be adjusted from front to back making a wide range of seat adjustments possible. There are transport wheels to let you move the bike effortlessly. 

Quick Features

• 77 lbs. product weight
• 350 lbs. user weight capacity
• 14 resistance levels
• Stainless steel construction
• Magnetic resistance mechanism

10. Marcy Regenerating Recumbent Exercise Bike ME – 706

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The ME-706 Recumbent Bike is one of Marcy’s mid-range offerings. It is a solid choice for you if you are looking for something unique and different. For starters, it sits on low profile H-pattern frame that is made of flat steel tubes. It comes with some basic level adjustments in the rear and wheels in the front. Its magnetic resistance gives you a smooth realistic feeling while pedaling. 

This recumbent bike has adjustable levelers to balance the bike in almost any location. Its seat is also different from some of the other similar bikes. Instead of going with a hard mesh plastic seat design, it simply has two completely flat boards and added quality padding to them. There are two sets of handles that allow you to push your workout routine to the limit while placing your hands in the most optimal position.

The seat is also made adjustable so you can set it where it perfectly suits you. Marcy has used a quality flywheel in this ME-706 bike that serves a dual purpose, it offers resistance and drives the self-regenerating power system. It means the bike doesn’t require any battery or external power source. It has a basic computer display that keeps track of various factors like time, distance, RPM, speed, calories, body fat, and pulse. 

Quick Features

• 105 lbs. product weight
• 300 lbs. user weight capacity
• 24 resistance levels
• Magnetic resistance mechanism
• Sturdy steel frame

Best Recumbent Bikes under $500 – Buyer’s Guide

Choosing an appropriate recumbent bike might get tricky for some people. To tackle this issue, we have given several important factors here to consider before purchasing the best recumbent bike for you. 

1. Seat Design

A good and comfortable seat design is always required when you are going for recumbent bikes. You can easily find simple padded seats, ergonomic seats, contoured injection molded seats, mesh seats, and various hybrid ones as well when you are purchasing a recumbent bike under $500. Remember, seat design dictates comfort so find an exercise bike that you will be comfortable with for longer periods of use. This is of extreme importance for your fitness and cardiovascular health.

2. Weight and Height

Weight and height are important factors to consider before buying a suitable recumbent bike. You need to know your weight and height so that you can find a recumbent bike relative to it. Consider only those recumbent bikes that are good for your height and weight. Some bikes also have a wide range of height and weight options so you can go for them as well. Always consider your wheelbase before making a choice. 

3. Console and Built-In Features

The workout presets and programs are the main things that differentiate the recumbent bikes by their price. If a bike has a really low price then the workout presets and programs are most probably absent from it. Some mid-range recumbent exercise bikes also have a flagship section of key features. This is an important feature for serious users who are keen to use data to inform themselves about the progress they are making towards their goals.

4. Riding Style

Your riding style would always influence the kind of choice you make when you are looking for recumbent exercise bikes. If you aim to achieve high performance then you need to go for the particular high-performance recumbent bikes. If you value comfort more than anything then you can opt for the one designed with the user’s comfort in mind. 

Best Recumbent Bikes under $500 – FAQs

1. Are recumbent bikes effective for weight loss?

Recumbent bikes are extremely effective for fat reduction and weight loss. These bikes offer high-intensity workout options that have a great positive impact on your body.

2. Can recumbent bikes cause knee injury?

Bikes exercises are considered equivalent to a running routine. Any type of injury caused by recumbent bikes is due to the user’s poor posture. If the seat or backrest of an exercise bike is not suited to your body type, it can cause knee injury as your knees are exposed to heavy stress.

3. Is it better to use a stationary bike every day?

A stationary bike is recommended to be used twice to thrice a week to reduce overtraining and risk of injury. 

4. Are recumbent bikes any good?

Yes, the recumbent bikes are very good considering their results provided you use them accordingly. It also depends on why you want an exercise bike in the first place. Recumbent bikes are also more compact than traditional upright bikes. It is medically proven that recumbent bikes are better than traditional bikes for neck pain in the neck, back, wrists, and elbows.

The Bottom Line

The above-mentioned recumbent bikes offer low-impact exercise options at a lesser cost. They are all budget-friendly bikes that are worthy of fitness tracking. These mentioned models also provide you with the best value for money. Before making a choice, simply consider your requirements and choose the best one that can satisfy your needs and riding style. Anyway, no matter which one you go with, you won’t be disappointed.