Are under desk bikes effective?

Under desk bikes are great for several things, says Dr. Marko. “For mobility of the hips and knees, getting some movement during your day while sitting and working, increasing circulation and blood flow, and they’re a good way to burn a few calories,” she says.

Is an under-desk bike or elliptical better?

Under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals are incredibly similar, so neither is necessarily “better” or “worse” than the other. Under-desk ellipticals tend to be smoother and quieter, whereas under-desk bicycles tend to offer a fuller range of motion. When choosing between the two, consider which machine better aligns with your preferences and goals.

What’s the best way to use an under desk bike?

It’s important that you feel comfortable while using an under desk bike, otherwise, you’ll be distracted and likely won’t want to use it while working or doing other focus-oriented activities. Place it under your desk, and adjust your chair so that your knees don’t hit the top of your desk with each cycle or stride. Users often complain that under desk bikes tend to slip away while pedaling, says Marko. To resolve this issue, she suggests propping your machine against a wall, placing a rubber mat under it, or simply purchasing an under desk bike with a sturdy feel and rubber grips.

How long should you use an under desk bike for?

“This is going to be very personal,” says Marko, “but I think most people would tolerate about 30 minutes at a time.” After 30 minutes, you can take a brief break to stand and stretch your legs. But if you want to continue at longer increments, keep on spinning.

Are under desk bikes safe for your knees?

“Absolutely,” says Marko. “Under desk cycling is a non-weight bearing exercise that is not only safe but may provide benefits too. The circular motion of cycling increases secretion of synovial fluid, which helps to lubricate the knee joint and nourish the cartilage,” she says.

How much does a quality under desk bike cost?

You can expect to pay between $50-$350 for a quality under desk bike that will keep you moving and decrease the number of sedentary hours throughout your day. Price will vary depending on style and added features. The cheapest option on our list, Vaunn Medical's Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser , is often available for just $55. Our top pick, Cubii’s Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine , was $199 when we published this list.

The 8 Best Under Desk Bikes of 2023

The 8 Best Under Desk Bikes of 2022, Tested and Reviewed — Amazon

If you spend your workday at a desk, you could likely benefit from adding more activity to your routine. Luckily, office-friendly fitness machines make it incredibly easy to do so. “The under-desk bike can benefit many people who have sedentary jobs,” Latoya Julce, certified personal trainer and instructor at 305 Fitness, says. These compact bikes slide under your desk, so you can pedal while you work.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a true fitness routine, but more of an extra way to ensure movement while working a desk job,” Julce says. Whether at the desk or on the couch, research has linked prolonged sitting to spine issues, poor heart health, weight gain, depression, and more. Under desk bikes are not a replacement for regular exercise, but they are a fun way to keep you moving throughout the day.

You can increase the intensity of your under-desk workout by speeding up your stride, scaling up the resistance, or adding in upper body strengtheners. “You could grab a set of dumbbells and incorporate some arm exercises to make for more of a challenge,” Julce says. Some under-desk exercisers even come with removable resistance bands that you can use for upper-body work.

Based on our test, here are the best under desk bikes on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Desk:

Flexispot Home Office Height Adjustable Cycle Desk Bike at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Vaunn Folding Pedal Exerciser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with App:

Stamina Inmotion Elliptical at Amazon

Jump to Review

Most Quiet:

DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Elliptical-Style:

DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Resistance Bands:

LifePro FlexCycle Exercise Bike at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Investment:

ORBITREK MX Motorized Under-Desk Elliptical Machine at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.9

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5
Performance

5/5
Features

5/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Quick and easy setup
Includes live and on-demand workout classes
Carry handle for easy portability

Cons

Takes a long time to fully charge

After testing 29 under desk bikes and ellipticals, Cubii’s Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine was an easy choice for our best overall pick—our tester loved its smooth, silent stride and compatible app for live and on-demand workout classes.

The machine was easy to set up, only taking our tester under five minutes to assemble. But it did take four to six hours to fully charge, a minor inconvenience for our tester. We like that the elliptical is smooth and silent, making it a great option for on-call or in-office users. The adjustable resistance—as well as workout classes found on Cubii’s Studio+ app—offer a challenge for users of all levels.

Through Bluetooth connectivity, you can sync this under desk elliptical to your Fitbit smartwatch or Apple HealthKit app to set fitness goals and track progress. You can also do so on the Cubii Studio+ app.

Testing Notes: “I would recommend this machine, especially for someone wanting a smooth and quiet under desk elliptical, or one with an app that can challenge you. I can't imagine a better option.”

The elliptical earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in three of the four key categories we rated it. Our tester only docked half a point from the elliptical’s overall value score because it’s quite expensive. But for great quality and ample features, we think the Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine is worth the price.

Price at time of publication: $199

^{Key Specs:
Style: Elliptical | Weight: 27 pounds | Resistance levels: Eight | Added features: Bluetooth connectivity, Compatible app, Carry handle}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh

4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.5/5
Performance

4.8/5
Features

5/5
Value

4.5/5

Easily adjustable seat positioning
Extremely stable base
Can also be used as a standing desk

Bike seat was slightly uncomfortable
Expensive

This product features a unique, two-in-one design—it functions as both an exercise bike and a standing desk. While it’s the most expensive option on our list, our tester found Flexispot’s Home Office Height Adjustable Cycle Desk Bike worth the price for its dual functionality and performance.

The desk bike only took our tester under eight minutes to assemble, but she did note that it was difficult to carry the packaged product up her stairs. The bike earned a 4.8 out of 5 for performance because it was easily adjustable, provided a smooth and silent ride, and was sturdy during use.

Equipped with a cup holder, large workspace, adjustable resistance levels, and a battery-powered tracker, this bike provides a convenient workspace and a great workout. Our tester loved that she could use the side opposite the bike seat as a standing desk when her legs needed a break from pedaling.

Testing Notes: “I loved that I can stand on the opposite end of the seat and raise the worktop high enough to use as a standing desk.”

It’s important to note that, like most traditional bikes, the seat is rather uncomfortable. But over time, our tester became accustomed to it and was capable of comfortably sitting on it for up to 30 minutes before needing a break.

Price at time of publication: $500

^{Key Specs:
Style: Bike | Weight: 75 pounds | Resistance levels: Eight | Added features: Adjustable desk and seat position, Wheels for easy portability, Cup holder}

Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer

4.2

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.5/5
Performance

3.5/5
Features

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Super lightweight design
Foldable for easy storage
Quick and easy setup

Cons

May be too tall for some desks

If you’re looking for a starter bike or simply don’t want to spend a lot on an under desk exerciser, Vaunn Medical's Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser is a great choice. Our tester appreciated the bike’s lightweight design and foldable legs for easy portability.

The setup was seamless, according to our tester, who noted that the bike came almost entirely assembled. But it did take some time to position the bike correctly and comfortably for optimal use. And when the bike was positioned properly and the chair was scooted out, our tester still found it difficult to type on the computer and focus while pedaling on the bike.

Testing Notes: “For the price, I could see this being a good entry-level option for someone who wants to test out an under desk bike. It's very lightweight and easily portable.”

We recommend this under desk bike for more hands-free activities like hopping on a call, reading, or watching TV. Our tester did appreciate that the machine features an LCD screen to track useful metrics and a handy strap to secure it to your chair for stability.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Style: Bike | Weight: 5 pounds | Resistance levels: Adjustable knob | Added features: LCD monitor to display stats}

Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini

4.3

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.5/5
Performance

4/5
Features

4/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Easy to switch between stats
Forward or reverse stride motion
Textured pedals offer secure grip

Cons

Uncomfortable to use standing up
Difficult to read LCD display screen

Stamina’s InMotion Elliptical is smooth and sturdy, with easily adjustable resistance. But the real highlight of this product is its compatibility with the müüv smart audio coaching app. The app offers an assembly guide video, personalized audio workouts, and integration with iHeartRadio.

On the LCD monitor, you can easily switch between total strides, exercise time, and calories burned. But our tester noticed that the display is quite dark, making it difficult to read. She did like that the pedals were wide and textured for an easy fit and secure grip while pedaling.

The manufacturer states that you can also use this elliptical machine while standing upright, but our tester doesn’t recommend this as she felt unstable and uncomfortable while using it this way.

Testing Notes: “This elliptical bike was easy to assemble, easy to use, and comfortable, and it supported both feet entirely. I used this every day while working at home and plan to continue doing so.”

Overall, we think this product is easy to use, features compatibility with a handy app, and functions well as an under-desk elliptical.

Price at time of publication: $129

^{Key Specs:
Style: Elliptical | Weight: 24 pounds | Resistance levels: Adjustable knob | Added features: Compatible app, LCD monitor to display stats}

Verywell Fit / Katrina Cossey

4.3

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.5/5
Performance

4.5/5
Features

4.5/5
Value

3.7/5

DeskCycle Review

Pros

LCD display is removable
Extremely stable base
Smooth cycling

Cons

May be too tall for some desks

Choosing a quiet under desk bike is essential if you plan on using it during calls or in the office. To avoid unwanted distractions and keep you pedaling throughout the day, we recommend a quiet under desk bike to all users. The DeskCycle Under Desk Bike is whisper quiet, super smooth, and reliably stable, according to our tester.

It required some assembly but took our tester under 15 minutes to fully set up. She used the enclosed wrench to attach any necessary parts with ease and had no trouble following the detailed directions with the photo guides provided. Our tester appreciated that the LCD display can be removed from its home on the bike and placed onto your desk for easy stat-tracking while working.

We like that this bike lets you pedal distraction-free, but its design may be too tall for shorter desks. Our tester noted that, in order to pedal freely, she had to scoot her chair out so that her knees did not hit the desk. This felt less natural to our tester but did result in a straighter posture, which helped her fully use the bike while working.

Testing Notes: “This bike was super smooth and extremely quiet!”

While this silent, smooth, and solid DeskCycle bike performed well, our tester expected a cheaper price, which is why she gave it a score of 3.7 out of 5 for overall value.

Price at time of publication: $189

^{Key Specs:
Style: Bike | Weight: 23 pounds | Resistance levels: Eight | Added features: Removable LCD monitor to display stats, Fitbit- and Apple Watch- compatible, Compatible app}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh

4.3

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.5/5
Performance

4.5/5
Features

3.5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

LCD display is removable
Quiet and distraction-free pedaling
Carry handle for easy portability

Cons

Difficult to read LCD display screen

Under desk ellipticals tend to be smoother and quieter than under desk bikes—the DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical was one of the best elliptical-style machines we tested. It’s quiet and comfortable enough that our tester pedaled for over 90 minutes without even realizing it. It received a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of setup and performance.

Enclosed with the machine are all of the necessary tools required for assembly, which took our tester under 10 minutes to complete. The elliptical fit perfectly under our tester's desk without requiring any annoying and uncomfortable chair adjustments. Similar to the DeskCycle Under Desk Bike, the DeskCycle Under Desk Elliptical has a removable LCD display that can be viewed from your desk for distraction-free tracking.

Testing Notes: “I used this under desk elliptical during a Zoom meeting, and after I was done, I asked the person on the other end if she could hear it or see my movement. She said she had no idea I was even using it!”

But our tester noted that the LCD display screen is small and is not backlit, making it somewhat difficult to read. The tracker itself does not store stats, but the manufacturer states that the device is compatible with Fitbit and Apple Watch, which makes tracking data over time easy-breezy.

Price at time of publication: $259

^{Key Specs:
Style: Elliptical | Weight: 30 pounds | Resistance levels: Eight | Added features: Removable LCD monitor to display stats, Fitbit- and Apple Watch-compatible, Compatible app, Carry handle}

Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya

4.3

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

3/5
Performance

4.5/5
Features

4.8/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Has arm and foot pedals for added versatility
Comes with a non-slip mat, Carry handle for easy portability

Cons

Limited practicality for using resistance bands while working

For those interested in a more versatile under desk exerciser, the LifePro FlexCycle Exercise Bike is a great option. It includes resistance bands and both arm and foot pedals—offering lower and upper-body exercise options.

Our tester rated this machine a 3 out of 5 for setup because what was listed as a five-minute assembly ended up taking her a frustrating 45 minutes. But she did note that all of the parts were correctly labeled, the instructions were relatively clear, and the package included all of the necessary tools for assembly.

Testing Notes: “I was pleasantly surprised by how well the bike worked. I tend to run cold, and after cycling for 20 minutes during a Zoom meeting, I had to take off the sweater I was wearing—It got my blood flowing.”

The lengthy setup was a slight inconvenience, but our tester loved this under desk bike for its quality performance and ample features. She found it great to use while on a call, reading, watching television, or for other hands-free activities.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Style: Bike | Weight: 18 pounds | Resistance levels: Eight | Added features: Resistance bands, Carry handle, Non-slip mat, Compatible app, Digital monitor to display stats}

Verywell Fit / Anna Knief

4.3

ORBITREK

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Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5
Performance

4/5
Features

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Carry handle for easy portability
Bike comes fully assembled
Has pre-programmed workouts

Cons

Requires outlet
Expensive

ORBITREK’s MX Motorized Under-Desk Elliptical Machine was easy to set up, provided a smooth and versatile workout, and offered unique features. It’s expensive, but we think it’s worth the price for its quality performance, pre-programmed workouts, and rare, motorized design.

The under desk elliptical arrives fully assembled and ready to ride, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use. It does require two AAA batteries to function, however. After adjusting the chair to a comfortable position, our tester described a smooth, stable, and silent ride on this under desk elliptical. We appreciate that the machine offers five resistance levels, allowing you to increase the difficulty of your session over time.

Testing Notes: “Pedaling is smooth and the five resistance levels are perfect.”

You can manually change the direction setting on the machine or remote to pedal forward or backward. And our tester appreciated the easy-to-read digital monitor that tracks time, distance, and calories burned as you pedal. On the screen, you can also select from pre-programmed workouts—some of which even offer assisted motorized movement. In these settings, the elliptical machine automatically strides for you, requiring no physical force or effort. This is a great feature for those recovering from certain injuries, those with chronic joint pain, or older adults.

Price at time of publication: $340

^{Key Specs:
Style: Elliptical | Weight: 18 pounds | Resistance levels: Five | Added features: Remote control, Carry handle, Digital monitor to display stats}

Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin

How We Rated the Under Desk Bikes

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best under desk bikes we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These under desk bikes are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great under desk bikes, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These under desk bikes are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend under desk bikes with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

Our 25 expert testers evaluated 29 under desk bikes and ellipticals, but we only included eight in our final list of recommendations. While most of the products didn’t make our top picks list, we did have a few honorable mentions.

The Cubii JR2+ is a self-powered under desk elliptical with easily adjustable resistance, a clear display of metrics, great portability, and a seamless setup. But our tester felt uncomfortable and distracted with each stride. She noted that the expensive machine was not worth the lower back pain she felt while using it.
Our tester liked that the YOSUDA Magnetic Under Desk Cycling Bike YBM-1 has easily adjustable resistance, vividly displays important metrics, and provides a smooth and silent ride. But she had trouble with setup and does not believe the bike is worth its price tag.

Verywell Fit / Anna Popp

How We Tested the Under Desk Bikes

Not every product lends itself to testing in The Verywell Testing Lab, so our expert testers often participate in real-world testing. This type of long-term, consistent testing allows us to get real and accurate insights for our readers. Under desk bikes fall into this category, and 25 of our expert testers helped thoroughly test and evaluate 29 under desk bikes from their own homes and offices.

Our testers followed guidance from Dr. Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist, to test their bikes consistently over a two-week period. They were instructed to pedal on the bike for at least 20 minutes each day and rate it on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for ease of setup, performance, features, and overall value. We used their meticulous scores and thorough insights to curate a list of the best under desk bikes on the market today.

We also consulted with Latoya Julce, a certified personal trainer and instructor at 305 Fitness, about the many benefits of using an under desk bike.

What to Look For in Under Desk Bikes

Setup

With any fitness equipment, you want a seamless and intuitive setup—no one wants to spend hours over an instruction manual putting together an under desk bike. Before making your purchase, take a look at the setup process. Some under desk bikes come fully assembled, like ORBITREK’s MX Motorized Under-Desk Elliptical Machine, whereas others require some setup, as is the case with Flexispot’s Home Office Height Adjustable Cycle Desk Bike.

Style

When shopping for an under-desk exerciser, you may find that under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals are grouped together. While they both have pedals and can help you achieve similar results, some prefer one over the other comfort-wise. Ellipticals tend to be smoother and quieter, whereas bicycles offer a fuller range of motion. If you’re looking for an elliptical, Cubii’s Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine is a great choice. And for a traditional under desk bike, we recommend DeskCycle’s Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser.

Verywell Fit / Anna Knief

Weight

Portability is a feature many people seek when buying an under-desk exerciser—this may be important to you if you’re planning on bringing your workout to the office. Double-check the weight of the under-desk exerciser you’re eyeing before buying to make sure it's easy enough to move. You'll also want one that's secure and heavy enough to stay put while in use. If you’re looking for a portable under desk bike, Vaunn Medical's Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser is the lightest option on our list.

Resistance

Portability is a feature many people seek when buying an under-desk exerciser. Double-check the weight of the under-desk exerciser you’re eyeing before buying to make sure it's easy to move. You'll also want one that's secure and heavy enough to stay put while in use.

Many under-desk bicycles and ellipticals come with adjustable resistance. This feature allows you to scale up the intensity of your workouts and helps you build strength while you pedal or stride. It's also important if you want to make your workouts more challenging.

Verywell Fit / Riyana Straetker

Frequently Asked Questions

Are under desk bikes effective?

Under desk bikes are great for several things, says Dr. Marko. “For mobility of the hips and knees, getting some movement during your day while sitting and working, increasing circulation and blood flow, and they’re a good way to burn a few calories,” she says.
Is an under-desk bike or elliptical better?

Under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals are incredibly similar, so neither is necessarily “better” or “worse” than the other. Under-desk ellipticals tend to be smoother and quieter, whereas under-desk bicycles tend to offer a fuller range of motion. When choosing between the two, consider which machine better aligns with your preferences and goals.
What’s the best way to use an under desk bike?

It’s important that you feel comfortable while using an under desk bike, otherwise, you’ll be distracted and likely won’t want to use it while working or doing other focus-oriented activities. Place it under your desk, and adjust your chair so that your knees don’t hit the top of your desk with each cycle or stride.
Users often complain that under desk bikes tend to slip away while pedaling, says Marko. To resolve this issue, she suggests propping your machine against a wall, placing a rubber mat under it, or simply purchasing an under desk bike with a sturdy feel and rubber grips.
How long should you use an under desk bike for?

“This is going to be very personal,” says Marko, “but I think most people would tolerate about 30 minutes at a time.” After 30 minutes, you can take a brief break to stand and stretch your legs. But if you want to continue at longer increments, keep on spinning.
Are under desk bikes safe for your knees?

“Absolutely,” says Marko. “Under desk cycling is a non-weight bearing exercise that is not only safe but may provide benefits too. The circular motion of cycling increases secretion of synovial fluid, which helps to lubricate the knee joint and nourish the cartilage,” she says.
How much does a quality under desk bike cost?

You can expect to pay between $50-$350 for a quality under desk bike that will keep you moving and decrease the number of sedentary hours throughout your day. Price will vary depending on style and added features. The cheapest option on our list, Vaunn Medical's Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser, is often available for just $55. Our top pick, Cubii’s Pro Under Desk Elliptical Machine, was $199 when we published this list.

Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who is passionate about making well-vetted product recommendations. She specializes in health and fitness content, always reading up on the latest wellness research.

Additional reporting by Lindsey Lanquist

Verywell Fit writer Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in the health and fitness space. For this shopping guide, she prioritized under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals that were genuinely well-reviewed by those who’d tried them. She also favored options with adjustable resistance. And since preferences can vary so much when it comes to fitness machines, she made sure to include under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals with a range of different features.