The Best Elliptical Bikes for a Low-Impact Workout
Get out of the gym and cruise the streets on an elliptical—really.
Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.
Outdoor elliptical bikes combine the low-impact exercise of an elliptical and the freedom of getting outside for a ride. And if you’re a cyclist who suffers from the aches and pains that come from bad posture, checking out an elliptical bike provides an alternative to the usual seated position you take on a traditional bike.
If you’re looking to go on a leisurely ride down the bike trail, turn heads while cruising on the roads for a workout, or take the pounding off your joints from those runs as a way to cross-train, you’ve got options to fit whatever goal you’re looking for.
What to Consider
We all know cycling is a great workout, but that doesn’t take away the fact that you spend a lot of time in a seated position.
“Hip flexors get tight and weak and spine and shoulders slouch forward, exacerbating poor posture,” says Bradford Shreve, a trainer at Life Time Athletic at Sky NYC. “An elliptical bike addresses these issues by maintaining a vertical posture. Instead of being compressed, the glutes and hip complex are now free to do what they do best—keep us standing tall and generate force,” Shreve says. “The body is back to generating tension and absorbing impact across the entire body, which diffuses and absorbs impact more efficiently.
If you’re considering an elliptical outdoor bike, it may intrigue you to know that they’re a low-impact exercise that’s easier on your joints and body, and also one that engages many more muscles than traditional cycling. You can actually work out your upper body, lower body, and improve your overall cardiovascular health with regular use. “More and more people see the benefits of maintaining an upright posture and will minimize sitting and seated positions wherever possible,” Shreve says.
Look for an outdoor elliptical bike that can support your weight and has an adjustable handlebar that accommodates your height. There aren't many outdoor elliptical bikes on the market, so most brands allow for adjustability as they don't make specific frames for all body types. If you're looking for an elliptical bike for commuting, consider one that's foldable for easy storage when not in use.
How We Evaluated
To find the best outdoor elliptical bikes on the market, we searched the internet for the most highly rated products from online retailers. We also took a look at other bicycling blogs and publications and considered their recommendations. There's a small market for outdoor elliptical bikes, but you can rest assured that the models below are the best of the best.
Looking for other rides? Check out our picks for the best cheap e-bikes, best e-bikes available on Amazon, and the best fat tire e-bikes.
ElliptiGO RSUB Road Performance Outdoor Stand Up Bike
ElliptiGO RSUB Road Performance Outdoor Stand Up Bike
Pros
- Ships mostly assembled
- Oversized pedals for easy access
- Adjustable one-size-fits-all steering
- Full-size tires and disc brakes
Cons
ElliptiGO’s RSUB resembles a cycling motion but allows riders to be in a standing position. Riders will have eight different levels of resistance for climbing hills and sprinting flats. It's strapped with full-sized 700c wheels and disc brakes for reliable safety. With this bike, you’re getting a full-body workout (and getting around town) for a pretty good price.
Key Specs
| Colors | Aqua, black, orange |
|---|---|
| Weight | 31.4 pounds |
| Max Capacity | 300 pounds |
ElliptiGO 3C Long-Stride Elliptical Bike
ElliptiGO 3C Long-Stride Elliptical Bike
Pros
Cons
- Pricey
ElliptiGO’s Long-Stride Bike gives an elliptical feel and the motion resembles that of running, but this low-impact alternative is great for any rider.
The Long-Stride bike comes in 3C, 8C, and 11R options, all of which have similar specs. Opt for a 3C if you plan to ride on mostly flat roads and mild hills (up to 5 percent grade) or 8C and 11R if you want all-terrain capabilities—including hills (20 to 30 percent grade). The cruising speed of all three models is 15 mph and riders can reach speeds in excess of 23 mph.
[Find 52 weeks of tips and motivation, with space to fill in your mileage and favorite routes, with the Bicycling Training Journal.]
Key Specs
| Colors | Green, black |
|---|---|
| Weight | 42 pounds |
| Max Capacity | 250 pounds |
ME-MOVER Speed Pro Elliptical Bike
ME-MOVER Speed Pro Elliptical Bike
Pros
- Can go 20 mph or faster
- Includes front and rear disc brakes
- Folds up for storage and transport
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy
This elliptical is built for speed, and it sports a larger set of wheels (16 inches) and a longer wheel base than its predecessor. It has a generous gearing ratio that prioritizes speed (up to 20+ mph, according to the manufacturer) with minimal effort, plus it’s foldable for easy packing on the go. If you’re looking for an elliptical bike that provides intense speeds and awesome stability to match, grab this one.
Key Specs
| Colors | Green, black, blue, orange |
|---|---|
| Weight | 51 pounds |
| Max Capacity | 220 pounds |
Me-Mover Fit 2022 Elliptical Bike
Me-Mover Fit 2022 Elliptical Bike
Pros
- Foldable for easy storage
- Mimics the motions of running and skiing
Cons
- Low weight limit
- Heavy
This elliptical trike mimics the feeling of skiing and running, offering a near full-body outdoor workout that’s low-impact on joints and tendons.
The Me-Mover Fit is a stand-up bike that offers smaller, 12.5-inch wheels for more stability when hitting lower speeds, and an easy ride, thanks to its short ground clearance. It also has a stout frame for improved rider balance and can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. Best of all, it's also foldable, making it great for storing when not in use.
Key Specs
| Colors | Red, black, blue |
|---|---|
| Weight | 51 pounds |
| Max Capacity | 220 pounds |
Halfbike Halfbike
Pros
- Provides a solid workout
- Has three gears to adjust difficulty
Cons
- May be hard to use for less fit individuals
If you’re looking for a workout, and something resembling a bike, check out the Halfbike. If you want to go longer distances or tackle hills, Halfbike notes that doing so may be a struggle for individuals who aren't already in good shape.
There is a learning curve to the balance and riding of the bike, but that’s all part of the fun. The Halfbike has three gears and is made from water-resistant beech plywood. Halfbike’s site also offers a multitude of videos—everything from how to put the bike together to the crew biking in different locations.
Key Specs
| Colors | Red, black, white, blue, teal, yellow, stripe |
|---|---|
| Weight | 21 pounds |
| Max Capacity | 225 pounds |
StreetStrider 7i
Pros
- Foldable for easy storage
- Can be set up with an indoor stand for training
- Can handle steep hills
Cons
- Fairly heavy
This three-wheeled elliptical bike comes in both 3- and 7-speed options, both of which can cruise at 15 to 20 mph. The 3i has three gears (think easy, medium, and hard). This 7i model has seven gears that allow you to take on flat ground and steep hills. Both bikes fold easily for storage and hauling. As a bonus, the StreetStrider can be set up on an indoor stand to become an in-home elliptical.
Key Specs
| Colors | Blue |
|---|---|
| Weight | 54 pounds |
| Max Capacity | 300 pounds |
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
Watch Next
The Hottest Road and Gravel Bikes for Spring
The Best Helmet Cameras for Fun and for Safety
Organic vs Metallic Disc Brake Pads—Which to Use?
2024’s Best and Most Exciting Bikes!
