5 Best Pedal Exerciser for the Elderly to be Healthy in 2020

Seniors and the elderly spend an extraordinary amount of time sitting each day. Because, sitting has many negative consequences, exercise gear like the pedal exerciser for seniors and elderly may help lessen some of the bad consequences. Most noteworthy, these pedals are specially built for the elderly and seniors. For example, they are not heavy, thereby allowing the elderly to lift them on to a table for exercising their arms or storing them away after use.

Quick Answer: 5 Best Pedals For The Elderly In 2020

Table of Contents

5 Best Elderly Pedal Reviews

Editor’s Choice

​Vive Desk Cycle - Foot Pedal Exerciser

Comparison of 5 Best Elderly Pedals

Vive Desk Cycle - Foot Pedal Exerciser, Folding Mini Bike

The most popular Vive desk cycle for seniors has the features described below.

Assembly

First and foremost, the delivered foot pedal exerciser comes almost fully assembled. In fact, the only assembly required is to screw in the tension knob.

Dimensions

In addition, the foot pedal exerciser is 19 inches long, 14.5 inches wide and 9 inches high. Also, at it's highest point the pedal is 12 inches above the floor. So, use this data with FAQ section titled "Height for use Under a Desk" to determine feasibility of under desk use.

Display

Especially relevant, the easy to read LCD screen displays, with the touch of a button, revolutions per minute, time, speed and calories.

Exercise

Most of all, the desk cycle exercises both legs and arms.

Foldability

Next, the cycle is easily folded for storage. As a result, it doesn't take up floor space when not in use. 

Pedals

In addition, the four inch wide pedals with a non-slip surface and adjustable toe loops helps keep your feet in place as you peddle.

Sliding

Furthermore, the cycle has non-slip, non-marking feet that ensure it stays in place while being used on hard floors, carpets, and table tops. And the low profile prevents the cycle from wobbling and sliding.

Tension

Next, the tension knob allows you to adjust resistance, thereby making it easy to adjust your workouts from easy to hard.

Warranty

Especially relevant, the foot pedal exerciser comes with a one year manufacturer's guarantee.

Weight

Finally, it weighs only 5.15 pounds.

B BAIJIAWEI Portable Pedal Exerciser, Under Desk Exercise Machine for Elderly

The very popular B BAIJIAWEI pedal exerciser for elderly has features described below.

Assembly

First and foremost, the delivered B BAIJIAWEI portable pedal comes almost fully assembled. In fact, the only assembly required is to insert a tightening screw.

Construction

Most noteworthy, the portable pedal has a triple-layered chrome-plated steel frame, which provides stability and lifetime durability. In addition, the it is powder coated. As a result, the surface will be more resistant against scratches, chipping, wear, and fading as compared to other type of finishes.

Dimensions

In addition, the exercise peddler is 19.6 inches long, 14.5 inches wide and 9 inches high. Also, at it's highest point the pedal is 13.5 inches above the floor. So, use this data with FAQ section titled "Height for use Under a Desk" to determine feasibility of under desk use.

Display

Especially relevant, an easy to read LCD screen displays, with the touch of a button, revolutions per minute, time, speed, distance, and calories. Meanwhile, the scan button sequentially displays the workout data continuously.

Exercise

Most of all, the portable pedal exercises both legs and arms.

Foldability

Next, the exercise peddler is easily folded for storage. As a result, the peddler doesn't take up floor space when not in use. Especially relevant, the folded size is 14.8 inches long, 14.5 inches wide, and 8 inches high.

Pedals

In addition, the 4 inch wide pedals with adjustable toe loops helps keep your feet in place as you peddle.

Sliding

Furthermore, the anti-slip, triangular rubber pads protects the surface and ensures it stays in place while being used on hard floors, carpets, and table tops. In addition, the peddler can be tied to a chair by fixing straps so that it doesn't slide away while being used.

Tension

Next, the tension knob makes it easy to adjust your workout from easy to hard.

Warranty

Especially relevant, the B BAIJIAWEI portable pedal comes with a one year manufacturer's warranty.

Weight

Finally, it weighs only 6.6 pounds.

Carex Foldable Under Desk Exercise Bike for Seniors

The very popular Carex pedal exerciser for seniors and elderly has the following features.

Construction

Most noteworthy, the foldable exercise bike has an all metal frame.

Dimensions

In addition, the foldable exercise bike is 18.5 inches long, 14.5 inches wide and 9.5 inches high. So, use this data with FAQ section titled "Height for use Under a Desk" to determine feasibility of under desk use.

Display

Especially relevant, the Carex pedal exerciser has an easy to read LCD screen which displays, with the touch of a button, revolutions, time, and calories burned. Meanwhile, the scan button sequentially displays the workout data continuously.

Exercise

Most of all, the foldable exercise bike exercises both legs and arms.

Foldability

Next, the exercise bike is easily folded for storage. As a result, itdoesn't take up floor space when not in use.

Pedals

In addition, the foldable exercise bike has 4 inch wide, 2 inch deep pedals. Also, it has pedals with adjustable Velcro straps. Consequently, these straps help keep your feet in place as you exercise.

Tension

Next, the tension knob, on the foldable exercise bike makes it easy to adjust your workout from very little resistance to some.

Warranty

Especially relevant, the Carex pedal exerciser for seniors comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty.

Weight

Finally, it weighs only 5.5 pounds.

Cozylifeunion Pedal Exerciser, Desk Cycle Peddling Machine

The Cozylifeunion peddling machine for elderly and seniors has the following features.

Assembly

First and foremost, the delivered peddling machine comes almost fully assembled. In fact, screwing on the tension knob is the only assembly required.

Construction

Most noteworthy, it has a strong iron frame. In addition, the frame is powder coated. As a result, the surface will be more resistant against scratches, chipping, wear, and fading compared to other type of finishes.

Dimensions

In addition, the peddling machine is 19.6 inches long, 14.5 inches wide and 12.6 inches high with the pedal parallel to the surface. Consequently, the highest height the pedals reach will be greater than 12.6 inches. So, use this data with FAQ section titled "Height for use Under a Desk" to determine feasibility of under desk use.

Display

Especially relevant, the electronic display shows revolutions, exercise time, revolutions per minute, and calories burned with the touch of a button. Meanwhile, the scan button sequentially displays the workout data continuously.

Exercise

Most of all, the peddling machine exercises both arms and legs.

Foldability

Next, it is easily folded for storage. As a result, it doesn't take up floor space when not in use. Moreover, the folded size is 14.8 inches long, 14.5 inches wide, and 8 inches high.

Pedals

In addition, the peddling  machine has 4 inch wide pedals with adjustable straps to help keep your feet in place as you peddle. Also, the pedal's cranks are covered with insulation to protect legs when the rods get hot from the friction resistance.

Skidding

Furthermore, it has four oversized anti-slip rubber pads to prevent the bike from sliding while pedaling. Also, the pads make it more stable to pedal while also protecting mounting surfaces. In addition, the machine can be tied to a chair by fixing straps so that it doesn't slide away while being used.

Tension

Next, the tension knob makes it easy to adjust your workout from easy to hard.

Warranty

Especially relevant, the peddling machine comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty.

Weight

Finally, it weighs only 6.6 pounds.

XWELL Folding Pedal Exerciser, Pedal Machine for Seniors and Elderly

The XWELL pedal machine for seniors and elderly has the following features.

Dimensions

First, this exercise peddler is 19.5 inches long and 9.3 inches wide. Also, it is 14.5 inches from the floor to the top of the frame housing the pedals. So, use this data with FAQ section titled "Height for use Under a Desk" to determine feasibility of under desk use.

Display

Next, an easy to read LCD screen displays revolutions per minute, time, speed, distance, and calories. Meanwhile, the scan button sequentially displays the workout data continuously.

Exercise

Also, the peddler exercises both legs and arms.

Foldability

In addition, the exercise peddler is easily folded for storage.

Pedals

Furthermore, the oversized textured non-slip foot/hand pedals come with adjustable toe loops to help keep your feet in place as you peddle.

Sliding

Next, the four anti-slip, anti-scuff rubber pads protect the surface and ensures it stays in place. However, it works better on a carpeted floor.

Tension

Finally, the tension knob makes it easy to adjust the intensity of your workout. By the way, the intensity is created by friction resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this Pedal Exerciser?

A senior or elderly pedal exerciser is a tube framed machine with pedals that move just like those on a bicycle. However, unlike a bicycle, these pedals are rotated by legs while sitting in a chair or couch.

And, because they are designed for elders and seniors they are not meant for a heavy duty workout. So, instead of using them to lose weight, they are used to tone legs and arms. Most of all, tube framed pedals offer light resistance, while the cased body pedals offer higher resistance.

How do you Evaluate these Pedals?

Most of all, exercise pedals for the elderly are evaluated using the criteria described in the following sections.

Assembly

First, assembling the pedal exercise machine should be easy. In fact, the less assembly required, the better.

Construction

Next, it is preferable that the pedal be made of heavy-duty alloys or steel. At least the frame must be metal. And, since you may push them hard, the pedals need to be made from heavy duty plastic such as ABS or better. Indeed, the more solid the construction, the longer the foot pedal exerciser for elderly will last, and more stable it will be.

Display

Meanwhile, displays help you keep track of your workouts. For example, workout measurements include revolutions (or rotations), time, revolutions per minute, and calories burned. Moreover, you use this information to monitor your progress over time, or simply to ensure you met your daily target.

Exercise

Also, a pedal exercising both legs and arms gives you more flexibility.

Feet

Most of all, the feet are generally made from heavy duty rubber or other similar material to protect the floor and/or the table from scratches and marks. Also, the feet helps prevent the pedal exercise machine from sliding as you pedal. Indeed, all the pedal exercise machines, described here, are lightweight weighing less than 10 pounds. In addition, most people try to use the pedal exercise machines as they would a recumbent bike – namely by pushing the pedals away from you. This pushing action is a consequence of the chair being behind the pedal exercise machine – as with a recumbent bike. Moreover, this pushing action pushes the pedal exercise machine away from you. So instead of pushing on the pedals, push the pedals down towards the floor. Consequently, the pedal exercise machine may stay in place as you peddle.

Especially relevant, several pedals provide straps to tie the pedal exercise machine to the chair. On the other hand, if you choose one without the straps, there are ways to prevent the pedal exercise machine from sliding.

Foldable

Next, a folding pedal exerciser for seniors makes it easier to store it in small spaces. In addition, folding pedal exercisers are easier to carry around.

Footprint

Most of all, the footprint tells you how much space the pedal exercise machine is going to need, so you can decide if the pedal exercise machine is going to fit where you intend to use it.

Handle

Meanwhile, a handle makes it easier to move the pedal exercise machine around with one hand.

Height for use Under a Desk

Noise

Because the pedal exercise machine may be used in office environments or while watching TV or reading a book, they need to run as quietly as possible. Most of all, pedal exercise machines using magnetic resistance run quieter. On the other hand, pedal exercise machines that use friction for resistance tend to be noisy. To reduce this noise, take the tension knob out and put graphite powder in the tension knob’s hole. And then screw back the tension knob.

Pedals

Most of all, to drive the pedals with your feet, the pedals need to be non-slip or else your feet will not grip the pedals. In addition, pedal straps help grab your feet to the pedal. Moreover, the pedal straps need to be adjustable to accommodate various foot sizes.

Storage

Next, a folding pedal exerciser take up less space in storage than those that can’t be folded.

Tension

Tension is sometimes referred to as resistance. And, nearly all pedal exercise machines provide the capability to adjust tension so that you can change your workout intensity. However, not all pedal exercise machines provide markers that allow you to easily identify tension levels. Furthermore, such markers help you record tension levels of your workouts. And these markers are especially important, if the pedal exercise machine is used by others.

Most noteworthy, tension based on friction will cause metal parts in the vicinity to heat up. Therefore, pedal exercise machines that offer protection from contact with the heated parts are better than those which don’t. Furthermore, depending on the pedal speed, and the length of time pedaling, heating could start to be felt as soon as 15 minutes after starting. However, if you are pedaling slowly, heat from friction likely won’t be an issue. Be that as it may, you can reduce the build up of heat by lubricating. In fact, to lubricate, take the tension knob out and put graphite powder in the tension knob’s hole. And then screw back the tension knob.

Transportation

Because the pedal exercise machines are used under the desk, in front of a couch, on a table, among other places, being lightweight becomes an advantage in terms of moving it from one location to another.

Use

In addition, manufacturers design pedal exerciser for elderly for different use. So you want to look at pedal exercise machines targeted to your need. For example, some pedal exercise machines are designed for the handicapped, and some for beginners. While others are designed for strengthening legs and arms.

Warranty

Especially relevant, the longer the warranty period the better you are protected against manufacturing defects. Indeed, a 90-day period will cover the majority of manufacturing defects. And, since most defects are found in this period, it’s important to ensure your purchase is covered during that time. In addition, a longer warranty period, implies that the foot pedal exerciser for elderly is better built to last a longer time.

Weight

Finally, pedal maachines that weigh less are easier to carry around. On the other hand, heavier pedal exercise machines offer more stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you are looking for essentially a pedal exercise machine that:

What Should I Be Looking At?

First and foremost, itemize what you want from a pedal machine for seniors. For example, the list below gives you a start.

Indeed, answers to these questions and others will help guide you to the pedal machine that's best for you.

What Are Exercise Pedals For Elderly Used For?

Exercise pedals for elderly and seniors are used to get some exercise to stay healthy. They are used to tone leg and arm muscles and get some cardiovascular workout.

Hours Spent Sitting

Most of all, according to the 2017 American time use survey by Bureau of Labor Statistics, seniors:

In conclusion, seniors between the ages of 65 to 74 spent 8.82 hours each day, essentially sitting. While seniors aged 75 and up spent 9.46 hours each day, essentially sitting.

Consequence of Too Much Sitting

Above all, ​prolonged sitting​ on a regular basis results in health problems such as:

In addition, prolonged sitting effects the muscles in the arms and the lower body.

Effect of Sitting on Arm Muscles

The major muscle groups in the arms are:

Indeed, all of these arm muscles are effected by sitting too much. In fact, the triceps are a common area for fat deposits, meaning you’re most likely to notice excess, flabby skin in this area.

Effect of Sitting on Lower Body Muscles

How does the Elderly Pedal Exerciser Help?

By providing some cardio workout, the elderly pedal exerciser helps mitigate some of the negative effects of prolonged sitting. In addition, it helps tone their leg and arm muscles.

Moreover, a study was published in the March 21 2019 edition of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. In fact, the study looked at 14 years of activity and inactivity data of 92,500 people. Meanwhile, one study group consisted of participants who were least active with less than 17 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. And, the study found that if these participants replaced just 30 minutes of sitting with light activity, their risk of premature death falls by 14 percent.

Is there Proof that Elderly Pedal Exerciser Really Helps?

First and foremost, many studies show that physical inactivity and sedentary work environments increases insulin resistance. Moreover, this increase in insulin resistance leads to higher risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Incidentally, University of Massachusetts researchers published a study in October 2018 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Indeed, the study reported that pedaling while working improves the body’s insulin response. Most noteworthy, the pedaling was done on a machine similar to the elderly pedal exerciser.

Meanwhile, the study comprised of six men and six women overweight/obese full-time sedentary office workers. And, these seated participants pedaled for two hours while working at their desks. Incidentally, the participants pedaled at their own pace for as little or as much time as they chose.

Next, after eating a light meal, the participants provided blood samples. The blood samples were used for analysis of metabolic responses of glucose, insulin and free fatty acids. Indeed, glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids are linked to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

When compared to sedentary behavior, the study showed that pedaling required significantly less insulin to maintain glucose concentrations. Consequently, their insulin levels were lower, which in turn, reduced their risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Consequently, the body doesn’t work so hard to maintain blood glucose and fatty acid levels when pedaling. Best of all, their work output and efficiency were not affected by the pedaling.

What Muscles Does Foot Pedal Exerciser Exercise?

Above all, the foot pedal exerciser for seniors can be used in two ways: one for exercising the arms and one for exercising the legs.

Pedals Exercises Arms

When used for exercising the arms, the pedal machine is on a table with the senior sitting on a chair. Furthermore, in this mode, the pedal machine strengthens and tones arms. In fact, the muscles exercised include the biceps, triceps, shoulders and forearms.

Pedals Exercises Legs

When used for exercising legs, the pedal machine is on the floor with the senior sitting on a chair behind it. Furthermore, in this mode, the pedal machine strengthens and tones legs. In fact, the muscles exercised include the hips flexors, glutes, calves, hamstrings and quadriceps.

What Are The Benefits?

Most of all, the pedal machine helps you in the following ways.

How Do You Use This Machine?

The Wrong Way

First and foremost, a foot pedal exerciser for elderly shouldn’t be used like a recumbent bike. Most noteworthy, when you use a recumbent bike, because the seat is somewhat away from the pedals, you end up pushing the pedals forward. So, if you do this with the pedal machine too far away from your chair, the pedal machine will either slide or tilt forward.

The Correct Way

Therefore, keep the foot pedal exerciser for seniors closer to the chair. And, don’t start pedaling until the pedal arm is in the 1 o’clock position. At that time, push the pedals downward towards the floor. And, make sure your toes are pointing forward not upwards. Consequently, you can pedal downward even when you are sitting on a low chair or couch. Moreover, when you are sitting in a low chair or couch, you work both the quads and the hamstrings.

Also, by starting at very little resistance you can learn the correct way to pedal. Most of all, focus on pedaling downwards. In addition, pedal for at least 15 minutes at very little resistance. Next, increase the resistance a little and pedal for another 15 minutes. And, repeat this sequence until you reach a resistance where you are comfortable pedaling.

Lower Body Workout

First, place pedal exerciser for seniors underneath your desk, or on the floor in front of a couch or chair. And do 20 minutes of pedaling with no resistance. Next, increase resistance and do another 20 minutes. And, repeat sequence, as necessary, to complete workout.

Arm Exercises

First, place pedal exerciser for seniors on a table with rubber mat. Next, grab pedals by the hands and rotate them forward, changing the resistance to make it somewhat of an effort. And do this for 15 minutes. Next, change direction and rotate pedals backwards for another 15 minutes. Repeat sequence, as necessary, to complete workout.

Stretch Arm Muscles

Firstly, to stretch arm muscles, put elbow on the table with your arm bent, while keeping the other arm free. Secondly, position the top of your hand so that it is touching the pedal and grasp the pedals with fingers. Thirdly, starting with no resistance, slowly push down on the pedal. Next, pull the pedal back up. And, repeat with the other arm. Next, increase resistance and repeat sequence, as necessary, to complete workout.

Strengthen Upper Body Muscles

First, place pedal machine on a table with rubber mat. Next, grab pedals by the hands and rotate them forward, starting at zero resistance And, do this for 10 minutes. Next, gradually increase time and resistance. And, repeat sequence, as necessary, to complete workout.

Knee Injury

Most of all, you can use the pedal machine to increase flexibility of muscles surrounding your injured knee. Firstly, sit in a firm but comfortable chair to stabilize your back. Secondly, place the pedal machine in front of you. Thirdly, place your feet on the pedals and slowly pedal with zero resistance. Next, gradually increase time and resistance and repeat, as necessary, to complete workout.

Stretching Injured Knee

Finally, the foot pedal exerciser for elderly can be used as a stretching machine. Firstly, slide feet of the leg with injured knee in the pedal next to the floor. Secondly, rotate pedal to the highest height using the leg with injured knee. And hold that position. Next, gently push pedal back down and pull back up. And, repeat this sequence for 5 cycles.

How Do They Compare With Other Desk Exercise Machines?

First and foremost, desk pedals have a circular motion of the lower legs and hence more circular movement of the knees. In addition,  desk pedals exercise glutes, quads, hamstrings, and to a lesser extent the calves.

Meanwhile, the stepping action of sitting steppers requires pushing down on the pedals against hydraulic resistance. As a result, there is greater stress on the knees. But a better lower leg muscle workout, especially of the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.

Finally, under desk elliptical machines produces a walking action swinging the lower legs back and forth. Consequently, the joints relax during the exercise. In addition, the under desk elliptical machines don’t put too much stress on the legs.