Exercising on a stationary bike is an excellent way to stay fit and lose weight, but if you’re vertically challenged, you might find it a little difficult to find an indoor bike that actually fits and is comfortable.
In this article, we’ll help you find the best exercise bike for a short person, so here are our reviews of the many bikes we researched.
This article includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of the products we have discussed in this article, we may receive a small commission.
Our top choice is the PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Bike
We also reviewed:
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Cyclace Exercise Bike Stationary
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Best Exercise Bike for Short Person
Stationary bikes allow you to do your cardio and tone your muscles when the mood suits you from home. But if you’re a shorter person, you might find it hard to find a comfortable bike that fits you and allows you to exercise safely and without exacerbating any strains.
You can definitely find a bike with an adjustable seat, but what you actually need is a bike with a smaller frame. So, we researched the market to look for a bike that may be more suitable.
PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Bike
With a 2-way adjustable handlebar and 4-way adjustable seat, this upright bike is the most suitable bike for short and taller people (6′ 1″) in our humble opinion.
And as attested to by one reviewer…”This is short person friendly bike I am 4’10” and this was the only bike I could actually reach the peddles and ride no hands or reach the handlebars!“
Featuring a thickened steel frame with a 35-pound flywheel, this bike features a quiet belt-driven system and a fixing mechanism that prevents the handlebar from wobbling. It features a wide and cushioned seat that can be adjusted into 4 different positions.
The non-slip handlebar can be adjusted into 2 different positions for beginners and professionals. You can easily move the bike using the built-in wheels.
This bike comes with an LCD monitor so you can keep track of your fitness routine. It also features a device holder, so you can enjoy your videos and songs, in addition to a bottle holder.
It comes with non-slip cage-shaped pedals with adjustable straps to fit different foot sizes. However, you’ll need time to adjust to the saddle because it tends to slide to the front, so you might slip.
- Dimensions: 40 x 21.7 x 46 inches
- Weight: 79 pounds
Pros:
- Quiet belt-driven operation
- Stylish
- Good value
- Adjustable handlebars 2 positions
- 4-way adjustable seat positions
- Comes with a device holder and bottle holder
Cons:
- The monitor is simple (no RPM)
- Not for ultra serious cyclists (reflected in price)
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
The Xterra FB150 like its more fully-spec’d stable mate the FB350 is an x-frame design that makes it more versatile when adjusting for shorter heights.
A testament to the Xterra’s suitability as a bike for short person was made by one reviewer who said…”my wife is only 4’11” and she doesn’t even have it at the shortest option. It’s great for us little folk“.
If you’re looking for a lightweight and folding exercise bike, then this one will be the right one for you. It measures 18.1 x 18.1 inches when folded, so it’s also suitable for those who don’t have enough storage space. Adjusting the resistance to 8 different levels is easy and allows you to customize your workout routine the way you like it.
It comes with a large and comfortable seat and multi-position padded handlebars for support. It also has an LCD window that shows information about your workout.
Putting this bike together doesn’t take much time, and thanks to its sturdy frame and compact design, it’ll work for anyone who measures between 4 feet 10 inches and 5 feet 10 inches. The maximum weight limit is 225 pounds, so it’s a bit limited compared to other models.
The x-frame design is good but I feel that there is a tendency for it to topple sideways even though it’s quite a sturdy build.
So I wouldn’t be aggressive on it and try out of the saddle cycling.
- Dimensions: 31.89 x 18.1 x 43.3 inches
- Weight: 32 pounds
Pros:
- Very good price
- Lightweight bike with a folding design
- Resistance adjustable to 8 levels
- Smooth action and quiet. Comfortable handlebars
- Heart-pulse sensors
Cons:
- Not suitable for anyone who weighs more than 225 pounds
- Resistance levels aren’t very difficult
Cyclace Exercise Bike Stationary
Generally speaking, the Cyclace upright bike is a better quality build and has more features than our other choices and would be top of the list.
However, its requirement for comfort for those with the shortest legs doesn’t quite make it. Even though some reviewers did think it suitable…”I am 5-1 and I can sit comfortably at the lowest settings” and “I’m 5’3 and heavy, and it’s been easy to get on and very sturdy while doing a spin class“.
With a 36-pound flywheel, this bike can support heavyweight riders up to 330 pounds. The seat can be adjusted to 8 positions, so it supports short riders as short as 5 feet 1 inch. This bike also features a wide frame that stays stable and safe, and you can adjust the resistance using a dial knob.
Riding this bike causes little noise, thanks to the wool brake pads. It’s also safe because the security setting maintains the height of the handlebars while adjusting the resistance level.
The handlebars can be modified into five different settings, and the cushioned seat supports your back to minimize discomfort. I loved the choice of handlebar positions. When I start, then tire then finish I always crave a different “hold”.
You can set up this bike anywhere you like because it comes with four balance regulators, and the cage-style pedals will prevent your feet from slipping.
As usual with these machines, a digital screen shows data about your workout routine with the normal metrics, speed, distance, calories burned. Although like most other machines some of the results may not be that accurate.
Assembling this bike doesn’t take much time, but the seat is narrow, so it will be a little uncomfortable.
We love how it supports heavyweight riders.
- Dimensions: 47.24 × 24.21 × 47.24 inches
- Weight: 86 pounds
Pros:
- Cushioned seat can be adjusted to 8 settings
- Quiet operation with the adjustable resistance knob
- Wide and stable frame
- Handlebars can be adjusted into 5 levels
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Adjusting to the lowest level might cause conflict with knees.
- Bit more pricey
YOSUDA Indoor Bike
Some found this, the Yosuda bike to be uncomfortable on the seat and handlebars lower settings but for at least one reviewer there was a thumbs up…”my 4’10 child fits pretty well on the bike, although the handlebars are a little far for him to comfortably reach“.
We think around 5′ 3″ would be the minimum size suitable for this bike.
The belt-driven system of this bike delivers quiet yet reliable performance. It features a steel frame and comes with a 2-way adjustable non-slip handlebar and a padded seat that can be adjusted up to 4 positions.
The bike offers a large range of resistance to help you customize your workout routine although it’s a variable system so you can’t gauge it.
Working out on this bike is safe thanks to the 35-pound flywheel and the anti-skid cage pedals that keep your feet stable. Moving this wheel around is easy because it comes with bottom wheels, so you don’t have to lift the bike or suffer from muscle strain.
It’s sturdy enough to support a maximum weight of 270 pounds and comes with an LCD monitor that shows data about your exercise regimen. It comes with a device holder for your phone and a water bottle holder. All the parts are baby-proof, but at a higher speed, the bike might start to hum.
- Dimensions: 40.16 x 21.65 x 46.06 inches
- Weight: 72.75 pounds
Pros:
- Quiet performance
- 2-way non-slip handlebar
- 4-way adjustable seat
- Anti-skid cage pedal
- Easy to transport
Cons:
- The bike starts to hum at higher speeds
- Can’t measure resistance
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike
Agh, here’s something different a recumbent bike for short person! On the one hand it seems like a design suitable for adjusting to fit the needs for different heights.
The Marcy recumbent is designed to suit anyone between 5′ and 6′. And we were able to lessen the space between the seat and pedals further by stuffing a cushion at the base of the back.
As one reviewer said…”I am only 5’2″ and I can use it without any issues at all“.
Having said that, it was surprisingly difficult to adjust for people of different heights. That is, the distance between the seat and pedals.
This 14-gauge steel bike is affordable with eight resistance levels, so it works for beginners and more experienced users. It comes with a cushioned seat to support your lower back, and the pedals are equipped with special straps that protect your feet from slipping as you increase the speed.
The foam-covered handles allow for better support while you’re exercising, and the seat can be adjusted for more comfort. You’ll enjoy working out on this bike because the LCD screen shows information about your workout routine.
What really makes it amazing for beginners and shorter people is that this bike has a step-through design for easy training and quick mounting. It weighs 61 pounds but can support riders who weigh up to 300 pounds.
Moreover, you can easily move it into any room because it comes with built-in wheels. Assembling this bike might be a little challenging, but once you put it together, you’ll have a solid exercise bike that will last for a long time.
- Dimensions: 58 x 20 x 38 inches
- Weight: 61 pounds
Pros:
- Sturdy and affordable exercise bike
- Cushioned and adjustable seat
- Eight levels of resistance
- Foam-covered handles for support
- Step-through design for easy mounting and dismounting
Cons:
- Difficult adjusting seat to pedal settings
- Assembly is difficult
- Narrow strap pedals
What to Look For in the Best Exercise Bike for Short Person
Although there are hundreds of exercise bikes on the market, only a few will work for a short person. Here are some factors to look out for.
Durability and Stability
Finding a sturdy and durable bike is a must, even if you’re a short or lightweight person. The purpose is to guarantee that your investment will last for long and you can safely exercise and stay fit on a bike that won’t break or wobble for maximum safety.
Operation
An exercise bike is either chain or belt-driven. A belt-driven bike is more comfortable and quieter. Although a chain-driven bike is noisier, it’s more affordable and will work for you if you’re on a tight budget.
Height Adjustment
Standard exercise bikes can be adjusted to suit riders of different heights, but you need to find a bike that can be adjusted to fit someone who’s as short as 4 feet 10 inches. If you’re shorter, an exercise bike that works for teens or kids will be a better option.
Resistance Levels
Make sure that your exercise bike offers the ability to adjust the resistance to different levels. This will allow you to adjust your workout routine whether you’re trying to lose weight, increase your muscle mass, or stay in shape. Having different resistance levels makes the bike suitable for every rider, regardless of their experience level.
Weight Capacity
Just because you’re short doesn’t mean that you’re lightweight. Some short bike riders are overweight, and if you’re one of them, you need to consider the weight capacity on the bike, so the frame doesn’t break or bend.
Comfort
Exercising doesn’t mean that you should be uncomfortable. This is why you should make sure that the seat is comfortable and padded to reduce pressure on your lower back. You should also make sure that the pedals are caged to keep your feet stable.
Maintenance & Your Exercise Bike
Maintaining an exercise bike is as important as putting in the effort to buy it in the first place. Here are some steps that you can follow to keep your exercise bike in top shape.
- Read the instructions manual carefully before putting the bike together. This way, you can make sure you’re not ruining any parts by installing them in the wrong order. If you’re unsure about the assembly, you can hire a technician to put your exercise bike together.
- Always wipe the bike clean and don’t allow dust to accumulate because it affects the friction. If you’re not going to use the bike for a while, cover it so it doesn’t get dirty.
- Have the bike checked by a technician once a year. They can replace the faulty parts, tighten the loose parts, and oil the mechanism to keep it smooth.
Wrapping Up
Exercise bikes come in all shapes and sizes, just as we do but finding a suitable one for a shorter person takes time because it should fit comfortably.
A person can simply have a short leg reach.
We chose the PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Bike as our top choice because it’s not only suitable for anyone around 5 feet and below but it can also be comfortable for taller people. It’s well built and at a reasonable price.
