Training & Gear

Best Folding Treadmills in 2020 – Reviewed

One of the biggest obstacles to consumers purchasing a treadmill to use in their home or office is space. Many people simply don’t have the space to keep a full-size machine set up all of the time. This results in them having to spend money to go to a gym to use their machines. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem, and that solution is for the consumer to purchase the best folding treadmill available.

These folding machines are easy to stow once the consumer has finished with it so it doesn’t take up valuable space. We think they’re an important piece of equipment for any runner or fitness enthusiast to have in their home and/or office, so we decided to review some of the best ones available. We hope that the below models will help our readers find a model that’s suitable for their space and their lifestyle.

Quick Summary of Folding Treadmills

 Editor’s Choice 
MaxKare Electric Motorized Treadmill  (review)

 Also Recommended 
MiaGeek 2-In-1 Electric Treadmill  (review)

 Also Consider 
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill  (review)

Reviews

MaxKare Electric Motorized Treadmill

 Editor’s Choice 

Even though we couldn’t say that we were familiar with the manufacturer of this folding treadmill, we do think that this is a quality model that provides the runner with numerous benefits. One of the first things we’d like to say about this model was that it was extremely easy to assemble, and it could be easily assembled even in areas where space may be limited. It’s also worth mentioning that this product also folds up quite easily, so it’s easy to find a place to store this treadmill when it’s not in use.

We also liked the fact that this machine was lightweight. That’s always a good thing, especially when so many foldable models fail to make their models easy to move into position. This model was easy to move around, so the consumer should have no problems putting it in a position to use it or move it so that it can be put away.

And although this model is lightweight and easy to move, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t durable. This model can easily withstand a weight of 220-pounds, so many runners are going to feel confident when using it.

For its price range, this model also has a surprising number of features. It has a large, easy-to-read LCD, and it’s equipped with 15 preset programs and a one-touch operation. These features allow the consumer to monitor their date for each session, and that includes data about speed, time, and distance.

This treadmill is also equipped with a 17-inch multi-layer tread belt, and the entire machine is equipped with an anti-shock system that provides a better running experience and helps to save the runner’s knees from some of the impact caused by running.

Keeping all of these features in mind, it’s quite easy to see why many runners are going to want to keep this machine in their home or office. Although we tried to find things we didn’t like about it, everything we came across on this machine worked well. And that, in our opinion, makes it the best folding treadmill available.

PROS:

  • This model is very easy to assemble.
  • This model is lightweight but seems very durable.
  • It has a 17-inch wide tread belt.
CONS:

  • None.

MiaGeek 2-In-1 Electric Treadmill

 Also Recommended 

At first, we weren’t too sure of this folding treadmill, but as we became more familiar with its features, we decided it was truly a model worthy of inclusion on our top list. This 2-in-1 treadmill can be used as both an under-the-desk walking treadmill, or it can be used as a folding treadmill.

It’s a model that’s equipped with a 2.25-HP motor that runs quietly, and it has a walking area of approximately 16-inches by 40-inches. And since it’s capable of supporting up to 220-pounds, runners can feel confident that they won’t break it while using it.

The one thing that we didn’t like about this treadmill, and something that impacts its rating on our list, is that it can’t be folded up if the consumer decides to install the handrails.

Although this model can be folded when the handrails aren’t installed, if they’re on, then the consumer better leave it standing because they won’t be able to put it away. This might not be a big deal to some runners, however, so everyone should decide for themselves whether it’s a deal-breaker or not.

This model does have several other features though that we appreciate. For example, this treadmill uses a belt that’s made up of five different layers. It has a skid-resistant outer layer, a sound-insulating layer underneath that, a support layer, a shock-absorbing layer, and a compression layer. All of these layers come together to make a smooth surface that 16×40-inches, and is both comfortable to run on and quiet to use. It’s a safe surface for running as well.

Other features that can be found on this folding treadmill include a multi-function LED and a Bluetooth audio speaker. Although it doesn’t have an On/Off switch, it does have a remote control that allows the consumer to turn it on and off. It’s also a treadmill that arrives fully-assembled, so the runner can begin using it immediately. All of this makes this a great machine for any runner to use in their home or office.

PROS:

  • It’s both an under-desk and folding treadmill.
  • It arrives fully assembled.
  • It has a built-in speaker.
CONS:

  • It can’t be folded when the handrails are installed.

Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill

 Also Consider 

Okay, the first thing that we’d like to state about this product is that it’s easy to put together and even easier to use. It’s a folding treadmill that can be set in a home or office easily, and it’s a model that features a special mechanism that makes unfolding it safer than a lot of other models available. It also features handrail controls that allow the runner to control their speed and start or stop the machine as needed.

This treadmill is also equipped with nine different workout programs. It features an LCD-display that’s easy-to-read and it even has a smartphone holder. It’s capable of supporting up to 220-pounds and is equipped with three manual incline levels.

Although it is more expensive than the other folding treadmills we have on our list, it’s still a lot cheaper than the $1,200+ models that are used in most commercial gyms.

This product features a 49×15.5-inch running surface, has a max speed of 9 miles-per-hour, and its speed can be adjusted in tenth increments. It weighs approximately 103-pounds and has pulse grips on the handrails that allow the runner to monitor their own heart rate.

Probably the most game-changing feature found on this treadmill, however, has to be its transportation wheels. This model has wheels on the front that allow the user to tile the equipment up to easily move it from room to room. With this unit, no one has an excuse not to get their daily run in.

PROS:

  • It has three manual incline levels.
  • It’s easy-to-assemble.
  • It appears to be quite durable.
CONS:

  • This model costs more than comparable folding treadmills.

A Guide To Buying A Folding Treadmill

After reading our reviews, most people probably realize that buying the best folding treadmill isn’t always the easiest of propositions. After all, there’s a lot of features that the consumer needs to consider, and they have to weigh those features against their particular needs. Some people might want their treadmill to have specific features and other people might find those same features unnecessary. That’s why we’ve decided to write a guide on how to buy a folding treadmill.

In this guide, we hope to cover some of the basics that most consumers are going to want to consider before they purchase their next folding treadmill, as well as some of the features that they may not have even considered. If we have done our job correctly—and we think that we have—all of our readers will walk away from the guide with the information to buy a treadmill that works best for them. So, let’s get things started and jump right into things by starting with the space the consumer has available for the treadmill in the first place.

Consider Treadmill Size & Space Available

One of the most important things the consumer is going to want to think about is if the treadmill is going to fit in the space(s) they need it to fit. If the space the consumer has available won’t fit their treadmill, then what’s the point of buying it in the first place? Therefore, the consumer needs to make sure they pull out a tape measure and find out how much space they have available. This includes not only the width and length of the space but also the ceiling height as well. Once the consumer has double-checked their measurements and recorded them on a piece of paper, then they can find the models that will fit into said space.

Consider How Easy It Is To Fold

Of course, when the consumer is buying a folding treadmill they will want to make sure that it folds easily. This might sound like common sense, but there are plenty of treadmills that claim to be folding treadmills but are a real pain to unfold. If a treadmill is 100+ pounds and doesn’t have an easy-fold mechanism, then the user can end up having to drop it to open it up. And that can shorten the treadmill’s lifespan. The consumer might also want to check if the unit can be folded up when all of its accessories are equipped. Some models fold up easy enough, but they require the user to remove the handrails to do so. If this is an inconvenience, then the consumer might want to consider a model that doesn’t require parts to be removed from it for it to be easily folded.

Consider The Treadmill’s Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is also another important consideration for the consumer to think about before they purchase a folding treadmill. Some of the best models have a weight capacity of 220-pounds, but not all of them do, so the consumer might want to make sure it does. If the runner needs a model that has a higher weight capacity, however, they are probably going to have to purchase a commercial model that doesn’t fold because the 220-250 pound capacity is the maximum for these treadmills.

Consider How Easy It Is To Move

The consumer is probably going to want to make sure that the treadmill is easy to move, and this is more important than some people think. Just because a model can be folded doesn’t mean that it’s easy to use, as some of these models can easily weigh over 100-pounds. To ensure that the treadmill is easy to move, the consumer is either going to want to consider buying a lighter model or a model that’s equipped with easy-transport wheels. Easy-transport wheels allow the consumer to tilt the treadmill back so they can push it on its wheels—much like a hand truck. This makes it a lot easier for moving the treadmill from one room to the next.

Other Features To Think About

Before purchasing a new folding treadmill there are just a few more things for the consumer to think about. And these things are the additional features that the consumer might need the treadmill to have. If the consumer only needs a bare-bones model, they can feel free to skip this section. However, if they need a more fully-functioning model that’s a little bit closer to a commercial model, then they might want to keep the following features in mind.

  • LCD Display
  • Pre-Set Programs
  • Quiet Motor
  • Shock-Absorbing Treads
  • One-Touch Controls
  • Incline Modes

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