Best Exercise Bike For Short Person (By Type)

Being short is hard enough.

Somehow you always end up at the back of group photos, people are blocking the screen at the movies, you can't get on some rides in Disneyland, and the list just goes on and on.

I say, at least when it comes to picking a bike, you should get a break.

So stick around because we're going to look for the best exercise bike for a short person.

But first, how do you find the right size for yourself?

How do you adjust the stationary bike to your figure? 

And what do you even need to look for in an indoor exercise bike?

We're gonna tackle all these questions, so let's start.

Top 3 Best Exercise Bikes For A Shorter Person

Comparison Table

8 Best Exercise Bikes For Short Person - By Type

Let’s dig into our top 8 exercise bikes for a short person, divided by type.

We’ll start with spin bikes, then tackle recumbent bikes, upright bikes, and folding bikes.

Best Spin Bikes

1. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is about the middle of the road in terms of price for the bikes on this list. And with over 20,000 user ratings on Amazon, it’s certainly popular!

One of the best parts is it seems to be suitable for a wide variety of heights, making it a great choice for multiple users in the home. The inseam measurements run from 25 to 35 inches, so you have a lot of flexibility.

The flywheel weighs 35 pounds, so it’s a bit heftier than others on the list. However, that means you get some solid resistance in your cardio training. Plus, the wheel is totally encased, so if you have children or inquisitive pets in your home, they can’t stick their little fingers or noses in and get injured.

It’s got a belt drive, so it might run quieter than a chain (and users report it is quiet, making it great for apartments or shared spaces).

The handlebar adjusts up or down, and the padded seat adjusts up, down, forward, and backward, making this spin bike an excellent choice for multiple users.

Adjustable resistance and cage pedals mean you can cycle your way to enhanced cardio safely and at your own pace. Plus, the wheels at the front mean tilting it forward to move it around your home is a breeze.

2. JOROTO X1S Belt Drive Exercise Bike

The JOROTO X1S has been updated to include new features that make it a popular choice among spin bike enthusiasts. It has a new belt drive, a wider seat, a water bottle holder, and an 18-degree upward handlebar.

The belt drive purports to be super quiet and is attached to a 35-pound flywheel for solid resistance. The wider seat (dimensions 10.6 L x 8.3 W x 4.3 H inches) makes for a comfortable ride no matter how long you’re on the bike.

This is one of the best bikes for a short person because, like many on this list, it has an adjustable seat for a wide variety of inseams. It suits most users of different heights with an inseam option of 25.6–35.4". One user reports being 4’11” and loving this bike.

This spin bike is also super sturdy. It has an AV-type frame made of 50mm thickened steel tubing for a rock-solid build. This bike can hold up to 280 pounds, giving it a slightly higher user weight than other bikes on this list.

One of the best parts about this bike is likely its 1-year warranty of free replacement parts, plus its large tablet mount size of 10.2" x 7.8". So if you like cycling along to one of your favorite shows on your larger tablet, this bike is for you.

Best Recumbent Bikes

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Resistance recumbent bike is a little bit on the pricier side. Still, as far as these bikes go, it seems to be worth the extra investment.

One of the biggest differences between this recumbent bike vs. the other best bikes for short persons is this bike uses magnetic resistance instead of a chain or belt. That means your resistance level is controlled by the computer and is not mechanical.

This recumbent exercise bike has pulse sensors in the handles, making tracking your effort during your workout a breeze.

The mesh seat breathes well and is padded for extra comfort, even on long rides.

Plus, with adjustable inseam measurements from 23.6–33.1 inches, this recumbent bike fits a wide variety of rider heights.

4. Circuit Fitness Recumbent Magnetic Exercise Bike

Don’t let the simplistic design of the frame fool you — the Circuit Fitness recumbent bike is a sturdy and effective exercise bike for short persons.

In fact, the step-through design makes it accessible for folks with mobility or stability issues to quickly and safely start their workout.

The heavy-duty steel frame can support users up to 300 pounds, making this recumbent bike an excellent choice for beginners or folks who want to restart their fitness journeys.

Plus, it has 15 built-in exercise programs simulating the effects of biking in different terrains so you can customize your riding experience and get started right away.

The inseam measurements aren’t readily offered, but one user reports being 6’2”, with his wife being a full foot shorter, and both are able to use this recumbent exercise bike.

Best Upright Bikes

5. Sunny Health & Fitness - SF-B1203

Sunny’s SF-B1203 is the cheapest exercise bike on our list. But this upright bike is probably also the most popular one.

So, if you're at least 5' tall, have a 26” inseam, and on a tight budget, you might want to consider it.

The flywheel comes at 22 lbs. Not the heaviest on the market, but still enough to make the wheel build enough inertia to make you work out a sweat.

It also uses a chain drive, which is excellent because it will enhance your cycling experience.

On the other hand, it means you'll have to take good care of this upright fan bike to keep it going for years to come.

Another thing you'll have to take good care of is the felt pad this bike uses to apply resistance.

However, despite you having to do all these so-called maintenance "sessions," this exercise bike is perfect for short users and will make you work up a sweat as it should.

And that's what we're after. Plus, you won't have to break the bank, so it will be worth your while.

In addition, it has a 4-way seat, which means you can set the distance from the handlebars, not just from the pedals.

Bottom line, the SF-B1203 is a great indoor exercise bike. It will fit you even if you're slightly under 5', and It has a great price.

6. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

The Schwinn 170 Upright Bike tops out our list of stationary bikes in terms of price, but it’s got some good bang for its buck.

To start, it has a fully-loaded console with DualTrack blue backlit LCD screens and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity. So if you want to connect your workouts to an app on your phone, it is an easy process.

Plus, the upright bike itself has 29 different workout programs pre-programmed in, so you can start cycling immediately if you don’t already have an app or workout you’re following.

Users report being as short as 4’9” and still being able to use this bike, making it one of the best options for short people. In fact, the company itself claims it fits users from 4’6” to 6’6” (though inseam sizes aren’t readily available).

This bike also comes with heart rate sensors and padded handlebars to track your effort and do so comfortably.

Best Folding Bikes

7. BulbHead - Slim Cycle - Best for Limited Space

Sometimes you have limited space which is where a folding bike comes in. The BulbHead Slim Cycle bike is one of the more affordable options on this list, so it’s great if you’re on a budget for both money and space.

One of the more unique features of this bike is that you can adjust the seat to sit upright for a more intense workout or lean back to turn it into a recumbent bike.

It comes with 8 levels of resistance, which is fewer than many bikes on this list. However, it also has built-in resistance bands, so you can do bicep curls as you pedal.

So if your goal is to get more movement into your day (and not necessarily conquer the Tour de France), this affordable and multifaceted bike might do the trick for you.

Plus, users report that at 4’10” (at minimum), this piece of exercise equipment works just fine for them.

8. Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise

This exercise bike tops out the weight limits on this list with 400 pounds, so if you’re a bit on the heavier side, this seemingly simple bike is still a great fit for you.

Though in terms of the best bike for a short person, the company says the shortest it comfortably accommodates is 5’1”, so if you’re even shorter than that, it might not be ideal.

Regardless, this bike comes with an easy-to-read LCD display that shows calories burned, distance, time, speed, scan, pulse, and odometer, so you can easily track your workouts.

It also boasts high durability and heavy duty steel frame construction, so don’t let the fact that it's foldable fool you — this bike is likely to last you for a while and at an affordable price point.

The Exerpeutic comes with 8 levels of resistance, so it’s once again not the most versatile. Still, it'll do the trick if you’re a beginner or looking for a basic bike.

Plus, with a 5’ x 2.5’ footprint when assembled, it doesn’t take up much space. And as a bonus, users report that the seat is big enough that you don’t feel any pressure on your tailbone.

Recumbent, Spin-Bike, Folding, Or Upright? Which Is Best For Short Riders? 

Wondering which type of exercise bike is best for a shorter person? That will depend greatly on what you’re hoping to get out of it or your preferred posture.

Spin bikes tend to have a more leaned-forward posture reminiscent of actual cycling outdoors. If you’re already a cyclist, this will feel more familiar to you.

Recumbent bikes, however, are great for folks with back problems as it’s easier on your spine. And even if you’re on the shorter side, if you have shorter legs and a longer torso, your arms can reach farther, and your legs will still hit the pedals.

Upright bikes are great if you prefer to sit, well, upright and don’t need much back support. And, of course, folding bikes are ideal if you’re short on space (pardon the pun).

Why Choosing The Right Bike For Your Inseam Is Crucial

Well, It’s key you get an exercise bike that fits you, because exercising on a bike that doesn’t can affect the effectiveness and safety of your workout.

If your bike isn’t in sync with your inseam, your risking an uncomfortable workout at best, and joint pain or maybe even an injury at worst.

You could seriously expect pain and discomfort, particularly in the lower back, hips, knees, and feet.

Plus, chances are you won’t be able to get the max out of that bike since it will be extremely hard for you to go all in on it if your knee or back hurts.

Not going to expand on this too much, but exercising on such a bike can cause an uneven development of certain muscle groups.

This will ultimately make it difficult for you to make progress in your workouts and probably will also lead to frustration, discouragement, and you cursing the day you bought that bike.

Good thing we’re going to talk about...

How To Find The Right Bike Size For Yourself

So, when looking for the best exercise bike for short person, the first thing we'll check is the distance between the seat and the pedal.

Because the last thing you want is to feel back pain or extensive muscle soreness after your workout, so you must follow through.

Then, check if you can fine-tune the bike to fit your size and figure like it should.

Luckily, It's hard to find an indoor exercise bike that doesn't have a height-adjustable seat and handlebars.

And you don't need to look into complicated formulas or any of that sort.

Follow these steps to make sure you'll fit on any indoor exercise bike:

1. Measure your inseam.

2. Check the distance between the lowest available position of the seat to the lowest position of the pedal, which is 6 o'clock.

3. Check whether your inseam is within the bike's range.

If there's a match, congrats, you've found a bike that is right for you, at least on paper.

Why do I say "at least on paper"?

Because as I said at the beginning, you would want to get proper body positioning while you exercise.

This brings me to the next point.

How To Adjust Your Exercise Bike To Your Height

Finding an exercise bike that will fit your size is just half the job.

The other half is to adjust it in a way that will reduce stress and pain while you burn your calories away on it.

The good news is that once you've found that exercise bike, adjusting it is a breeze.

Just Follow These 5 Quick And Easy Steps.

1. Check The Seat Height.

The top point of the bike's seat should be aligned with your hips. Stand next to the seat and put your thumb on your hip while your palm is on the seat. It's as if your hand is like a "bridge" between your hips and the top of the seat.

2. Get On The Bike.

Put your foot on the edge of the pedal. In case the pedal is caged, don't go all the way in.

3. Pedal.

While your foot is on the edge of the pedal, bring the pedal to the 6 o'clock position. Make sure you're leg is not fully extended. Your knee should be at a 25 to 35-degree bend. Now, put your heel on the pedal; this time, your leg will be fully extended.

4. Adjust the height of the handlebars.

Raising the height of the handles bar will help reduce stress on your lower back while you lean forward. No rule of thumb here. Try a few positions and go for the one that you thought was the best.

5. Further Adjust The Handlebars.

If your bike also has a fore & aft adjustable handlebars, you would want to bring them closer or farther away. But, again, there is no one rule for them all with this one. But the general idea is that you'll be able to easily reach them while your elbows are slightly bent. 

What Features Short Bike Riders Should Look For?

Alright, so because we're talking about a very specific type of people (short) that want a very specific exercise bike (one they can actually use), I've put the three most crucial features you should consider, on top.

But, I didn't stopped there and listed key features your next bike should feature, no matter how high you are.

Inseam

Above we talked about why the inseam is so important, but it bears repeating. First, measure your inseam and check it against the manufacturer’s measurements before buying.

Don’t rely on height alone. Instead, make sure that when the seat is in its (hopefully) adjustable position that’s right for you, your legs and feet can reach the pedals safely.

Can’t find the inseam on the manufacturer’s website or wherever you’re trying to shop? Don’t be afraid to search around, read reviews, and even get in touch with the company itself if you have to. It’s that important.

Adjustable Seat

This one is pretty much self-explanatory.

You would want to get a bike that has a decent number of height positions. To be extra sure, it will actually fit you, in case you're buying it online. 

It's even better If you can also adjust the bike's seat forward and backward. This will help you get closer to the handlebars in case they're not fore & aft adjustable.

Adjustable Handlebars

Not all exercise bikes come with adjustable handlebars.

And the ones that do usually only have height adjustment ability. If your budget allows it, go for an exercise bike with a fore & aft option. 

Simply because it will help you get an even better body position when you exercise and for the absolute best cycling position.

Furthermore, it will prevent you from overleaning forward, which might cause you back pain.

Belt Drive Or Chain Drive

Another thing we'll look at in any indoor cycling bike is the drive system.

Is it chain or belt driven?

Well, there is no clear winner to the “which is better?” question since the answer depends on your preference.

But there are a couple of things you should know.

Cycling on a bike that uses a chain drive feels more "real" in the sense that it simulates the feeling of a real outdoor bike.

However, there's the thing of natural wear & tear.

Regularly lubricating the chain, and at some point even replacing it, is something many users that had a chain drive exercise bike are familiar with.

Finally, these exercise bikes sometimes tend to produce slightly more noise than a bike that uses a belt.

On the other hand, you got the belt drive.

Which doesn't require any maintenance from your side, hardly makes any noise, and there's a better chance you won't need to replace it even after years of intense use.

But, it lacks the feel of a true outdoor bike, which can hurt your cycling and exercise experience.

The best way to decide which you prefer is to try both and go for the one you like most.

Flywheel

Is it a heavy flywheel, or is it a perimeter weighted flywheel?

Either way, the job of the flywheel (together with the resistance applied) is to act as the force your leg muscles must overcome to keep it spinning.

So, you should be OK with either one, heavy or perimeter weighted.

But remember, a really heavy flywheel increases the bike's total weight.

Therefore, keep that in mind if you're storing the bike and only use it when you need it.

If you go for a heavy flywheel, a 30-40 lbs one would be great.

If you're going for a perimeter weighted flywheel, even a 15 lbs wheel will make you work up a sweat faster than you would imagine. 

Resistance Type

Short people or not, we want our indoor exercise bike to provide us a good and hard resistance level.

The two types of resistance systems you'll find in almost every exercise bike are magnetic and felt pad. The main differences between the two are:

Noise, maintenance, and price.

Usually, an exercise bike with a felt pad will produce slightly more noise at high resistance levels. That's a result of the pad being pressed onto the flywheel.

Magnets, on the other hand, don't cause noise at all.

You would also need to lubricate the flywheel from time to time. Eventually, you'll have to replace the pad since it will lose Its density over time.

Lubricating the flywheel is good practice, even with magnetic resistance exercise bikes. But, on the other hand, you wouldn't need to replace it after a couple of years.

Generally speaking, a good bike with a felt pad should cost less than Its direct competitor, which uses a magnetic resistance system.

Overall, both systems should provide more than enough resistance to your workouts, so it's more a matter of personal preference.

And you should also check how many resistance levels the equipment comes with.

Though many exercise bikes today don't have levels attached to them. Instead, you'll find a simple knob with no numbers on it. So, I do suggest that, if you can, physically check the bike before you buy it.

Resistance Levels

The number of resistance levels you need will depend on your fitness. If you’re a beginner, you’re likely okay to choose a bike with fewer levels of resistance and start at the bottom before working your way up.

If you’re more advanced, look for an option with a lot of variety in its resistance. That way, you can customize your workout to fit each day’s precise needs and your fitness goals. Need to take it easy as an active recovery day? Dial it down. Looking to push yourself? Turn it up. Looking to try an interval routine? You’ll need a variety.

Digital Display

An easy to read and operate display is something you must have.

A good display will allow you to keep track of the following:

1. Speed
2. Calories burned
3. Time
4. Distance
5. Level of resistance
6. RPM
7. Pulse

Of course, not all displays were created equal, so make sure the display will at least show you: speed, time elapsed, calories burned, and distance.

Workout Programs

This one is more of a personal preference, but having pre-programmed workouts can be a huge deal in terms of motivation.

If you’re the type of person, who doesn’t want to think and just wants to hop on your bike and be told what to do, preset workouts are a lifesaver. Or if you’re the type who wants to do the exact same program to be able to effectively track your progress, these programs are also key.

Plus, they can help stave off boredom, meaning you’re more likely to stick with your exercise bike routine.

Pulse Monitor

One of the most solid ways to track your cardio workout is with your pulse. Your heart rate will tell you how hard you’re working far more accurately than how hard you perceive yourself to be pushing.

If you care about this metric, prioritize an exercise bike with a pulse monitor in the handles. Or, for even more precision, get the kind that straps to your chest and connects to an app so you can monitor your progress over time.

So, What’s The Best Exercise Bike For Short Person?

finding the right exercise bike as a short person can be a game-changer for your fitness journey. 

With the right features, design, and adjustability, you can get a comfortable and effective workout that will help you meet your fitness goals..

But, If we have to pick the best three:

• An all-around bike like the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike that tops our list. It offers you a quiet, comfortable ride with adjustable seating and a hefty flywheel for solid workouts.
• If you’re short (no pun intended) on budget, the “best bang for your buck exercise bike” is the Sunny SF-B1203
• If you’re going all in on this one and really want to keep track of your progress, the Schwinn 170 would be a great option

Don’t forget to look for adjustability, carefully measure your inseams, and watch the distance between the seat and the pedals. You’ll be biking away — from the comfort of your living room — in no time, no matter your height.