The 6 Best Arm Bikes For Upper Body Workouts

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Arm bikes allow you to move more when walking and similar exercises are not an option. The extra upper body engagement is simply welcome too.

  1. Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike
  2. LifePro Arm Bike
  3. Exerpeutic 2000M Motorized Arm Exercise Bike (motorized)
  4. Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike with Arm Exerciser (recumbent bike)
  5. GOREDI Foldable Pedal Exerciser
  6. MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike

Arm bikes are one category but they come in different designs. For example, there are motorized arm bikes like the Exerpeutic 2000M that can be helpful for individuals who are not able to turn the arm pedals entirely by themselves.

Additionally, there are models of recumbent bikes that allow you to work your arms and legs at the same time. In cases where the arm bike is not a standard model, it is noted after its name. This way it becomes easier to choose.

Something else to keep in mind is that different individuals can have different training goals, training capacities, budgets, and personal preferences. Sometimes picks lower on the list are better for your personal situation.

1. Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike

Our top pick for the best arm bike is the Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike. This option is somewhat lower on the list of leg pedal exercisers because it can get hot after heavy use and move around on certain surfaces.

Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike

These downsides still apply if you plan to use the Carex model this way. However, for an arm bike, these things are not as relevant because arms tend to have a lot less power than legs.

At the same time, you still want a machine where your arms can get the resistance required for a good workout. With the adjustable resistance knob, this option can definitely do that.

Before and after your workouts you can fold down the Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike. In combination with its low weight, this option is definitely easy to store and transport.

Pros

  • Adjustable resistance with knob
  • Total size of 18.5″ L x 14.5″ W x 9.5″ H (47 cm L x 36.8 cm W x 24.1 cm H)
  • Foldable for compact storage and transport
  • Weight of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)
  • Monitor with time, rotation count, and estimation of calories burned
  • Can be used for legs too
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Arm bike can move around on certain surfaces
  • The material gets hot after heavy use, this applies less to using it as an arm bike
  • There are better options if you also want to work your legs

The total size of this arm bike is about average. Individuals with really long arms may want to go for a bigger model but most people will find the Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike about right in this area.

Arm bikes are typically not great when it comes to tracking monitors. This Carex model is not that bad in this area.

You can take a look at the time, rotation count, and estimation of calories burned but you should not take it too seriously either.

The Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike is a solid and budget-friendly pick for most people. That being said, individuals who want a machine that is great as a leg trainer too will likely want to choose a different model.

2. LifePro Arm Bike

The LifePro Arm Bike is a great option for individuals who want to invest somewhat more into a quality model and/or people who also want to use their machine with their legs.

LifePro Arm Bike

Something that is relatively unique is that this model comes with two types of pedals. The smaller, round ones are convenient to use the machine as an arm bike.

When cycling with your legs, the longer pedals will make it so your feet are less likely to slip. One downside of these different handles is that some people find the challenging to change. Additionally, the machine is too high to be used under most standard desks.

That being said, this is also a quality arm bike for individuals who only want to use it with their arms. A somewhat standard but important feature is the ability to choose between 8 different resistance levels.

Pros

  • 8 resistance levels
  • Total size of 20.9″ L x 17.5″ W x 13.2″ H (53.1 cm L x 44.5 cm W x 33.5 cm H)
  • Two types of pedals for both hands and feet
  • Has a carry handle
  • Weight of 18.1 pounds (8.2 kg)
  • Monitor with speed, distance, and estimation of calories burned
  • Comes with resistance bands and fixing strap
  • Can be connected to apps through Bluetooth
  • Available in two colors
  • Lifetime warranty
  • A lot of happy customers
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews

Cons

  • Changing the handles can require some effort

Something that is less unique but also helpful is the built-in carry handle. This makes all the times you will move around the machine more convenient. With a slightly higher weight of 18.1 pounds (8.2 kg), this can be handy.

Individuals who like to track their workouts will be glad to hear that the LifePro Arm Bike is connectable to apps through Bluetooth.

Something that is less relevant to the workouts but a nice addition anyway is that you can choose between two colors.

The LifePro Arm Bike is somewhat pricier than the previous option but as the many happy customers can tell you, this could be worth it. Especially considering that you get a lifetime warranty on this arm bike.

3. Exerpeutic 2000M Motorized Arm Exercise Bike

The first thing to note about the next arm bike is that many people will not need this. As the name implies, the Exerpeutic 2000M is motorized which means it helps your arms move.

Exerpeutic 2000M Motorized Arm Exercise Bike

For individuals with limited mobility, this can be necessary and helpful to complete full arm rotations. For other people, this reduces how much of a workout they get and the reduction in health benefits that comes with that.

That being said, if you are looking for a motorized arm bike, this model from Exerpeutic is a great choice. While pricier than manual arm bikes, in the motorized category it is priced very reasonably.

The carry handle will make transport of the machine a lot easier. As you can expect from a motorized model it is somewhat heavier at a 19.2-pound (8.7 kg) package weight so this handle will be helpful.

Pros

  • Total size of 21″ L x 18.2″ W x 14.5″ H (53.3 cm L x 46.2 cm W x 36.8 cm H)
  • Has a carry handle
  • Package weight of 19.2 pounds (8.7 kg)
  • Hand-held speed controller with long cord
  • Can be used for legs too
  • Comes with anti-slip mat
  • A lot of happy customers
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • Many people don’t need a motorized arm bike
  • Pricier than most manual arm bikes
  • Not strong enough to move legs all by itself if you want to use it this way

Similarly, the design of this model from Exerpeutic is on the larger side. This is mostly because of the shape of the machine, not because of a big arm pedal rotation or anything like that.

The hand-held speed controller is mostly helpful if you plan to use this device for your legs too. Because of the relatively long cord of 70.9″ (180 cm) you don’t have to bend over to adjust the speed.

One thing to keep in mind if you will also use this arm bike for your legs is that the motor is not quite strong enough to move legs on its own. This is good to know for individuals with really limited mobility.

In short, for individuals who are looking for a motorized arm bike, the Exerpeutic 2000M is likely the best choice. Besides the many happy customers who tend to be really positive, this model also has a 1-year warranty.

4. Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike with Arm Exerciser

The Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike does have an arm exerciser but customers note that the focus of this machine is on the leg cycle part. So if you are only/mostly looking for an arm-bike-only, some of the other options will be better.

Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike with Arm Exerciser

That being said, some people want to work both their arms and legs in the comfort of their own homes. For these individuals, the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike could be the right choice.

Recumbent bikes have a more laid-back seat than regular exercise bikes which most people like in terms of comfort.

For individuals with inseam ranges of 27″ to 34″ (68.6 to 86.4 cm) one of the adjustable seat settings will be good. Do keep the weight limit of 350 pounds (158 kg) in mind.

Pros

  • 8 resistance levels
  • Trains both arms and legs at the same time
  • Total size of 21″ L x 18.2″ W x 14.5″ H (53.3 cm L x 46.2 cm W x 36.8 cm H)
  • Has transportation wheels
  • Adjustable seat allows for an inseam range of 27″ to 34″ (68.6 to 86.4 cm)
  • Weight of 91.1 pounds (41.3 kg)
  • Weight capacity of 350 pounds (158 kg)
  • A lot of happy customers
  • Warranties: 3 years structural, 180 days other parts

Cons

  • Expensive compared to simple arm bikes
  • Requires a lot of room compared to arm bikes
  • The arm exerciser can be challenging
  • The tracking monitor does not measure the arm exerciser part

Once adjusted to your body proportions you can start to think about working out with this arm bike. As you expect, you simply sit down, put your hands on the arm exerciser, and start pedaling at one of the eight resistance levels.

Recumbent exercise bikes with arm exercisers can offer nice workouts but there are also a few things to keep in mind. First of all, these machines are more expensive than simple arm bikes.

As you can see, recumbent exercise bikes will also require a lot more room for usage and storage. One small benefit in this area is that this model has transport wheels. That being said, moving it will still require a good amount of effort.

Two things more specific to this model from Sunny Health & Fitness are that the monitor does not track the arm exerciser and that some people find the arm bike part too challenging.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike is definitely not for everyone interested in arm bikes. However, if you like the idea of working your arms and legs at the same time and you are strong enough for the arm exerciser, you can consider this option.

5. GOREDI Foldable Pedal Exerciser

The next option is again a more straightforward arm pedal exerciser. Something that really stands out in this model from GOREDI is its 6 different height settings.

GOREDI Foldable Pedal Exerciser

This is especially helpful if you also plan to use this machine for your legs. However, for different table heights and just individual differences, this can be useful too.

Another nice addition is that you can fold the arm bike entirely. This makes storage and transport compacter and more convenient. The light weight of 6.95 pounds (3.2 kg) and below-average size also help with these things.

Pros

  • Adjustable resistance with knob
  • Total size of 16.9″ L x 15.4″ W x 13.4″ H (42.9 cm L x 39.1 cm W x 34 cm H)
  • 6 different height settings
  • Foldable for compact storage and transport
  • Weight of 6.95 pounds (3.2 kg)
  • Can be used for legs too
  • Monitor with time, distance, count, and estimation of calories burned
  • Comes with anti-slip mat and fixing strap
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Arm bike can move around on certain surfaces if you don’t use the fixing strap

One downside of lighter arm bikes like this is that they tend to move around more. Especially on more slippery surfaces.

This is mostly relevant if you want to use this machine with your legs which generate a lot of force. However, this could also happen to a smaller extent when using it as an arm pedal exerciser.

Similar to many models, the GOREDI Foldable Pedal Exerciser has a turn knob to adjust the resistance. You also get a tracking monitor, anti-slip mat, and fixing strap.

You can basically see this model as a budget-friendly arm bike to train both your arms and your legs. Some of the other options can be budget-friendly if you only want to work arms and higher-quality if you don’t care as much about the investment required.

6. MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike

The MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike is a solid arm bike but it is somewhat lower on the list because it is just a bit pricier than similar models. Besides that, this option is relatively average.

MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike

One thing to note is that this device is somewhat heavier at 23 pounds (10.4 kg). Without a real carry handle this can be somewhat less convenient to move.

Additionally, even with this heavier weight, customers mention that the arm bike can move around. Especially if you also plan to use it with your legs.

Pros

  • Adjustable resistance with knob
  • Total size of 16″ L x 9″ W x 16″ H (40.6 cm L x 22.9 cm W x 40.6 cm H)
  • Weight of 23 pounds (10.4 kg)
  • Monitor with speed, time, distance, and estimation of calories burned
  • 1-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee
  • A lot of happy customers
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews

Cons

  • Arm bike can move around on certain surfaces if you don’t use a fixing strap

The monitor included can give you a rough estimation of things like speed, time, distance, and estimations of the number of calories burned with your arm bike workout.

These details will not be the most accurate but they give you somewhat of a better view of your workouts.

While you likely won’t need it, the MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike does come with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

These things can give you a more secure feeling when investing in an above-average priced arm bike.

On its own, this MagneTrainer-ER is another great option as the many happy customers and positive customer reviews imply. That being said, most people will prefer one of the other arm pedal exercisers.

How to choose an arm bike

You may still be unsure about what arm bike would be the best for you personally.

By looking at each of the important features of arm bikes, thinking about what you want in these areas, and checking the models for them, it becomes easier to choose the right model.

Type of arm bike

First of all, you have to decide what type of arm bike you want. The options you have are the standard manual arm pedal exercisers, motorized versions of this, and recumbent bikes with arm movements.

Most people who are interested in arm bikes will likely want to go for the full manual arm pedal exercisers. These offer a cardio workout while engaging your upper body without having to use your legs.

The motorized models also do this but they are less intense because of the extra help you get. This can be helpful for individuals with limited mobility who find the manual arm pedal exercisers just a bit too challenging to move on their own.

Lastly, there are recumbent bikes, a type of exercise bike with a recumbent seat, that also offer pedaling for your arms. These allow you to work your arms and legs at the same time which is good if this is what you want.

Even so, recumbent bikes also have downsides compared to arm bikes.

The main ones are that they are pricier and that you have to sit in the provided seat to use the machine. This is not always that comfortable.

Size

Once you know what type of arm bike you want, the next important detail is the size of the machine.

To be able to comfortably use the arm pedal exerciser the rotations can’t be too big. At the same time, if the rotations are too small, you may be missing out on some exercise progress.

The main way to get an idea of what size you want is by measuring your arms and what movement would feel comfortable to you.

You can also think about how average your size is and what arm bikes resemble this. In other words, tall individuals with long arms likely want to choose an arm pedal exerciser with an above-average size.

Something else to keep in mind is storage and transport. Smaller and/or foldable arm bikes are more convenient for these things.

Resistance levels

Next, you want to think about what resistance levels you want. One of the main principles of working out is challenging your body enough (but not too much).

By doing that, you start a variety of processes that make your body stronger in the long term. To be able to do this you need enough resistance levels.

Most arm bikes come with a turning knob that allows you to gradually change the resistance. There are also models that specify different resistance levels. In general, more different levels are welcome.

Something to note is that if you plan to use your arm bike for your legs too, you want to make sure the resistance options are challenging enough. Legs are typically stronger than arms.

Most arm bikes don’t specify the resistance in any way. That means the best way to check this is to keep an eye on customer mentions about this detail.

Weight and portability

Before and after using your arm bike you likely have to move it to the right position. Lighter arm bikes tend to be more convenient for this than heavy models. Additionally, some models have handy carry handles.

You do want to keep in mind that lighter arm bikes do not stay in place as well as heavier models during your workouts. If you have the strength capacity and storage room for it, a heavier model may be a better choice.

Price

Money put into your health can be a great investment. That being said, sometimes you can get similar or more benefits for a lower price. This is certainly the case for arm bikes.

This type of equipment is often also used as a leg pedal exerciser. A few things are different when using the devices for this purpose.

First of all, your legs are able to generate more force and speed. Secondly, many people want to be able to use their leg pedal exerciser under their desk.

The reason these things are important is that negative reviews of leg pedal exercisers often apply to these things. However, when using the machines as arm bikes, these things matter a lot less.

In short, from looking at the reviews, certain arm bikes may appear worse than they are for this purpose. A budget-friendly option that may not be ideal as a leg exerciser can be a great arm bike.

Training goals

Some people also want to use their arm bike for their legs. This influences things like what type of pedal would be ideal, the resistance range you want, and how sturdy your model needs to be.

Warranty

Some categories of fitness products offer very similar warranties. Arm bikes are not one of these. Different brands vary a lot in whether they offer a warranty and for how long.

The previous details are typically more important when choosing an arm bike. However, a difference in warranties can help you choose between the last few models you are thinking about.

Our top pick

If you are still not sure what arm bike would be the best for you, you can choose our best overall pick. The Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike will be a great choice for most people.

Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike

Is an arm bike worth it?

An arm bike allows you to move more and engage your cardiovascular system without using your legs. Additionally, arm bikes can often be used for legs too. If you value these benefits and have the budget for it, an arm bike can be worth it. That being said, there are also individuals who will benefit more from other fitness equipment like good running shoes.

Can you lose weight with a mini arm cycle?

A mini arm cycle can help you move more intensely and in turn, help you burn more calories. In combination with good habits in other important lifestyle areas, mini arm cycle workouts can help you lose weight. Do remember that you can also lose weight without exercising by focusing more on these other lifestyle areas.

Which arm bike is best?

Our top pick for the best arm bike is the Carex Foldable Arm Exercise Bike. Keep in mind that picks lower on the list can be better for your personal situation.

Are arm bikes good exercise?

Arm bikes are not good exercise in the sense that there are many workouts that can offer more benefits in a shorter amount of time. That being said, if workouts where you mainly use your legs are not an option, an arm bike can be relatively good exercise compared to the other workouts in this situation.

What muscles does an arm bike work?

An arm bike mainly works muscles in your shoulders, upper back, biceps, and triceps.

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Author:

Matt Claes founded Weight Loss Made Practical to help people get in shape and stay there after losing 37 pounds and learning the best of the best about weight loss, health, and longevity for over 4 years. Over these years he has become an expert in nutrition, exercise, and other physical health aspects.