Best Folding Treadmills 2023 | TreadmillReviewGuru.com

What Should You Look For When Buying A Folding Treadmill?

When looking to purchase a treadmill there are several features you’ll want to consider.

Training Needs

While many of us have limited space options in our home, you want to look for a treadmill that has both the frame and motor size to support your weight, height, and training needs. If you are a 6’2” marathoner, not all compact folding treadmills will work. While there are some great ones on the market, make sure to research each machine so you get the best option for you. We often see buyers get something because it is on sale, inexpensive, or the right size – but then it turns into a very expensive coat rack because no one ever uses it. Make sure to get both what you want and what you need – you’ll be more likely to get the right training, and continue to use your treadmill in the future.

Space Limitations

Once you’ve determined your baseline needs in a treadmill, measure your room to determine the dimensions. A few recommendations: check ceiling height and compare this with the height of your tallest user on the highest incline; then add a few inches for “bounce.” Watch for ceiling fans! Folding treadmills come in full-size (Nordictrack 2450) and compact units (Echelon Stride) so you have a wide range of options. We recommend placing your treadmill away from high traffic areas and out of the way of children and pets. We do not recommend purchasing a treadmill if you are close to or just over the listed weight capacity – even if you plan to lose weight!

Treadmill Console Design

Some people are fine with a simple console and others want all the bells and whistles with an attached touchscreen and video content. Thankfully, folding treadmills are no longer just your Grandma’s watered-down version. You can find some impressive features on a folding model! If you want to watch external apps such as NetFlix or other streaming devices, look for a touchscreen that supports this — or opt to get something simple and set it in front of a TV. Console design affects how the treadmill functions so if the console seems clunky or outdated, that could limit how often you want to use it.

Subscription Options

Many treadmills feature subscription content. Sometimes this is offered free for the first year and other times you have to subscribe right away. Subscription content does make it more likely you will use your machine. Classes and videos help people stay engaged and motivated. But they are also an added expense. Most subscriptions run from $19 up to $40/month, so evaluate how much value it offers to you and if it’s worth it. Be aware, treadmill touchscreens are designed to display only the proprietary content of each manufacturer, so you can’t watch TV or use the internet on most treadmill screens.

Treadmill Folding Capability

Evaluate how difficult it is to fold your anticipated treadmill. While many treadmills have a hydraulic assist so you don’t have to lower the deck to the floor, they can still be heavy to lift and lock. Smaller users, seniors or those with back problems may not be able to lift a treadmill deck if it is too large or heavy. Typically the weight of the machine is a good indicator of how heavy the deck will feel. A few treadmills, like the LifeSpan TR2000e, have an electronic folding feature. We recommend this for those who may not be able to safely fold the deck otherwise.

Moving Capacity

Do you plan to just fold up your machine when you are finished or will you move it regularly as well? Even though a treadmill folds doesn’t mean it is lightweight or easy to move. Hard surfaces such as a garage floor, basement or tile are easier for rolling a treadmill, while carpet can be quite difficult and even buckle depending on the weight of the machine. We do not recommend moving your treadmill up/down stairs regularly as this is challenging and can hurt people or damage the machine.

Warranty/Durability

A warranty is a good reflection of the manufacturer’s confidence in that particular product. We recommend looking for a warranty that has at least five years coverage on the frame with two years on parts and one for labor. This coverage is pretty standard. We are wary of companies that only offer a 12 month limited warranty. Also look for “restocking fees” that may be as much as $250 to return your treadmill – even within the initial 30 days. Read the warranty and return policy carefully.

Are you still wondering what features and specs you want or need in your treadmill? Check out our treadmill buying guide for an in-depth look at purchasing your new treadmill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Size of a Folding Treadmill?

That depends on the treadmill you choose! The treadmills on our list range from 156 pounds on a compact frame for the Echelon Stride — up to 360 pounds and a full size frame for the Nordictrack 2450. Since many manufacturers have adapted their treadmills to fold, you can find a compact version or full-frame folding tread depending on your needs and the space available in your home.

Do Folding Treadmills Have Incline?

Yes! Most do. All the folding treadmills on our list incline. There are smaller models available that don’t feature incline, but our list includes treadmills with necessary features and specs for everything from gentle walking to marathon training. The treadmills on our list range from a 12% up to 15% incline.

Can I Train for a Marathon on a Folding Treadmill?

Absolutely! The only treadmill on our list we would hesitate to recommend for marathon training would be the Echelon Stride simply because the thinner, smaller deck may not be comfortable for long distance training. However, every other treadmill would support extended training with hill work, speed options and plenty of motor power.

Where Should I Put My Folding Treadmill?

All treadmills should be stored in an area that is clear of doors, stairs, curtains, ceiling fans and retractable shade/blind cords. Treadmills can shift slightly when in use and may impact walls in close proximity, so we recommend leaving a small gap between your treadmill and your wall. While folding treadmills are convenient, they need to be safely folded and locked when not in use to protect children or pets in the home. Never place a treadmill in a high-traffic area where people have to step under or around it frequently. A locked room away is always best – although many people don’t have this luxury. Remove the safety key after use and place it away from the treadmill.

Can I Use A Folding Treadmill Upstairs?

Yes, but we don’t recommend carrying your treadmill up/downstairs with any regularity. If you plan to use a treadmill on an upstairs floor, assemble it there. Some door frames are not wide enough to allow a treadmill to be rolled in/out of a room. Evaluate the weight of the treadmill and the structure of your floors to make sure you place your treadmill in an appropriate location.