DeerRun Walking Pad Review | Simple or Sophisticated?

Build Quality

The DeerRun Walking Pad’s build quality was one of the key features that allowed it to stand out from the other treadmills in its price range. The materials feel higher quality than others, even if they are mostly plastic.

I also like the broad range of colors the Q1 comes in. We received the Gray and White colorway, but I think I would have to go with the patterned light green one if I were shopping for myself. They have also been known to do fun, themed walking pads. At the time of writing this review, a Christmas edition is available.

Frame

It’s a small treadmill, but the DeerRun frame feels sturdy for its size.

The steel frame on the DeerRun Walking Pad is quite impressive. It supports a maximum user weight of 300 lbs, which is nice for a treadmill of this size.

I noticed while researching this treadmill that DeerRun’s target audience for its treadmills is women. While it might appeal to a more petite audience due to its small size, I think it accommodates a decent range of people. However, anyone with a really long stride, wide step width, or balance issues should be cautious.

Since the DeerRun Q1 is a walking pad, it does not have uprights, allowing it to fit easily beneath a desk. The footrails are generous for a treadmill this size. Most walking pad side rails are not meant to be stood upon, but I found it reasonably easy to step onto this treadmill’s textured, plastic rails. However, I do so with the support of a standing desk for balance.

The footrails are a decent size for a walking pad, and I can stand on them when supported by a standing desk.

Motor

The 2.5 HP motor found on the DeerRun Walking Pad is suitable for training a couple of hours daily. It is fairly quiet, which is a huge plus for using this treadmill in an office setting or in a home where you might disrupt what others are doing if you use a louder machine.

I’m always concerned that a small treadmill might have an inappropriate speed limit. The DeerRun Walking Pad’s speed limit is 3.8 mph, and the motor seems perfectly capable of handling this speed. However, is this maximum speed practical for most users? We have to look closer at the deck to find out.

Deck

With a reported deck size of 15.4” x 39.4” and 16” x 40” as I measured it, this DeerRun treadmill is pretty small. For reference, a standard home fitness treadmill’s belt is 20” to 22” wide and 60” long. While some more compact models are as short as 55”, we typically don’t recommend much shorter for running.

I like the DeerRun walking pad for a nice, easy stroll—not a jog.

The DeerRun treadmill is only designed for walking, but does that mean there is enough room? The answer is maybe. I am 5’4” with decent balance, and I use this DeerRun treadmill at a standing desk. I’ve walked on it for hours without issue. Yet, I don’t think I represent everyone’s experience. This treadmill is too small for many people.

DeerRun is not an aberration at this price point. Most treadmills under $300 are this small or smaller. If you need something larger, I recommend the LifeSpan under-desk treadmills or the InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill, but keep in mind that they are much more expensive. I also like the Horizon T101 if you don’t need an under-desk treadmill and want to keep things as affordable as possible.

The deck size is doable, but I recommend having a vertical support, like a standing desk. If you have problems with balance or walk with a wider or longer step, the DeerRun Walking Pad will be difficult—and maybe dangerous—to use in the middle of a room with no support. Be careful.

Fortunately, the step-up height to the deck is only about 3.5”, making it easy to step up and down from the deck.

Warranty

DeerRun provides a 2-year warranty on the Q1 Classic Pro. The warranty only covers manufacturing defects and does not cover damages due to misuse or regular wear and tear. This type of warranty is pretty standard for this product, but the length is longer. Most comparable treadmills only have a 1-year warranty.

To keep your treadmill running properly, maintain it as described in the user manual. The belt requires lubrication after every 6 months or 100 hours of use. You should also wipe down the treadmill and clean around it regularly. If you are using it on a carpet, consider placing a mat beneath the treadmill to prevent fibers from being sucked into the motor.

Should You Buy the DeerRun Walking Pad?

The DeerRun Walking Pad, also known as the DeerRun Q1 Classic Pro, suits walkers who need an under-desk treadmill or fitness treadmill at a low cost. As long as you can handle walking on the small deck, this treadmill is bound to fit right into your space. It comes in a variety of colors and is easy to store beneath a bed at about 5 inches tall.

The two main drawbacks for me were the beeping that occurred with every speed adjustment and the PitPat app’s quirks. The beeps did not bother my coworkers and were quieter than other beeping walking pads. I also use the remote control instead of the app or just limit myself to the features I find useful. If you do the same, you won’t have trouble overcoming these cons.

Overall, the DeerRun Walking Pad packs about as much quality and performance capabilities as you could expect from a treadmill that sometimes goes on sale for less than $200. It’s not a running treadmill, but it has plenty of other strengths.

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