Skipping the measuring tape
Buying before checking desk height and knee lift is an easy way to end up with a bike that will not fit. Two minutes with a tape measure saves the hassle.
How to Choose an Under Desk Bike
An under desk bike keeps your legs moving through long days at the desk, without leaving your work behind. Here is what to check before you buy, the mistakes we see most, and where to start.
Which under desk bike suits you?
Pedal exercisers and desk bikes sit within our exercise bike range, plus two close cousins.
MINI BIKES
Includes compact pedal exercisers that fit under most desks.
What to prioritise
Small and light
Exercise Bikes
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DESK BIKES
Includes seated bikes with a built-in work tabletop.
What to prioritise
Work as you ride
Exercise Bikes
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MAGNETIC
Magnetic desk bike options for smooth, quieter pedalling.
What to prioritise
Office friendly
Exercise Bikes
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ARMS AND LEGS
Some mini bikes work your arms as well as legs.
What to prioritise
Two in one
Exercise Bikes
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UNDER DESK
Includes compact under desk elliptical pedal machines.
What to prioritise
Gentle glide
Cross Trainers
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WALK INSTEAD
Walking pads made for use at a standing desk.
What to prioritise
Stand and stroll
Under Desk Treadmills
Shop the RangeWhat matters most
Knee and desk clearance
Measure from the floor to the underside of your desk, then sit and check how high your knees rise at the top of a pedal stroke. Mini pedal exercisers are low, but taller riders can still bump the desk. A desk bike with its own tabletop sidesteps the problem entirely.
Resistance you can dial in
Look for an adjustable tension knob or numbered levels, so you can keep it gentle on calls and push a little harder on breaks. Magnetic resistance tends to feel smoother and run quieter than friction or strap systems. Light, steady pedalling is the goal at a desk.
Stability on your floor
A pedal exerciser can creep forward as you push, especially on timber or tiles. Non-slip feet, a bit of weight and a grippy mat underneath all help. If your office chair rolls, it can drift back too, so check both.
How you will use it
Some mini bikes can be turned around for arm pedalling on a table, which adds variety. A simple display showing time and count helps you build a habit. Think about where it lives between sessions and if you can lift it easily.
Mistakes to avoid
Cranking up the resistance
Heavy tension makes it hard to type and focus, and you will stop using it. Keep it light while you work and save harder efforts for breaks.
Ignoring the chair
A chair on castors rolls away as you pedal, and a seat that is too low strains your knees. A stable chair at a comfortable height makes all the difference.
Desk movers at a glance
| Type | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Mini pedal exerciser | Light pedalling under an existing desk | Needs knee clearance and a non-slip base |
| Desk bike with tabletop | Riding and working in one spot | Takes up more floor space |
| Under desk elliptical | A smooth gliding motion with less knee lift | Movement feels different from cycling |
| Walking pad | Walking at a standing desk | Needs a height-adjustable desk |
Keep it running smoothly
- Wipe down pedals and frame after use, as sweat and dust build up faster than you think.
- Check pedal straps and bolts every few weeks and tighten anything that has worked loose.
- Keep it on a mat to protect your floor and catch dust before it reaches the mechanism.
- Store it somewhere dry and out of direct sun when it is not tucked under the desk.
Frequently asked questions
Is an under desk bike quiet enough for a flat or shared office?
Most are, especially models with magnetic resistance, which has no parts rubbing together. Friction and strap systems can make a soft whirr or squeak as they wear. The bigger issue in a flat is usually movement rather than noise, so a mat underneath helps stop vibration travelling through timber floors. If you share a wall or floor, try a short session and ask the neighbours.
How much space do I need for one?
A mini pedal exerciser takes up about the same floor space as a small footstool and lives under your desk or in a cupboard. A desk bike with its own tabletop is closer in size to a small upright bike, so it needs a dedicated corner. Under desk ellipticals sit between the two. Whatever you choose, leave room to get your chair in and out comfortably.
Under desk bike or spin bike: which should I get?
They do different jobs. An under desk bike is for light, steady movement while you sit and work, so it adds activity to long days. A spin bike is built for standing climbs, sprints and proper training sessions, and it is too tall to use at a desk. If you want both, many people pair a compact pedal exerciser at work with a full bike for workouts at home.
Who is an under desk bike best suited to?
It suits anyone who sits for long stretches, such as remote workers, students and gamers, and people easing back into movement who want something low impact. Pedal exercisers are also popular with older adults for gentle daily movement. If you are recovering from an injury or have a health condition, check with your GP or physio first about what level of activity is right for you.
How do I look after my under desk bike?
Give the pedals and frame a wipe after use and keep it out of dusty corners. Every few weeks, check that bolts and pedal straps are tight and that it still sits flat without rocking. If you start to hear squeaks or clicks, stop and check for loose parts before carrying on. Follow the maker's manual for anything beyond basic cleaning.
Explore our Top Sports
Keep moving through the workday
Start small and keep it light. A few minutes of pedalling each hour adds up, and there is plenty more in our fitness range when you want it.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
