When considering the best treadmills for seniors, our team did extensive research and consulted some experienced trainers to make sure each of our picks will meet your needs the most.
In addition to safety features, comfort, and add-ons, we carefully choose from reliable brands so that your money will be well spent. Finally, after three years of testing, here are the six top choices:
Here are the best treadmills for seniors you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Bad Knees: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857
- Best For Heavier People: EXERPEUTIC TF2000
- Easy To Assemble: ADVENOR Treadmill Motorized Treadmills 3.0 HP
- Compact: REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill
- Quiet: RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Folding
- Durable: Goplus Electric Folding Treadmill
| 6 Best Treadmills For Seniors | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Bad Knees | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857 | |
Best For Heavier People | EXERPEUTIC TF2000 | |
Easy To Assemble | ADVENOR Treadmill Motorized Treadmills 3.0 HP | |
Compact | REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill | |
Quiet | RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Folding | |
Durable | Goplus Electric Folding Treadmill | |
Best For Bad Knees: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857
- Decrease impact on joints and knees – the advanced shock absorption technology
- Easy to access & safe - low-profile deck design & two-sided safety rails
- A breeze to move it around the house – transportation wheels & lightweight
- Not incline
- Wish it had some bells and whistles, such as a tablet holder or water bottle holder.
Embedded with advanced shock absorption technology, Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857 significantly reduces the joint impact in every step.
It has the lowest speed at 0.6 MPH for starters and the maximum speed at 5 MPH for a fast jog.
It is easy to step on, thanks to the low-profile deck design. The two-sided safety rails, on the other hand, provide extra ease of accessibility and enhance your safety during use. You’ll also benefit from the additional removable rail padding if you want more comfort.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857 is quite lightweight and easy to move room-to-room in the house as it’s equipped with transportation wheels.
Considering all of these highlighted features, we think it’s the best treadmills for seniors who have bad knees.
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 2.5-peak horsepower motor |
Running Belt Dimension | 44L x 19.5W inches |
Top Speed | 5 mph |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 295 lbs. |
Highlight Features | the advanced shock absorption technology low-profile deck design & two-sided safety rails transportation wheels |
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857 is constructed of advanced shock absorption technology and many other practical features, making it a choice for bad knees.
Best For Heavier People: EXERPEUTIC TF2000
- Ultra-safe – feature a manual emergency stop button, a safety clip, heart pulse monitoring function, extended side platforms, etc.
- Stronger – support 300 pounds of user weight
- Stable and balanced - adjustable floor stabilizers
- The cup holders are too small
- Not incline
EXERPEUTIC TF2000 delivers the best strength, safety, and stability compared to the similar counterparts we tested.
It supports up to 300 pounds of user weight and is equipped with an ultra-long deck design for a more comfortable walking experience.
One thing we really like about this treadmill is its adjustable floor stabilizers for remaining balance and stability.
As the machine is specifically designed for heavy users, it comes with more safety features.
Aside from the low deck height and foam padded handrails, it highlights a manual emergency stop button, a safety clip, a heart pulse monitoring function, and extended side platforms.
| EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 1.5 Horsepower |
Running Belt Dimension | 50 x 16 Inches |
Top Speed | 5 MPH |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 300 Pounds |
Highlight Features | feature a manual emergency stop button, a safety clip, heart pulse monitoring function, extended side platforms support 300 pounds of user weight adjustable floor stabilizers |
For heavy seniors who want to get back their health by fitness walking and jogging, the EXERPEUTIC TF2000 is your missing part.
Easy To Assemble: ADVENOR Treadmill Motorized Treadmills 3.0 HP
- Easy and quick to assemble – include all tools needed for setup
- Suit exercisers at all fitness levels - three-level incline positions and 64 pre-set training programs
- Entertaining - MP3 cable and audio
- The pulse sensors are inaccurate sometimes
No treadmills come fully assembled, which means you will have to put all parts together on your own. If you’re not really a handy person, let alone a skillful mechanic, this model by ADVENOR is worth considering.
It comes with all tools needed for the setup (such as screwdriver and T-tools) and the instructions are easy to follow. Plus, there are many tutorial videos on YouTube if you want more visual guides.
The whole assembly process includes only six steps and can be done in 15-30 minutes due to our testers’ reports.
In terms of functionality, we have no complaint about this unit. It is powerful, easy to monitor, and compact enough for storage.
What wowed us the most is the three-level incline positions and 64 pre-set training programs, along with MP3 cable and audio, allowing it to fit exercisers at all fitness levels.
That also makes it perfect for family use!
| ADVENOR Treadmill Motorized Treadmills 3.0 HP Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 3.0 HP |
Running Belt Dimension | 47.3" x 17" |
Top Speed | 8.7 MPH |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 220 Pounds |
Highlight Features | include all tools needed for setup three-level incline positions and 64 pre-set training programs MP3 cable and audio |
If assembly is your biggest concern when thinking about buying a new treadmill, then the ADVENOR Treadmill Motorized Treadmills 3.0 HP might be what you’re after.
Compact: REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill
- Compact and space-saving – feature the 41” x 15” deck size & foldable under-desk construction
- Extra convenience – remote control and an integrated tablet holder
- Lack of pulse sensors and incline adjustments
The REDLIRO Under-Desk Treadmill is measured by 5.5 x 24.8 x 53.7 inches when folded and 51.9 x 24.8 x 42.1 inches after assembly.
It also features the smallest deck size (41 x 15 inches) out of the REDLIRO Under-Desk series and out of the treadmills we tested, which makes it an effective space-saver.
Regardless, the unit still has a LED display that is positioned on the deck. Here, you can track much fitness data, such as step, calorie, distance, and time. If you want to adjust the speed, use the provided remote control. It also gives you 12 different programs to choose from.
We do appreciate that the foldable rail of this treadmill has an integrated tablet holder for entertaining and a safe key for emergencies. Also, in assembled mode, the speed ranges are changed from 0-4MPH to 0.5-7 MPH.
| REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 2.25HP |
Running Belt Dimension | 41*15in |
Top Speed | 4 MPH |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 220 Pounds |
Highlight Features | feature the 41” x 15” deck size & foldable under-desk construction remote control and an integrated tablet holder |
For narrow living spaces, the REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill is the best choice because it’s ultra-compact and space-saving. Yet, it still functions well and can afford different walking speeds.
Quiet: RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Folding
- Powerful - 4.0HP electric motorized DC power motor
- Ultra-quiet – the 7-layered soft running board & steel frame
- Bang for bucks – provide smart workout app & feature handrails with integrated heart rate, wide luxury-looking LED display, laptop mount, and Bluetooth connection
- Expensive
RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Folding gives you the best of both worlds – powerful performance and quietness.
It is constructed of a 4.0HP electric motorized DC power motor for the maximum speed at 9.3MPH while featuring a 7-layered soft running board to dampen shock efficiently. Besides, the solid steel frame makes no squeaky noise during use.
All of them make the treadmill run smoothly and quietly, which is perfect for apartment or family use.
Our testers really liked its laptop mount and Bluetooth connection. They also gave compliments for the luxury-looking LED display and the handrails with integrated heart rate. The smart workout app functioned well during our tests.
| RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Folding Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 4 Horsepower |
Running Belt Dimension | 20"x 50” |
Top Speed | 9.3 Miles per Hour |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 265lb |
Highlight Features | 4.0HP electric motorized DC power motor the 7-layered soft running board & steel frame smart workout app handrails with integrated heart rate laptop mount and Bluetooth connection |
The RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Folding is not the most affordable choice of everyone. But for those who want to enjoy extra features, superior walking experience, and importantly, the quieter operation, it is worth a try.
Durable: Goplus Electric Folding Treadmill
- Sturdy and durable – iron frame
- No electric shock hazards - UL-approved wires and plugs
- Bring better music-listening experience – high-quality Bluetooth speakers
- Not really space-saving after folded
- The cord only connects to Android devices
90% of our testers reported that they were completely impressed by the exceptional sturdiness and durability of this treadmill. The iron frame really kept itself from wobbling effectively when we walked/jogged on it even at fast speeds.
The deck stayed incredibly stable as well.
It’s also safe and entertaining to use. Aside from the emergency stop key, it boasts UL-approved wires and plugs.
About the built-in Bluetooth speakers, we found they were of higher quality than other competitors. They gave clearer and more beautiful sounds for true entertainment. It also comes with an MP3 earphone jack if you like to enjoy music in silence.
| Goplus Electric Folding Treadmill Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 2.25 Horsepower |
Running Belt Dimension | 17 x 48.5 inches |
Top Speed | 7.5 MPH |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 265 lbs. |
Highlight Features | iron frame UL-approved wires and plugs high-quality Bluetooth speakers |
If you are looking for the most durable treadmill for seniors, we like the Goplus Electric Folding Treadmill
How To Choose The Best Treadmill For Seniors?
There are three key elements that a good treadmill for seniors must have:
- Solidity
- Safety
- Ease of use
From that point, when considering a new treadmill for seniors, you should look at these important features:
Weight Capacity
Know your current body weight first to find out the right weight capacity range of treadmills. Look for this specification in the product’s packaging or description.
Safety Features
Heart Rate Monitoring
This feature is usually attached to the handrail grip to help you constantly check your heart rate when working out to choose the right pre-set program or adjust the walking/jogging speed accordingly.
Incline Capability
A good treadmill should be built with a reasonable inclined deck so that when you’re walking, jogging, or running on it, your knees are kept slightly bent (which is their natural working gesture) to prevent knee pain or muscle strain.
Don’t go for a treadmill with zero inclined deck design.
If you want to increase the fun and challenge when walking/jogging on the treadmill, choose one with an adjustable incline.
Handlebars
The handlebars (handrails) of a treadmill for seniors should be longer for better arm support when jogging/walking.
It’d be better to choose handlebars with anti-slip grips because this additional feature enhances your stability and comfort while reducing unexpected accidents.
Walking Belt
When considering the walking belt of a treadmill for the elderly, you should focus on three things:
- Anti-slip surface
- Shock absorption construction
- Width
The anti-slip surface eliminates the risks of falls or slips when you’re walking on the treadmill. Meanwhile, the shock absorption design reduces the impact of walking vibration on your knees, back, legs, and ankles, which helps you walk for a long time with less pain and injury.
About the walking belt’s width, it should be wider than usual to provide you with extra space for legs and shoulders, as well as more walking surfaces.
Optional features
If you want extra safety, look for these optional features:
- Auto-stop or auto-pause features
- Emergency stop buttons
- Safety clips
Ease Of Use
Transportation Wheels
These transportation wheels are attached under the walking deck so that when not in use, you can easily and effortlessly move it to the storage place.
This additional feature is especially suitable for those people who want to use the treadmill in different rooms or are living in a narrow space.
Foldable Construction
Want to free up space when not using the treadmill? Look for a foldable one!
Seniors should pay attention to the folding mechanism, make sure it is easy, and requires the least force to fold/unfold.
Look for any of these terms “easy assist technology” and “hydraulic lift”.
Low-Profile Deck
The low-profile deck design allows you to step on or off it more easily and safely. Besides, during emergencies or if you unfortunately fall, the injury and pain are less serious than that on a high-profile deck of the treadmill.
Optional features
Treadmills for seniors should not feature a too-complicated control board, instead, they should come with some pre-set workout programs, ultra-big buttons, and a larger display with LED-backlit and large numbers.
Bonus: Accessories
Accessories of treadmills are more convenient and entertaining, so they are optional depending on your budget. Here are some common treadmill accessories to consider:
- Water bottle holder – to keep you hydrated during a workout
- Computer/smartphone/tablet holder – to let you work or entertain when walking on the treadmill
- Bluetooth speakers – to let you enjoy music
- Workout app – to help you easily track your workout process on smart devices.
Which Brands Make The Best Treadmill For Seniors?
Sunny Health & Fitness
Sunny Health & Fitness is one of the biggest premiere distributors and importers of health and fitness products. Their products are highly competitive in the market because of their high quality and affordable prices. Besides, the choices are vast.
Sunny’s treadmill lines for seniors are well-loved as they deliver top-notch safety, comfort, and ease of use. The warranty policies are also great!
Exerpeutic
What we love the most about Exerpeutic’s treadmills for seniors is safety. They are equipped with more safety features, such as safety clips, emergency stop buttons, and adjustable floor stabilizers.
They also have a specific line for obese seniors with stronger and sturdier construction. Besides, their warranty and customer service are great.
Advenor Fitness
Advenor Fitness is a fitness and exercise equipment manufacturer, which means they have got great control over the products’ quality and prices, as well as adjust them to fit easily different customers’ needs.
In general, their treadmills for seniors share three things in common: compactness, durability, and top quality.
Redliro
Redliro’s product lines are more on the low-end market. They provide basic performance while eliminating belts and whistles to focus on strengthening the core and optimizing the manufacturing costs. That said, they still provide a good warranty.
Rhythm
Although there aren’t many choices of treadmills for seniors at Rhythm, they are very high-quality and functional.
Particularly, these lines stand out for providing a great compromise of powerful performance and quietness. That explains why they receive lots of positive feedback from seniors who live in apartments.
FAQs
Is the treadmill good for senior citizens?
Yes, it is.
Working on a treadmill frequently is science-backed to help seniors aid in weight loss, strengthen their immune system, reduce arthritis pain, improve cardiovascular health, boost memory, etc.
How fast should a 70-year-old walk on a treadmill?
For a 70-year-old user, the recommended walking speed on a treadmill is 2.53 to 2.82 miles/hour, equivalent to 1.13 to 1.26 meters/second
Is it better to walk longer or faster?
Walking slowly in a long interval is recommended because it eases the joints. Besides, when slow walks make you lose the efficiency of already being in motion, which makes your muscles work harder and increases more calories burnt.
According to a study, slow walks are very effective in weight loss for obese people and women.
What is a good distance to walk every day?
A good distance to walk every day should be 1.5 to 2 miles, equivalent to 3,000 to 4,000 steps.
Is walking 2 miles in 30 minutes good?
Yes, it is. A brisk walking pace of 3-4MPH brings many fitness and health benefits. 4 MPH is equivalent to 2 miles per 30 minutes.
Can walking get you a flat stomach?
Yes, it can. Brisk walking frequently helps lose weight, even without dieting.
How much exercise should an elderly person do?
65+-year-old seniors should take moderate aerobic exercise, 150 minutes per week, which is equivalent to 30 minutes/day and five days/week.
Why does walking on a treadmill hurt my knees?
Brisk walking on a treadmill with zero inclines hurt your knees or cause muscle strain in your feet, according to a Scottish expert on biomechanics, because it keeps knees unnaturally straight.
Conclusion
Years on the running belt and at the desk sorting through charts and notes are what produced the work above.
Our team put a lot of effort and thought into understanding the true benefits of each improvement and who best suits the treadmills we choose for intensive analysis.
Hopefully, this guide about the best treadmills for seniors helped you with separating the wheat from the chaff and making the right choice.
